PlayStreets Builds Community as Early Childhood Education Center

by Peg Griffiths, Mary Crane Center Board Director

The summer is an ideal time to build a community with families, their children, and our neighborhoods. And this is precisely what Mary Crane Center (MCC) does every summer by hosting “PlayStreets,” our annual block party in each of the communities we serve.

On July 12th and July 26th, MCC’s PlayStreets was enjoyed by many guests. Over 100 kids, parents, and neighbors came out to enjoy a beautiful day of music, art, dancing, food, and getting to know each other. The children had boundless energy, as always, and got to run, play and enjoy face‐painting with volunteer artists!

For the past five years, MCC has received grants to fund PlayStreets from our partner Gads Hill. We are so grateful and feel so fortunate that our families, staff, board members and neighbors have the opportunity to enjoy these events that truly bring out the essence of kindness, fun, and community building for which Chicago is known! This year, MCC has already hosted PlayStreets in Rogers Park, Austin, West Garfield Park, and for our Home Base program.

MCC serves nearly 600 children per year at our four learning centers, through our extensive Home Base program and also in six partnership locations, including within the Archdiocese of Chicago and private daycares. We are a proud Head Start and Early Head start provider and are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.