Volunteers Needed in Northeastern 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. Mother-daughter duo, Sheila and Emma Rodgers, of Topsfield, are dedicated PAL volunteers who are always willing to help out at Horizons’ events. The pair helps out at a shelter in Peabody with a few friends.

“I was looking for a volunteer opportunity with my girls.  We are a very fortunate family and I wanted to start giving back,” said Sheila. “Being a PAL is a fabulous experience. Every day is different. Sometimes you have a one-on-one experience and can really bond with a child. Other days you are working with a group of three-year-olds and are just happy their mothers can have a break.”

Beginning her career as a PAL volunteer, Northeast Playspace Programs Director Kelley Biedermann certainly leads by example. “When I first started, I had never been in a shelter before. The kids aren’t any different than any other kid. They may be in a homeless situation but kids are kids and we are just trying to give them more,” Biedermann noted. Biedermann really depends on PALs like the Rodgers to help lead her team of volunteers. This mother-daughter pair exemplifies the type of dedication and commitment needed to make a difference in the lives of homeless children.

Along with the Rodgers, Peg Petagna, of Chelmsford, has been a PAL for two years and has made a lasting impact on the community. Petagna volunteers at a shelter in Lowell, and frequently offers to be on the “PAL Panel,” which is a segment during the new volunteer training. Petagna’s granddaughter helped her choose this program. “The best part of the program is the kids, without question,” Petagna said. “Children need a sense of encouragement at a young age. We try to give them as normal of an experience as possible, considering the circumstances.”

While being a PAL can be challenging at times, Petagna admits that it is always fulfilling. “Working with the children is very uplifting. They are outgoing and energetic. You can’t help but feed off their enthusiasm. You definitely get more than you give. It’s so rewarding to see the children smile, laugh, and enjoy themselves,” Petagna noted. PALs like Petagna thrive on the program’s success and enjoy seeing the children develop as young learners.

Together, Biedermann, Petagna, the Rodgers, and all of Horizons’ dedicated PALs create welcoming playspaces in 26 shelters in the Northeast region. While providing a safe learning environment for children, the program also enables parents to participate in workshops focusing on parenting, budgeting and job searching.

The Northeast region has approximately 210 dedicated PALs and seeks volunteers year-round, especially in areas that need more assistance than others, such as Lawrence and Lowell.  “The most challenging part is trying to entertain such a wide age group.  When there are not too many PALs it can be difficult to amuse the infants and six-year-olds at the same time,” Emma reported. Biedermann believes that with an increase in volunteers this challenge could be overcome.

Horizons for Homeless Children is currently seeking fun-loving, dependable people to interact and play with children living in family homeless shelters throughout Northeastern Massachusetts.

For information on how to volunteer, please visithttp://www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org/programs/playspaces/.