Building Connections and Spreading Joy: My Time at GiGi’s Playhouse

My name is Grace, and I am currently a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester. I began volunteering at GiGi’s originally through its connection with the service scholarship program at St. John Fisher University. One of my requirements as a service scholar is that we must partner with a nonprofit in our community. The goal is to commit to at least 60 hours of service per semester (120 total for two semesters/one year) in order to interact with the Rochester community and have a positive impact. Because of my love for all of the kids and adults who come to GiGi’s, I have dedicated around 100 hours of service at this time (1.5 semesters).

I am someone who has always had a passion for volunteering and helping others in general, so once I became part of the GiGi’s community, I couldn’t help but get involved as much as possible! I participate in both the virtual and in-person events including math tutoring, GiGi’s Kitchen Kids, Teen Tastic, Kids Club, Fantastic Friends, and LMNOP!

I would like to start by talking about my experience through the in-person playhouse. Everyone here is like family. My very first day volunteering at the Rochester GiGi’s, I knew that I made the correct choice. The environment is so friendly, supportive, and caring. I love every single person who comes through those doors. The Rochester GiGi’s community is such an integral part of kid’s lives because it is where they all learn to socialize with each other. While in person, we can offer hugs, fist bumps, or high-fives.

There is this important physical aspect that both fosters a sense of family and is integral for the learning of making different meals. Also, Haley and Kristin are absolutely wonderful supervisors; they lead some very fun events and provide as much support to everyone as they possibly can. GiGi’s Playhouse is a home away from home. There is so much learning, but also such great amounts of fun! The more educational programs include GiGi’s Kitchen Kids and the tutoring program, while the fun social programs consist of Teen Tastic, Kids Club, Fantastic Friends, and the occasional holiday parties. My love for this environment prompted me to get involved with the Virtual Playhouse.

While one might think that it is not as supportive being online as in person, I would beg to differ. I lead the virtual LMNOP program, which is where we teach children ages 0-3 years sign language. In the virtual playhouse, my assistant, supervisor, and myself have built a very strong foundation of trust and support. We have several sessions where the moms just start talking to each other openly, which is comforting in itself. They all share their experiences and have the sense of being not alone, which is amazing because most people are in different states all across the country. This usually occurs nearing the end of our program as we are all sharing good news and things that we are looking forward to. I wouldn’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. The kiddos here are very energetic, which we manage differently than in person. We do movement songs with Danny GO and Jack Hartman, and we have questions that we ask each of them or their parents in order to try and facilitate conversation.

Overall, both the virtual and in-person GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester are extremely valuable. They are an integral part of the community, and I love every minute that I spend with all of the people there.

From,

Grace