Dear Friend,

The end of the school year is fast approaching and for many that means camp, vacation and freedom from homework. But for children experiencing homelessness, summer could mean time away from the familiarity of school, the regularity of hot lunches and the support of a community of learning. Here at Horizons, early education is year-round so children in our classrooms continue much of what they’ve gained over the year during the warm months of July and August. Be sure not to miss a look into summer at Horizons as we post on our social media channels the wet and (a little bit) wild fun that’s to come this season.

PARTNERSHIPS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

At Horizons, we know we are the best at improving the lives of young homeless children and families in Massachusetts. But when it comes down to it, how we do that is complicated. In April, we hosted a session entitled “The Power of Many” where Horizons’ CEO, Kate Barrand, hosted some of our partners and members of our team for a panel discussion. Guests got to hear more about the underlying methodologies for our parent mentoring program with EMPath, mental health delivery in the classroom with Jewish Families & Children’s Service and our approach to reinforcing each family’s expertise on their child via the Brazelton Initiative at Children’s Hospital. By implementing well-respected techniques in partnership with other experts, Horizons can focus on its core mission – ensuring that every young child experiencing homelessness can thrive.

STORIES OF HOPE

At this year’s annual Gala, Classroom Teacher Meital and Family Advocate Miraidis took the stage to share some perspective and stories of their work with families. Read on about Meital’s work with a four-month old experiencing severe trauma who cried all day. Meet the young mom Miraidis worked with who was pursuing her Master’s degree but also facing homelessness with her young son. <more>

PLAY IS THE WORK OF CHILDREN

And is also an enjoyable part of the week for more than 1,000 volunteers who donate their time to play with children living in shelter all across Massachusetts. For National Volunteer month, each of our regions hosted celebratory events to recognize these valued members of the Horizons team.  Check out a few photos from the NE region breakfast, where we honored five PALs, one of whom has volunteered for 20 years!