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.

Meet our Service Partners

Learn about our Impact

Read the Playworks Equity Statement

Our Core Values

core values graphic

Meet Our People


September 22, 2017

Colleen Harvey ›

Colleen Harvey has been a strong believer in the power of Playworks for nearly 10 years. In 2006, she started with Playworks Maryland as a program coordinator for one year…

Christina headshot
Christina headshot

December 9, 2021

Christina Ukachukwu ›

Christina received a Bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry and Adolescence Studies from Judson University in 2016. Over the past few years, she has worked with youth in many capacities. She…

December 15, 2021

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