Playworks

Founded: 1996

Contact: David Rothenberg, Executive Director

Address:
Playworks Headquarters
380 Washington Street
Oakland, CA 94607

Phone: Playworks
E-mail: info@playworks.org
URL: http://www.playworks.org/

Mission:
To improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

About the Organization:
Playworks, formerly known as Sports4Kids, sends full-time program coordinators to low-income urban schools, where they work with administrators and teachers to increase physical activity among kids and teach kids valuable life lessons about the benefits of cooperation, conflict resolution, and teamwork. The organization currently operates at two hundred and fifty schools in fifteen cities and engages more than a hundred thousand students every school day.

Current Programs:
Program coordinators provide organized play and physical activity to children through the five components of the Playworks program: organized games and activities during recess; individual class activity periods; a leadership development program during school hours; and afterschool tutoring and physical activity programs and developmental sports leagues. Playworks also offers various training programs and technical support to organizations and individuals — from parents to principals, camp counselors to coaches — who work with children.

Web Site:
Visitors to the Playworks site can download the organization's playbook, which includes hundreds of activities for children, or browse games and activities online. The site also features an interactive map that shows where the organization works, a blog, special areas for parents and educators, recent studies on the importance of active recess periods for kids, and information for current and prospective donors.

Funding:
Playworks receives funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals.