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When Auburn resident Nan Johnson's child left home, she refused to let an "empty nest" keep her from sharing motherly love.
A retired third and seventh grade teacher, Johnson felt that, though her own child had left, there were still others who could perhaps benefit from play, care and attention. When she spotted an advertisement for Horizons for Homeless Children in the local paper, she knew she had found a perfect volunteering match.
"I didn't have grandkids at that point," Johnson said, "and I just wanted to still be connected to kids."
For four years, Johnson has continued to connect with children living at the Florence House family shelter in Worcester as a Playspace Activity Leader (PAL) with Horizons for Homeless Children's Playspace Programs. Playspaces also known as recreational and education spaces are installed in family homeless shelters across the state and children living in these environments can access the Playspace to read, draw, sing, or just play.
It's a simple notion, but one which is critical to the healthy development of young children who, due to circumstances beyond their control, are often without access to age-appropriate toys and play areas.
"The kids in this shelter are little, but they have toys here which are appropriate for them," Johnson said. "They're so responsive to us, the PALs, and to the opportunity to play with us. When we arrive, they just take our hands and lead us to the Playspace."
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For children living in shelter, exposure to positive adult influences, as well as educational opportunities, can be limited. As a former teacher, Johnson is able to employ teaching techniques with the children at Florence House that help them develop socially.
"It's really an extension of what I know works as a teacher," she said. "Many of them don't have language yet, so we just speak quietly with them and give them gentle instructions on manners or how to play nicely with each other."
"We read a lot too. The little ones just sit on your lap and turn the pages. We point to the pictures and tell them the words for things."
Early instruction and education are critical to children in homeless shelters, but, as Johnson said, it is the playtime that is most vital to their developing young minds.
"I don't know how much playtime they get, but playtime with an adult who is totally focused on them is so important in a child's life."
Johnson finds her two hours per week in the Florence House Playspace rewarding as well.
"Their stamina is incredible: they just play and play. The time just goes so quickly!"
Perhaps the greatest reward, however, is the sharing of care and attention between Johnson and the young children to whom she devotes herself each week.
"We don't get involved in their personal lives, but it doesn't matter. We just come and have fun," Johnson said. "They're just happy to have you nearby to play."
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