Volunteer Spotlight – Meet Kayla an all around volunteer

San Diego is one of those places folks come to visit then fall in love as it is the California way. This can be said for GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego as well. Once you step in the door the ambiance, character and welcoming vibe draws you in for the long haul and we are here for it!

Meet Kayla, a volunteer who heard about all the wonderful things GiGi’s and decided to find out for herself if what she heard was true. And we are happy to report she found out it was much more than could be imagined!

We asked Kayla to share more of her experience in finding GiGi’s and here is what she had to say:

How did you find GiGI’s Playhouse? 

“I grew up in Minnesota down the street from someone with down syndrome, Ben. I have known him since he was born and consider him to be a brother. Ben went to GiGi’s in the Twin Cities. He had always told me how much he loved GiGi’s and he met so many amazing people through the program. So, when I moved to San Diego, I was looking for a community and missing the light and unconditional love that people with Down syndrome often have. I looked up the nearest one to me, the stars aligned, and I was 4 minutes away from the GiGi’s in Pacific Beach!”

Do you have a background in the field? 

“I volunteered at a handful of places that support folks with special needs back home, but I am in tech sales and work remote. It is such an amazing thing to look forward to throughout the day when I have been alone in my house. I walk through the doors and am welcomed with massive hugs, dance moves, and jokes.”

What made you want to volunteer here?  

“People with Down syndrome have always been incredibly welcoming to me in their communities. They have an indescribable light and magic that makes you feel so loved. Being new to the area, I knew that I needed that energy in my life. I was right. Not only have I met some of the funniest, kindest, sweetest participants, but I have grown to become close with a bunch of the volunteers as well. In the same way that I believe GiGi’s is a safe place for so many participants, it has become that for me too.”

What is your favorite thing about volunteering? 

“I have so many things that make GiGi’s a special place for me. One of the big ones is that feeling you get when you walk through the door. I feel supported, loved, and I know that no matter the space I am in or the day that I’ve had, I will laugh and be in a great mood when I leave. I also know that the friendships I’ve made will last me a lifetime and I feel so lucky to have found this community.”

What do you think we could improve on? 

“I think it would be helpful to do more networking for volunteers and participants! GiGi’s is a magical place that more people deserve to be a part of!”

Is there anything else you would like to share? 

“I would just like to say that I really appreciate the hard work of everyone in the GiGi’s community. It never fails to impress me how dedicated and hardworking the volunteers are. A special mention to Valerie, she has become a close friend of mine and is one the most selfless people I’ve ever met. GiGi’s would not be the same without her. We as volunteers are a major part of the GiGi’s experience and I’ve never met one at GiGi’s who wasn’t dedicated and committed to their time spent there. I also want to share how much my time volunteering has impacted me. Every time I step into the doors of the playhouse, there is a sense of calm and belonging that I have never felt anywhere else. From Keenan’s hilarious jokes to Clark’s dance moves and Nana’s smile and laughter, there are new memories made every time I am there  .“

We here at GiGi’s agree with Kayla that it is a magical place where there is Acceptance for All and want everyone to feel that vital sense of belonging! Thank you Kayla, we certainly cannot be without awesome volunteers such as yourself.

If you would like to take that step into the world of the awesomeness that is GiGi’s, please click the link below and get started today: