Best of All with Jack – Who said you can’t do it all?
Meet Jack, an amazing GiGi’s Participant not letting anything stop him from going after what he wants to do.
Jack has been a part of GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego from the beginning (2018) participating in signature programs such as Fantastic Friends, GiGi’s Kitchen and Literacy Tutoring. During the covid times, Jack had the opportunity to participate in our Virtual Playhouse programs where he was able to continue those meaningful connections.
Most recently, Jack decided that he wanted to not only be a Participant in many of our awesome programs but also wanted to give back via volunteering. His mother and amazing advocate, Susie, had let our Site Manager Rissa know that Jack had once volunteered with babies and absolutely loved it. Here’s the ah’ha moment!
The first Saturday of each month GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego offers LMNOP (Language Music n’ Our Peeps) which is an Early Learners program dedicated to the 0-3 group and Music Makers music therapy for ages 0-4. This would be the perfect setting for Jack to explore his volunteering opportunity and as a bonus he would also be able to participate in Music Makers Adult and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult as they are held right after the Early Learners programs. This could not have worked out any better!
Jack now regularly volunteers the first Saturday of each month, where he checks in with the Lead Annika, to see what is needed of him during that session. He is always very attentive and is now working on greeting families as they arrive.
We asked Jack to share a bit more about his experience with GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego and here is what they had to say:
- How did Jack find GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego?
“I met some people from GiGi’s at the NDSC convention. They told me there would soon be a GiGi’s in San Diego.” - What do you like about coming to GiGi’s?
“I like seeing all the participants with Down Syndrome. I really like all the babies and toddlers in the LMNOP class where I help.” - Most recently you started volunteering, what do you like about volunteering?
“I like working with Annika. I like doing the sign language with the babies and parents. The babies are cute and funny and I like to watch them play. I love music and I like to help during the music class, I pass out shakers and other supplies.” - Do you feel it is just as important to volunteer as it is to participate in the Programs? and why?
“I like to participate, but I I like to volunteer the most. It’s like having a job. I like to feel like I can help the kids. And I like to help Marissa and Annika.” - Why do you like coming to GiGi’s? and also volunteering at GiGi’s?
“I really like coming to volunteer at GiGi‘s. I feel like I have something important to do. I want to help people.” - Is there anything else you would like to share?
“I am learning how to work with children. I try to remember their names and how old they are and songs and signing. I really like volunteering at GiGi’s.”
Where there is a will there is a way and determination will get you there, just as it has for Jack. We absolutely love fostering growth and skills development towards a vocational interest. The key is to be open to all opportunities and explore options.
If you are interested in volunteering and exploring opportunities, please visit the link and sign up today:
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