Boston, MA (Oct. 12, 2020) – Playworks is happy to announce one of our very own volunteers, Kim Carrington at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, has been selected as the New England Patriots Difference Maker of the Week! Throughout the season, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation celebrate volunteers that work tirelessly to support children and families in need throughout the New England region, while also encouraging Patriots fans to get involved in their communities.
Kim has been a dedicated member of the Playworks community for the past several years and we are so proud of her for receiving this recognition. Kim started volunteering as an assistant coach during recess at one of our partner schools and for the past 8 years has attended multiple Play Days. As a volunteer at a Play Day, Kim has always been responsive, and engaged with all of our students. Kim’s priority when she interacts with our children is that they are active and included so every child has access to play everyday.
Kim’s volunteer capacity extends past recess – she also mentors a cohort of 4th and 5th graders, teaching them critical skills like empathy, communication and teamwork. During these mentorship opportunities, Kim is responsible for leading the children through activities that provide them with core skills needed to be their best selves. She walks them through the task with grace and understanding in a way that only a dedicated volunteer would commit to for these students.
From her dedication during Junior Coach training to her skills as a mentor, Kim continues to exude the mission of Playworks. Kim’s mentorship of Junior Coaches has been integral to the success of the youth leadership program. Kim has been able to serve as a positive, adult role model and mentor to 30 fourth and five grade students during the past six school years. She has continued to build lasting relationships with students as they phase out of the Playworks programming and has continued to be a supportive adult in the lives of our most vulnerable population.
The students Kim serves are from low income areas across Boston – Kim continuously works to make sure they have access to tools that will make them better students. Her encouragement for these Junior Coaches to be the best they can be has enabled them to transform into amazing youth leaders. The mentorship of Junior Coaches has enabled the youth leaders to help their fellow classmates and young students at the school remain physically active and quickly resolve conflict at recess. These Junior Coaches take the skills that Kim has helped teach them and use them to facilitate games and resolve conflicts for their peers throughout the school day. Each session the students recognize and look up to Kim for her straight candidness, welcoming demeanor, and wonderful teaching skills.
Playworks is incredibly grateful for volunteers like Kim and we are so thrilled to be able to recognize her for this momentous honor.
