Participant Spotlight – Jack Of All Trades

Nelson Mandela once said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we believe in empowering young leaders through the Generation G Youth Board program, where participants build essential skills such as communication, collaboration, responsibility, and confidence. Just as importantly, they use their voices to raise awareness and advocate for the Down syndrome community.

Meet Jack, a dedicated and motivated GiGi’s teen participant, youth leader, and Down syndrome advocate.

Jack, although a bit shy when you first meet him, warms up quickly when the conversation includes anything sports related. For a bit more incite, Jack and his mother, Jen shared how he has evolved into a youth advocate from his time at GiGi’s.

We asked Jack and Jen a series of questions, here are their responses:

• How did your family find GiGi’s Playhouse? “Jack’s Aunt Joan saw it on the news and called me right away. Ever since Jack had been born, I had wondered and been questioning why we didn’t have some kind of center for families with children with Down Syndrome to come and share life together. I knew right away that GiGi’s was the place I had been looking for all these years.”
• What does Jack like about GiGi’s and why? (ex. favorite program, friendships, etc.) “Jack’s favorite part of GiGi’s has been fitness class through which he has developed a passion for working out and the tutoring programs where he gets a chance to really get to know the volunteers on a 1 on 1 basis.”

• What is one thing Jack has learned from GiGi’s? “Jack as learned a great deal about working out from participating in the weekly fitness class. We put up a home gym outside where he works out daily and gets to practice what he learns on Tuesday nights.”
• How has Jack supported programs for younger participants? “Jack is just getting started helping out with the younger participants but as he really loves games and sports, I’m hoping he can help out with the younger participants in those areas more as time goes by.”

• Regarding the Youth Board: Why do you think it is important for teens and high schoolers to seek out volunteer opportunities such as the Generation G Youth Board? “I think it’s very important for teens to participate in volunteer positions to be able to give back to their community. They need an opportunity to not just be a consumer, but to take ownership by being servant minded and helping others that are coming up behind them.” – Jack is learning the skills to become a great youth participant mentor and leading by example to his peers.

• Is there anything else you’d like to add? “GiGi’s has become a very important part of Jack’s life. He loves going to all their events and participating in their programs and really enjoys spending time with peers and the wonderful volunteers. Thank you to everyone for making such a difference in his life and those of his peers.”

Quote from Youth Board Advisor, Laura: “Jack is an integral member of the Gen G Youth Board who is always willing to lend a helping hand. This year, he pushed himself out of his comfort zone to assume new leadership responsibilities, including raising awareness for GiGi’s programs and charitable events at the La Jolla Farmer’s Market. Due to his commitment and growth as a leader, Jack was elected to serve on the Gen G Youth Board’s executive council, taking on the role of Youth Ambassador. Through this role, Jack will represent and advocate for his peers while developing critical skills to one day serve as a Playhouse Ambassador.”

Many congrats to Jack on his journey at GiGi’s and beyond. We have no doubt he will flourish with the tools, friendships and abilities he shares!

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego is 98% volunteer-run and funded entirely through donations and grants. Programs like the Generation G Youth Board and tutoring are offered completely free to families, but they’re not free to run. Your support ensures that we can continue to provide life-changing programs that empower children with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.

Want to help us keep GiGi’s Playhouse thriving? Click here to donate and support our mission.