July 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Community Impact Q&A

QUESTION and ANSWER Session With A COMMUNITY RESOURCE

Megan Vance, Gigi’s Playhouse Canton

Question: Where do you work currently?

Answer: GiGi’s Playhouse Canton

Q: What is your job title here?

A: Site manager

Q: How long have you been employed in your current job?

A: Since April of 2021

Q: How long have you been employed in this industry?

A: I have been a licensed social worker since 2018 and have over five years of nonprofit experience.

Q: What were your previous jobs in the industry?

A: I was previously a match support specialist with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, facilitating mentoring relationships to help ignite the potential in historically underserved youth for several years. I also dabbled in the behavioral and mental health field, providing therapeutic services for youth in foster care

Q: What other professional associations are you a member of?

A: Jackson Township Rotary, Leadership Stark County Spotlight Class of 2022, member of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mentor Central OH technical assistance provider. I’ve recently explored volunteer opportunities with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Compassion Delivered.

Q: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

A: My brother has always been my inspiration. From the time he was born when I was just 5 years old, I became a lifelong advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, individuals like my brother, to make the world a more welcoming and accepting place. When you’re 5, you don’t know what a chromosome is or how exactly to describe Down syndrome, but you find a way to educate the world around you regardless, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years or so and plan to continue doing for a very long time. It’s amazing to see how your “why” evolves and grows to include so many more meaningful relationships over time.

Q: What part of your job are you most passionate about?

A: Forming relationships with every participant, family, and volunteer that walks through our doors. When part of your mission is to send a global message of acceptance for all, being a friendly face to everyone you meet plays a huge part in that. When you can model for the world what your expectations are.

Q: What advice would you give to someone new to your field?

A: In the words of Dolly Parton, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

Q: Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job and why?

A: I feel like I make a difference every day, big or small. From our large fundraisers where we raise dollars to support our programs directly to networking with others in the community, I can see the impact we are making on others. I love having new families walk through the doors to say they heard about GiGi’s and want to get involved. Word of mouth is such a powerful avenue of communication for our organization. There might be days when I am the only one at the Playhouse, so it might not be as visually apparent, but I know that when just one more person shares a social media post, visits our website, or sees our signage somewhere, that is spreading our mission and making people more aware of the presence of GiGi’s Playhouse and what we set out to do.

Q: What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate?

A: Things might seem scary at first as you navigate a realm of uncertainty and question but take that chance to ask questions – there’s no such thing as a silly question – and don’t be afraid to look for support. When you find a place like GiGi’s Playhouse, it opens doors for parents to no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved ones will be unconditionally accepted. Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement. No matter the age, individuals with Down syndrome will be offered the opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills. As families, you will experience support and learn that you are not alone. You are part of an amazing community that appreciates the joys and highlights the positive.

Q: What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

A: Drive and determination are definitely two of my greatest strengths; I get a lot of satisfaction from doing things that benefit people and in understanding people and helping them understand themselves and their talents. I always say my job is to make other people’s jobs and lives easier, regardless of what title I hold, and that outlook has helped me excel in my career.

Q: If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

A: I would advocate for myself more. When you’re in a helping profession, it’s easy to get wrapped up in helping others no matter what, so speaking up for your needs and desires is so important.