Horizons For Homeless Children Inc

Horizons' West Region Playspace Program office staff, located in West Springfield, operates Playspaces in 19 family shelters throughout the western region of the state. Playspaces are safe, fun, trauma-informed spaces filled with toys, books, and arts and crafts materials that allow the very young children living in the shelter the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play that they might otherwise not have. The staff recruit and train caring adult volunteer Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) from the community to play with the children and help them learn. Volunteers commit to two hours a week for a minimum of six months to ensure consistency in the lives of the children. The time spent with the volunteer might be the only chance a child has to read a book, create a work of art using his/her imagination, or just play, the all important activities that are so key to a young child's development. And while the children are engaged in developmental activities, the parents can participate in parenting groups, budgeting classes, or job searches.