Volunteer Spotlight: Natasha

¡Hola GiGi’s Playhouse NYC!

I have been volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse NYC since September of last year, and the experience has been beyond my highest expectations!

I had the pleasure to participate as a volunteer in the Summer Camp at the end of August, where the children were invited to play, dance, cook, and have the best time. I enjoyed every moment of the program, but most of all, I enjoyed the environment of the Playhouse, that had good vibes and lots of love!

I also worked with Alfredo, a Parent of one of our participants, to plan a party called Fiesta Hispaña where Latin families gathered together to celebrate, dance, get to know each other, and eat the best Dominican food in NYC! I realized how important Hispanic culture is to our community at GiGi’s. For that reason, I have been committed to include Spanish in several different areas of GiGi’s, such as developing the Spanish section of the website, and outlining programs and monthly celebrations that focus on Hispanic culture.

Working with these families has been an incredible experience; they value that GiGi’s cares about Spanish, and that it features it in their programs. These families appreciate the support from other people that have children or friends with Down syndrome.

Throughout these 5 months, GiGi’s has stolen my heart. Their vision and passion of building a world where people with Down syndrome are respected, recognized, and embraced by all is something that I deeply admire. I love being part of this community, and helping in any way that I can.