Kayla’s Korner | Purposeful Employment

Kayla is back sharing something that is important to her!  At GiGi’s Playhouse we believe individuals with Down syndrome are capable of holding down purposeful employment.  We look to offer programing and volunteer opportunities to help support and build the skills needed to go out into the community and share their skills while earning a paycheck.  The future is bright and we will keep supporting and growing our career skills programing.  Now let’s hear how Kayla came to GiGi’s and how it has challenged and encouraged her.

“I have learned so much from GiGi’s Playhouse in my four years as an employee. I learned about how it all started when Nancy Gianni, the mother of GiGi, thought there has to be a better place for people to meet and enjoy learning together. They thought of building GiGi’s Playhouse which is headquartered in Hoffman Estates. Our GiGi’s Playhouse in Syracuse opened on November 17th 2012.

GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse Founding Board at our Grand Opening in 2012.

I started out as a volunteer until GiGi’s was up and running. I was a founding member of the board of directors. My job is to answer the phones, I have worked on the computer in our database called Donor Perfect, I have worked with petty cash, I love greeting people and taking them on tours, and I love holding and kissing babies. I really like meeting all the new families and seeing them get to know each other and the camaraderie they have. I like going out in the community to tell people about GiGi’s! I have also been a host to some of our happening events.
Once I became the Assistant Site Coordinator, I could not be on the Board of Director’s any longer, because you cannot be on the Board and be a paid employee. I thought it was worth it for a job. I have been working there for the past 4 years. I love my job! I like being a role model and one of the faces of the Playhouse.

I believe all people should maintain jobs that are beneficial to them. For those of us that are Differently Abled it is difficult to find jobs with our skill sets. I found mine by being able to type, and by volunteering to prove I could do the job. I love office work, utilizing my skills answering the phones, and being with people and socializing. I found it with GiGi’s Playhouse. March will mark 4 years of me getting a paycheck, Yahoo!  I think employment is beneficial so we can be as independent as we can be.

Working at GiGi’s Playhouse has helped me to not judge other people before you get to know the person. Another one of my challenges would be sometimes I talk fast and need to slow down. When I am at the Playhouse talking on the phone it reminds me to slow down and speak clearly and slowly. It also helps me in everyday life when I go to motivate and educate others when I public speak.”

educate.inspire.believe.