Horizon's Playspace Volunteer Newsletter is here with news, updates and important dates.
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FEBRUARY 2026

Playspace Team Updates

We’re excited to share important team updates !

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First, we’re pleased to introduce Monique da Silva, who has joined Horizons as Senior Manager of Playspace. Monique brings a strong background in early childhood education and will oversee Playspace staff and day-to-day program facilitation, helping ensure each Playspace remains a safe, welcoming, and developmentally supportive space for children.

 

We’re also glad to share that Lynne Gaines has stepped into the role of Senior Director of Playspace Development & Child Services. In her new role, Lynne leads program expansion and partnership development across Playspace sites, and supports shelter staff through training and consultation on child development, trauma-informed practices, and navigating Early Intervention and special education services.

 

Together, Lynne and Monique will work to strengthen both the play experiences children receive and the systems that support families beyond the Playspace. 

    Upcoming Trainings & Closures

    We hope you'll join us for an upcoming volunteer learning session! Preview the session content by viewing the accompanying tip sheet.

    Creating Routines for Smoother Shifts

    Monday, March 2nd at 6:30pm on Zoom

    Routines help children feel safe, build trust, and navigate transitions with confidence. We’ll explore simple ways to structure each shift from arrival to goodbye so that play feels fun, consistent, and supportive for all. You’ll walk away with tips you can use right away to strengthen your impact and reduce stress during your volunteer time. 

    Register on Zoom
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    Fostering Communication Skills through Connection

    Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30pm on Zoom

    Communication is more than just words; it’s how children connect, build trust, and feel understood. We will explore simple, trauma-informed strategies to use in every shift to support language development, emotional expression, and relationship-building. No speech therapy skills needed just your presence, patience, and playful spirit! 

    Register on Zoom
    Preview content
    As a reminder, all Playspace tip sheets, resources, training materials and closures can be found on our PAL Resource Page!

    Closures 

    Presidents' Day — Monday, February 16th  

    Playspace and classroom shifts canceled 

     

    HHC Teacher Training — Friday, March 20th

     Playspace shifts on; classroom shifts canceled 

     

    Patriots' Day — Monday, April 20th 

    Playspace and classroom shifts canceled 

    Recruiting New PALs in the New Year

    We're excited for another great year of Playspace fun! Our Playspaces in Dorchester, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Plymouth, Springfield and Worcester have the greatest need for volunteers. Will you help us spread the word? 

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    Local and National Coverage 

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    Read The Boston Globe feature
    Read The Hechinger Report feature
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    Giving Day is on the way! Watch your inbox and socials around February 28 as we celebrate the beginnings of Horizons in 1988.

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    1785 Columbus Ave, Roxbury, MA 02119 | Tel: 617-553-5454

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