The initial relationship between a child and their primary caregiver is a strong predictor of a child’s emotional and physical health, and ability to develop strong attachments later in life. It is well recognized that due to a lack of resources, children living in institutionalized settings are often deprived of consistent, nurturing human interaction. This lack of interaction is correlated to risks of lifelong developmental delays and challenges with healthy attachment.
Spence-Chapin launched its original International Granny Program in 1998 to address this need.
The Granny Program brings volunteers from the community into children’s orphanages to devote time and attention to the same children each day. These little ones quickly begin to thrive thanks to the one-on-one attachment that children living in institutions usually do not experience.
In 2019, Spence-Chapin launched Project Play to address the critical role of play in children’s lives. Due to a lack of vital resources, many orphanages around the world are not able to provide an area for children to engage in structured and unstructured play which is crucial in helping children reach developmental milestones.
Project Play builds outdoor playgrounds with state-of-the-art equipment and stations at children’s orphanages. It also supplies birthday and holiday gifts and celebrations for children who so often never receive recognition on these special days.
To learn more about our Granny Program or Project Play, please contact us at 212-369-0300 or email info@spence-chapin.org.
The Granny Program and Project Play are made possible through the generosity of our supporters. To learn more about how to contribute to the success of these initiatives, please contact our Office of Development at 212-369-0300