Sheridan Women: Helping the Homeless

Homelessness in Massachusetts, and nationwide, is an ongoing dilemma that leaves countless individuals and families without shelter and security.  Some might be surprised to know that families and young children make up a large percentage of the homeless population.

Over 100,000 children across Massachusetts have been affected by homelessness this year alone and according to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, the average age of a homeless person in Massachusetts is eight years old. A fact that is both alarming and heart breaking.

Horizons for Homeless Children, a non-profit organization founded in 1988 and based in Roxbury, has identified the need to address this problem and has made it their mission to improve the lives of homeless children and their families. They offer a series of opportunities for families touched by homelessness including: Playspace Programs, Community Children’s Centers, Training and Technical Assistance and Public Policy and Advocacy.

North Andover resident Alida Sheridan and her two daughters, Brooke, 18, and Alana, 16, have become directly involved with the Lawrence Playspace Program located at the YWCA of Greater Lawrence Teen Living Program. 

“We’ve always been involved in community affairs and volunteering,” said Alida. “As a mom, I have always thought that it’s important to volunteer with my children. Initially, we wanted to do this because it’s the right thing to do, but at the end of the day, we’re so happy to be a part of their little lives.”

Together, Alida, Brooke and Alana give their time and positive energy to the young children who attend the Playspace making a difference in the lives of, not only, the children, but their own as well.

“I’ve volunteered with children in the past, and it’s so much fun to play with the kids,” said Alana, “but volunteering for HHC in particular feels like I’m making a real difference.”

Each of the Sheridan family volunteers has been through a training course offered by Horizons for Homeless Children which qualifies them to be a PAL (Playspace Activity Leader). PALs spend their time inside the recreational and educational space nurturing its guests by reading to them, playing with them or simply spending valued time with them.

Brook Sheridan has been volunteering at the Playspace for a year and has been so impacted by her experience that she plans to pursue a degree in political science at Boston University and embark in homelessness policy studies.

“I always knew that helping people makes you happy that you’re making a difference, but this program is really great because I feel like I’ve really learned about homelessness,” said Brooke. “It has shaped me and my career path. I want to study political science now and learn how I can help (this population). It has made a big impact on me.”

Giving back to the community is rewarding in so many ways and in particular helping shape the lives of young girls and boys who are going through a difficult time is especially gratifying.

Horizons for Homeless Children is in need of more giving people and always welcomes interest and inquiries about volunteering. 

For more information about Horizons for Homeless Children visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org or contact the local Northeast Region Playspace Programs office located at 60 Island St., Lawrence, MA 01840, 978-557-2182.