A Letter from Safia

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My name is Safia. I am so proud to be an ambassador and a tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC. I have Down syndrome. Thanks to generous partners like you, GiGi’s opened up a whole new world to me and taught me the skills necessary to get and hold a job and to develop friendships! But the need is great and growing every day. More than 120 new families will join GiGi’s Playhouse NYC each and every year. Studies show that 11,000 New Yorkers are living with Down syndrome and need support. Your gift today will help more people, like me, to benefit from the purposeful programs that only GiGi’s offers.

I found GiGi’s in 2014 when my friend Ethan introduced me to their Gratitude Art Committee, where adults with Down syndrome create art as gifts for volunteers and donors. I was attending Kingsborough Community College. At that time, I depended on my family to help me travel the subway and for opportunities to engage with the community. All of that changed once I found GiGi’s.

GiGi’s staff is very supportive and kind. They taught me how to listen and be more understanding, and I grew into being a tutor with the children’s literacy group. I love working with children, they show me how to be a better teacher. Ultimately, I have become more independent, travel on my own and have learned how to make friends. I carry these lessons wherever I go. Thanks to GiGi’s, I now have the increased ability to continue working on being the best that I can be. Also, unexpectedly, at GiGi’s I have become a role model for people like me and their parents, who see me developing qualities and skills that will benefit their children.

I am so grateful to GiGi’s. They helped me to see a future filled with opportunities and have given me the tools to succeed. For example, two years ago Salesforce, a computer software company, hired me. This was a dream come true for me that was made possible by the support I received from GiGi’s. My Salesforce co-workers depend on me to maintain the common areas and pantry to support their good work. Being independent and having a job makes me feel like I am part of the community and the world. I am thrilled and my family couldn’t be happier.

I do not intend to stop there! GiGi’s has helped build my confidence and now I feel able to try different types of jobs and to pursue acting on a part-time basis. Also, I would like to combine my favorite hobby, cooking, with my love of teaching and teach a cooking class. I make super tasty guacamole and salads are my specialty.

GiGi’s is helping me build a full and happy life, in ways I never thought would be possible. Now, GiGi’s needs your help reaching more people with Down syndrome and providing their life changing programs, at no cost to participants. Please send your gift today. So many people with Down syndrome will benefit from your support.

Thank you for all you do for GiGi’s Playhouse NYC. You are helping me and many others achieve our dreams.

Now the possibilities are endless!

Sincerely,

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