North End resident Colleen Daly was honored as “PAL of the Year – Boston Region” for her volunteer efforts in helping homeless children on behalf of Horizons for Homeless Children. Horizons for Homeless Children’s Playspace Program ensures that children living in family homeless shelters in Massachusetts have the opportunity for developmentally appropriate play. The Playspace program creates educational spaces in shelters and stocks them with books, toys and art supplies. Most importantly, however, are the volunteers (also known as PALs), such as Colleen.
Every week, the outstanding efforts of Horizons’ volunteers, staff, and partners help provide them the services for thousands of homeless children and their families. This year, Horizons For Homeless Children honored Colleen at their Annual Recognition & Awards Dinner as PAL of the year in the Greater Boston Region.
Colleen Daly, a PAL at Margaret’s House in Dorchester for almost 13 years, is one of Horizons for Homeless Children’s longest serving PALs. Colleen is a PAL mentor who goes above and beyond – organizing PAL community meetings, attending shifts to welcome new PALs, filling in for other PALs, and maintaining open communication with shelter and Horizons’ staff. In the past, Colleen has participated in Horizons’ PAL Council meetings, spoken at the Women’s Breakfast, volunteered at many different events for the families at Margaret’s House, advocated with Horizons at the State House and served as a panelist at PAL trainings.
To learn more about the Playspace Program or to volunteer, visit www.
