We have been talking about this for years but just last week we actually launched a major expansion to the Child’s Play program. Over the last year, it's been in a pilot form but as of Friday, Child’s Play is now in a position to support domestic violence shelters as well as Children’s Hospitals. Jamie has been working on this program for a while now and so I’m just going to share with you here the post she made over on the Child’s Play site:
Child’s Play is pleased to announced the launch of our Domestic Violence program. The DV program was created to assist children in domestic violence shelters and advocacy centers through video games and the power of interactive play. These resources can be powerful tools in engaging and entertaining children who have experienced trauma, creating and reinforcing social bonds, and empowering children in a difficult time. As with each of Child’s Play’s endeavors, the DV program is supported by the charitable generosity of the video game industry and its community.
It’s crucial for our program to provide games that will be entertaining and relevant for the kids, but that will also be appropriate for both their age and the sensitive nature of their circumstances. Each game has been reviewed for suitability with the unique needs and desires of domestic violence facilities kept in mind. Feedback is both welcome and encouraged.
The Domestic Violence Program will open annually for applications each spring, which will stay open for approximately two months. After applications close, accepted facilities will be notified, and we will prepare a shipment of game carts, televisions, and games to be delivered in time for the holiday season. Once accepted into the program, facilities will receive annual game support to supplement the original donation.
Applications are open now until until July 30, 2014: Domestic Violence Program Application Please feel free to share this form with the shelter or advocacy center in your area. If you have any questions, please email foundation@childsplaycharity.org.
I can’t imagine how scary it must be for the kids in these shelters. When I think about what they must go through it just makes me want to hug my boys. As a husband and a father I think that supporting these shelters and the families in them is incredibly important. I’m so proud to have them be a part of the Child’s Play program now.
I have constantly been amazed year after year by the generosity of the gaming community. It’s not uncommon for people to come up to Tycho and I and thank us for Child’s Play. We always explain that all we did is recognize the desire of the community to good and give them a place to direct that energy. It’s all of you that make Child’s Play a success year after year.
-Gabe Out
