Thursdays of Joy: Zoe’s Experience as a Virtual Playhouse Volunteer 

Volunteer stories are often filled with moments of joy, learning, and connection, and that is exactly what Zoe has experienced through her time with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse. As a volunteer and program lead, Zoe has helped create welcoming and engaging spaces where participants can learn, laugh, and build friendships from all across the world. Her passion for teaching, advocacy, and meaningful connection shines through in every Thursday session, making a lasting impact on everyone involved. 

Zoe first learned about GiGi’s Playhouse through a friend, and the mission immediately stood out to her. With a strong passion for disability rights, accessibility, and working with people, volunteering felt like a natural fit. She was excited by the opportunity to combine her love for teaching with her commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. 

“I heard about GiGi’s Playhouse from a friend,” Zoe shared. “As someone who loves working with people, teaching, and is passionate about disability rights and access to resources, I was excited to get involved!” 

That excitement quickly grew into one of the most meaningful parts of her week. Zoe is a program lead for the Fantastic Friends program, helping participants connect through engaging activities, conversations, and shared experiences. Every Thursday, participants come together virtually to explore exciting and educational topics. Sessions cover everything from cooking and mindfulness to ocean life, healthy habits, outer space, and so much more. The variety keeps participants engaged and allows everyone to discover new interests in a fun and supportive environment. 

“We meet every Thursday and learn about various topics such as cooking, mindfulness, space, ocean life, healthy habits, and many more,” Zoe explained. “It’s such a fun time and I would recommend joining!” 

One of the things Zoe loves most about volunteering is the opportunity to watch participants grow more confident and connected over time. Through weekly introductions, discussions, and activities, participants have built friendships and become more comfortable sharing their successes and passions. These moments of connection have become some of Zoe’s favorite memories as a volunteer. 

“I feel like I am constantly learning from participants,” she said. “Some of my favorite moments were in introductions, where I got to hear about the successes participants had had the past week.” 

Over time, Zoe noticed participants becoming increasingly comfortable with both each other and the program leaders. Watching relationships form across different states and countries has been incredibly rewarding. 

“I have seen participants grow comfortable with each other and with myself and the program assistant as the program went on, and I love seeing all these connections across the world form!” 

Outside of GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse and Fantastic Friends, Zoe stays busy as a Psychology and Chinese double major at Colby College, where she also minors in dance. Even with a full college schedule, she makes time for creativity and relaxation. Whether she is crocheting, crafting, enjoying coffee at her campus coffeehouse, or spending time with friends, Zoe brings the same warmth and creativity from her personal life into her volunteer work. 

When asked if she would recommend volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse to others, Zoe did not hesitate. Her answer was an enthusiastic yes. 

“I would 100% recommend volunteering to others,” she shared. “My Thursdays have quickly become the highlight of my week.” 

For Zoe, volunteering is about more than leading activities. It is about listening to participants, learning from them, and creating programming that reflects their interests and passions. She values how engaged participants are and enjoys shaping lessons around the things they love most. 

“They shared what they loved and are passionate about, and I was able to develop a curriculum around that,” Zoe explained. “I could not recommend the virtual playhouse more!” 

Volunteers like Zoe help make GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse and Fantastic Friends programs places where participants feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and compassion continue to inspire meaningful connections every single week.