Let’s Meet Missy, GiGi’s Self-Advocate!

Let’s learn a little about Missy, our Self-Advocate and Board Member!

What is your favorite thing about the GiGi’s community?                                                                    My favorite things are helping out with programming and with ongoing events. I enjoy being around others like me where we can just be ourselves. It’s a really cool place!

What does Down Syndrome awareness and acceptance look like to you?                              When I see individuals with Down Syndrome or other disabilities featured on TV, commercials, or movies it gives me hope that awareness/acceptance is improving. Also, when individuals with disabilities are employed at local businesses, I know things are getting better.

What do you look forward to doing at/or creating for the playhouse?                                              I look forward to being a mentor to both youth and adults with disabilities. I also want to help out in anyway I can in any area of need.

What do you want GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau community to know?                                                                                                         That GiGi’s is our second home. It shows everyone in our community support, friendship, and respect for who we are.

What have you learned as a board volunteer/participant board member?                                          I have so much more to learn but so far it has been great to see so many people, family, parents, and friends find support and joy at GiGi’s Playhouse. Traveling to the national meeting in Chicago was a real highlight for me. I hope to share what its like to have a disability with other board members so they can continue to improve programming in the future. I like to think of the board as the “Dream Team”.

How have you been impacted by being a volunteer?                                                                                    It makes me happy and proud to be a part of GiGi’s playhouse as a volunteer. I am excited about the future.