It’s called The Pod Play Café; an inclusive diverse and neurodiversity-affirming non-profit play café looking to capture the eyes of families with children under ten who are neurodiverse--but the non-profit will open its doors to everyone.
The idea came to light by Jozay Finazzo, a neurodivergent mom who says her entire household is neuro-diverse, so she understands the need to create a safe space for children to play and interact.
But the project isn’t just a café full of fun, it’s also a way to help families who may have trouble paying for “Play Therapy”.
This is a bill Finazzo says can get pricey even with insurance.
“I have friends that their kids go to therapy, and they’ve maxed out of their insurance because of the amount of sessions they need for their child needs,” says Finazzo.
“So, the therapy grant program will work with local families and local therapy offices and they’ll be able to apply once per calendar year per child”.
Once the café opens in early 2024, families can expect accessibility items like sensory socks, weighted vests and blankets, noise canceling headphones along with parent play groups and enrichment classes.
Something parents say they’re looking forward to.
“Not many people understand what I’m going through or understand what other families are going through and for this to open up is just phenomenal,” Carlisle resident Ayla Maurer says.
“Like I can finally be free and not feel judged by other parents if they have an outburst or meltdown. Because he has many of those when he gets overwhelmed, so this is basically going to be a safe and open space for me to bring my children” Maurer said.
The project is expected to cost about $165,000 and although an exact location for the Pod Play Café has yet to be chosen, Finazzo says the organization has already began touring locations.
If you’d like to help, you can find a link to donate here.