About Playworks Southern California
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.
Meet Playworks Southern California
Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Southern California in 2009. Playworks Southern California serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Southern California through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.
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
Meet Our People
November 6, 2023
Glendy Ibarra ›
Glendy “Coach Coco” first came to Playworks as an AmeriCorps Coach in 2019 and served two years at Santa Ana elementary schools. As a coach, she quickly realized her love…
August 1, 2022
Jorge Fuentes ›
Jorge “Coach J” Fuentes continues his mission to empower future community leaders as a Site Coordinator. He is excited to apply his experience from three years of AmeriCorps service as…
June 8, 2022
Jon Gibbs ›
Jon, aka “Coach Redbeard,” joins Playworks bringing his passion for supporting youth development and strengthening communities through his experience as a fourth-grade teacher in New Jersey. After joining Playworks as…