Building Community Through Play: A Partnership That’s Growing More than Fun

This summer, ICCF Community Homes proudly continued our partnership with The PLAYGROUNDgr, a local nonprofit committed to making play accessible, healing, and inclusive for all. The PLAYGROUNDgr provides free and reduced-cost play-based workshops, therapy, and training — recognizing play as a powerful tool for supporting emotional health, mental wellness, trauma, grief, and attachment.

Together, we launched weekly play therapy sessions at Stockbridge Apartments that quickly became a highlight for residents of all ages. From mud art, rock stacking, and sensory activities, each week brought new ways to connect, heal, and grow. These experiences didn’t just spark creativity and joy—they fostered community.

As the workshop series continued, a group of residents began meeting weekly to plan meals, cook for their neighbors, and help set up and clean up after events. These simple acts of care transformed Tuesday nights into something truly special: a space of belonging and community connection. Over 40 residents regularly joined in, and the energy in the building was unmistakable.

“My favorite thing about partnering with The PLAYGROUNDgr this year was the fact that each week felt like a celebration as well as a chance to bring the building together,” shared David Keller, ICCF’s Building Site Manager & Community Connector for the Stockbridge Apartments. “It truly felt like the community at Stockbridge was growing and becoming more and more of a family.”

We’re deeply grateful to The PLAYGROUNDgr for their vision and commitment to healing through play. With every laugh, every shared meal, and every moment of connection, we see what’s possible when people come together with play at the heart of it all!