My name is Heather and I'm a Literacy Tutor at GiGi's Playhouse in McHenry, Illinois and I can safely say I have been blessed with one of the most fun, most challenging, most rewarding and downright most fabulous volunteer opportunities ever.
Basically, I get to help kids and adults with Down Syndrome learn how to read. But that's just the beginning. I see my students weekly and in our sessions I get to know them, hear their stories, celebrate their victories and grieve their losses. I love how my student Lisa and I end up in giggle fits during our sessions because we share the same sense of humor. I love how Matt's face glows with pride after I've made him work really hard and he's kept at it to the very end. I love how I've gotten to watch Anna develop over three semesters - there is such a strong woman inside that tiny girl!
I also love what I've learned. That patience is worth more than gold and you can never, ever have enough of it. That the littlest steps forward are often the most important and always deserve celebration. That humanity is diverse and beautiful and sharing life with people who are different than you will show you all kinds of things about yourself that you never knew, that you never even knew to look for.
As wonderful as it is, I'd also have to admit that it's probably not the easiest volunteer gig, and I'm not talking about the teaching part. GiGi's has a fabulous training program and lots of supportive staff and volunteer professionals, and after a few sessions, you get the hang of the program and so do your students and then everyone starts having a lot of fun. But you have to be creative and quick-thinking, patient and flexible, and above all: sincere. Without sincerity, no one can learn anything from you. And you also might find that your students work their way into your heart and if they have to stop coming for a while, you miss them. Or if something tragic happens in their life, you might find yourself crying with them. And I guarantee that you will end up bragging about how interesting and wonderful they are to whoever will listen.
In order to keep providing this free program to our students, we need tutors. Volunteers who will take on this task. People who will weekly donate a couple of hours their time for several weeks to teach a child or an adult with Down Syndrome how to read.
We are getting ready to start a new Literacy Session in October and if you would like to join our Literacy team, let us know. You need no teaching experience as all the training is provided. If you're interested in becoming a tutor, please call Laura Cook, Literacy Director, at (815) 385 - PLAY or email lauracookies7@gmail.com
GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry Board of Managers announces a Call for Nominations for individuals of the Playhouse community to run for positions on the Board of Directors. There are currently five to seven Director positions open to fill, including, one to two-year terms beginning September 2009 continuing through 2011. We call for nominations to come by recommendation of fellow community members or by self-nomination as interest to participate in the operations and performance of GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry, LLC.
The Playhouse is seeking individuals who bring a high level of motivation and personal interest in our mission, possess a strong knowledge of the issues effecting children with Down syndrome and their families and the non-profit community, and are willing to volunteer their time and play a pro-active role in the Playhouse’s fundraising efforts.
Individuals interested in joining the Board of Managers are asked to submit a resume along with the nomination application and return it by mail to GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry, listed above or submit by email to mchenry@gigisplayhouse.org. Applications must be received by August 1st, 2009. We will contact you confirming your application. If you have any questions about the nomination procedure, please contact the Playhouse at 847-385-7529.
We appreciate your interest in joining the Playhouse Board of Manager. Nominations will be considered at the August 9th, 2009 meeting.
To download an application, please click here.
From our board member, Scott Bradfield:
The 2009 Fiesta Days parade takes place on Sunday July 19th at 1:30 pm. This would be a fun and outstanding opportunity to get Gigi's name out into the community. In order to make this happen I am requesting the assistance of as many Gigi's families and volunteers. We will need help getting some sort of flat bed trailer, help designing and constructing of a float, as well as a location to build and store until the parade. In addition we will need participants to ride on the float as well as walk along passing outcandy/popsicles. If you are interested please contact me at scottbradfield [at] yahoo [dot] com... or at 815-693-6453 by June 6th. I plan on scheduling a meeting on the second week of June at the Playhouse w/ anybody interested in helping out.
Come and Make a Difference With Us!
The Rotary of McHenry would like to have your organization participate in our first ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15th, at 1:00 PM. We will assemble at 12:30 pm at the parking lot of Joey T’s on
Please contact
Emilee S. helping her mama by being the smiliest baby EVER. :)
Christine and Logan in the fort reading.
Christine, Jenna and Logan being buds and watching a movie! There's enough room for everybody! :)
Christine, Micah, Jonah, Logan and Jeremiah hanging out in the fort!
If that doesn't make you grin from ear to ear, I don't know what would. :)Would you like to have a say in the programs that are offered at the McHenry Playhouse?
Are you looking for a way to volunteer at the Playhouse?
Come and join us at the Playhouse Monday November 17'th at 7pm, for a Program Committee Meeting.
We will be discussing our current programs and programs we would like to offer in the future.
There will be many different ways that you could contribute and help us make the McHenry Playhouse *The* place to be for fun and learning!!
We would LOVE to have you join us!!
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