Dear John,



Every kid deserves to play. At Playworks, we’re committed to being there for them, no matter what is happening in the world.

The pace of change that we're all absorbing right now is so fast, and the kids are feeling it. In schools and after school programs across the country, they're talking about what's happening around them - trying to make sense of it all. Some are watching the adults in their lives navigate uncertainty with resilience, while others are searching for stability in a world that can feel unpredictable.

One of the best ways kids practice resilience is through play. They fall down and get back up (literally) and they get out and then jump back into games. Play helps kids develop the skills to become adults who can navigate a changing, fast-paced world. Playworks is playing alongside kids across the country today, as we have been for nearly 30 years.

In the midst of that, we are continuing to monitor the executive orders, federal funding impacting schools, and signals by the Department of Education to understand what this means for schools, education funding streams, and nonprofits like ours. If AmeriCorps or the Department of Education are eliminated, it could have significant implications for Playworks, the work we do, and the kids we reach every day.

Above everything else, kids are craving joy and normalcy, and we want to always be present on the playgrounds in our communities to make that happen. It might sound simple, but playing with something like a basketball can make a huge difference. The rhythm of bouncing a ball can help regulate emotions, passing a ball to a friend can create a moment of connection, and successfully scoring a basket can provide a boost of self-confidence. A simple game of basketball isn’t just a game, it’s a moment of relief, of fun, of being a kid.

Thanks for believing in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid, right now and into the future. I’m thankful to have you in our community. We’re in this together.




Sincerely,
Elizabeth Cushing
CEO, Playworks


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