About Playworks Southern California

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 Southern California


Founded in 1996, Playworks expanded to Southern California in 2009. Playworks Southern California serves low-income schools through our year-round, on-site support services. We’re also reaching thousands more students across Southern California 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

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Meet Our People


Headshot of Jon Gibbs
Headshot of Jon Gibbs

June 8, 2022

Jon Gibbs ›

Jon, aka “Coach Redbeard,” joins Playworks bringing his passion for supporting youth development and strengthening communities through his experience as a fourth-grade teacher in New Jersey. After joining Playworks as…

July 2, 2019

Sarah Clark ›

Sarah Clark has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 20 years and managed campaigns to raise millions of dollars, primarily for social justice organizations. Her experience includes raising…

Evelyn B
Evelyn B

June 8, 2022

Evelyn Barraza ›

Evelyn “Coach B” Barraza is entering her seventh year with Playworks Southern California in her new role as Regional Partnerships Manager. Evelyn began her Playworks journey in 2015 as an…

Join the Team


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

Open positions