HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

Horizons helps children learn how to play, to share, to read, and to enjoy exploring their worlds. It helps parents learn how to be nurturing and involved in the growth and development of their children, and helps them learn and grow through job training, GED and college courses. Horizons helps to stabilize families so that they can weather any crisis, and thus helps to break the cycle of homelessness that too often occurs.

Since 1994, more than 1,000 children have been served by the Community Children's Centers. Horizons has recruited and trained more than 9,500 volunteer Playspace Activity Leaders since 1990, giving thousands of children living in family shelters in Greater Boston the opportunity to play, learn and to just be kids. Horizons has training sessions for service providers in Massachusetts and participate in local and national conferences. It works with public officials in state and federal government to increase the resources available to young homeless children and to change the conditions that lead to family homelessness.

MHC student volunteers become Playspace Activity Leaders (PAL) through a Sat. training session. As a PAL, you will have a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young homeless children. Opportunities for play are so critical to young children, and PALs help ensure that children who are homeless have a chance to learn and grow through play. A volunteer's steady commitment of 2 hours each week for six months helps provide a sense of stability to children and families whose lives can be unstable. The children truly look forward to PALs coming to play with them!

Contact: Anita Magovern,amagover
Website: Horizons for Homeless Children