Wee Play
Small Business Leader
Best of Reston 2012
Channeling a fun, caring and positive environment to our community's children
Wee Play is a small business making a huge imprint on the community. Stepping
into Wee Play would seem like a dream come true to any child. The bright and colorful 3,000 square foot studio, gym,
and indoor playland is designed for children up to age five and offers weekly parent/child enrichment classes, drop-in open
play, birthday parties and summer camp. Kathy Brennan, the owner and director, sees Wee Play as more than just a place
to play. It is a way to channel what is most important to her-having fun does not require money. It simply requires
love and time.
Kathy receives daily reminders that creative and constructive play is a crucial
part of the learning process. Wee Play makes it a priority to extend the positives of playing to more children and families
in the community. Wee Play began by opening its studio weekly to the children of Laurel Learning Center and then shared
the invitation with children at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS). When transportation challenges meant the
kids could not visit the studio, Wee Play packed up and went to the shelter. Every week for the past year the Wee Play
team has turned one side of the shelter into a flurry of art, music, dance and activity, bringing a little respite to the
parents who are facing crisis.
Kathy uses her network to provide needed resources. When a young, single
homeless mother shared with her case manager that she did not have a layette or essential items for her new baby, Kathy helped
by putting a call out for donations to her Wee Play parents. Within days the mother had a crib, a high chair, and all
that any first-time mother would want in welcoming her child home. Kathy's kindness brought such joy in what was otherwise
a very sad situation.
At ERCS the children and parents gravitate to Kathy. Susan Alger, Volunteer
Manager at ERCS, says that Kathy brings magic into the shelter. Many of the parents come from a difficult upbringing,
and Kathy helps them relax and relish in the childhood of their own children. Kathy has a gentle demeanor and teaches
by example.
Just as important as playtime, Kathy and the Wee Play community know how equally
important it is for parents to be able to take a break. For Mother's Day 2011 Kathy and her Wee Play parents organized
and funded Mom's Night Out for mothers at ERCS. She recruited volunteers for childcare and funding to take the mothers
out for dinner and manicures. This special evening provided respite for mothers who rarely have the luxury of personal
time or pampering.
Wee Play also hosts twice yearly baby showers for new moms who participate in
the Healthy Families Fairfax Program for first-time "at risk" parents. Wee Play provides free children's activities
at the Herndon and Reston Festivals, Autumn Adventure, offers intergenerational classes at the Herndon Senior Center and participates
in the Reston Holiday Parade and volunteers with the Arts Council of Herndon. Wee Play donates to fundraising efforts
at local preschools, and supports the Spine Research Foundation of the Virginia Spine Institute.
Kathy and her company lead by example - employees, parents, and children are
captivated by her genuine desire to extend the fun, caring and positive environment of Wee Play to the entire community.
This labor of love for the founder and owner of this small business is a model for other companies who want to give back as
part of their corporate mission.
