Posts by jbyrnes
Our Program and Volunteer Coordinators
We are pleased to announce that we have two experienced Program and Volunteer Coordinators who will be serving our Virtual Playhouse community this fall. Claire We welcome Claire back to our team after family leave! Clare grew up in Minnesota where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology. Claire’s…
Read MoreRelationship Building for a Global Community
Providing us with a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose, communities are sources of friendship, identity, and mutual aid. The Virtual Playhouse was formed with a goal of providing opportunities and a virtual platform for people to come together, regardless of geographic boundaries, to exchange ideas, seek advice, and foster meaningful relationships. Virtual Community Groups and…
Read MoreMessages of Peace from Our Community – Maggie
Our Virtual Playhouse volunteer, Maggie, started her journey with GiGi’s Playhouse in the spring of 2022. She learned about the volunteer opportunity through our collaborative partner, Back Bake America, who has a mission to perform acts of kindness and empower others to pay that kindness forward. “When I learned about GiGi’s Playhouse and their mission…
Read MoreAcceptance and Achieving Goals – Jeremiah
This past year, Jeremiah (Jeremy) has been participating in GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse programming including 1-on-1 Math Tutoring, Down to Dance, and GiGi’s Kitchen Adult. In May, Jeremy and his family were also active participants in the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge – Virtual Movement – raising acceptance in the community and funds to support Virtual Playhouse programming.…
Read MoreBringing People Together Through Dance
If you have not attended the popular Virtual Dance – LaBlast, you should sign up right now! High energy Robert Wallop, a 26-year-old from Annapolis, Maryland, shares his love for dance and passion to perform as our Dance – LaBlast program leader (for both GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse and GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis since 2021). As a…
Read MoreEmpowering Abilities – James’ New Job!
James’ passion for cooking blossomed when his family relocated from Florida to Georgia, and he started attending the Virtual GiGi’s Kitchen Adult program. In Virtual GiGi’s Kitchen, James learned kitchen safety and food preparation skills while increasing his self-confidence and social skills with his peers. Reflecting on his experiences with GiGi’s Kitchen, James shared, “I…
Read MoreParticipants Supporting Participants
The End of a Session Celebration is a big deal around GiGi’s Playhouse! It’s a time to celebrate achievements and Best of Alls of not only our participants but also tutors and program leaders enrolled in our GiGiFIT, GiGi’s Kitchen, and one-on-one literacy or math tutoring programs. But, for the Virtual Playhouse, there was a…
Read MoreHeather’s Hawaii 5-0 Team
Shari, Heather’s mom, shares their “why” for participating in The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC) 2023 – Virtual Movement. “We love the GFAC – Virtual Movement! It is an amazing opportunity to raise awareness, feel the love and support of our family and friends AND get moving. There are so many ways to participate, but…
Read MoreVolunteer Appreciation – Amy Goes Above & Beyond
During National Volunteer Month in April, we would like to recognize and thank all those who give their time and energy to support GiGi’s Playhouse and our Virtual Playhouse families. As a primarily volunteer run organization, we are truly grateful for the 650 Virtual Playhouse volunteers who donated 7,250 hours in 2022! Our volunteer Spotlight for April recognizes…
Read MoreNoah’s Best of All
Noah participates in Virtual Language Music N Our Peeps (LMNOP). His mom shares his story and the impact of GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse. “We love the virtual LMNOP classes! Noah is only 7 months old, and he is one of 4 children, so to say life can get hectic is an understatement, and to have the…
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