Volunteer

Program Roles

Interested in working directly with GiGi’s Playhouse participants? GiGi's Playhouse offers therapeutic and educational programs for all age groups— from prenatal diagnosis to adulthood. Consider the following roles with one of our programs:

Program Co-Leaders: These volunteers both choose the program activities and facilitate their delivery. Great candidates are enthusiastic and have a particular interest in supporting people with different abilities. While we LOVE volunteers with experience in therapeutic and educational settings, people from all walks of life are encouraged to lead!

Program Assistants: These volunteers support programs by preparing materials, helping participants and co-leads with activities, and celebrating participants’ Best of All moments. Our most in-demand role is program assistant!

Tutors: These volunteers work one-on-one with a child, teen, or adult with Down syndrome. This role is perfect for people age 16 or older who want to build a strong connection with someone with Down syndrome, and who love learning. We provide training and materials, so all levels of experience are welcome!

Check out the tutoring application here.

Program Greeters: Greeters welcome guests as they arrive at programming, and assist with checking in. They also assist with activities as needed. This role is great for friendly people!

Historians: These volunteers are essential for recording Best of All moments at programs and events. They capture photos & videos, take notes on participant successes, and ask families for feedback. This role is great for people with an interest in photography, social media, and/or crafting social narratives.

Host Family: The Host Family attends a particular group program for a set number of sessions so that no family must attend on their own. They strengthen the community of GiGi’s Playhouse. Host Families often have a family member with Down syndrome, but it is not required.

Current Program Volunteer Needs

GiGi’s Kitchen for Teens & Adults: Help teens & adults with Down syndrome develop practical kitchen skills and healthy habits in this beginner-level cooking class. For ages 13+. (Held on the 2nd and 4th  Tuesdays of the month @ 6 – 7:30 PM)

Literacy Tutoring: Work with a person with Down syndrome one-on-one to develop reading, writing, and communication skills. Training and materials provided! Apply here.

Fantastic Friends: A fun gathering to facilitate social interactions between adults with Down syndrome, their peers, and the community. Supports the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. For ages 18+. (Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month @ 10am - 11:30am)

Destination Discovery: Supports the development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills and language through purposeful play and peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also brings families together to share experiences and build relationships. All ages welcome. (Held on the 2nd Saturday of the month @ 10am - 11:30am)

Family Fun: Purposeful activities, games, information and refreshments will help to create friendships and memories. All ages welcome. (Held on the 4th Saturday of the month @ 10am - 11:30am)

Non-Program Roles

Interested in behind-the-scenes volunteer roles? Below are some of the opportunities to consider.

Marketing: Social media content creation, video editing, graphic design, blog-writing, market research

Technology: AI automation consult

* Currently seeking a Social Media Content Creation Specialist! *

Events: Host or assist with events like our Gala, 5K, Golf, fundraising, auction prizes, setup, cleanup, AV, and more! There are separate committees for major fundraising and family events (anniversary parties, etc.).

Committee/Leadership: Join a National or Portland Board or Committee: Advisory, Marketing, Finance, IT, Programs, Fundraising.

Site Operations: Cleaning, organization, health & safety reviews, repairs and installations

Other Administrative: Grant research/writing, accessibility support research

Community Outreach: Research and report on potential community partnerships, community events, school system changes and needs.

Questions? Email us at portland@gigisplayhouse.org