Peckham has partnered with Playmakers to help team members put their best foot forward—literally.
Through a partnership funded in part by a $5,000 mini-grant from the Peckham Community Partnership Foundation and matched by Playmakers, team members are receiving professionally fitted, high-quality work shoes at no cost. The initiative is designed to improve comfort, reduce foot fatigue, and support employees who spend long hours on their feet.
The idea originated with Peckham staff member Theresa Grace, whose own experience highlighted the need.
“When I first started as a team member, I bought a pair of anti-slip shoes for work,” Theresa said. “Within three months, they were falling apart, and my feet hurt.”
After joining the staff, Theresa developed a proposal for a shoe assistance program and presented it to the Foundation and leadership team. The proposal was approved, paving the way for Peckham’s partnership with Playmakers.
For Playmakers, the collaboration aligns perfectly with its mission.
“We’re really big on solution footwear and getting people into the right shoes,” said Carlie Beatty, one of Playmakers’ owners. “Our goal is to be in somebody’s corner, whether they’re looking for a work shoe or an everyday shoe.”
The partnership grew through an existing relationship. Alyssa Ball, a Playmakers colleague who connected with Peckham through Leadership Lansing, helped bring the organizations together. Playmakers then matched the Foundation’s grant, making it possible for team members to receive individualized shoe fittings from trained specialists.
Each fitting is personalized. Playmakers’ staff discuss a person’s daily job responsibilities, how much time they spend on their feet, previous injuries, and any foot, knee, or back pain before conducting a gait analysis. The information allows them to recommend shoes tailored to each individual’s needs.
“Everybody who comes in has their own unique feet and their own unique life experience,” Carlie said. “By combining their responses with the gait analysis, we’re able to narrow the options from hundreds of shoes to just a few that will work best for them.”
For Durl, a member of Peckham’s custodial services team, the process was surprisingly simple.
“They asked me about the problems with my feet, and once I explained everything, she went straight to the shoes I needed,” he said. “I tried on the first pair. I didn’t even have to try on a second pair.”
The program is already making a meaningful impact. Nine Peckham team members have received new shoes so far, with plans to eventually serve nearly 100 employees.
“They’re very, very happy with their shoes,” Theresa said. “More than one person has told me how much they appreciate the program and the difference it’s made in their everyday life.”
Durl echoed that sentiment, describing the experience as “a blessing” and praising both the personalized service and the immediate improvement in comfort.
For Carlie, the partnership has exceeded expectations.
“It’s been an incredible partnership so far,” she said. “We’re hopeful this is something we can continue year after year.”
Seeing the program come to life has been especially meaningful for Theresa.
“It makes me tear up to think about how much of a difference this can make in somebody’s life,” she said. “It’s been amazing.” For both organizations, this partnership represents more than new shoes. It’s an investment in the health, comfort, and well-being of the people whose work keeps Peckham moving forward every day.