April Newsball 2018
Playing Catch-Up with the Life is Good Playmakers
The once silent epidemic of childhood trauma is silent no longer. Thanks to conclusive research, mainstream reporting, and the tireless work of many, national conversations surrounding toxic stress have become more prevalent than ever before. This increase in awareness has led to more and more child-focused social service organizations becoming “trauma informed.”
Now this is something to be optimistic about (like we need a reason)! However, it’s important that we recognize that being “trauma informed” is not the same as being “love informed” and “joy informed.” Being trauma informed helps us better understand the problem; being joy and love informed helps us more effectively treat it.
Trauma remains difficult to treat. It’s complicated, delicate, and its impact is widespread, affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive health. It can quite literarily reshape our brains and prevent us from experiencing the true joy of being alive. In fact, high exposure to trauma in childhood can shorten life expectancy by as much as 20 years.
No child deserves that.
That’s why The Life is Good Playmakers continue to follow the science that tells us that joyful, loving relationships are the most important aspect of treating and healing childhood trauma. Each year, we help more than 10,000 childcare professionals in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, and after-school programs build life-changing relationships with the children in their care.
There is truly an art, soul, and science to effectively caring for deeply wounded children. We so appreciate your support in helping our Playmakers do just that.
Love & Peace,
Steve Gross, MSW
Chief Playmaker, Life is Good Playmakers
GOOD PROGRESS
Our Work in the Field
Texas Children's Hospital
This month, we launched the second phase of work with our Deep Impact Partners at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. More than 50 frontline care providers (including nurses, childlife specialists, social workers, and executives) attended our two-day retreat on creating optimal environments for kids to heal, grow, and thrive. The role of both personal and professional development was explored as part of building physical, cognitive, and social-emotional health. Following the retreat, participants gained access to our dynamic online Resource Hub, a private peer-to-peer learning community, and on-going individualized coaching. Our partnership at Texas Children’s is supported in part by the Garth Brooks Teammates for Playmakers.
Cook Children's
We moved into phase three of our Deep Impact Partnership with Cook Children’s in Ft. Worth, TX. Through this customized one-day workshop (what we call a 303), 25 dedicated staff members from Cook Children’s were tasked with developing an action plan to improve their culture with The LiGP. The goal was to sustain optimism at all levels of the hospital by applying The LiGP’s signature Playmaker approach to activities, interactions, and greater organizational environment.
Association for Early Learning Leaders
At the Association for Early Learning Leaders’ annual conference, more than 600 directors, owners, and emerging leaders gathered in Orlando to share best practices and discover new approaches in child care. LiGP Chief Playmaker, Steve Gross, inspired the attendees with a closing keynote on the power of optimism, creating optimal environments for learning and engagement, and building life-changing relationships to help kids heal.
More on the Annual Conference for the Association for Early Learning Leaders.
GOOD GROWTH
Our Work to Raise Support
Boston Marathon
For the third year in a row, The Life is Good Playmakers were represented at the Boston Marathon. We are so grateful to fellow optimist and LiGP supporter, Dan Black, for raising more than $10,000 for our cause through his running of the 2018 Boston Marathon. In addition to the funds raised by Dan himself, Boston Software also offered a matching grant of $5,000 to encourage supporters to help us reach the finish line.
Play Fore Playmakers
For the sixth year in a row this July, more than 120 athletes, optimists, and good-doers will tee off at Sterling National Country Club to help kids heal. The LiGP are deeply grateful to David Fisher and James Monroe Wire & Cable for renewing their title sponsorship of $10,000 to host our annual Play Fore Playmakers Charity Golf Tournament. Limited foursomes and sponsorships are still available.
Cart With a Heart
Each month, nearly 1,000 Life is Good online shoppers add a tax-deductible contribution to The LiGP through their virtual shopping cart. These additional donations of $5, $10, and even $100 make up more than $70,000 of annual support for The LiGP. The next time you shop Life is Good online, please consider adding a dollar to two to help kids heal from early childhood trauma. Thanks in advance!
GOOD PEOPLE
Our Playmakers
Sara Barnett knows that no one wants to be in the hospital. No child. No teenager. No grown-up. No one. And it’s that knowing that drives Sara to care for those who find themselves where they never wanted to be.
GOT NEWS?
If you have news about a program, fundraiser, or event in support of The LiGP, let us know. We love hearing from you!
