Decades of research tie strong, loving relationships to better outcomes for kids across their lifespan. And the earlier, the better. But we know it’s not easy to build these vital relationships, especially with children who struggle to connect. And we know that despite their essential role working with children at the most critical time in their development, early childhood professionals are chronically undervalued, under-resourced, and overstretched. That's where we come in.

Steve Gross is a clinical social worker and the Founder of The Playmaker Project. For over 30 years, he has pioneered innovative, play-based, trauma interventions for communities around the world. Steveʼs work is rooted in his belief that play is the universal language of children and that adults must speak it fluently in order to help them heal, grow, and thrive. His unique approach has been instrumental for communities around the world facing large-scale trauma events. Steveʼs work has been celebrated by international trauma experts and was featured as an example of how play can be used in therapy in the longtime #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score.

The Life is Good Company is our founding partner and continues to be a significant investor in our work. Life is Good contributes more than 10% of annual net profits to the Playmaker Project and creates opportunities for its customers, partners and vendors to help power the movement.

With the launch of Playmaker University online, our ambition to serve - and the demand for our services - has grown, and we are thrilled to invite additional philanthropy partners to the table to help scale this important work.