Thanks Mom! | Sara LaValle

“How did you get involved with GiGi’s Playhouse?”  

“Do you have a child with Down syndrome?” 

These are questions I am asked all the time. I do not have a child with Down syndrome, but my cousin, Amelia, is one of our rockstar participants and her mom, Janet, was one of the founders of GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse. This is how I first learned about Down syndrome and the amazing work GiGi’s Playhouse does for the community.  

I have had a love for giving back and volunteering for many years. I volunteered throughout college both on and off campus. After graduating, my job in telecommunications encouraged it and gave us time off to do so. Life eventually got very busy and I was not able to volunteer much at all. When I took a few years off to be a stay-at-home mom (middle school is really hard!), I dove into the PTA at both the elementary and middle schools my kids went to.  

In 2016, my mom’s health was on a roller coaster and after some time she passed away. That left a huge void I needed to fill with something to occupy my time. I started researching organizations that I could volunteer with when the kids were in school but that my family could volunteer with as well. GiGi’s quickly hit the top of my list. We first volunteered at a couple of events that summer, then I made my way into the playhouse with Gratitude Committee and Open Play. I realized very quickly how much I love being at the playhouse and how much love and comfort I felt being around the incredible individuals that participate in the programs. 

About a year later, I said to my family that I would love to work at GiGi’s someday. Whether it was a coincidence or my mom giving me a shove, a couple of days later, the Site Coordinator job became available. I jumped at the chance to be a part of this community and haven’t looked back. 

I can honestly say this is by far the most rewarding “job” I have ever had. It is so hard to call something you love doing on a daily basis a job. A challenging day is so quickly turned around by one of Sarah’s jokes, a smile from Zoey or a hug from Jake or Amy. Seeing them achieve their #bestofall and sharing those moments with them, makes every day better than the last. I encourage you to come in to volunteer and soak up all the GiGi’s goodness. You will never realize you were missing something so special and will wish you found it sooner! 

Oh, and thanks for the push Mom!

Sara LaValle 

Site Coordinator – GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse