Bernheim’s Children at Play Network (CAPN) recently received a $25,000 grant from the Lift a Life Foundation to expand its Seeds for Urban Play project, extending the benefits of outdoor free play to more children in Louisville’s urban neighborhoods.
CAPN is partnering with Play Cousins Collective (PCC), a non-profit providing family engagement, children’s programming and community resources to empower African-American families to improve outcomes for young children. The two organizations will provide free play opportunities in urban communities that are culturally relevant and accessible.
“We are excited to be partnering with Bernheim Forest and the Children at Play Network to create healing and liberating spaces for children at play,” said PCC Executive Director Kristen Williams.
The grant will provide play training for preschool teachers and PCC facilitators, free play days at Bernheim and in urban neighborhoods, shareable nature play kits, online resources and an urban play conference in the fall of 2019.
“We have so much to learn from the Play Cousins team that will help us as we make sure nature play is available to all our children. That is important work nationally, not just here in our local communities” said Claude Stephens Director of Bernheim’s Children at Play Network
Seeds for Urban Play was launched last year with support from the Brown-Forman Corporation. CAPN partnered with New Directions Housing Corporation and ChooseWell Communities to provide play training and free play days at four community learning centers in Louisville neighborhoods.
The Lift a Life Foundation, funded by David and Wendy Novak, provides charitable grants and scholarships to people in need.