Meet Jerry Sherman: Playworks SF’s newest Board Member

  1. Updates

“In 2004, my oldest son, Peter, was diagnosed with autism. Over the years, seeing Peter grow and attend school, my wife and I realized that many of Peter’s biggest challenges would not come in the structured environment of the classroom, but in the unstructured environment of the playground.

So when I first heard about Playworks, I was immediately interested.  Playworks’ focus on using safe, fun and inclusive play to facilitate learning and social development mirror what we have found with Peter—specifically, if Peter has a good day on the playground, he is almost certain to have a good day in the classroom and at home.  The best part is that the same rules seem to apply to all kids, regardless of ability—a good day of play for a child makes for a good day, period.

Playworks appeals to me because I believe that the potential for the organization to positively enhance the lives of all kids through play is almost limitless, and I am eager to do my part to contribute to and promote such a worthwhile cause.”

Jerry Sherman
December 2010

More Updates


January 12, 2023

Golden State Warriors Community Foundation & Salesforce partner with Playworks ›

We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Warriors Community Foundation and Salesforce during the 2022-2023 school year. With their support, Playworks Northern California has delivered safe and healthy play to over 41,200 elementary school children of promise this year! Check out this inspiring video showcasing our work together:      

A boy and girl holding basketballs on a playground.
A boy and girl holding basketballs on a playground.

November 16, 2022

2021-22 Annual Report ›

We are excited to share with you a look back at everything we accomplished in the 2021-2022 program year. It was a year focused on rebuilding after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to share that we served 41,200 students in the Northern California Region.  We are thankful for your continued…

three people with Playworks shirts
three people with Playworks shirts

July 28, 2022

A year of social and emotional learning ›

“You can’t do SEL, trauma, or equity work without each other,” Jennette Claassen, Head of Evaluation, Playworks. As Playworks continued to progress on our equity journey, we explored a critical question: what are the intersections between play, social and emotional learning, physical activity, and trauma? A working group focused on this question decided, among other…