I am passionate about giving back to the community and ensuring my kids understand how important that concept is. I have young children, though, and finding the time to volunteer on my own, finding child care, or finding organizations that allow you to volunteer with kids is a bit of an ongoing struggle. I recently discovered GiGi’s Playhouse on the north side of Indianapolis, though, and it is perfect for families who want to get involved together!
GiGi’s Playhouse, Down Syndrome Achievement Center, not only exists in this Indianapolis location, but also in 61 other locations across the country and the world. They offer “FREE therapeutic, educational, and research-driven programs to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome, from infancy through adulthood.” At GiGi’s Playhouse, they have very few paid staff and rely heavily on the community and regular volunteers to make sure that their center runs smoothly.
We got involved to help clean the center, which includes a gym area, kitchen, program rooms, a library, and a larger play room. This is needed monthly as families come and go and use the center throughout the week. I asked if I could bring my first grader to help and received an enthusiastic, “Yes!”
When I say this was the perfect way to volunteer as a family, I mean it. The staff was incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and encouraging. My first grader was able to ask questions and learn about individuals with Down syndrome and why the center exists. “Who is GiGi?” he curiously asked, as we sanitized, and we were able to learn about the founding family and their daughter GiGi. Liz, the executive director, gave us very simple cleaning tasks that my son was able to do on his own, and there was a lot to do and play with when he got tired of cleaning. It was so much fun, and I later learned about other ways we could get involved and bring the whole family.
Their calendar of weekly programming is open to the public and includes music, fitness, and art classes, social skills and cooking groups, and peer playtime for the littlest 0-3 toddlers, just to name a few. You and your family can volunteer as program leaders or program assistants (helping set up, taking photos, and participating), or simply attend programming to participate and have fun, making sure that no family is attending alone! You can even attend virtually.
I know that my schedule is busy. Sometimes, the week I realize I have time to volunteer, everything is already booked up. At GiGi’s Playhouse, you can register ahead, or most of their programming allows for drop-ins, meaning that if you find some free time in your day or week, feel free to stop by one of their in-person or virtual classes. I plan to bring my 2-year-old next time to help with and participate in a 0-3 class!
Want to get your family involved?
It’s easy to volunteer with kids at GiGi’s, click here to reach out with interest and connect with staff.
And as an added bonus, there’s a great coffee shop right next door, Ascend Coffee!
