At Allendale, we know healing takes place in many forms—and that sometimes, one of the most powerful tools for recovery doesn’t look like a therapy session at all. Sometimes, it looks like a game of Uno, a round of air hockey, a moment of laughter over a puzzle, or a quiet victory in a video game. That’s the power of play—and it’s at the heart of our efforts to understand and treat the whole child. We believe that each youth is so much more than the sum of past behaviors and life experiences.
Why Play Matters
Play is not just a break from hard work—it is the work for many of the youth we serve. For children and adolescents who’ve experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, traditional therapeutic office settings may feel intimidating or inaccessible. But in a safe, welcoming environment healing can begin in more subtle but no less profound ways.
Play offers emotional regulation, helps rebuild trust in relationships, and creates a sense of normalcy. It fosters teamwork, confidence, and coping skills. It allows youth to process their experiences and emotions through connection, creativity, and joy… offering kids the chance to just be kids.
As one of our therapists puts it, “When kids feel safe enough to let their guard down and just be kids again, that’s when the real breakthroughs happen.”
A Board-Led Fundraising Project Blossoms
When long-time Board of Trustees member, Bernard Rinella and his wife Gloria, set out to commemorate their 50 years of service to Allendale, they were thinking bigger than a plaque on a wall somewhere. The Rinella’s wanted to spearhead a meaningful fundraising project that was genuinely needed at Allendale. Hearing the need for a separate space on campus for youth to gather, have group activities and celebrations, play games and have fun, the Rinella’s were all in. And so… plans for the future Rinella Games Room were drawn up!
The Rinella’s made a generous major lead gift towards the campaign and challenged fellow Board members, donors and friends with a fundraising initiative to raise the funds to build the future Rinella Games Room. The Rinella’s vision for the project included a space fully equipped with new furniture, updated technology, engaging games and therapeutic sensory tools. Their goal was not just to build another space—it was to invest in the emotional well-being of every young person who walks through its doors.
A Lasting Legacy of Connection and Care
The campaign started out with high energy and kicked off with an intimate Board Launch Party in August 2019.
Another anonymous Board member issued a Challenge Match for the Games Room. Donors were motivated and quickly rose to the challenge. Momentum was building. Staff and kids even supported the effort with an all-campus bake sale! Then, in March 2020, COVID rocked our world and threw a wrench into the plans. Building material costs sky-rocketed and we questioned if we’d ever be able to break ground on the games room.
But, thanks to the generosity and perseverance of the Rinella’s and the support of donors who continued to believe in our collective vision, we were able to raise over $460,000 for the project and broke ground in October 2020!
A Space Designed for Healing
The Rinella Games Room is more than just a recreational space—it’s a carefully designed environment that supports emotional growth and therapeutic progress. Whether it’s a casual board game, structured group activity, or simply a space to decompress after a challenging day, the Rinella Games Room helps meet the social-emotional needs of youth in care.
“I have seen some amazing conversations and great rapport building amongst those using the games room, and I think it’s quite special this space can offer such an opportunity for connection,” says Caley O’Brien, CTRS, Allendale’s Therapeutic Recreation Manager.
The Rinella Games Room has quickly become an Allendale favorite experience. It’s a place where laughter echoes, friendships grow, and trust is slowly rebuilt—where small moments of joy lay the foundation for lifelong healing.
The kids are thrilled with the variety of games and activities to play in the new Rinella Games Room!
A tradition of care and service.
For over 128 years, Allendale, a private, not-for-profit organization, has led youth with serious emotional, mental, and behavioral health challenges and their families on a journey towards resiliency.
At Allendale, our aim is to offer every chance for healing and growth – through a myriad of programs and services and a continuum of care including 24/7 therapeutic residential treatment, therapeutic day school programs, outpatient counseling services, foster care, emergency shelter and transitional living and intensive in-home and community support services. Allendale is a place where kids and families can restore their lives and discover a better future.