Our House, a play space for children & families

Maureen Nicol is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

What is Our House?

Our House is an intimate play space and cafe with culturally affirming programming for children 1-5 years old and their caregivers.

We will offer workshops for families of color, cafe offerings, professional development sessions for educators, and open and accessible play for all, with a focus on children of color aged 1-5 years. The goal is to create a safe and meaningful space where families can connect and thrive.

Our House is creative in its approach to early childhood programming and community engagement. It goes beyond traditional models by incorporating art, storytelling, STEAM, and social-emotional learning to provide a holistic and engaging experience for children and their caregivers. By offering sliding-scale pricing and prioritizing educators of color as facilitators and leaders, Our House ensures accessibility, representation, and cultural affirmation.

Why Our House?

Recognizing the need for a nurturing environment where families of color can flourish, Our House will be a play space that supports families of color in Baltimore, Maryland. The project envisions a communal space that celebrates the diverse experiences and traditions of people of color, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging.

What moves me about this project is the opportunity to address the gaps and challenges faced by families of color. Together, we can establish a transformative and inclusive space that celebrates the vibrant experiences and voices of people of color, while addressing the pressing need for accessible and culturally affirming programming.

Through Our House, we hope to communicate the importance of equitable access to quality programming for families of color. This project is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and collective action in addressing systemic disparities and creating spaces that celebrate and uplift diverse voices.

Why Donate to Our House?

Our House is more than just a space—it's a multi-age gathering place for children and their families, designed to foster playful interactions and a profound sense of belonging. Located in Baltimore, this open and inviting environment aims to engage young minds through hands-on exploration, nurturing their innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Caregivers are not only invited to join in on the fun, but they will also have delightful offerings such as tea, coffee, or matcha, providing an opportunity to socialize, relax, and witness their children's joyful exploration. Lastly, there are very few Black women-owned businesses that connect design, early childhood education, hospitality, and community programming. Our House is a reminder that children and families - especially families of color deserve delightful, beautiful, and safe spaces.

About the Founder

Meet Dr. Maureen Nicol, educator, community curator, and digital creator. With a doctorate from Columbia and a background in education, Maureen will be charged with all things family, kids, and the play space. For the past two years, she has been actively engaged in the family, community, and early childhood scenes, conducting focus groups and piloting programs with early childhood facilitators, coffee shops, and families. Maureen is ready to embark on this journey and invite others to join us in building a space that fosters joy, equity, and empowerment for families of color in Baltimore.

Why $30,000 is Needed

Space design and consulting that will curate the cutest space possible.
The design team and I are sourcing timeless and durable child-appropriate furniture, play space equipment, and comfortable seating for caregivers
Speaking of space, money will go towards securing a space to pilot Our House in Baltimore, Maryland.
Spaces require safety codes, licenses, and permitting so I will need to cover the cost of that.
Our House will have a food and beverage program. Money will go towards sourcing from QTBIPOC vendors along with cafe supplies.
Legal and accounting services (not much to say here) but I want to do it all right!
Creative Corner - there will be a lot of free art play for the kiddos and art supplies are needed.
Branding consultation is needed to establish Our House's identity and voice.
Building out a retail space for the cutest and essential family-friendly items.
Paying facilitators and educators to offer the very best parent workshops and early childhood programming.