PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
After School & Summer Programs
Reading Classes for Youth
Tutoring and Homework Help
Backpacks and School Supplies
New Books for Kids
Activity Kits for Kids
Computer Education Classes
At Horizon, we devote a lot of time and energy to supporting education and opportunities for the families we serve. Our Social Service Coordinators work with affordable housing properties to provide kids with the resources they need to learn, such as quality books, new backpacks and school supplies, and onsite computer labs. We bring in tutors to help with homework and reading, and we connect children to quality programs after school and during the summer.
We also know that education doesn’t stop after childhood. For adults, our staff can help bring in financial education classes, career development workshops, computer classes, and other opportunities so that everyone can be ready to succeed and thrive.
Scholarship Program:
28 ACTIVE SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2020
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, Horizon’s scholarships help make college affordable and attainable for residents of Horizon-affiliated properties. The scholarship allows students to attend any 4-year accredited college, an accredited community college, or an accredited vocational/technical school. We commit up to four years of support, so residents know they can count on us from start to finish.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: NEW BACKPACKS IN COLORADO
Even during these uncertain times, kids need to be ready to learn. And especially during these times, a relatively small gesture can go a long way. We received this message from a service coordinator in Colorado who was helping distribute backpacks from Horizon.
“I just had a young kid going into first grade come pick up his backpack. He was so excited to get the army colored one. I asked him if he wanted some popsicles that I had in the freezer. He said yes, and his mom took his backpack to hold. He grabbed the popsicles, then switched with her right away. He held his backpack so tight the entire time he was at the clubhouse, and was jumping around. He was so excited, you could tell he was smiling so big even through his mask.”
Horizon’s team works with properties to understand residents’ health-related needs and to bring in resources that can help.
For our older residents, many of our efforts focus on helping folks to stay independent and be able to age in place. For example, group classes such as chair yoga, Tai Chi for fall prevention, and Matter of Balance help residents to improve their strength and mobility and teach techniques for avoiding falls.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Horizon worked to make sure residents had access to fresh and nutritious food. In addition to funding onsite food pantries, we worked with local farmers and regional cooperatives to deliver shares of fresh and local food directly to residents’ doors. During uncertain and difficult times, these services brought some stability and healthy options to our residents’ lives.
PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Health & Wellness Classes
Senior Exercise Programs
Healthy Cooking Classes
Onsite Food Pantries
Fresh Produce & Hot Meal Deliveries
Walking Clubs
Winter Coats for Kids
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: FRESH FOOD DELIVERIES IN KANSAS CITY
For the past few years, Horizon has worked with our partner The Kansas City Food Hub to bring fresh, local food to residents around the region. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to change and intensify needs, both organizations agreed to accelerate the partnership. Horizon worked to contact and on-board more area properties, while the Food Hub expanded its network of local farmers and worked to build out its delivery infrastructure.
Throughout the pandemic, residents at nine area properties have been receiving monthly shares of fresh, local food directly to their door. Our hope is that this food supports their health, eases their financial burden, decreases their need to visit a grocery store, and helps them to feel supported and cared about during this time.
Horizon pays extra attention to how our services can bring residents together. Through programs such as holiday dinners, back to school celebrations, and community gardens, Horizon helps build connections among neighbors and strengthen the social capital of a community. For many of our older residents, community gatherings also help to combat the negative effects of social isolation that can occur as we age.
When neighbors get the chance to know and care for each other, it leads to happier residents and stronger communities.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: SENIORS FINDING A CREATIVE OUTLET
In Eldon, Missouri, a local artist is making painting kits for senior residents who usually attend her art classes in person. She cuts designs out of wood and provides paints and a template for ideas, and residents get to complete these projects in the safety of their own homes. While not the same as getting to share the experience in a social setting, this program helps isolated seniors to have a creative outlet and to still feel connected and cared about during this time.
