Dear Friend, 

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, a traditional time to gather with friends and family, it’s clear the COVID-19 crisis has changed the way we live our lives. As you can imagine, families experiencing homelessness had few resources to withstand the challenges of the last few months and have been impacted significantly. Horizons has adapted to their changing needs in innovative ways across all our programs – from creating virtual Playspace experiences and providing families with daily wellness and self-care tips to distributing critical supplies when access was a challenge.

In addition to our direct work with families, Horizons' CEO Kate Barrand is also one of Boston’s thought leaders making the case that NOW is the time to invest in early education as we prepare for the next phase of COVID response. Read our shared perspective in CommonWealth Magazine and join in the conversation.

Below are a few highlights of our work from the last several months.

A Day in Horizons’ Digital Classroom

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Horizons' teachers are bringing the classroom to students. Virtual read alouds, interactive online activities, and even Zoom meetings have demonstrated that learning can happen anywhere. And while we can't be together learning and laughing in person, Horizons' teachers have continued to make meaningful virtual connections with their students in new ways. <Read more>

Finding the Silver Lining

Many families have lost employment and opportunities during the crisis, consistent services they rely on, time and resources to better their situation, and a sense of personal safety for themselves and their children’s wellbeing. What they haven’t lost is Horizons’ dedication to them, and the hope for a better future that comes with it. <Read more>

Spanning the Digital Divide

After making the difficult decision to close our Playspaces and Early Education Centers, Horizons’ team began researching ways to support families safely and get children access to books and educational games, in part by soliciting the input of Horizons’ family shelter system. All worked together to ensure enrichment could continue, albeit in a much different capacity by proving children with tablets preloaded with educational and age appropriate content. <Read more>

Playspace Kits Keep Creativity Flowing

At Horizons, we believe every child has the right to play, no matter the circumstance. When the COVID-19 crisis suspended Playspace shifts, our team got creative to make sure children living in shelter still had access to toys, art supplies and books. <Read more>

We’d love to see you at one of our events!

Virtual Trivia Night: Join us for a fun evening with your friends and our PLAY Network on May 28th from 7:00PM - 8:30PM to compete for 4 COURTSIDE tickets to next season's Celtics game!

Golf Tournament at Essex County Club: On Monday September 28th, enjoy a special round of golf on a top-rated Donald Ross designed course followed by dinner and prizes.