Week 51 of #52weeksofgiving - Horizon Club - Newburyport, MA
For week 51 of #52weeksofgiving, we are excited to highlight the Horizon Club in Newburyport, MA! Last Wednesday, December 14th, LeMay Family Goodworks team member and long-time family friend Denise participated as a Singing Angel at the club’s Christmas party for a fun-filled evening of caroling and festivities.
When a state hospital in Danvers closed in the 1980s, many residents were separated from their friends. So a thoughtful group organized a holiday party where friends could gather. Suzanne Morin went to the club with her guitar and sang Christmas carols to the members. A few more friends joined her each year, and around 40 Angels took part this year!
The Horizon Club’s annual party is now held at the Elks Lodge. Singers come from all over, including Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and even Florida! They all look forward to the event, and for many, it’s the only time they get to see one another each year. Suzanne’s husband, Jack, also comes dressed as Santa to share hugs and gifts with the members.
Denise has been joining the Angels for 16 years. It’s now a family affair for her, as her daughters joined five years ago. “This is the most important thing I do during the Christmas season. I left feeling so happy, I could barely sleep afterward!” she told us.
We were happy to make a donation to the Horizon Club to support their ongoing programs. Read on to learn more about them!
About the Horizon Club
The Horizon Club is a nonprofit based in Newburyport, MA, operated out of the local Elks Lodge. The club is on a mission “to enable developmentally challenged adults (18+) to cultivate their social skills and enjoy social activities with their peers in an informal, fun atmosphere in the Merrimack Valley/North Shore area.”
Founded in 1972 with just six members, the club now serves more than 100 adults throughout Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, West Newbury, Haverhill, Merrimac, and Georgetown. Members enjoy social activities where they can keep in touch with friends and make new ones. Additionally, the club allows individuals to express themselves, share their experiences, and have fun on a more personal level.
Activities are held every Wednesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. during the school year. They include dances with live music, talent shows, karaoke nights, entertainers, group games, theme nights, and holiday festivities. Every week offers an evening of fun and fellowship. Staff and family members may join for individuals who require supervision.
How You Can Help
If you would like to help the Horizon Club continue offering wonderful events for local developmentally challenged adults, please consider donating. Your generosity supports their programs and helps keep the membership costs low.
Or, volunteer when you can for a rewarding experience—they always welcome help at their weekly social gatherings! If you’re interested in joining the Singing Angels for future Christmas parties, they are always welcoming new voices to help spread joy around the holidays! Contact the Horizon Club for all volunteer opportunities.
Is there an organization you feel we should know about? Send us a message with the cause, and let us know what it means to you for future #52weeksofgiving features!