EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
"Change starts with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The path to extraordinary is open to anyone at any time." -Dr. Larry Brilliant
The 2016-17 fiscal year was one of growth, opportunity, trying new things, learning, and ultimately changing how we operate so that thousands more kids in Utah can experience safe and healthy play. With your support this year, we have innovated around a new service model (Junior Coach Corps), enhanced our professional development offerings and kept our eye on better data and managing outcomes. As a result, 33,000 kids in Utah experienced an enhanced school environment that got them more active, developed healthy social skills, and prepared them to thrive inside the classroom.
I am extremely proud to report that we are on track to reach our AIM of 175,000 Utah children experiencing safe and healthy play by 2020. The energy and dedication of our investors and supporters, our board, AmeriCorps members, site coordinators, and office team serve as a constant inspiration to me.Changing priorities in education that lead to enhanced outcomes starts with ordinary people engaging in the extraordinary. As we continue to grow, engage in strategic partnerships, and recognize meaningful outcomes; I look forward to continuing in the extraordinary with you.
Go Forth and Rock it!
Chris Conard, Executive Director
PROGRAM SCOPE
Playworks Utah had an incredibly successful year in bringing out the best in Utah children. Our Coach, TeamUp and Junior Coach Core programs reached 39 elementary schools along the Wasatch Front and our professional development services helped to empower 16 school communities. Our outcomes in instilling important social/emotional skills and building school communities where children thrive both inside of the classroom and out were evidenced by a dramatic reduction in discipline referrals and negative behaviors and significant increases in student engagement in school. By creating school environments where kids feel a sense of safety and belonging, we are doing our part to improve the school system and empower our amazing youth.
Who We Served
Playworks Utah provided our high‐quality early intervention programs to children in elementary schools, grades K‐6th. To be eligible for Playworks Direct Service, schools must serve populations where at least 50 % of students are eligible for free and/or reduced lunch. We deliver the TeamUp program and Training to any elementary school. In Utah eligibility for free and/or reduced lunch averages 71%. The profile of our students is 63% are Latino, five percent are African‐American, nine percent are Asian‐American, 19% are Caucasian and two percent are mixed race.
FUNDING
In the 2016‐17 fiscal year we provided Coach programming to 15 low‐income elementary schools and 16 TeamUp schools. Our largest expenditure (60%) is our school‐based coaches’ and program salaries. We invest more into labor rather than capital expenses to provide a more meaningful and impactful brand of service to our clients. In short, our people are our program, they are the rockstars who transform each school. Overall, 83% of our expenses are for the program, 7% fundraising and 10% administration.
Playworks is a proud partner of AmeriCorps since 2004. In exchange for their year of service, Corps members receive a living stipend, a $5,500 AmeriCorps Education Award (upon completion of their year of service), federal student loan forbearance and health insurance. Eighty‐three cents of every dollar goes directly to support our programs.
Revenue is generated by earned income from the school fees (40%), AmeriCorps (14%), foundation grants (39%), corporate partnerships (2%), special events (3%), individual donations (1%).
