Feature
April
07
K.I.M.’s Playhouse
by Veronica Cisneros
Wendy Jeffcoat, a teacher and librarian of 20 years, is the founder of Kids in Motion Playhouse Discovery Museum, a nonprofit organization geared towards supporting programs that encourage learning through play for children and families. She, along with members of the organization, is spearheading the plans to open a children’s museum in the Houma area.
Kids in Motion (K.I.M.) is named after and dedicated to Wendy’s sister, Kim, who passed away at 10 months old over 45 years ago. “Losing a child is something that stays with you always,” she said. “I wish I could have known her.”
Wendy visited Alexandria’s T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum with her children after Gustav and Ike. After the visit, the vision for the Houma playhouse came to her from God and with the help of her two nieces, who created the name and logo. “We made a nonprofit foundation and started asking for support and volunteers to get this idea going,” Wendy said. “The support, volunteers and excited parents have been very encouraging.”
Her idea is to create an affordable place where parents and their children can go to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while learning.
Different exhibits will be featured throughout the playhouse. These exhibits will highlight careers and will give children the opportunity to simulate the careers by using their imaginations. A bank, grocery store and café, pet vet, super service car center and a doctor’s office will provide a “community feel.”
“It’s something the community needs,” Wendy said. “We don’t have stuff like this in Houma. I want something our kids can enjoy and learn from, not just going to arcades. Not that those things aren’t nice. I go to them, and it’s fun every once in a while, but it gets expensive.”
Wendy looks around and doesn’t understand how there can be so many banks, shoe stores, car dealerships and an array of other businesses that cater mainly to adults.
“It says a lot about our community,” Wendy said. “Even with the economy, buildings are going up like crazy. Businesses are still being built, but nothing is happening for our children. We can be better than that and more about our families.”
The playhouse will be for the whole family, including toddler and teen areas. In addition to exhibits, the playhouse will also offer sign language, art, drama, parenting, scrapbooking and computer classes. Parents are also encouraged to get involved in the activities provided at the playhouse. “The concept is families being together and doing things,” Wendy reiterated.
She would eventually like to host summer camps and various events at the playhouse.
“Everything will come with time,” she said. “We just need a building and more sponsors to make this happen for our kids.”
A building is the only obstacle standing in the way of Wendy’s brainchild. The lack of funding is preventing the project’s kickoff. Several fundraisers have been held, but the organization is still looking for more sponsors.
“If everybody in Houma gave $5, we’d be open,” she said. “Real estate in Houma is ridiculous. It’s really high. As an average person of modest income, it’s pretty hard ... but it can be done. In order to make this a community thing, the community needs to get involved. Help us get our museum in motion!”
K.I.M.’s Playhouse hosts many family events in the community and will continue to do so in the future. Join K.I.M.’s Playhouse this weekend as they present their annual Eggs-travaganza! on Sunday, April 10. This spring family event will be held on the grounds of Ardoyne Plantation on Hwy. 311 in Houma, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Children will enjoy an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides, hay rides, face painting and a visit from the Easter bunny.
For more information, visit their website at kimsdiscoveryplayhouse.org
