Meet The Children's Playhouse
The building of The Children's Playhouse is on one of my favorite acres in Boone. On that acre congregates many individuals who make incredibly positive impacts in the community of Boone.
When I moved to Boone in 2012, I quickly looked for a spiritual base and landed upon Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, since I had been UU for years prior. There, I met Kathy Parham, who I would later find out was the Executive Director of The Children's Playhouse. The nonprofit resides in a refurbished house right beside BUUF.
These two are all smiles inside The Children's Playhouse! Photo courtesy of The Children's Playhouse
A group of local citizens in Boone who wanted an enriching play environment for young children founded The Children's Playhouse in 2002.
Part of the goal was to provide parents and caregivers friendly support in the important job of raising children.
Fourteen years later in 2016, The Children's Playhouse is still serving the children, parents, and caregivers of Watauga County (as well as visitors). Kathy Parham, Executive Director and founding board member, runs the Playhouse with the help of volunteers and a small staff. Inside the two-story house, there are multiple rooms filled with various engaging and educational games and activities.
Children enjoy painting, building, climbing, exploring, and creating, while parents and caregivers relax or join in on the fun!
The Children's Playhouse offers support to parents and caregivers by offering classes and providing resources covering all topics related to raising children. Over 25% of memberships are given away to low-income families and agencies serving children with special need. Reduced membership rates are offered to those who qualify.
Kathy is currently allowing me to shadow her for a fund raising course that I'm taking, as well as manage social media for a social media course. In April, The Children's Playhouse will be having its annual Buildfest event, so both projects will focused heavily on it since it requires both fundraising and social media. To learn more about The Children's Playhouse, you can visit their website, Facebook, Twitter, and (soon!) Instagram.
Best, Colette