Playspace

Playspace Program Imagine a space where laughter echoes, imaginations run wild, and kids can simply be kids—that’s a Horizons Playspace. Located in shelters across Massachusetts, these trauma-informed rooms are brought to life by dedicated volunteers and packed with toys, books, and endless possibil

Playspace Program

Imagine a space where laughter echoes, imaginations run wild, and kids can simply be kids—that’s a Horizons Playspace. Located in shelters across Massachusetts, these trauma-informed rooms are brought to life by dedicated volunteers and packed with toys, books, and endless possibilities. Here, children experiencing homelessness can play, build friendships, and express themselves in a safe, joyful environment.

Why Volunteer with Horizons?
Playspace Volunteers create a dedicated space where children experiencing homelessness can simply be children. As a Playspace Activity Leader (PAL), you bring consistency, joy, and encouragement into a child’s day through the power of play.

Play is how children learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them. When you provide a safe and welcoming environment for play and self-expression, you help strengthen a child’s confidence and nurture positive self-esteem. Through shared games, creativity, and connection, children build social skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Who can become a PAL?

Anyone over 18 years old can be a PAL.

Applicants 16-17 years of age may complete PAL training and volunteer with parent, guardian or mentor supervision.

PALs must be able to commit to a minimum of 6 months of volunteering.

PALs must consent to a CORI/SORI criminal record check.

Volunteers must complete a mandatory virtual training that must be completed prior to their first shift.

Volunteers must be available for shifts which take place Monday through Thursday evenings (day is flexible depending on the program). Some programs also have morning shifts. We do not have shifts on weekends.

We have locations across Massachusetts. See a list of our locations, here.

How to get started

Start by filling out this short interest form below, then you will be asked to fill out a longer application, which will take about 10 minutes to complete. If you don’t have time now, don’t worry, we will email it to you.

“My time in Playspace is some of the most rewarding time I spend each week… Parents express such gratitude to us and the kids really enjoy playing with us.”– Dan Costello, Playspace Volunteer

“My time in Playspace is some of the most rewarding time I spend each week… Parents express such gratitude to us and the kids really enjoy playing with us.”

Internship Opportunity

Learn more about interning with the Playspace team, here.

Current PAL Resources

Ensuring volunteers feel prepared and confident is important to us. Please find a complied collection of resources and tip sheets designed to empower volunteers with the tools and knowledge needed to support the children served in Playspace.