Hi, I’m Erica, a mom of three daughters who also has the privilege of working with children and families as both a Family Therapist and Director of Community Engagement/Executive Director of The Magic House, MADE for Kids.
It is becoming more evident by the social climate of our city and those across the nation that a sense of community is at the core of emotional wellness for children and their families. What we’re finding out is that people need to feel connected to others who share common attitudes, interests, or goals. Simply connecting with someone in the Target checkout line who shares the same thoughts of “I so did not come in here for all of the things in this cart” provides a sense that we’re not alone and there is a community of other people who overspend!
Okay, maybe that’s just me, but you get the point …
Community is a sense of connection that can set the foundation for healthy childhood development that continues throughout life. It can be found everywhere; your neighborhood, church, home, community center, and certainly at places like The Magic House!
If you are from St. Louis, you know that The Magic House has been a staple of magical memories for children and their families for 43 years. It’s a place that has embodied the notion of creating a safe and fun place for kids to express themselves and learn through play. It’s a place where parents and teachers bring children to experience interactive learning that inspires all ages to become lifelong learners.
What you may not know is how much of The Magic House extends outside of the familiar 55,000 square-foot house in Kirkwood, Missouri, into schools and the community. The Magic House has had a long-term commitment to providing Access for All, an initiative that offers free admission and learning experiences to families and schools from under-resourced areas. So, with a focus on the importance of community and providing a safe space for exploration and learning to kids, in partnership with the Cortex Innovation Community and MADE STL, we opened our first permanent satellite location, MADE for Kids, in the City of St. Louis on June 7, 2019.
The Magic House, MADE for Kids is a 7,000 square-foot makerspace that features a maker’s workshop, artist studio, design lab, and entrepreneur’s marketplace where kids can use their imaginations to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover. Designed for kids ages 4-14 and their families, our guests explore Screen-Printing, Laser Cutting, Stop Motion Animation, 3D Printing, Pottery, and more.
MADE for Kids in The Community
Bringing a state-of-the-art makerspace north of Delmar was a significant move for The Magic House, and even more impactful to the children who could now experience this space a walk or few minute drive from their homes. When I was publicly welcomed to The Magic House staff, I wrote a note to the community of parents, teachers, friends, and families that we serve:
“I was born and raised in one of the most underserved communities in North St. Louis City. My upbringing birthed my passion for serving in communities I consider diamonds in the rough. My role is to serve families no matter their social economic background or zip code. Kids see themselves and the world around them through the eyes of possibilities. By creating a sense of community and opportunities to connect, play, and explore, The Magic House provides doors to the world of imagination and wonder!”
Almost a year into my role, our presence in the community has remained front and center. MADE for Kids is located at the center of economic development along Delmar Blvd, a street once known as a racial divide called Delmar Divide. We embrace and make opportunities to connect with families north and south of Delmar Blvd. We partner with local schools, churches, and youth organizations and build relationships with stakeholders and community groups.
Our Magic Mom’s group was formed to provide a forum for parents to have a voice at our table and provide us insight into what matters the most to the community in terms of social-emotional development and learning through play. We’re always looking for more parents to champion our quest to connect with youth through self-expression and learning opportunities.
As we continue to expand our concept of learning and growing through play beyond our walls, you can find us in schools, at National Night Out events, community celebrations, and parades, helping kids experience the magic of learning whether they’re visiting us at The Magic House, at MADE for Kids, or right in their community.
