COURTESY HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN
The nonprofit Horizons for Homeless Children needs volunteers to play with children living in shelters on Cape Cod.
HYANNIS – There are a couple hundred homeless children living in five family shelters on Cape Cod and volunteers are needed to play with the children.
The nonprofit Horizons for Homeless Children is holding a training session for adults who want to volunteer to play with homeless children at shelters in Bourne, Falmouth and Hyannis.
Meghan Schafer, Southeast Playspace Program Director for Horizons for Homeless Children, said, “It’s a chance to play with some children for two hours a week, literally just play. I’m talking bubblies, Playdoh, reading books, things kids learn and thrive and grow and for our kids, they need to heal,” she said.
Volunteers need to commit to come at the same day and time for six months.
“Routine is so important for young children, so we want them to see the same adults each week so for six months, same two hours a week, same day and time. We need adults to come in and play,” she said.
She said, the program doesn’t just benefit the children. It also benefits the parents.
“The parents get a chance to take onsite classes, meet with case managers, have those difficult conversations that you don’t want to have in front of your kids. So it really benefits the whole family getting back on their feet much faster,” she said.
The training sessions take place every six months. The one this week is on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bourne United Methodist Church.
By LAURA M. RECKFORD, CapeCod.com News Editor
is this the only training day? i would like to join but i have a meeting for work that same time.
The training is a one time 3 hour training. We do about 30 trainings statewide with 2 happening on the Cape each year. One in October and one in April. All our training dates and locations can be found at http://www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org/programs/playspaces/playspace-trainings/
I would love to be apart of this, Which day for 2 hours? Weekends?
We have sites needing help in Hyannis Monday-Thursday 10-12, Tuesday & Thursday 5:30-7:30 and Wednesday 4-6/ We have sites in Bourne/Falmouth area needing help Monday & Tuesday 6-8, Tuesday & Thursday 5;30-7:30 and Monday & Wednesday 10a-12p. Fore more visit out website http://www.horizonschildren.org or call 508 510-3250
I would love to volunteer but I have a child almost 2 years old that I would have to be able to bring with me. If that would be okay then I could definitely do it.
Our policies only allow children 16 years and older in site. During your time with the children at the shelter we need your attention completely focused on them.
I would like to do this. I do have a few travel committmitments planned, so can’t promise ever week for six months. Can promise consistent participation when here.
We do ask for participants who can commit to the 6 months as our children have had a lot of transition in their lives. That being said, we know vacations, sickness and occaisional needs to miss a shift come up. We work with our interns to fill in those weeks you need to miss.
I am interested – but am working until 6 in Yarmouth today. Just read this – cannot change work.