Last week, we completed Phase 1 of a three-part project to improve our children’s programming consists of equipping our shelter facility with an inclusive, multi-sensory play set. The process was delayed a day or two because of rain, but on the first clear day, squeals and laughter could be heard FOR MILES! We are so grateful for the opportunity to provide children at our shelter facility with an inclusive playground that is exciting and challenging for everyone. Our village is full of wonderful people.
The playground includes three stations. The first station is a fully incorporated play set with slides, ladders, and steps. The second station is a “Ten Spin,” a spinning station for individual or group play. Finally, the plan includes a swinging station. The playground will also have a music area with congas and a cabasas.
Our Outdoor Playground and Play Area Project will significantly increase the impact we can have on children who have experienced trauma. The other two phases of the plan consist of an outdoor shelter to hold activities protected from the sun and other elements as well as enclosing an open area between the two shelter buildings to create additional indoor space specifically for children's’ programming when the weather does not allow for them to be outside as well as extra office space and storage.
Local grantmakers have helped to make this project a reality. These include, but are not limited to, River Counties Community Foundation, Kilmarnock; Grace Episcopal Church, Kilmarnock; Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Weems; and the Wiley Foundation, Irvington.
As the sole provider of sexual assault and domestic violence shelter and community-based advocacy services in the Northern Neck and Essex County, The Haven relies on community support in order to serve the growing need for free, vital services offered to individuals who have experienced sexual and domestic violence in our community. For more information visit havenshelter.org or call 804-333-1099.