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Community Corner

Sue Heilman Award for Excellence, Community Member

Swampscott woman Gail Zarren was honored for her outstanding efforts and commitment to improving the lives of young homeless children and their families on behalf of Horizons for Homeless Children.  With family homelessness on the rise, there is an ongoing need for organizations and volunteers to help these families.  The Horizons Playspace Program ensures that children living in family homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play.  The volunteers and staff members, such as Gail, are all truly passionate about helping young homeless children and the Playspace Program relies on them tremendously.  Every week, their outstanding efforts help provide Horizons for Homeless Children the services for thousands of homeless children and their families.   Gail is the Project Director and Creator of the “Expanding Horizons Through Music” Initiative at Horizons’ early education centers in Dorchester and Jamaica Plain.  Her program helps young children with their phonological awareness, exploratory movement, storytelling skills and music proficiency on a weekly basis.  As one teacher enthusiastically note, “Gail’s positive attitude and eager spirit inspires all of us to carry her enthusiasm for music into our every day lives”.  Gail received the Sue Heilman Award for Excellence as a Community Member at Horizons’ Annual Recognition & Awards Dinner. For more information about Horizons for Homeless Children’s Playspace Program or to become a volunteer, please visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org.

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