Impact Report
Update from the Executive Director
It was a busy year at Playworks New England! Not only did we partner with more than 200 schools and community organizations to bring safe and inclusive play to more than 67,000 kids across the region, we continued to build relationships with others who also believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid.
This year we experienced a lot of “firsts” including hosting the Art & Play Soiree where individuals had the opportunity to experience play firsthand, gaining a better understanding of how it benefits all of us in every aspect of our lives. Additionally, Playworks New England was honored to be a part of the United Nations inaugural International Day of Play celebrations in both Boston, MA and Pawtucket, Rhode Island underscoring our leadership in the Play Movement.
All we do would not be possible without the invaluable support of our partners – both existing and new. We are proud of the work we have done with organizations such as New Balance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Liberty Mutual, the Red Sox Foundation, and Hasbro Inc. Support from these organizations makes it possible for us to bring Playworks programming and its invaluable benefits to kids across New England each and every day.
As we head into the next year, we are excited to launch TagTeam programming in New England. This initiative will increase access for even more kids through partnership with trained out of school time providers, bringing Playworks programs to kids beyond the school day. With each kid we reach through our innovative programming, we know we are making a difference. Looking to the future, we are excited about the opportunities Playworks New England will have to positively impact even more kids across our region and are beyond grateful for the support we receive to make this happen!
Play on!
This year we served
43,736
Students
363
Youth Leaders
155
Partners
54.69% Free/Reduced Lunch Eligible Students
“There have been substantially less disagreements and fights since partnering with Playworks. This gives us more time in the classroom to focus on the academics.I have been at this school for 16 years and this program has turned the recess time around to more positive play and building self-esteem.”
– Classroom Teacher
According to our Annual Survey,
% of educators agree that Playworks helps…
increase the number of students that are
physically active
98%
students develop the skills to succeed in their learning community
95%
improve the school climate
94%
create an environment of belonging
96%
reduction in the number of disciplinary incidents
85%
create opportunities for inclusion of diverse groups of students
97%
Local highlight
We asked students at Playworks partner school to finish the sentence: “I love recess because…”
Here are a few of their responses:
In case you missed it
Local college student athletes helped rock recess last week at the Segue Institute for Learning in Central Falls, RI, and the Ashton School in Cumberland, RI.
Members of the Bryant University Men’s Football Team and Women’s Bowling Team jumped into recess at the Segue Institute while Providence College athletes representing the Men’s & Women’s Ice Hockey, Men’s Swim, Women’s Field Hockey, and Women’s Basketball teams had a great time playing with students at the Ashton School.
Read more in our blog, Local Collegiate Athletes Help Rock Recess in Rhode Island
