My GiGi’s Story….Life-Long Relationships and Purpose! Written by: Alison

“I began attending GiGi’s Playhouse – Twin Cities, while nannying in 2015 for Maceo, a young boy with Down syndrome. After bringing him to Open Play, I quickly realized that I wanted to become more involved with this incredible organization and began volunteering that same year. Fast forward to now, I am currently the program lead for the adult program, Fantastic Friends. What began as an opportunity to help others, quickly developed into friendships between the participants and I. I truly feel as if I’m just hanging out with my friends on a Friday night; singing karaoke, preparing and eating tasty snacks, as well as catching up on each other’s lives. Aside from volunteering, I also enjoy attending the dances at GiGi’s with my sister, Brit. These dances are a way for my sister to have some fun and express herself in a welcoming, caring environment. I am very thankful for the amazing opportunities that GiGi’s has provided, both to the individuals they serve such as Maceo and Brit, as well as the chance it has given me to develop life-long relationships and a purpose within my community.”