Nicole Allemann and Brianne Zwiener noticed an unmet need in their community. In Jefferson County, where the sisters were born and raised, both a lack of nearby childcare providers and financial circumstances make it challenging for some families in the area to afford care.
“Due to our professions as a former social worker and former foster care manager, we were working with groups of folks and we saw this need,” says Zwiener. “We recognized the need for family support and wanted to find a way to meet that need.”
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So they created Back to Play, a playroom for children and a family support network in Jefferson County. In addition to providing a place for children to play, the center provides access to critical services, such as counseling, parenting skills classes, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more for families who may otherwise have difficulty accessing these services.
The location, at 200 S. Main Street in DeSoto, opened April 22, though the sisters launched the concept a year ago, working hard to secure nonprofit status and acquire supplies for the playroom.
Today, the indoor playroom spans more than 3,000 square feet and welcomes children of all ages, from 6 months old to up to 12 years old. An area for sensory play includes a water table and sand table, and there are sensory swings onsite. The large, open room is filled with different types of toys and features, from a climbing fort and other fun items that encourage dramatic play, such as costumes. “We currently have a space theme, so we have cloud dough and little astronaut costumes,” says Zwiener, noting that they switch out themes every two to three weeks. “We try to have a variety of activities, including things for older children, like a gaming area and a homework area for teens.”
Back to Play also serves as a hub for homeschoolers and welcomes homeschooled children looking to explore different types of play. “We have a homeschool hub that meets here,” says Zwiener. The family support center helps families who may not otherwise receive certain types of care, such as therapy, counseling, and more.
One aim of Back to Play is to have parents come to the playroom and meet other parents. “We want to have parents come and find community here,” she says. There’s also a postpartum support group, with a counselor who facilitates the postpartum support group and sits on the board. The center also has a music therapist with Positive Note Music Therapy who hosts group music therapy sessions for children.
Back to Play is open from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.–2 pm. Saturday.
