About

Where play has no limits.

Our Mission

Can Play brings adapted and no cost recreational programs to our communities by removing barriers to play.

Our Focus

  • Inclusion: We ensure that everyone has access to play.
  • Community: We bring people and communities together to play as one.
  • Play: We use sports and recreation programs to inspire and empower people to achieve their goals on and off the field.
Can Play provides access to sports and recreation programming for thousands of underserved youth in central Iowa with financial, physical, cognitive, emotional, or chronic health care barriers to play. Our mission empowers us to decrease the participation gap in sports and recreation that affects underprivileged youth not just physically, but also on a social, mental and developmental level. We serve approximately 9,000 participants a year through our Victory, Courage, H.E.R.S., licensing and other community programs.
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Our Team

At Can Play, our team is dedicated to removing barriers to play and creating environments where everyone can experience the joy of sports, no matter their physical, cognitive, emotional challenges. or financial challenges.

Founded on the belief that play has no limits, we offer low-cost sports and recreation programs tailored to children, adults, and families facing disabilities and financial barriers. Our focus is on providing adaptive sports that foster inclusion, build confidence, and promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through strong partnerships with community organizations, park and recreation departments, and schools, our team works to bring accessible and sustainable programming to communities.

With our innovative licensing model, we empower local communities to offer year-round adapted recreation, creating lasting impact with minimal overhead. Our team’s expertise in developing adaptable programs and curriculum ensures that every licensed location can provide a framework for ongoing engagement, helping organizations foster inclusive spaces where all participants can thrive.

Our team is committed to improving lives through the power of play, ensuring that every participant, regardless of ability, has access to opportunities that promote growth, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Together, we are breaking down barriers, to ensure everyBODY plays without limits!

Our Board

BOARD OFFICERS

Lisa Grefe | Chairperson
Wealth Advisor & Trust Officer, First Community Trust
Jay Syverson | Vice Chair
Attorney, Nyemaster Goode P.C.
Benjamin Butzke | Past Chairperson
Co-President, Butzke Burch Construction
John Leder | Treasurer
Client Executive, Holmes Murphy
Melissa Clarke-Wharff | Executive Director
Melissa@can-play.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Polly Loneman
Director of Marketing NCMIC
Marcy Baker
Vice President, Risk & ALM | Sammons® Financial Group
Ellen Bennett
Portfolio Analyst, Principal Financial Group
Jennifer Ellis
Regional Marketing Director, UnityPoint Health
Jami Haberl
Executive Director, Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
Leah Lint
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Krause Group