Talle Shackelford has always loved children. But it was through her work at Everett Community College’s Early Learning Center that she realized children’s activities are cost-prohibitive for many families. At the Early Learning Center, Talle also talked with moms and dads who were struggling with parenthood. They craved friends who understood the challenges of parenthood and could relate to what they were going through.
Despite not being a parent herself, after encouragement from family and friends Talle founded Play and Connect to help fill this void.
Play and Connect is a free, safe space for Everett, Washington-area families to connect with each other. Every other Saturday, Talle and her team of volunteers host parents and their kids for guided play, crafts, and other fun activities. The idea is for parents and their kids to get out of the house and bond together over playtime.
Talle also hopes Play and Connect provides a welcoming setting for moms and dads to get to know other parents in the community. She believes it takes a village to raise a child, and that children have a better chance of living a healthy life if they’re part of a strong community. We couldn’t agree more.
Talle embodies the heart of the McClain Insurance Community Champion Award, and we feel so honored to award her a $100 micro-grant to purchase play mats for Play and Connect. This will make playtime more safe and enjoyable for all the families Play and Connect serves.
Thank you, Talle, for making a difference in the lives of parents and children in our community! You’re an inspiration to our team.
Play and Connect is held the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at 2531 Hoyt Ave, near downtown Everett. For more information, click here to email Talle.
We also owe a special thank you to longtime McClain Insurance client Clint Kelly for nominating Talle. If you know a Community Champion who deserves recognition, please nominate him or her using the form below.
This year, we’re honored to recognize McClain Community Champions: regular folks doing small projects that benefit others. Each Community Champion receives a micro-grant, commemorative award handmade by Issaquah-based Trophies2Go, and publicity in our monthly newsletter.
Do you know a Community Champion who deserves recognition? Please nominate him or her using the form below!