An important note from co-founder and Executive Director Adam Davis:
Friends,
I have some important news to share.
After much reflection, conversation, and care, we’ve made the decision to wind down Game to Grow and sunset our operations as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit this fall. Though Game to Grow’s closure may certainly come with some sadness, this is not an ending of hardship but a moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and a transition to something new.
This was not a decision made quickly or lightly. As you know, our organization has undergone significant changes over the past couple of years. We have been fulfilled by the work we’ve been doing with our hospital gaming program and training program, and we’ve received an incredible amount of support from you, our funders, community, and friends. As it is with most adventures, as we’ve evolved, so has our understanding of what’s possible, what’s needed, and how best to serve the communities we care so deeply about.
Ultimately, despite the support we’ve received and excitement in the work we are doing, we recognized that Game to Grow as an independent organization is no longer the right vessel to carry the mission forward. And so we’ve chosen to close with intention, gratitude, and care. Though this adventure comes to a close, the mission remains, and the campaign continues ever onward.
We are delighted to share that many of Game to Grow’s programs will be relocated to STAR Institute for Sensory Processing, who is already running ongoing Critical Core programs. They will be continuing the hospital gaming program, and will offer Critical Core TA-RPG training this fall.
These programs will be in good hands at STAR Institute. STAR Institute’s Executive Director, Virginia Spielmann, was instrumental in the development of Critical Core and has contributed immeasurably to the success of Game to Grow’s mission over the last decade.
Please go here to learn more about STAR and make sure to join STAR’s newsletter.
Since our official founding in 2017, Game to Grow has:
- Served hundreds of youth worldwide directly through our Social Flourishing programs, and hundreds more through our Hospital Gaming Program, cultivating enriching and inclusive spaces for young people.
- Launched Critical Core, the therapeutic RPG “beginner’s box” that has been distributed to over seven thousand therapists, educators, and families worldwide.
- Presented on applied games to thousands of people through more than 70 presentations at over 30 conferences and conventions. Audiences have included the general public, psychologists, counselors, medical professionals, drama therapists, play therapists, and educators. A highlight was delivering a keynote address for the Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapy!
- Trained thousands of practitioners across six continents in applied role-playing games. Most recently hundreds of Washington State librarians were trained to build game-based library programs across the state. Our trainees have brought Critical Core to new populations and have multiplied the impact by presenting their work at additional academic and professional organizations worldwide.
- And perhaps most importantly, with your support we helped spark a movement bringing the life-enriching magic of games to tens of thousands of classrooms, clinics, hospitals, and homes.
We are so proud of what we built together and so grateful for your support along the way. Whether you donated, played, collaborated, shared, or simply cheered us on, thank you. Please support STAR as you did Game to Grow as they take on our vital programs.
The quests continue. The work of Game to Grow will continue at STAR. And we know this incredible community will carry on in new and powerful ways.
Official communications from Game to Grow will be coming to a close, so if you’d like to stay informed about the future of Critical Core and our hospital gaming and training programs, please make sure to join STAR Institute’s mailing list.
As for me, after giving more than a decade of my life to this mission, I’m choosing to step into a role that’s more sustainable for both my ongoing health and my growing family. I’m grateful to make this choice knowing the mission continues in capable hands. Though my focus these next few years may be a little closer to home, I’ll still be supporting the growing field of applied games. For those who would like to keep up with my continued work, you’re warmly invited to follow me on Linkedin and keep up with my individual contributions through my recently-launched Substack: Fellowship Forge. If you see me at a convention or conference, whether on stage or in the audience, please don’t hesitate to say hi.
With love, gratitude, and service,
Adam Davis
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Game to Grow