a bright space to play!

It didn't take long for kids to jump around on the new padded floors, take the tricycles for a spin, and gather around new games and toys with their friends in the newly refreshed Kids Club at our family shelter in Burien. The space recently got a makeover thanks to Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and its signature program, Bright Spaces. Mary's Place is one of 300 Bright Spaces created by the foundation and the first of 25 spaces to be refreshed this year to celebrate the 25th year of the foundation! We officially opened the space at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mary's Place and Bright Horizon representatives and some excited kids on June 21st.

Mary's Place CEO Dominique Alex reflected on the importance of play in creating normalcy for children experiencing homelessness. "We're so grateful to the Bright Horizons Foundation for this makeover of this critical space for our kids to explore, learn, have fun, and just be kids!" said Dominique. "More than half of our guests in shelter are children under 18. We know how important it is to minimize the trauma of homelessness on these kids to disrupt the cycle of generational homelessness and allow them to thrive. These Bright Spaces are truly life-changing for children."

The success of the new Kids Club is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Bright Spaces and the Mary's Place Youth Services team. Together, they ensured that both kids and teens have a place that is inviting and fun, and provides a supportive environment.

"Our goal with Bright Spaces is to give children the opportunities they deserve to develop resilience and form stronger bonds with their families and other caring adults. We strive to promote healing, offer nurturing and stimulating activities, and provide a stable, enriching environment for each child who walks through the door," stated Yvonne Lynch, President of The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children.