Kids experience a huge disruption to their reality when entering our Shelter. All of a sudden, they are leaving their homes, friends, schools, and communities to live in a big house with lots of other people. Some kids aren’t old enough to be aware of what they are going through, but we know kids are experiencing trauma too. Here at SPAN, we realized we needed to help ease that disruption.
Luckily, Calvary Bible Church came to the rescue. For over 20 years, Calvary Church has steadily supported SPAN, providing transportation to church services and organizing holiday activities. Kristen Reiner, Director of Community Outreach at Calvary Church, wanted to do more after her visit to Shelter last spring. Kristen instantly hit it off with Crisis Line and Resource Coordinator Amber Higgins, and the brainstorming began.
Kristen and Amber wanted to create something long-lasting for kids and parents. Most of the toys in our play area were hand-me-downs, damaged from years of play, or walked away with families as they moved out. “We saw that the Shelter needed a space ready for active play and a safe place for kids to be kids,” said Kristen. From there, Kristen recruited a Calvary volunteer with a background in carpentry to render a design for a new “Play Place,” which included a custom two-level playhouse and slide. “We then realized it was important for us to create an intentional ‘Teen Area,’ with homework spaces and age-appropriate activities,” explained Kristen, “We wanted a spot designated for them.” So, the project grew.
After over 640 volunteer hours and a team of over 40 volunteers, the Play Place and Teen Area officially opened on Wednesday, November 8th. “I’m so grateful for Kristen. She didn’t want just to slap some paint on the walls. She kept thinking bigger and pushing the project forward,” said Amber, “Our kids no longer have to rely on hand-me-down toys with broken bits and missing pieces but get to enjoy a beautiful play area with new, sturdy toys for all ages.”
We could not be more grateful for Calvary Church’s steadfast support, time, and energy in this project. The SPAN Shelter is more welcoming and warm than ever for families seeking safety and support. Thank you for positively impacting the lives of kids and teenagers in our community.
