Thirteen Playworks Massachusetts AmeriCorps members are kicking off their year of service at elementary schools across the state in partnership with the Massachusetts Service Alliance. These full-time AmeriCorps members will implement an evidence-based physical activity program with the goal of improving the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for safe, meaningful play.
“This is our first year partnering with the Massachusetts Service Alliance,” said Max Fripp, Playworks Massachusetts Executive Director. “We are excited to welcome a diverse Corps of members of varied ages and backgrounds to support the healthy development of children across the state. Together these volunteers will address a critical need facing the Commonwealth, improving the health of thousands of children and families in Massachusetts.”
In addition to running daily programming at partner schools, Playworks Massachusetts AmeriCorps members will launch a new service component, the Family Play Academy. This component is designed to increase time allotted for physical activity beyond the school day through playful training events for families. Members will work with teachers, administrators, parents and the broader community to ensure children and their families learn the tools to play and be physically active in their living room, backyard or neighborhood park.
To launch the Family Play Academy component, Playworks Massachusetts AmeriCorps members will host Play Across the City on Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 25. This event will be FREE for children and their families with a goal of making Massachusetts a healthier and better place to live. For more information about the Playworks Massachusetts AmeriCorps program or the Play Across the City event, please contact Playworks Massachusetts Program Associate Marcus Johnson at mjohnson@playworks.org.
About the Massachusetts Service Alliance
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA), established in 1991, is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as the state commission on community service. Its mission is to catalyze the innovation and growth of service and volunteerism by creating partnerships that maximize resources, expertise, capacity, and impact.
MSA fulfills its mission by investing public and private funds to cultivate and strengthen a state-wide network of high quality service and volunteer programs, especially those that demonstrate innovative program models or that engage underserved and diverse communities, individuals, and networks; and by building and strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances with private, public and nonprofit organizations throughout the Commonwealth.
