INFOGRAPHIC: Putting Kids First Ten Years After Hurricane Katrina

In the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina, KaBOOM! built public-private partnerships and marshalled the power of volunteers to help kids recover, manage toxic stress, learn and grow, despite adversity. We stayed over the long haul and continue that commitment to this day. This is a snapshot of the 10 year impact in data form. To view the full infographic, visit: http://kaboom.org/operation_playground#impact.

By Aisha Alexander, Director of Impact Innovation, KaBOOM!

I love what I do at KaBOOM!. I have the esteemed privilege of cultivating relationships with amazing partners who are committed to increasing the quality of life for all kids through play. Our partners in Baltimore, even in the midst of current and historical adversity, exemplify precisely why and where we do what we do. Our Baltimore Playmakers incorporate play and kid-friendly community spaces as a part of their commitment to building healthy communities that raise healthy, thriving kids. In this moment, it is important to recognize the battles our partners are…

By Darell Hammond

(Animation created by Fortland Productions)

The well-being of society begins with the well-being of kids. That is why we’ve made it our bold goal at KaBOOM! to help give all kids the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive.

We know play has the power to transform kids — from sedentary to physically active, bored to mentally active, and solitary to socially active. Play can also transform communities by moving the needle on countless urban challenges. Yet America’s kids today, especially those growing up in poverty, are playing less actively…

By James Siegal, President, KaBOOM!

Last month, GOVERNING published an article that asked, “Do cities need kids?” As a dad of three living in the D.C. metropolitan area, I couldn’t believe that such a question could even be posed.

Our nation’s future is inextricably tied to the future of kids in cities. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the most recent U.S. data, 80.7 percent of Americans live in an urban area, and contrary to popular opinion, the percentage of kids in urban areas is slightly higher. …

By Darell Hammond

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his administration are part of a growing number of city leaders across the country who recognize the importance of play in creating vibrant communities. Young adults have flocked to active cities like Chicago that have created walkable and bikable communities. …