Cleaning Up with Unlimited Kindness

How Abilities Unlimited Helps Keep Our Playhouse Sparkling Clean

Every Playhouse needs a house cleaner, and ours is no exception. For a while, the task of maintaining our 4,000-square-foot facility has fallen to the Site Manager, a huge undertaking given the constant foot traffic through our floors, bathrooms, toys, gym equipment, and more. We’ve discussed hiring a cleaning service for some time, but with tight budgets and the high costs associated, it seemed out of reach. Most people who inquire about group volunteer opportunities are quick to decline when I mention “tidying up”. But that all changed one morning when Sara from Abilities Unlimited reached out.

Abilities Unlimited is an organization dedicated to providing life-coaching and educational services to adults with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to immerse each client into the community and create a platform for them to reach their full potential. They understand the unique challenges faced by their clients and work to break down barriers, building on each individual’s strengths. Through a support system that promotes self-advocacy and lasting relationships, they empower their clients to realize their limitless abilities.

Sara asked if we needed any help around the Playhouse, mentioning she had a team of job coaches and adults with various diagnoses looking for volunteer opportunities. I nervously suggested cleaning, fully prepared for a polite refusal. To my surprise, Sara immediately saw it as a perfect match. Cleaning would give her clients the chance to practice and refine skills they could use in future employment. It was a win-win: we’d have our Playhouse cleaned, and her clients would gain valuable life skills.

Sara then asked if they could come every day. I was stunned—daily cleaning for free? I quickly agreed, though we eventually settled on three afternoons a week when no programs were running. I prepared for their first session by creating special “Cleaning Boxes,” each filled with supplies and a laminated list of tasks. Now, when the team arrives, they sign in, grab a box, and start their tasks without any extra direction. They clean floors, windows, mirrors, toys, and bathrooms, improving with every visit.

We are incredibly grateful to have Abilities Unlimited help us keep the Playhouse clean and safe for our participants. Their work ensures that our space is welcoming, and it gives me so much joy to see their friendly faces walk through the door. Beyond their cleaning contributions, I’ve invited them to participate in some of our adult programs, further strengthening their connection to our community. Together, we’re making GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County a truly wonderful place to be—a reflection of the care, collaboration, and kindness of everyone involved.