Massachusetts Network of Foster Care Alumni
Do you have a suggestion for a resource program and/or organization we should add? Share a Resource through the new resource request form or e-mail us the resource details and we'll follow up with the organization directly.
The toll-free Hotline responds to more than 46,000 calls a year from people across Massachusetts struggling to feed their families. FoodSource Hotline counselors refer callers to food resources in their community as well as provides them with information about school meals, summer meal sites for kids, elder meals programs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
http://www.projectbread.org/get-help/foodsource-hotline.html
Rachel's Table is a volunteer-based group that transports unserved and unsold prepared and perishable foods that otherwise would be wasted.
This "excess" food is distributed to 35 shelters, soup kitchens and neighborhood pantries that serve our needy neighbors.
Everyone needs a break from parenting once in a while, and respite is an important way to ensure that parents are able to take care of themselves, so they can continue to care for their children. Family respite is a planned time-out or vacation for DCF foster and pre-adoptive parents. Families can receive up to ten days of paid respite each year. Available as needed.
http://www.mspcc.org/our-services/foster-care-adoption/kidsnet/
Available to meet with current or prospective Salem State Students in regard to questions or concerns. Primary support person on campus for students who have been involved with the foster care system.
The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers and Harbor Light programs have provided spiritual, social, and emotional assistance for men and women who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves. Centers offers residential housing, work, and group and individual therapy, all in a clean, wholesome environment.
Inclusive, comprehensive and smart sexuality information for teens and 20’s
School on Wheels of Massachusetts is to educate children impacted by homelessness by providing academic support and one-on-one mentoring so children can reach their full potential.
The vision of School on Wheels of Massachusetts is that all children have the academic support necessary to achieve a bright and productive future that will help end the cycle of homelessness.
SchoolSoup's research team has identified Foster Child Scholarships. SchoolSoup.com is considered the authority on college/university scholarships and we have listed over $40 Billion in available scholarships. We take pride in having the most comprehensive free and up to date information available online. It is possible that your profile does not match the requirements to obtain a Foster Child scholarship but our directory does provide you with some of the information you will need to get your application process started.
http://www.schoolsoup.com/scholarship-directory/special-situation/foster-child/
Sesame Workshop created Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism, See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities. At the same time, the project fosters an affirming narrative around autism for all families and kids.
Guide written by the Massachusetts Court Improvement Program in partnership with other co-authors. This guide is for foster youth in Massachusetts age 14 up to the age of 22 aimed at helping transition age youth make the most of DCF Custody. The fourth edition of paper copies are now available and MassNFCA is a co-author. Contact manetworkfostercarealumni@gmail.com if you'd like paper copies of the Answer Book for distribution to foster youth in MA. The online version of The Answer Book is accessible through the Mass Court Improvement Program website link below.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/youth-resource-the-answer-book-2018/download
Programs for kids, teens, and adults, such as science, dance, theater, and yoga.
As a foster parent, take comfort in knowing that your child's health and well-being are cared for by the FaCES (Foster Children Evaluation Services) Clinic. The clinic opened in 2003 to provide timely, high-quality health care evaluations for children in foster care in the Worcester area. Thanks to the collaboration between our Division of General Pediatrics and the Worcester's Department of Children and Families, foster health care is more coordinated. Children ages birth to 18 years old. All children enter care MUST have a health care screening within 7 calendar days and have a complete medical exam within 30 calendar days of placement.
Provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs is committed to encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.
Call them to obtain a free copy of A Parent's Guide to Special Education
The Coalition's early intervention and direct service work. These works include services such as;
(NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and gives information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures.
WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children.
The Young Adult Vocational Program (YAVP) is a transitional program that provides daily structure for young adults with psychiatric disabilities. The program’s mission of integrating the individual back into the community is accomplished through daily structured groups and individualized support. Groups have been established to help build pre-vocational, vocational, and educational skills, as well as daily life skills as they relate to work or school. Specific skill areas that have been targeted include:
TRA has made it possible for thousands of educationally and economically disadvantaged youth and adults to improve the quality of their lives. Our clients have been successful in:
Voices4Hope is a website created by a group of young adults with mental health challenges that work in the Transitions RTC. The goal of this site is to connect young adults with mental health challenges across the country so we can find out about things that are important to living happily and independently.
A federal, educationally based pre-school program that provides both the child and family with education, social service, health, nutrition/dental, special needs services, and family involvement support: Acceptance based on Federal Income Guidelines. Children with special needs given special consideration. For children ages 3 and 4 years; 4 year old children receive priority placement. Must be a Worcester resident. (Documentation required, such as a utility bill). Must provide current immunization record, physical exam, birth certificate, or other documentation as required by funding source. Offersbothhalf-dayandfull-dayprogramsinfourWorcester-arealocations. Limited transportation may be available if qualified.