THE PLAYGROUNDgr

05/07/2026

At THE PLAYGROUNDgr we believe in the power of bibliotherapy, a match between books and play therapy to bridge healing.

As we navigate death, we often lean on books to create support, and to normalize language around feelings and experiences.

Here are our top GRIEF JOURNEY children's books.

Looking to add these to your emotional health library? We are here to help! Email us at jacqueline@theplaygroundgr.org

05/07/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr stands with our community as we honor two neighbors, a teen and a Mother.

THE PLAYGROUNDgr provides free community violence and traumatic grief base supports and workshops, all through a Play Therapy lens.

We continue to stand in solidarity with families, students and neighbors impacted. Often, caregivers, teachers and neighbors share uncertainty around the words to share following a tragic and violent death. This article is an incredible outline of ways to stand alongside our community as we grieve.

https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/resources/ways-to-help/help-children-cope-with-gun-violence-tragedy/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARpaFBjbGNrBGloSmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHpaqk9mbYeTQm6NwFZj3HkZlKJw4_5T2mdS_AsznOfsMh7B_59F_c4KrYBsi_aem_o18ceBICg4bKYddN8ibQWw

Get resources from experts on how to support children after a gun violence tragedy and how to process your own feelings.

05/07/2026

Foster Care Awareness Month is May, but at THE PLAYGROUNDgr we work very hard to SHOW UP all year round! Looking to invest in programing that directly impacts youth impacted by Foster Care in our community today ?

A gift of $8.59 covers the cost of ONE "Maybe Days Book" in support of our Bibliotherapy programming. Would you like to sponsor a book today?

Here is how ⏬️

Link:https://theplaygroundgr.org/invest-in-our-programming

05/06/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr is thrilled for this weekends up and coming free experience. ⏬️

05/06/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to Wellspring Lutheran Services for saying YES to PLAY!

This amazing organization and team supported the work and mission of Healing Trauma through Play on May 2 through staffing our 8 hour workshop AND the donation of an amazing play basket for our end of day Family Door Prize.

Thank you for being an incredible Community Partner.

05/06/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to Samaritas for saying YES to PLAY!

Samaritas continues to SHOW UP bringing staffing for our entire workshop to support families impacted by foster care and gifting a play basket for families during our closing Door prize.

Thank you Samaritas for being an incredible Community Partner.

05/06/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to D.A. Blodgett - St. John's for saying YES to PLAY!

Not only did world changer Lindsay Nelson and her team host Healing Trauma through Play for Foster Care Professionals in May 1, they also supported our Foster Care Family programming on May 2 through staffing support and an incredible door prize of Puzzles and a Puzzle Board!

Thank you DA Blodgett St John's for being an incredible Community Partner. ❤️

05/05/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to Mayflower Congregational Church for saying YES to PLAY!

Thank you Mayflower Congregational Church for being our 2025 and 2026 Healing Trauma through Play Sponsor!

05/05/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids for saying YES to PLAY!

Not only did world changer Tara Reagan and her team provide a safe and welcoming venue, they also provided an incredible coffee station, snack station AND a generous ONE YEAR Family Membership for one lucky family. Wow!

Thank you YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids for being an incredible Community Partner.

05/05/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to FOOD HUGS for saying YES to PLAY!

Not only did world changer Chef Jenna Arcidiacono and her team cater an amazing lunch, they brought love and support the entire time!

Thank you Food Hugs for being an incredible Community Partner.

05/05/2026

THE PLAYGROUNDgr continues to be grateful to share Healing Trauma through Play with families touched by foster care.

Special appreciation to Wedgwood Christian Services for saying YES to PLAY!

Not only did world changer Brooke Jevicks and her team cater an amazing breakfast to start our day, they also gifted one personalized corn hole set for one lucky family to win!

Thank you Wedgwood Christian Services for being an incredible Community Partner.