Deeba Making a Delightful Difference

At GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County, Deeba’s kindness, leadership, and heart for inclusion shine bright

At GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County, we’re lucky to be surrounded by volunteers who bring passion, patience, and positivity to everything they do. One exceptional young person who embodies these values is Deeba Badie- a teen whose heart for service shines in everything she does. 

Deeba began her journey with us last summer as a literacy tutor. After applying and completing all the required training, she was paired with her 1:1 participant, Kenzie. From the very first session, it was clear that this was a perfect match. Their weekly sessions were filled with fun, laughter, and connections – and most importantly, learning. Through playful engagement, Deeba created a nurturing space where Kenzie could grow new skills with confidence. Their bond was evident to anyone who walked by.

When summer came to a close, many teens would have stepped back to focus solely on school. Not Deeba. Although her busy academic schedule made tutoring difficult, she was determined to stay involved. That’s when she joined our Teen Tastic volunteer crew-and she’s been lighting up our Tuesday evenings ever since. 

Deeba’s impact goes even further. As the president of the Tesoro High School Best Buddies program, she had already formed relationships with several of our participants before stepping into her Teen Tastic role. The joy on their faces when they saw her walk through the door was undeniable. For many, Deeba isn’t just a volunteer; she’s a friend, a mentor, and a source of unwavering positivity. Each Tuesday night, Deeba arrives with a bright smile and an open heart. Her presence brings energy to the room, and her connection with our participants reminds us all of the power of inclusive friendship.

Deeba, thank you for your dedication, kindness, and incredible leadership, both at GiGi’s and in your school community. You are truly making a difference, and we are so proud to have you as part of the GiGi’s Playhouse family. We wish you the best of luck as you move on to college and hope you come back and visit when you can! It’s volunteers like Deeba who show us that when you lead with your heart, you inspire others to do the same. 

GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, purposeful programming to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. From fitness and education to social and life skills programs, every offering is designed to support growth, confidence, and connection. We rely entirely on the generosity of donors, as we are 100% funded by our local community. Every dollar raised stays right here in Orange County, helping us continue to change lives and spread a message of acceptance for all.