There are some things... some experiences we have that change us. Things we hear or witness that move us more then the rest. Working with Horizons For Homeless Children, for me, is one of these things. For the past 3 years I have had the great privilege of working as a volunteer for Horizons. For those of you who don't know, Horizons is an organization that works tirelessly to help homeless children have a safe, healthy and happy environment to be in during the day so moms and dads can look for work or go to school. They provide play spaces, healthy meals, outdoor play time and most importantly love, smiles and hugs. The more I've worked with Horizons and learned about the significace of their work the more aware I have become of just how easy it is to fall into a homeless situation, how hard it can be to get out of it and how very damaging it can be for kid's mental and physical health to be homeless. Horizons address all these problems and extends support not just to the kids but to the parents as well.
a few facts you many not know:
This year in the US 1 in 50 kids will be homeless
There are over 100,000 homeless children in MA
The average age is 8 years old!
When I watch my daughter play with her toys in her new playroom or have trouble choosing between the blueberry or Strawberry toaster for breakfast, or flip through 11 (she counted last night) dress to find something to wear to school. I can't help think about those 100,000 kids in MY state that are wondering where their next meal is coming from. How can I not help... Horizons gives me that opportunity and for that I am grateful.
Horizons raises money for their programs through fundraising events like the Women's Breakfast held yesterday at the Weston Hotel downtown. Over 1000 women (and men) came to give support. Last year Spector Photography sponsored a table and we will do it again next year. The speak this year was Liz Murray. The start of 'Homeless to Harvard' and author of the new book 'Breaking Night'. She was a dynamic speaker with a compelling story and she had everyone on their feet at the end of her talk.
to learn more about Horizons or Liz check out these sites:
http://www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org/
http://www.washingtonspeakers.com/speakers/speaker.cfm?SpeakerId=3821
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