Playspace Activity Leaders, referred to as PALs, are an essential part of the Playspace program. PALs staff Playspaces across the state. Playspaces are child-friendly rooms that Horizons has installed in shelters across Massachusetts. Playspaces are designed to reflect the needs of children ages 0-6 experiencing trauma. Horizons’ Playspaces are created to give children a dedicated place to play and grow, and build connections with other caring adults who are committed to their success. Each shift is 2 hours, once a week, with the majority of shifts taking place Monday through Thursday in the evenings, but some programs also have morning shifts. We do not currently have shifts on Fridays or weekends. There is a minimum six-month commitment, in addition to a mandatory 1 hour virtual training that must be completed prior to your first shift.
Please note that our team will be in touch but it may take several weeks to schedule your training.
Horizons’ operates an Early Education Center located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. Classroom volunteers work alongside our teachers assisting in day-to-day activities. Classrooms shifts include infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. The minimum commitment of a classroom volunteer is once a week for 2 hours, for a minimum of six months. Please note there are limited opportunities for this role.
If you are interested in becoming a classroom volunteer, please contact the Greater Boston Playspace Team boston@horizonschildren.org.
Horizons’ Young Professionals Network is a group of volunteers made up of dynamic individuals early in their careers employed across a variety of industries, with a common passion for making a difference in the lives of young homeless children. The Young Professionals Network works to raise Horizons’ visibility and awareness about youth homelessness in the community by hosting fundraising events and sharing Horizons’ mission with their professional network and beyond. The committee and participants are as motivated to have fun as they are to network with other like-minded professionals.
To join the P.L.A.Y. Young Professionals Network email list for news on upcoming events and ways to get involved, fill out this form.
Horizons offers group volunteer opportunities for organizations interested in supporting Horizons’ mission. To learn more about how your organization and employees can get involved with Horizons, contact Nancy Schachter at nschachter@horizonschildren.org.
Note: Horizons for Homeless Children shares your concern about COVID-19. COVID health and safety protocols will be implemented at shifts to keep our entire Horizons’ community safe. Please note we require all applicants to be vaccinated for COVID-19. We are currently accepting applicants to complete a new volunteer training. Ensuring new volunteers feel prepared and confident before heading to their first Playspace shift is important to us, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.