Community Corner
Nearby News: Homeless Children in Mattapan Take Joy in New Playspace
Margaret Kettles, Playspace Program Director of the Greater Boston Region, and members of staff of the Hosmer Co-Sheltering Program.
A ribbon-cutting signaled the opening of a new Playspace at the Hosmer Co-Sheltering Program in Mattapan on August 26, 2014. Playspaces are run by Horizons for Homeless Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young homeless children.
Playspaces are age-appropriate, child-friendly, educational spaces in shelters stocked with books, toys, and art supplies. These Playspaces ensure that children living in family homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. This new Mattapan Playspace will serve 20 children, who will attend playgroups staffed by Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs), volunteers from the community who volunteer two hours of their time each week to play with the children. Children can also access the Playspace while their parents are searching for jobs or housing.
“The Playspace Program is designed to reach society’s youngest and most vulnerable children, allowing them active play opportunities – a crucial component in a child’s growth and development,” commented Dianne Luby, President and CEO, Horizons for Homeless Children.
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“Our new Playspace will allow us to engage the children we serve in a safe and comfortable environment, while their mothers have the opportunity to learn about different and impactful subjects, but not limited to, financial literacy, healthy relationships, and interviewing skills,” stated Angelica Gomez, Assistant Director of Supportive Housing Programs at Crittenton Women’s Union.
Representative Russell Holmes was on hand for the ribbon-cutting along with children who will be enjoying the Playspace.
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This year marks Horizons 25th anniversary of providing high quality early learning experiences to young children. Horizons for Homeless Children has over 100 shelter-based Playspaces located throughout Massachusetts as well as three comprehensive early education centers in Dorchester, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. Each week Horizons serves more than 2,000 homeless children and their families. To learn more about Horizons for Homeless Children and how you can make a difference by volunteering please visit www.horizonschildren.org.