Update from the Executive Director

Dear Playworks Northern California Community,

It is with great pride and gratitude that I invite you to celebrate with us the impact of Playworks Northern California’s 2023-2024 program year.

In a world where children face unprecedented challenges, the joy and development derived from play continue to be essential. This year, we reached over 69,000 children across Northern California, providing them with opportunities to build social skills, foster teamwork, and develop leadership qualities through play.

Throughout the year, I collected countless stories of our impact in school and out-of-school time spaces. I’ll share just one below, funny enough it’s from the very first day of programming. I think it speaks to the power of play: If Coach Nick was able to accomplish this in one day, imagine the cumulative impact he had at this school after a whole year.

“Positive review on day one, from me! I saw Coach [Nick] helping students learn how to problem solve and play fairly. Students waving him down in the halls, eager to please at morning recess. And at the dinner table this evening, [my son] shared that he was invited to play soccer today with ‘new kids’ and ‘it was the funnest recess I’ve ever had.’ [He] has always struggled to join other children in free play like recess, but today it was facilitated, healthy, and he says he can’t wait for recess tomorrow! This coach is a positivity magnet. Celebrating this as both a parent and as a teacher. Thanks so much for bringing this in!”

Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of children and creating a brighter, more playful future.

With gratitude,
Laura