The beginnings of South Shore Digital Wellness (SSDW) trace back to a community event focused on mental health and digital wellness. Katie and Rachel, both parents and passionate advocates for children’s well-being, attended the event hoping to learn more about how technology was shaping kids’ lives at home and in school — what they heard moved them to action.

Rachel, a lifelong champion of play, felt a renewed urgency to bring more unstructured play into her child’s school community. Katie, a young mother with two children soon entering elementary school, felt a deep responsibility to ensure that the school they would attend embraced healthy digital practices and prioritized balance.Their shared concerns led to the first gathering where Ngoc, along with several other parents, joined in conversation. Around the table, concerns poured out — rising mental-health challenges, diminishing opportunities for play, and the need for healthier relationships with technology. Interest grew quickly, as did a collective sense that something meaningful had to be done.

Then one day, Katie sent a simple but game-changing message to Ngoc and Rachel: “We need at least three people to form a non-profit. Are you interested?” With that spark, SSDW was born.

What began as a few concerned parents attending a local talk has grown into a grassroots organization dedicated to community well-being across multiple towns on the Massachusetts South Shore.

Rachel has taken lead as the Director of Play and Lead Playmaker. We want to celebrate the success of her partnership with Scituate Rec which provides a streamlined option right after school to unstructured play to more kids in Scituate. Also, we want to celebrate her highly attended free open community Friday play meet ups. She often arrives early to leave the loose parts set up as an invitation to play when the kids arrive and always brings munchkins or popsicles. We appreciate any financial donation that allows Rachel to refresh play materials. She really gets to know cohort of kids and interests then selects materials around their interests. Also, we welcome any donation or sponsor for popsicles or munchkins purchases. It takes a village.

Spring into Summer Fundraiser Series: Let's Play Together

Join SSDW for an afternoon of open-ended play that nurtures curiosity in kids and offers parents space to connect.