About Playworks Illinois

All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.

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Meet Playworks Illinois


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Illinois in 2011. Playworks Illinois serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Illinois through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Learn about our Impact

Our Mission


Playworks’ mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

Our Vision


Playworks’ vision is that one day every child in America will have access to safe, fun, healthy play every day.

Meet Our People


July 17, 2023

Charmaine Torma ›

Charmaine has dedicated both her professional and personal life to promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and access for ALL individuals. For over 20 years, she has helped nonprofits of all types,…

June 12, 2023

Gabi Mehta ›

Born in the Bay Area and raised in Chicago, Gabriella has spent over 10 years working with youth in varying capacities. Before coming to Playworks she spent time working outside…

November 14, 2022

Aviva Packman ›

Aviva graduated from Bradley University in 2020 with her B.S. in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement. After working as a general education teacher for the past two years, Aviva…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions