The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (“MolinaCares”) in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Michigan (“Molina”), presented a $25,000 grant to Playworks Michigan, a nonprofit that uses physical activity to help children build social and emotional skills. The donation will fund Playworks TeamUp+ programming for students at Davison Elementary-Middle School.

The MolinaCares grant will support a full-time Playworks Michigan coach that will develop programming for recess, classroom learning, youth leadership programs, and after-school sport leagues. Playworks coaches create a safe recess space by establishing specific stations on the playground for games, teaching students skills, and modelling safe play. Coaches manage the transitions from class time to play time by guiding students through regulation techniques like deep breathing at the end of recess to ensure students are ready to re-enter the classroom. They also help children who may spend time on the sidelines because of physical limitations, bullying, or other factors, and inviting them into games.

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report showed at least 50% of K-5 students in Detroit show signs of needing mental health support. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that play helps children develop a variety of skills, including problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

“Building social and emotional skills at a young age is crucial to the development of children, and Playworks Michigan’s programming has proven success of laying that foundation,” said Terrisca Des Jardins, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Michigan. “Molina continues to invest in the holistic approach to wellness in Michigan by supporting organizations committed to meeting the needs of the community.”

Playworks coaches also lead sports leagues throughout the year. Children are encouraged to participate regardless of experience, skill, or athletic ability, for the purpose of learning the game and having fun. These leagues culminate in Playworks Jamborees, where Davison students will have the opportunity to play opposing teams from other schools in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere.

“We are grateful for the MolinaCares grant supporting Playworks bringing our programming to the students of Davison Elementary-Middle School,” said Judy Tipton, executive director for Playworks Michigan. “We are pleased to grow our partnership with Molina as we work together with our schools to build a strong future for Detroit.”

Molina will also donate more than a hundred pieces of recess equipment including jump ropes, frisbees, hula hoops, soccer and dodge balls, and more.

This is the most recent collaboration between Molina and Playworks Michigan. A MolinaCares grant also supported implementation of TeamUp+ at the Academy of the Americas in Detroit.

Learn more about the community-based organizations supported by MolinaCares here.

About The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation:

The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.

About Molina Healthcare of Michigan

Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Michigan. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Michigan, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

About Playworks Michigan:

Playworks was founded in 1996 and, for over 25 years, has provided kids with foundational skills for success on the playground, in the classroom, and in the community. Playworks’ Michigan office launched in 2010 and has impacted more than 140,000 children across the state during its tenure. Playworks is the leading organization, nationally and locally, that leverages play to promote healthy behaviors and increase social and emotional learning at recess and throughout the school day. Playworks has demonstrated the transformative power of play for developing important life skills, creating positive school environments, and increasing children’s engagement in school. By creating opportunities for kids to experience joy, teamwork, and a sense of belonging in their school community, Playworks is instilling in students the importance of friendship, respect, collaboration, and inclusion, all of which are critical for success at school and in life.

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