Volunteer Spotlight – Where there is a will there is a way – The Accommodatable Francesca

As organization who is 99% volunteer lead, you can imagine just how big the hearts are of our amazing volunteers.

Meet one of our such volunteers, Francesca.

Francesca, a long serving volunteer, started her journey with GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego in December 2019, where she was able to observe and volunteer for a few programs. Then in 2020, when the world shut down due to covid, she began literacy tutoring virtually.

Francesca has continued to be an amazing tutor throughout this time, building strong and trusted rapport with participants as well as with their families. She is a trooper and often finds unique ways to engage her tutees.

In 2023 after a long period of virtual tutoring, Francesca met with GiGi’s Staff and asked if there was an opportunity to tutor in-person. Well of course there was and thus began her in-person tutoring journey.

Her most recent tutee, Eli, who is pictured above was her first in-person tutoring mission and we have to say it went awesome even on rougher days. Her ability to roll with different emotions of the participants is amazing and she is often met with smiles even if small ones.

We asked Francesca to share some of her thoughts regarding GiGi’s and here is what she had to say:

“How did I find Gigi’s Playhouse/What made me want to volunteer: When I was in middle school & high school, back in Massachusetts, my friend’s cousin has down syndrome and her aunt ran the Special Olympics basketball team in my town. It was once a week, and I absolutely loved it. Coaching & playing along kids with disabilities, and seeing how much fun they all were having weekly made me so happy. I loved seeing how competitive they all got & how excited they were when they either passed the ball to their teammate or made a basket. The love and support that these kids all have to give out is amazing. When I moved to California for school, I wanted to find a similar program, so after graduating from my Master’s I did a quick little google search and GiGi’s popped up! It all worked out because the organization was only a few blocks from where I lived! I joined in the Fall of 2019, and tutoring/volunteering is something that I look forward to weekly. I will always cherish the relationships & memories I have made with every student, and look forward to many more years ahead with GiGi’s!

What do I like the most about volunteering: Seeing the students that I have tutored be enthusiastic about learning and seeing them all improve in their literacy. It’s inspiring to see how smart they all are, and how much they truly appreciate our time with them & the excitement they get with all their achievements. Nothing beats walking into a room and being greeted with smiles & the best hugs. 

What Gigi’s can improve on: honestly, I can’t think of anything. The opportunity that you give to these families are inspiring and I think it is so incredibly special how this program is opened to families who are expecting and were given the news that their child will have Down syndrome. The sense of community is amazing, and I don’t think GiGi’s could improve on anything. Continue to make a positive impact in San Diego!”

We thank you Francesca for your dedication to GiGi’s and the participants you serve!!!

If you are interested in volunteering and starting an impactful journey be sure to contact us sandiego@gigisplayhouse.org or visit the link: