Children thrive on consistency. When volunteers show up regularly, children can build trust, feel safe, and enjoy play that supports their growth. Your reliable presence helps create a stable, welcoming environment where amazing connections happen.
What Success Looks Like
To help us plan effectively and ensure every child has the consistent support they deserve, we ask all volunteers to commit to:
At least six months of service
Weekly attendance (3 out of 4 shifts per month)
Life happens, and we understand that! If your schedule changes or you need to step back, please give us at least three weeks' notice so we can adjust our planning and ensure coverage.
For children who are facing instability in other areas of their lives, your consistency is essential. Each week you show up, you send a powerful message to children: you are safe, you are important, and you can count on me. That consistency builds trust and creates the joyful, healing environment we want every child to experience in our Playspaces.
Together, by planning ahead and communicating openly, we can ensure that every Playspace remains a place where children feel safe, supported, and free to play.
Questions about scheduling or need to discuss your commitment? We're here to help you succeed - just reach out to palsupport@horizonschildren.org.
Upcoming Trainings and Closures
We hope you'll join us for an upcoming Volunteer Learning Session! Preview the session content by viewing the accompanying Tip Sheet.
Fostering Communication Skills through Connection
Thursday, October 9th at 6:30pm on Zoom
Communication is more than just words; it’s how children connect, build trust, and feel understood. This session will explore simple, trauma-informed strategies you can use to support language development, emotional expression, and relationship-building. No speech therapy skills needed just your presence, patience, and playful spirit!
Children facing trauma or stress often express big feelings through behavior crying, refusing to share, or struggling with transitions. In this session, we’ll explore calm, compassionate strategies you can use to help children feel safe, seen, and supported. We will review the ACT method, simple tools for emotional regulation, and how to respond with empathy while setting respectful boundaries.
Reading with children isn’t just fun, it’s one of the most powerful ways to support their growth. Even small moments like naming pictures in a book or asking, “what happens next?” can build a child’s brain, boost their confidence, and spark a lifelong love of learning. You’ll leave with strategies, book recommendations, and playful ways to make reading a joyful part of every shift.
Friday, October 24th — Horizons Professional Development
Playspace shifts open, Classroom shifts canceled
Friday, November 14th — HHC Professional Development
Playspace and Classroom shifts canceled
Thursday, November 27th & Friday, November 28th — Thanksgiving Break
Playspace and Classroom shifts canceled
Horizons News
Get your tickets today for the 27th annual Horizons Breakfast! Visit the event page below to learn more about sponsorship and individual ticket opportunities.
Thursday, October 23rd | 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Registration and networking | 7:15 - 8:00 a.m. Boston Marriott Copley Place 110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
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