2025 Playhouse Renovation: Building Community & Our Future

A Year That Changed Everything

What started as a dream for a bigger, more accessible home became a journey of perseverance and community power. In August 2024, we packed up our Playhouse and moved everything into storage, excited for a big move into our new space. After renovations, we expected to finish and move in by winter or spring of 2025. But life had other plans. Unexpected delays meant we didn’t get our permit until July 2025!

Still, we didn’t let that stop us. Thanks to incredible community partners who opened their doors to host our programs, we kept going strong—delivering more than 2,200 participant hours throughout the year. And our volunteers continued to show up—logging more than 2,300 volunteer hours leading programs, tutoring, helping at events, and lending a hand in renovations. It wasn’t the journey we imagined, but it was one filled with resilience, creativity, and support.

Why We Renovated: Expanding Programs & Accessibility

When we opened our Playhouse in August 2015, it was perfect for the families we served. But after 10 years of growth, we were bursting at the seams. Programs expanded, families increased, and space became scarce.

We also dreamed of a fully accessible home—one without stairs—so everyone could participate with ease. After more than a year of searching, we finally found a space that checked all the boxes in Spring 2024.

Playhouse Renovation Progress: From Vision to Reality

July 2025 marked a turning point—we finally got our permit, and the transformation began. Walls came down, carpets and fixtures were removed, and then the real building started.

Today, that vision has become reality:

• Three dedicated learning labs
• A space for young adult programs
• A fully equipped kitchen with laundry area
• An office big enough for two desks (no more squeezing!)
• A cozy family room for parents and siblings
• A large open space with a stage—because of course!

The journey wasn’t without challenges, but we persevered. And we are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, volunteers, and staff who made this possible.

Community Power: A Build Fueled by Belief

This renovation wasn’t just a construction project—it was a collective effort powered by belief. When we put out the call for help, our community showed up in incredible ways.

From donating kitchen appliances, cabinets, speakers, and bathroom fixtures to giving gift cards or rolling up sleeves at one of our many paint parties—you answered every need. Every appliance, every brushstroke, every hour of volunteer time brought us closer to creating a space where families can thrive.

This build happened because people believed in what we’re creating. It was about belief in our mission and commitment to making our growth real.

The Big Ask: Believe in Our Build

Our new Playhouse is more than a building—it’s a promise to families and a vision for the future. Creating a safe, accessible, and empowering space requires a significant investment, and we’re still working to reach our goal.

As we look to the new year, we are about to begin Phase 3 – Sustainability and Programming of our Believe in Our Build campaign. This phase fuels the programs, staff, and resources that bring our mission to life—day after day, year after year, and decade after decade.

The build-out and renovations of our new Playhouse have required a significant financial investment, placing a real strain on our operating funds. We urgently need your support to:

• Sustain daily operations
• Cover essential program and staffing costs
• Complete our reopening and welcome families back into our Playhouse
• Continue growing the programs our participants rely on

Your year-end gift right now is critical. It helps bridge the gap between the cost of creating our new space and the ongoing resources needed to keep our doors open and our programs thriving.

We are so close—close to reopening, close to welcoming families home, and close to beginning an exciting new chapter. But we cannot do it without you.

Join us. Believe in our Build. Help us open the doors to what’s possible.