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Lexington - Many Lexington families have been involved in the work of Horizons for Homeless Children (HHC), a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of homeless children and their families.
The Henrie family of Lexington has supported HHC's programs and services in a variety of ways. Over the past year, Leslie Wilcott-Henrie has been volunteering as a Playspace Activity Leader (PAL) each Monday morning at one of HHC's program sites in Roxbury, where she has made a significant impact on the young children who participate in the program. She works closely with them during the three hours she spends there, reading to them, enjoying plastic sandwiches made by toddler chefs, and getting down on all fours with them.
"I don't know who is having more fun - the children or me," she said. "But more importantly, spending time every week at HHC reminds me that all children need the chance to learn through play. When everything else around them is unstable, this gives them a place to learn and grow, and the difference I've seen in these kids in just a year is incredibly gratifying."
This hands-on volunteer experience was in part what spurred Wilcott-Henrie and her husband Hunt Henrie to recently sponsor the installation of a playspace at a family shelter in Dorchester. Today, because of their support, there is a cheerful and child-friendly room at the shelter that is packed with art supplies, books, dress-up area and toys.
"We are so grateful to the Henrie family for their ongoing support of our programs and services," said Sue Heilman, HHC executive director. "With their help and the continued commitment of so many Lexington residents, we can continue the important work of meeting the needs of young homeless children and their families across the state."
Copyright 2010 Lexington Minuteman
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