HARVARD GAZETTE ARCHIVES

The $10,000 award, sponsored by the Harvard School of Public Health (SPH), Children's Hospital, and the City of Boston, annually recognizes a local program that has demonstrated innovative and effective approaches to promoting the healthy development of children.

The Horizons Initiative distinguishes itself not only be meeting the developmental needs of homeless children, providing them with educational play, but also by improving their lives long-term - helping their parents gain self-sufficiency through on-site counseling, education, job training, and parenting workshops.

"Quality childcare and early education are important for children, but especially for children who have experienced the trauma of homelessness," said Sue Heilman, executive director of The Horizons Initiative.

Also presenting remarks at the ceremony are Dean Barry R. Bloom of SPH and James Mandell, CEO, Children's Hospital.

Copyright 2002 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College