About Playworks Illinois

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.

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Meet Playworks Illinois


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Illinois in 2011. Playworks Illinois serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Illinois through professional development workshops for schools and youth organizations.

Learn about our Impact

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.

Meet Our People


February 7, 2025

Averill Price ›

Averill serves as the Regional Partnership Manager for Illinois starting in 2025. Born and raised from Chicago, IL, Averill has been in youth development for 10 years in a range…

October 4, 2023

Jasmine Jordan ›

Jasmine Henri Jordan is an educator, administrator, and artist based in Chicago, IL. She studied Theatre and Humanities at Florida State University. Jasmine has taught theater and creative writing  in…

June 3, 2024

Charmee Jones ›

Charmee was born and grew up on the naval base in Bethesda, Maryland. Her family came to Chicago when she was 13. Growing up, Charmee always knew that working youth…

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions