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In the sunniest corner of the preschool classroom at the Schoen Family Community Children's Center in Dorchester, a hopeful chorus of giggles, squeals and impromptu song are a clear indication that volunteer Playspace Activity Leader (PAL) Barbara Shapiro is here on her weekly shift. She leads games, praises artwork and administers hugs as needed for two hours a week to the most vulnerable population in Massachusetts: young homeless children.
For the past three years, Shapiro has been committed to improving the lives of homeless children through volunteering at Horizons for Homeless Children (HHC), a Roxbury-based organization that provides Playspaces (educational and recreational spaces) in homeless shelters across the state and early education and parent support services through three Community Children's Centers in the Greater Boston area. As a volunteer PAL, each week Shapiro gives structure, attention and encouragement to young homeless children. Due to the unsettled nature of homelessness, these essential elements of early childhood development are often missing in a homeless child's life. The rewards for the children are immense, but Shapiro feels she reaps a return of her own from this weekly investment of kindness.
"Every time I walk in the door, there are shrieks, and every time I leave there are high fives and hugs all around," said Shapiro. "I hope I make a small difference for them. I know they make a big one for me."
Her tireless and selfless efforts were recently recognized by the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation (BCSF) with the prestigious "Heroes Among Us" Award at the Celtics/Detroit Pistons game in January. A charitable partner of the BCSF, Horizons for Homeless Children celebrated a special night at the TD Banknorth Garden and acknowledged Shapiro's admirable work and sincere commitment to the homeless children of Massachusetts.
Volunteering at the CCC has inspired Shapiro to become a fervent advocate for Horizons for Homeless Children as well as an enthusiastic PAL. She has recruited friends, family and community contacts to join the efforts of HHC. Recently, she spoke at HHC's annual Women's Breakfast in October 2010 on her experiences as a Playspace Activity Leader and the children at the Community Children's Center who have touched her heart.
"The children are all special," said Shapiro, "They make me laugh. A little boy asked me the other day if I had a goat. When I answered, 'No,' he told me, "' I don't have a goat either, or a brother." Once as I was leaving, a little girl called out to me, 'Bye baby doll,' and my heart overflowed."
Shapiro has supported Horizons for Homeless Children over the past ten years with monetary gifts as well. She and her husband, Ed, attended their first HHC event in 2001 and felt immediately convinced of the organization's devotion to the young homeless population of Massachusetts as well as its considerable influence in raising awareness of that population's needs. Since that first donation ten years ago, the Shapiros have steadily supported the work of HHC, but to the children and staff at the CCC, the joy Barbara brings through her volunteer experience is even more appreciated.
"Barbara's work with Horizons for Homeless Children, and specifically her dedication to the children at the Community Children's Center, is really an inspiration," said Åsa Fanelli, President and CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children. "We're delighted that her efforts have been recognized with such a prestigious award because the truth is, Barbara has been a hero to the children and to the HHC staff for a long time."
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