According to the Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles report, approximately 23,233 children under age six experienced homelessness in 2018 and 2019 in Massachusetts—that’s 1 in every 19 children. The effects of homelessness during these critical early years can be profoundly disruptive, often with a lasting impact on children’s futures. This instability can hinder their development, education, emotional well-being, and social stability. Consequently, children experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of falling behind in school, facing trauma, and enduring health challenges. 

Founded in 1988 with a vision of ensuring every homeless child can learn, play, and thrive, Horizons for Homeless Children is unique in Massachusetts for its exclusive focus on young children experiencing homelessness. Today, Horizons supports 225 children, as young as two months old, year-round through its Early Education program in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, providing a nurturing environment that prepares them for kindergarten. Additionally, Horizons’ Playspace program reaches many more children living in shelters across the state, by providing spaces and volunteers delivering more than 2,000 play experiences a month.

From left to right: Tara Spalding, Chief of Advancement and Playspace; Nancy Schachter, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; Jayd Rodrigues, Center Director; Kate Barrand, CEO; Carla Therriault, Senior Director of Early Childhood at United Way of Massachusetts Bay; Kate Kerr, Senior Director of Community Impact; and Luisa Munoz, Content Marketing Director at United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

Horizons also stands out as a leading organization addressing the needs of its youngest residents in the family shelter system across the state. By creating play spaces in shelters and hotels and preparing volunteers to work in them, Horizons provides a place to play and enriching activities for children while parents focus on their families’ needs. These playrooms are essential in shelters that often lack adequate toys, books, and recreational areas. 

As a United Way New Way Forward partner, Horizons’ mission aligns with our commitment to inclusive prosperity. Horizons not only addresses the immediate needs of children experiencing homelessness but also works to help families move out of poverty. By leveraging the “Mobility Mentoring” Model, developed by EMPath—a nonprofit focused on economic inclusion and also one of the 124 United Way New Way Forward partners—Horizons supports parents in overcoming homelessness by focusing on all domains of a family’s life, including family stability, wellbeing, education, employment, and financial stability. 

Each family is paired with a Family Advocate who helps the parent to set and prioritize goals, and then coaches the parent to achieve those goals. “Parents are the most important part of a child’s educational journey, and we count them as a vital contributor to their child’s success,” said Kate Barrand- CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children. 

Horizons takes a holistic approach to stability, education, and emotional care through four key pillars: The Early Education Center for school readiness; the Playspace Program for shelter-based children; the Family Partnerships Program for parental support; and Policy & Advocacy to amplify the needs of homeless children to policymakers. 

"The reason we developed this particular holistic approach to early education was to mitigate the impact of trauma on children and ensure their long-term positive outcomes," said Barrand. " We bring in mental health support and we bring in teachers that are trauma informed so that they know how to deal with children and get them socially and emotionally regulated. That’s the bedrock of learning for children."  

Horizons recognizes that lasting change requires supporting the entire family. The on-site medical clinic offers comprehensive care, including behavioral health and family health services. “Our building is truly a hub and community for families and children experiencing homelessness where they can gain access to all of the support they need,” Barrand added.  

This commitment to comprehensive support is vividly illustrated through the story of Karian, a mother of two at the Horizons Early Education Center, and her Family Advocate, Teresa Harris, who has been dedicated to working with families for over 25 years. Their experiences underscore the profound difference Horizons’ holistic approach makes in the lives of families. 

Karian faced severe postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Anais, and needed medical and behavioral health attention. She began receiving the necessary medical care and therapy for her depression. Her mental state was very much connected to the housing instability she was experiencing.   

With assistance from the Martha Elliott Clinic and Greater Boston Legal Services, Karian was placed in FamilyAid Boston, a shelter just 10 minutes from her mother's home. This proximity allowed her to remain close to her family for support while continuing to receive help. Despite the challenges of postpartum depression, the instability of shelter life, late work shifts and early mornings, Karian was determined to turn her life around for the sake of her children. She reached out to her social worker for help. "At first, I was really closed off and didn’t know how to ask for help,” said Karian.  

Karian- Family Partnership Program Participant

Karian’s social worker facilitated their entry into Horizons for Homeless Children. The program enrolled Anais, Karian’s one-year-old daughter, in the early education center and paired Karian with a dedicated Family Advocate, Teresa Harris. Teresa's role was to work closely with Karian to address her immediate needs, including housing stability and emotional well-being. She provided consistent support and practical advice to help Karian navigate these challenges. “Teresa is like a life coach,” Karian says. “She always checks in and offers support. Whether I needed help finding educational resources or just someone to listen, she was there.”

Karian received her Section 8 voucher earlier than expected and moved into her new place within two months. Though she’s been there for almost two years, commuting became difficult as she had to drop her kids off at her mom’s before heading to work. The stressful work environment took a toll on her, causing significant stress and even hair loss. Last October, she quit her job when her employer didn’t deliver on his promise to move her off the overnight shift.  

Teresa's approach was both compassionate and proactive. She not only helped Karian access necessary resources but also provided guidance on setting and achieving personal goals. This included navigating housing challenges and securing stable employment. “Teresa was always pushing me and giving me options because you can't really do much if you don't know your options,” said Karian.   

Karian with her family advocate, Teresa, whose life-coach-like guidance has built a strong, trusting relationship.

By focusing on the well-being of both children and families, Horizons helps break the cycle of poverty, offering a foundation for survival and thriving. “Horizons embraces the entire family dynamic, recognizing that if the family isn’t doing well, the child won’t thrive either. They understand that the well-being of the parents directly impacts the child’s progress. While they focus on supporting the children, they also ensure that family members are well positioned to make progress. Advocates never give up on you and are constantly seeking ways to offer assistance,” said Karian.  

Under Teresa's mentorship, Karian made significant strides. Within two months, she earned her GED and completed a culinary training program. She then secured a position as a cafeteria manager with Boston Public Schools, which provides the stability and flexibility she needs to balance family life. Meanwhile, her daughter Anais has also made great progress, improving significantly after initially struggling with regressive behaviors and a speech delay. 

Teresa’s approach extends beyond the typical case-management approach. She sees each family as a whole, understanding that their well-being directly impacts their children's development. "When families are doing well, their children benefit. Children feed off their parents' energy," said Teresa. "It's about creating a positive cycle where both parents and children can thrive."   

Teresa Harris- Family Advocate at Horizons for Homeless Children

Karian's achievements reflect both her dedication and the significant impact of Horizons' two-generational model. Teresa’s support was crucial in guiding Karian through her options and keeping her motivated. Now, with renewed confidence and skill, Karian aims to open her own Puerto Rican restaurant—a dream she is actively pursuing.  

“During culinary arts training, I even got to run the kitchen for a day. The instructor allowed me to lead the class and prepare a Puerto Rican dish, which truly lifted my spirits. I learned traditional recipes from my grandmother and gained a better understanding of nutrition through the program’s classes, which taught me to cook healthier meals,” said Karian.  

Horizons has seven family advocates, each managing a varying caseload as families transition. Typically, Teresa partners with 25 to 30 families, supporting them until their child reaches five years old and transitions to kindergarten. 

Advocates meet with families twice a month, with each session lasting between 30 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on the family’s needs. They conduct assessments every six months to evaluate progress, aiming to move families from "surviving" to "thriving".  One tool used in these conversations is "Pathways to New Horizons".  

Adapted from EMPath’s Bridge to Self-Sufficiency ® used to help families achieve long-term economic mobility, Pathways helps set goals and track progress across five key pillars: family stability, well-being, finances, education and training, and employment/career. It supports personalized goal-setting to address challenges such as debt reduction, education, and career development. To encourage ongoing engagement, families can earn financial rewards for achieving their goals.  

“During meetings, families identify their current status by circling their position on the path. They often start at the 'surviving' stage, move to the 'striving' stage, with the ultimate goal being to reach the 'thriving' stage,” said Harris. 

Teresa, who has been with Horizons for nearly three years, describes her role as a Family Advocate as a deep-seated passion. "My role is to create a safe and supportive environment where I can support each family, help them navigate their unique challenges, provide resources, and encourage them to set and achieve goals. I celebrate their progress and love to see them succeed," said Harris.     

Family Advocates like Teresa are essential to the success of Horizons’ family partnership program. Their personalized support empowers families to leverage their strengths, overcome challenges every step of the way, set long-term goals, and build a foundation for a brighter future.  

Karian’s advice to other parents is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. There’s a whole system out there to support you, and you should use it. It’s okay to reach out—you’re not alone.” Teresa echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a non-judgmental, supportive approach. "Creating a safe space where families can be open about their struggles is key. We’re here to support them through their journey." 

“Everyone needs help sometimes,” Harris adds. “If you fall behind on rent or face financial difficulties, don’t wait for a crisis. Address it head-on, and we can work together to create a budget and find solutions before problems escalate.”  

Children who experience homelessness face adversity and trauma at a very young age. Horizons steps in during this crucial time, providing a safe space for learning and play, trauma-informed care, and support for families. However, with over 200 children currently on their waitlist, Horizons' resources are stretched thin. “While it’s easier to raise funds for tangible items like diapers or books, it’s the people like Teresa who make the magic happen. The interactions and relationships the Horizons team builds with children and families are what drive success. United Way's support is vital in sustaining Horizons’ work, ensuring our team can operate effectively,” said Deanna Dwyer, Marketing & Communications Director at Horizons for Homeless Children.