Playworks’ Houston AmeriCorps Member, Lee Barrett, has used his service to provide safe, healthy and meaningful play to a school that did not have recess or any opportunities for physical activity.  Lee assisted with implementing recess for the students that included structured playground games. The newly implemented recess provided students the opportunity to explore new games and participate with others as a team. He also started a leadership program for upper elementary students and scheduled monthly trainings to teach these future leaders about using conflict resolution skills such as rock, paper, scissors.

Lee also extended his service outside school hours by recruiting and creating developmental teams for girls and boys at his school.  He was able to start the first ever girls’ basketball team, co-ed volleyball team and co-ed flag football at his school, which gave many children their first opportunity to be a part of a team. 

He also worked on a committee with two other Playworks AmeriCorps’ members to plan a leadership conference for children participating in the Playworks’ Houston leadership program. He developed games and trainings to help promote future leaders skills, so they could continue to have a positive impact on their schools’ environment.    

Lee brought to attention the importance of community service to the children at his school site.  His students joined him in collecting soda can tabs for money to help the children at the Ronald McDonald House.  With all of their hard work they were able to collect 30 pounds of tabs and develop an ethic of service that would last a lifetime.

He performs amazing service with a smile and huge heart. He sees his service as a privilege and an opportunity to give back. If you asked any of his students what they think of “Coach Lee” (as they affectionately refer to him as) they would all say the same thing: “Coach Lee is the best adult in the school because he plays with us!”  We couldn’t ask for a better AmeriCorps member than Lee Barrett.