New Exhibit Announcement: ABC’s of Empathy Exhibit Advances Opening due to TWO Sizeable Donations Supporting Mental Health Initiatives
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (May 2026) – Above & Beyond Children’s Museum (ABCM) prioritizes mental health in May and beyond with special programs and a yoga-centric event. Also this month, construction will begin on a new empathy-focused exhibit: ABC’s of Empathy: Nurturing Compassion Through Play Exhibit.
Plans are now in motion for this new exhibit following the receipt of two impactful $100,000 donations – one donation from the Nina and David Kohler Family Trust for Charitable Giving that was then matched by The Black Spring Foundation. The new ABC’s of Empathy: Nurturing Compassion Through Play Exhibit — a groundbreaking 700-square-foot exhibit designed to help children and caregivers build emotional regulation skills through guided play – will be opening later this year and located on floors one and two. These transformational investments bring the museum closer to the $350,000 goal.
“These gifts are a powerful statement that our community believes children’s mental health belongs at the center of how we play, learn, and grow together,” said Cate Tinker, Executive Director of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. “We’re grateful for Nina and David Kohler’s commitment to mental health and wellness in Sheboygan and beyond. We are also appreciative of Natalie Black’s lasting legacy to young people and families in the community.”
Slated for installation in late 2026 into early 2027, ABC’s of Empathy will translate evidence-based children’s mental health research into immersive, accessible experiences — featuring an interactive Feelings Wheel, an alphabet-based emotional wellness journey, and a vibrant mural by Christina Persika Design.
“We are deeply grateful to these generous donors for helping us move closer to opening doors that will serve families across Sheboygan for years to come,” said Carrie Green, Yoga Instructor at Yoga on the Lake, LiveStrong Coordinator at the Sheboygan YMCA, Board Member of MHA Lakeshore, and longtime supporter of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. “The focus of the exhibit is based on such a loving mantra: compassion through play.”
Above and Beyond Children’s Museum invites additional donors to join the movement. To learn more, contact Executive Director Cate Tinker at cate@abkids.org or 920-458-4263.
Building on Above and Beyond Children’s Museum’s successful Play is Healing programming, ABC’s of Empathy was developed in collaboration with Mental Health America Lakeshore (MHA Lakeshore), Rogers Behavioral Health, and United Way of Sheboygan County (PATH) — ensuring the exhibit is grounded in clinical expertise and responsive to the needs of the community. Funding for the project is made possible through the generous support of Rogers Behavioral Health, Hospital Sisters Health System, and additional anonymous partners.
Thoughtful programming for Mental Health Awareness Month includes a Yoga and Sound Bath Session hosted at Yoga on the Lake in Kohler benefitting the children’s museum and the 6th annual Play is Healing Series of outdoor park events.
YOTL x ABCM Yoga and Sound Bath
May 21, 5:30pm
Yoga On The Lake in Kohler, Wis.
A nourishing evening of gentle yoga and a deeply relaxing sound bath, all in support of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. This special event invites you to slow down, reconnect, and care for your well-being while giving back to an organization dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and inclusive learning experiences for children and families. Proceeds from this event will directly support the museum’s mission to create engaging, hands-on spaces where all children can explore, imagine, and belong.Come move, rest, and resonate for a meaningful cause—your presence helps make enriching experiences accessible to every child in our community. All levels are welcome. Bring an open heart and your intention to support something truly impactful. Register through YOTL.
Play is Healing Park Play Dates
9-11am, Select Fridays
Various Locations
Play is empowering – it boosts academic learning, reduces stress and anxiety, and builds essential skills like focus, coordination, and teamwork all while having fun. Through guided play experiences, children naturally develop social-emotional skills, improve mental health, and enhance physical abilities while families build community bonds in a relaxed environment!
June 12 – Kindness Rocks @ ABCM Purple Octopus Playground
June 19 – Joyful Movement @ King Park
June 26 – Creative Expression @ End Park
July 10 – Mindful Moments @ Optimist Park
July 17 – Grounded in Nature @ Vollrath Park
July 24 – Gratitude & Growth @ Veteran’s Memorial Park
July 31 – Splash and Shine @ Deland Park
August 7 – Community & Celebration @ Shaw Family Playground
PHOTOS:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/gs50qon6l6wa0bltob6hp/ACzgETTlZZmvxM_FhMFAa1Y?rlkey=b4hue44ptdwnz76flnktprloy&st=9567n379&dl=0
For more information on Above & Beyond Children’s Museum visit www.abkids.org. Stay up to date with museum announcements, events and programming on Facebook at AboveBeyondSheboygan and Instagram at aboveandbeyondsheb.
