Volunteers Needed in Southeastern Massachusetts

One in every 45 children in the United States is homeless each year. With family homelessness on the rise, there is an ongoing need for organizations and volunteers to help these families. Horizons for Homeless Children’s Playspace Program ensures that children living in family homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. Playspaces are educational spaces in shelters stocked with books, toys, and art supplies. Horizons operates 150 playspaces across Massachusetts. The playspaces are staffed by more than 1,500 trained volunteers, which makes this volunteer program one of the largest volunteer programs in the state.

Also known as Playspace Activity Leaders (PAL), volunteers help homeless children learn, play, and thrive. Terry Reynolds, of Bridgewater, has been a PAL volunteer for over three years and a member of the PAL Council for two years. Reynolds volunteers at the David Jon Louison Center in Brockton.

“This experience has been very rewarding,” said Reynolds, who is a retired teacher. “When the children first arrive at the shelter, it seems like a strange place. But over time, they settle in and get used to us. They trust that we’ll come back every week.”

Playspace Program Director for the Southeast, Meghan Schafer, depends on PALs like Reynolds to help lead her team of volunteers. Reynolds is a shining example of the type of dedication and commitment needed to make a difference in the lives of homeless children. 

“Homelessness is a big trauma for these children. It’s tough for them to move from location to location. They can go from living in their home one day to possibly living in a shelter the next day. When they arrive at the shelter, they can’t bring many personal items. Over time, they realize that it’s a safe place, with safe adults. These children build the skills they need to overcome challenges later in life,” Schafer said.

Together, Schafer, Reynolds, and all of Horizons’ dedicated PALs create welcoming playspaces in 150 shelters in the Commonwealth, and 27 shelters in the Southeast region. As the regional Director since 2010, Schafer has witnessed the rapid growth of the Playspace Program, with some larger shelters caring for as many as 35 children. The program also enables parents to participate in workshops focusing on parenting, budgeting and job searching.

The Southeast region has approximately 250 dedicated PALs, and the number of volunteers at each shelter varies depending on enrollment levels. There are different shifts throughout the day, with some volunteers working as early as 9:00 AM, and others staying as late as 8:00 PM on some evenings.

“We require each volunteer to dedicate at least one two-hour shift per week and a minimum of six months,” Schafer said. “We want the same volunteers each week so that we are able to maintain consistency for the children. Homeless children who experience stability and routine in their early education have a greater chance of success.”

The Playspace program hosts a range of volunteers – from high school and college students, to empty nesters and senior citizens. While the college students offer their enthusiasm and flexible schedules, the 55+-age bracket brings a plethora of life skills and experience to the program.

“The Playspace Program is a great outlet for the older generation who may be looking to become more involved in the community and to fulfill their ‘kid fix,’” Schafer added.

While the Playspace Program seeks volunteers year-round, certain areas need more assistance than others. In the Southeast region, Playspaces on Cape Cod as well Middleboro and Brockton are currently in the greatest need. Trainings are ongoing and volunteers are able to choose the session that is most convenient for them to attend. Reynolds, for example, completed her training at Bridgewater State University in one day.

While being a PAL can be challenging at times, Reynolds admits that it is always fulfilling. “We get very attached to the kids,” Reynolds confesses. PALs like Reynolds thrive on the program’s success and enjoy seeing the children develop as young learners.

Horizons is currently seeking fun-loving, dependable people to interact and play with children living in family homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. A commitment of 2 hours per week is required for at least 6 months. Day and evening hours are available. Trainings are held frequently and are listed on our website.