Volunteer Spotlight – Taylor and Amanda

This month we would like to recognize Taylor and Amanda in the Volunteer Spotlight!

They have been volunteering here at the Playhouse since last fall. They are both currently working as Social Work Interns at local Quad City area schools and anticipate to graduate in May of this year with our MSW (Master of Social Work). You may have met them at our World Down Syndrome Day Fashion Show. They coordinated and planned the event. They were also at the Gala and helped encourage attendees to donate to the Your Choice = Their Voice donation board. (Which is half way to it’s goal and is still seeking donations.)  We asked Taylor and Amanda to answer a few questions about their experience here at the Playhouse.

How did you hear about GiGi’s Playhouse?

Taylor: I heard about GiGi’s through my internship supervisors, Melanie Rice and Denise Ford. We volunteer for Fantastic Friends on Friday nights!

Amanda: Tagging along with Taylor to Fantastic Friends for the Thanksgiving dinner gave me the first glimpse into what GiGi’s Playhouse is about.

Why did you choose GiGi’s as a place to volunteer?

GiGi’s Playhouse really fit the mold and fills a need that hadn’t be addressed in the Quad Cities. I remember walking into talk to Jen and Pam and the amount of positive things they had to say about individuals with Down syndrome was awesome. Pam said “When parents walk in after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis and hearing some of the concerns that come with it but then they come to us and we say watch all of the amazing things your child will accomplish.” The positivity and support makes GiGi’s a place I want to give my time.

What has your experience been here at the Playhouse?

Taylor: My experience at the Playhouse has been nothing short of amazing. I have met some extremely wonderful people who allow me to just be myself. The playhouse brings something wonderful to it’s participants, guests, and volunteers that we don’t see every day in the Quad City community: fun! Every time I walk into the Playhouse there are ALWAYS smiling faces greeting me as well as an opportunity to meet someone new. The participants welcome every volunteer, new or old as if you’ve known each other for years. GiGi’s Playhouse brings me a sense of community. We are all working for the same goal, achievement! And through this common goal, I have met some amazing people as well as made some amazing friends!

Amanda: I loved the opportunity to volunteer for GiGi’s Playhouse. I had limited knowledge about GiGi’s and the programming it offered or the individuals involved. Being part of the Gala was amazing. I was blown away by the amount of community and welcoming for everyone there was. I loved sitting at the table and greeting everyone as they walked in.

What do you want others to know about volunteering at the Playhouse?

Taylor:  I would want others to know that volunteer at the Playhouse doesn’t feel like volunteering at all. Time spent at the playhouse is time WELL spent and ALWAYS a good time! J Whether we are singing, dancing, joking, I leave with something I don’t always have time to plan for into my busy schedule: FUN! I

Amanda:  I want others to know volunteering at the playhouse is so much fun. You can’t be afraid to sing or dance and always be prepared to have a good time.

Tell us about your favorite moment/experience while volunteering. 

They both said their favorite experience while volunteering was World Down Syndrome Day!

Amanda and I planned this day to fulfill a requirement for one of our Master’s courses at St. Ambrose. Rock your socks fashion show was such a great time followed by dancing and of course, singing! We were so humbled by the amount of attendee’s and couldn’t be more thankful for the success we had with this!

We look forward to having Taylor and Amanda continue volunteering here at the Playhouse as long they’re in the area and their schedules allow. This is a prime example of volunteering as a team! Grab your friend and come to the Playhouse where you will not only help the organization and our participants, you will have fun too!

If you would like to know more about volunteering at the Playhouse visit gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities.