Author: Amanda

Imagine a place in Franklin County where parents can take their children to play in a safe, clean, and indoor play environment that’s available throughout the four seasons. And, picture parents and caregivers getting the chance to engage with each other over a cup of coffee while the little ones play nearby. If this scenario sounds like a dream come true, you should know that there’s a group of local moms working diligently to turn that dream into a reality. 

What started as a way to connect with other parents and form playgroups has shifted into creating a space where families from around the community can meet, engage, and learn. Just over two years after its founding, the private Facebook group called Ladies, Littles, and Lattes + GRPC is 1,400 members strong, and growing. It was co-founded by Sarah Walsh and Emily Tyler and is based on an idea that was inspired by the playgroups Sarah was a part of when she lived in Illinois. 

“When my family moved to Union in August 2022, I noticed a lack of engaging opportunities for parents and children to connect with others in the community,” Sarah explains. 

The rapid growth of the Facebook group shows there is a clear need for the meetups. Currently the group hosts in person meetups at the Franklin County Resource Center—Monday mornings for moms or female caregivers and their children, and Saturdays for the whole family. These gatherings offer a space for parents to share life experiences and challenges, as well as connect, support, and encourage one another while their kids play, learn, and grow together.

“We regularly host 10 to 25 moms and their children at each two-hour playdate meetup. This success has inspired us to take the next step: creating a permanent space of our own for families in our community,” Sarah says.

The next step towards bringing the play space to life

Last March, Ladies, Littles, and Lattes officially received its 501(c)(3) status, which allows for fundraising for its newest project called Growing Roots Play Cafe. The indoor play space will offer a variety of interactive play areas for children, including a climbing structure, soft play area, sensory section, and imagination houses. In addition to play spaces, the cafe will provide resources and classes for families and a comfortable space for caregivers to relax and connect.

Since forming its non-profit status, the organization has received support from the community sharing the mission and vision of the organization in a grassroots effort, along with some local media coverage, and lots of support and hard work from its board members.

“This dream wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible board members, who have worked tirelessly to help bring this vision closer to reality. Together, our team is committed to making Growing Roots Play Cafe a place where all families feel accepted, encouraged, and connected,” Sarah shares.

To bring Growing Roots Play Cafe to life, the group will be applying for grants, seeking sponsorships, and hosting various fundraising events. On Saturday, March 8, Ladies, Littles, & Lattes + GRPC is hosting a Garden Gala at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington to help raise funds to propel the organization forward in its mission.

The March 8 event is from 5 to 9 p.m. and attendees can expect dinner, an open bar, music by Eagle Entertainment, plus a silent auction, and guest speakers. Tickets for the Garden Gala are available online. 

For anyone unable to attend the event, there are a few different ways to donate to the organization online to help support its mission. 

Find out more about Ladies, Littles, and Lattes + GRPC by following it on Facebook.