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Horizons for Homeless Children
Northeast Region Playspace Programs

Phone	978-557-2182	Address	60 Island Street Lawrence, MA 01840 ( Map )
		Address	60 Island Street Lawrence, MA 01840 ( Map )
		Website	http://www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org/How_To_Help_PAL_o
Fax	978-557-2184	E-mail	northeast@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org

Program Description	The Playspace Programs partner with local family shelters to install a Playspace for the children and provide volunteers to play with them every week. Our volunteers, known as PALs (Playspace Activity Leaders), play and interact with children one of our Playspaces, which are located shelters in the Lowell, Lawrence, and North Shore areas. PALs provide children the opportunities for play that are critical for learning and growth. PALs volunteer for two hours each week – same day, time, and shelter – for a minimum of six months. Most of our shifts are Monday – Thursday from 6-8 PM, though some daytime shifts are available. Completion of an application and a training is required.
Eligibility	Everyone with a desire to play is encouraged to volunteer! Must be 18 or older to volunteer on your own. Young adults ages 16 to 18 need to have a parent or adult guardian accompany them during each shift.
Areas Served	MA While the shelter locations are within MA, anyone able to commit for 2 hours weekly is eligible to volunteer. In the Merrmiack Valley and the North Shore, shelters are located in Haverhill, Lawrence, Tewksbury, Lowell, North Chelmsford, Peabody, Lynn, Malden, and Revere.
Fees Charged	Free .
Program Schedule	Horizons asks that volunteers commit to at least 6 months but many stay on for a longer time. The placement is ongoing, not seasonal.
Days/Hours	Most shifts are from 6-8 Monday through Thursday but there are some after school and Friday evening shifts available
Languages	English, Spanish Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) need not be bilingual, though many of the programs have children and families who speak Spanish and other languages.
What to Bring	All new volunteers must attend one six-hour training. We also conduct CORI and SORI checks and speak to references. Placement is then discussed with the volunteer.
Online Registration	Yes.
Parking	Determined by the shelter. Ordinarily very good for all shelters.
Transportation	Some shelters are accessible by public transportation.
Appointment Necessary	Yes.
Handicapped Accessible	Not Applicable.
Child Care Provided	No. Children who are under 16 are not allowed to accompany parents for volunteering.
Wait List	No. While some locations have fewer placement options than others, volunteers do not have to wait or wait long if they are flexible.
Other Information	Please visit our website for information on upcoming trainings: www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org
Other Information
Volunteer Opportunities	Yes.
Resource Library	Not Applicable.
Meeting Space	No.
News Letter	Yes. Quarterly newsletters are sent to active volunteers.
Public Internet Access	No.
Sponsoring Agency	Learn more about Horizons for Homeless Children and its other programs (if any).

(Information Last Updated: 12-17-2012)