About Playworks New England

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 New England


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to New England in 2006. Playworks New England serves low-income schools across the Boston, Lawrence, Salem, and Somerville area through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across New England through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

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.

Our Core Values

core values graphic

Meet Our People


February 14, 2023

Jessi Jasper ›

Jessi joined Playworks in 2019 as a pro trainer because she is passionate about empowering others through play, education, and facilitation. She understands the importance of taking a holistic approach…

headshot of Yanelis
headshot of Yanelis

December 17, 2024

Yanelis Torres ›

Yanelis Torres joined Playworks as a Program Specialist in 2024. Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, she moved to New England when she was 10 years old. A proud graduate of…

headshot of Heather
headshot of Heather

June 13, 2023

Heather Crowley ›

Heather joined Playworks in the spring of 2023 after more than a decade of working in a consulting role with a variety of non-profit organizations spanning a wide range of…

Join the Team


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

Open positions