Search Results

Thank You for an inspiring year

2022 was a milestone year in Horizons’ history, thanks to you. We celebrated one full year in our Edgerley Family Horizons Center, where children aged two months to five years received comprehensive early childhood education while their parents worked towards a better future for their families. Read our blog for just a few of the ways Horizons has worked to change the life trajectory of hundreds of families, and the accomplishments we are proud to celebrate! Read More

Help Build Bright Futures for Families Facing Homelessness in 2023

In Horizons’ Playspaces throughout Massachusetts, children like 2-year-old Matthew are creating their dream homes out of building blocks. When playtime is done, he returns to a small shelter room with his mom. She dreams of one day giving her child a home of their very own. Your support today will help us fund our programs to build bright futures for families like Matthew's in the new year. Read More

NAEYC – Joyful Infant Care at Horizons for Homeless Children

Horizons' Infant Teachers Herb Hickey and Rosis Del Jesus share their expertise on infant care and education through a trauma-informed lens in article published by NAEYC. Read More

A Business is Born: How Horizons is Supporting its Mompreneurs

When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, ‘homeless’ is not among the list of life plans. Some aspire to be doctors, dancers, teachers, crafters – some dream of opening their own beauty salon or becoming a famous chef. At Horizons, our programs not only foster this sense of possibility in our students, but in their parents whose dreams of building a stable, successful life for themselves are key to their family’s success. Read about our "Mompreneurs" - moms in our family partnerships program who are in the process of creating small businesses for themselves through creativity, gumption, and a willingness to learn. Read More

Help Our Families Thrive

Jayuanna is a sixth-grade teacher in Mattapan, a role she describes as her dream job. But that dream seemed unattainable until recently. A few years back she was evicted, 9 months pregnant and living in her car with her toddler. But thanks to the support of our community, her daughters Jiya and newborn Jade were able to attend Horizons’ early education program while Jayuanna worked with a dedicated Family Advocate to get her family’s life back on track. Hear her story and learn how you can help families like Jayuanna, Jiya and Jade thrive. Read More

Kaplan receives award for Edgerley Family Horizons Center

Kaplan construction announced its work on the Edgerly Family Horizons Center has earned an Excellence in Construction award (EIC). The EIC awards program is the industry’s leading competition that honors both general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative construction projects. Kaplan was awarded the Eagle Award, an honor reserved for work that stands above the rest. Read More

John Morey

Boston will use federal funds for free training for early educators

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the recipients of grants totaling $7,000,000 from Growing the Workforce Fund, designed to address early childhood workforce challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joined by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Representative Katherine Clark, Mayor Wu announced the investment of American Rescue Plan Act Funds at an event at Horizons for Homeless Children Read More

US Politics Today – Awards of $7,000,000 in ARPA Funding to Grow Early Childhood Workforce

Joined by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Representative Katherine Clark, Mayor Wu announced the investment of American Rescue Plan Act Funds at an event at Horizons for Homeless Children. Read More

City of Boston – Awards of $7,000,000 in ARPA funding to grow early childhood workforce

Masslive – Boston Mayor Michelle Wu invests $7 million toward city child care

Four Boston-based institutions have been listed as the recipients of the $7 million Growing the Workforce Fund, which is aimed toward supporting Boston’s struggling child care industry, Mayor Michelle Wu announced today at Horizons for Homeless Children. Read More

Forbes Breaking News – WATCH VIDEO Mayor Wu announces plan to provide funding for early education training

Watch video from Forbes of press conference announcing funding for early childhood educator training held at Horizons for Homeless Children. Read More

WBUR – Boston will use federal funds for free training for early educators

Those interested in teaching in the early education sector in Boston will soon be able to access free education and training programs at area institutions. Read More

Offered in response to a recent op-ed in the Boston Globe, Direct Cash Assistance is a Proven Way to Support Struggling Families

In a recent op-ed, Economic Mobility Pathways CEO and former Acting Mayor Kim Janey shared her perspective on solutions that can help families experiencing homelessness here in the Commonwealth. We agree that low-income families in Massachusetts do not need to be “fixed” by a patchwork safety net of nudges and shoves. Instead, families need a support system that respects their basic humanity and empowers them to make the progress they seek for themselves. Read More

Horizons Earns National NAEYC Accreditation

Horizons has once again received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.) NAEYC Accreditation ensures that programs are safe, well prepared, and intentional about ensuring children's developmental and learning success. Horizons overall score was 94%, a reflection of program excellence. Read More

Jayuanna’s Story

Help families living on the financial edge

When Nayia, a 3-year-old in Horizons for Homeless Children’s toddler room, was playing grocery shopping, she wheeled her toy cart full of food items to the play register. “Oh no!” she said when she arrived. “We don’t have enough money!” Nayia promptly turned back and started putting the play food back on the shelves. Read More

Creating Powerful Playtimes with Boston Children’s Museum

Boston Children’s Museum and Horizons for Homeless Children joined forces to create the Powerful Playtimes playgroup, the first of several programs to come out of the ongoing partnership between the Museum, Horizons and Eastern Bank, which has generously funded the collaboration. Read More

A new partnership makes care convenient for families

Experiencing homelessness takes a toll on the physical and mental health of those going through it. Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program’s (BHCHP) new Family Clinic on the second floor of the Edgerley Family Horizons Center brings health care directly to the families served by Horizons. Read More

Progress we’ve made for families facing homelessness

This past summer saw fast-paced policy activity with big impacts for families and children experiencing homelessness. Read our recap of policy developments from the past year that will benefit the families Horizons serves. Read More

Horizons for Homeless Children reopens Playspaces at Shelters in Amherst and Brockton

Over the last two years, Playspaces have been largely shuttered due to Covid precautions. Recent developments have allowed the team from Horizons to rebuild the volunteer force and reopen these vital spaces. They have safely reopened more than 50 Playspaces across the state. Read More

We are stronger together. Thanks for supporting us!

This summer marks the anniversary of Horizons for Homeless Children celebrating a full year together as an organization in the Edgerley Family Horizons Center. Children spent their school days in state-of-the-art classrooms, exploring science and technology, reading books across 9 languages, and having plenty of playtime out on the playgrounds. Their parents engaged in workshops, connected with their family advocates to set and achieve goals, and received other on-site services including mental health support and financial planning. These accomplishments show what we know, that together with the support of our community we are stronger than ever. We are excited to share some of the significant impacts we’ve made this year. Read More

Lullaby Project promotes healing, collaboration and connection

Jason and Myriah are not musicians, but they are parents, and they love music and sharing it with their son, Vaughn. So, when the opportunity to write a personalized lullaby presented itself, they were ready to try it. Horizons and Longy School of Music partnered to create a unique experience designed to strengthen the bond between parent and child. “At first, I was embarrassed, I thought I would be singing,” Jason, said of his first impressions of the project, but he went into the room with an open mind and a lot of love for his son. Read More

Double Your Impact

Leslie Wilcott-Henrie

Liz Kleinerman

Francesca January

WB Individual Sponsorship Flyer 2022

A Letter To Parents

Help children feel safe and secure at Horizons

A recent city count in Boston revealed that right now, 9,000 people in families are homeless and two-thirds are children. Children like 4-year-old Caleb, who has had a hard time adjusting due to the instability of his home life. With the help of Horizons' trauma-informed educators, Caleb is finally starting to feel safe and secure in his classroom. As we approach the end of our fiscal year, will you help us continue our work with children like Caleb through a gift? Read More

WBUR – How child care can build kids’ brains, one interaction at a time

WBUR journalist, Gabrielle Emanuel, visited one of Horizons’ classrooms to get an inside look at the work Horizons' team does and why they do it. Read More

Horizons for Homeless Children Gala Raises $1.3M, a Record

Horizons' gala sets fundraising record of $1.3 million. Read More

Parent Goals and Achievements

Horizons’ family advocates serve as mentors, coaches, and confidants for Horizons' parents as they work towards achieving goals that help move their families out of homelessness. Goals are categorized into five pillars - family stability, well-being, finances, education and training, and employment/career. Everyday Horizons’ parents are setting goals and working towards accomplishments in each category, finding the inner fortitude, clear direction, and motivational support they need to pursue the life they envision for their families. Read More

Horizons featured in Boston Herald fashion article – “Take a starring role in ‘Bridgerton’-inspired spring gala dresses”

Boston Herald featured Horizons' Gala as a premiere event this spring. Read More

Boston.com readers recommend Horizons as one of the best places to volunteer

Residents from all over Boston highlighted the best places to volunteer in a Boston.com feature. Horizons for Homeless Children was listed among the top places. Read More

Workforce Training Fund Program Awards Horizons for Homeless Children $110,000 to train 119 workers.

Horizons for Homeless Children has been awarded a $110,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Workforce Fund Training Program. Read More

Luilka’s Story

When Luika called the emergency line for domestic violence, she was worried for what the future held for her and her baby Alia. Now, after joining Horizons, Luika is proud to have path forward as dental assistant with plans to pursue a career as a hygienist. As her daughter, Alia, soon turns 3 she sees through mom's example that life is full of possibilities. Read More

Letter to Community

RoRo’s Journey

When Ronan affectionally known as "RoRo" first joined Horizons’ infant classroom, his teachers noticed he was behind on his milestones and trembled at any sudden noise, behavior common in children experiencing trauma. Horizons’ teachers worked with mental health clinicians and his mom to help him progress. Today, RoRo is a happy, soft-spoken 5-year-old who loves to explore the playground and share his favorite toy cars. Having joined as an infant, most of his life has been with Horizons, and his bond with his teachers has grown through the years. Now, the time has come for Ronan to move up to kindergarten, and to help with his transition, a bittersweet goodbye came to life through a handmade scrapbook. Read More

Stride by stride, father and son run for Horizons

“We were able to visit Horizons in advance of last year’s Boston Marathon; we learned a great deal and were most impressed,” shared Kenneth Williams, veteran runner of over 70 marathons worldwide. Together with his son Ken, they’ve joined Horizons’ marathon team for the second year in a row as a way to give back to children and families facing homelessness. Read More

Starting Early with STEM Exploration

When the new Hawk Foundation STEM lab opened in the Edgerley Family Horizons Center last year, the plans for exactly how the space would be used for were only conceptual. Now that the team at Horizons is settling in, programming is coming online, teachers are growing their skills and the vision for children to develop problem solving skills that will serve them in the next century are becoming reality. Thanks to partnerships with the Museum of Science and the Dev Tech Research Group at Tufts University, exploration abounds! Read More

Dr. Richard Antoine White

Equity in our Community

DEI Goals

Horizons for Homeless Children’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Commitment Statement 

Leadership Commitment to DEI

Employee Lead Action

Layla Ramirez

Letter to HHC Staff – COVID-19 update

Creating the world we want to see starts with early educators

We are doing our part to create the world we want to see, where we value the work of our early educators who are molding the minds of future generations. Their work requires unique skills and training and we’re pleased to be in a position to compensate our staff accordingly.” -Kate Barrand, CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children. Read on for how Horizons is changing compensation practices to underscore the organization’s commitment to a highly engaged, well-trained and committed workforce. Read on for how Horizons is changing compensation practices to underscore the organization’s commitment to a highly engaged, well-trained and committed workforce. Read More

Partnering to help families One by One

The One by One Project has become a valued partner to Horizons through our Family Partnerships program. When a family facing homelessness encounters an unexpected and urgent expense that is a stumbling block, The One by One Project steps in as a partner to the Family Advocate to provide that extra mile of support to cover expenses that might otherwise be left uncovered. Read More

Thank you for your compassion this past year

Horizons' critical work could not be done without the compassion and ongoing support of our community. As we look forward toward 2022, we are deeply grateful as we reflect on all we've accomplished this past year. Read More

Memo to families 223

Memo – monday closure

Algonquin graduate shines in local nonprofit work

Having utilized lessons learned through a program known as Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) to support continuing work with the Rotary Interact Club, Sravya Tanikella's philanthropy group selected Horizons for Homeless Children to receive a $5,000 grant. Read More

Memo to classroom 348

Homelessness ‘just the tip of the iceberg’ as COVID keeps families hesitant from staying in shelters

Learn how the pandemic is affecting children in Massachusetts and how Horizons and dedicated volunteers are making a difference. Read More

Happy New Year from Horizons for Homeless Children!

Together, let’s make 2022 our best year yet for the families and children we serve. Read More

Anti-Poverty and Income Security Priorities

We are committed to supporting policies that empower the families Horizons serves and those like them to meet their own basic needs and chart a path towards economic success. Read More

Early Education and Care Policy Priorities

We are proponents of policies that help families afford quality care and those that adequately fund providers serving at-risk children. Read More

Housing Policy Priorities

We support policies that help prevent or minimize family homelessness from occurring, and then assist when families do experience bouts of homelessness. Read More

Megan Watts

Hannah L. Kilson

Double your impact for Horizons’ Families

Help Families Succeed This Holiday Season

Reusing disposable diapers. Squeezing a growing toddler into too-small clothes. Skipping a phone bill so there’s money for food. Imagine having to make choices like these for you and your children. Sadly, these are the choices that families at Horizons for Homeless Children have had to make. Your gift to Horizons makes it possible for us to help families as they navigate out of homelessness. Read More

Help families imagine more

Some children aren’t hoping for the hot new toy or another stuffed animal for the holidays, they simply want to know where they will sleep each night. Help families imagine more this holiday season. Read More

24 Ways to Give Back and Volunteer around Boston This Year

Boston Magazine encouraged readers to end the year by making a difference, listing Horizons for Homeless Children's Playspace program as one of 24 ways to get involved and build a better Boston. Read More

Neighborhood Villages

A Message to Families

Form meets Function in the Edgerley Family Horizons Center

"We believe that the families we serve are destined for something better and we’re here to help them and their child achieve it.” The new Edgerley Family Horizons Center was designed to be warm, welcoming and inspirational to children and families so they can aspire to something greater than they see in this particular moment of homelessness. Read on to see how design, colors, décor and artwork (the central piece by local artist Ekua Holmes) work together to fulfill Horizons’ mission. Read More

Will you help us serve more children in need?

It’s a struggle being homeless in normal times; COVID only made that struggle much, much worse. We see the pandemic’s negative effects every day on families like Larisa and her daughter, Mari. Learn how the families we serve have been impacted, and what you can do to help. Read More

Congratulations to Horizons’ 2021 Boston Marathon Runners!

Horizons is proud to cheer a heartfelt congratulations to our 2021 Boston Marathon team! Read More

The 125th Boston Marathon – Meet Horizons Runners!

The 125th Boston Marathon is a momentous one, not only due to its milestone in the event’s history but it’s unusual fall date, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having been rescheduled, cancelled and rescheduled once again – a first in the marathon’s decades long history – the anticipation and dedication of Horizons’ runners is palpable. Our organization is honored to have so many runners return to sign up for this long-awaited race, continuously fundraising in support of our mission despite the many challenges along the way. Like Horizons’ families, Horizons’ marathon runners are resilient, and we can’t wait to cheer them on! Read a few words from some of our runners – both new and returning – on why they’re running for Horizons in this year’s historic race. Read More

Making classroom celebrations sweeter, one child at a time

Celebrating milestones in a child’s life like a birthday is a joyous special occasion. But for families experiencing homelessness, the desire to create special memories for their child when funds, space and time are limited can add strain on a parent, especially those working overtime on career and financial goals to build a better life for their family. When Cakes4Kids, another non-profit, reached out offering to provide celebratory treats for our students on their birthday, Horizons’ Center Director Jayd Rodrigues was excited to explore the partnership in our classrooms, recognizing there would be a benefit to both the children and their families. Read More

WB Individual Sponsorship

Inspiration Comes to Life in the New Edgerley Family Horizons Center

Horizons for Homeless Children hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the official opening of the Edgerley Family Horizons Center.  This new center, located in Roxbury, is a first of its kind public/private joint venture that is a single and accessible hub for social service agencies dedicated to transforming the education, health and well-being of children and families experiencing homelessness in Boston.  Read More

A Space That’s Ripe for Learning

The new Children's Garden in the Edgerley Family Horizons Center has become a space that’s ripe for learning, already in its first season. Read on to see how a sunny space and the effort of some eager volunteers is already proving to be fruitful ground. Read More

Tae’Voahn’s Story

2/8/2021 Dear Horizons Parent, We have been so happy to have your children back at school. Our teachers are working hard to create a wonderful experience for your children each day in our classrooms with creative activities while also following all the necessary health and… Read More

Thank You For Seeing Us Through This Past Year!

It’s no surprise 2021 has been a difficult year for families experiencing homelessness, and the team at Horizons was stretched to step up in new ways. Thanks to the support of our community, we accomplished many great things this past fiscal year! Read More

The Impact of Early Education

A recent study from MIT highlights the far-reaching effects of early education, reinforcing something we know well at Horizons; providing enriching curriculum to our youngest students sets them up for lifelong success academically. Read More

Tips for Establishing a Summer Routine for Your Family

The transition from a busy school year to a relaxing summer can be difficult for some kids. Check out our blog for some tips on how to establish a summer routine that keeps everyone on track. Read More

Kaplan Construction and studioMLA Architects Celebrate the Completion of the Edgerley Family Horizons Center

Horizons' new building partners, Kaplan Construction and studioMLA Architects, celebrate the completion of the Edgerley Family Horizons Center. Read More

Last Chance! Support Horizons this Summer!

Here at Horizons, things don't slow down in the summertime - in fact they are speeding up! With more kids than ever before in our early education center in need of our year-round services, your gift today can support each of our programs as we close our fiscal year and continue our critical work into the summer. Read More

WB Corp Sponsorship Flyer 2022

Owner of Crystal Culture Beauty Bar shares how Horizons for Homeless Children lent her a helping hand

“All children should feel like they have limitless opportunities to succeed.” See how Horizons is making that a reality for children and their parents in a Chronicle segment featuring Angelik. She shares how Horizons is helping her build a better future for daughter, herself and her family. Read More

Horizons for Homeless Children awarded $100,000 Cummings Foundation grant

Horizons for Homeless Children awarded $100,000 Cummings Foundation grant Read More

Inside Roxbury’s new Horizons for Homeless Children facility

Horizons for Homeless Children's new center was recently featured in the Boston Business Journal, celebrating the facilities beautiful new spaces for learning and play - including a STEM lab and library - while also serving 30% more children in our community. Read More

Meeting the Moment: Reimagining Playspace during the Pandemic

Rising to challenges imposed by the COVID-19 crisis, including the statewide closure of these playrooms, the Playspace team had to find new ways to reach young children living in shelter. Playspace responded by adding another dimension to their work. If the Playspace couldn’t directly work with children, they could help children by helping parents expand their parenting toolkit. The parent workshop was born. Read More

‘No One Knew We Were Homeless’: New Relief Funds Fuel Efforts to Find Students Lost During Virtual School

Horizons' Mom, Portia, is featured in an article by The 74 Million. Read More

A Year In Retrospective

Horizons’ Year in Retrospective shares the story of the COVID-19 pandemic from various voices impacted by Horizons’ work. Read More

Horizons for Homeless Children Opens Doors to The New Edgerley Family Horizons Center in Roxbury

State-of-the-art space poised to be a dynamic learning environment and source of support for children and their families experiencing homelessness. Read More

Angelik’s Story

Angelik, a parent in Horizons' Family Partnerships Program, shares her experience facing homelessness while pregnant with her daughter LeeLee and her story of resilience working with Horizons to build their family a better tomorrow. Read More

Op-ed: The American Rescue Plan needs a long-term plan for homeless families

While poor families will continue to struggle, others who do make it out of poverty will likely fall back into it and ultimately homelessness when the Rescue Plan largely ends in 2022. Read More

Volunteers bringing value, one classroom at a time

Classroom Volunteers are a passionate subset of Horizons' volunteer base, dedicated to helping the children and teachers in Horizons' three Early Education Centers. Although the COVID-19 pandemic changed their roles, it didn't change their enthusiasm for their work. Hear from three of Horizons' Classroom Volunteers on how they've remained a helping hand to Horizons' during a challenging year. Read More

Thank You for Helping Families Facing Homelessness

At the one-year mark of the pandemic, many of us are reflecting on how the world has changed drastically for all of us as individuals and for our communities. For those living in poverty, the hardship has been disproportionate from COVID illness, hunger, homelessness, unemployment, and for some, systemic racism. Yet, thanks to the support of our community over the past year, Horizons has been able to change the trajectory of people’s lives with creative solutions, empathetic support, and tireless advocacy. Read More

Be an ambassador for Horizons’ Spring Gala!

Securing Food for Families Who Need it Most

Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Boston Resiliency Fund, Horizons has been developing a program to address food insecurity for families facing homelessness. Through a partnership with Neighborhood Villages, another Boston-based nonprofit focusing on families and affordable childcare, the two agencies collaborated to develop a pathway for our families to gain access to a new Horizons food program with Fresh Truck. Read More

Cookie Preferences