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.
Camp Starfish provides a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio at all times to enable success, build social skills, teach coping mechanisms, and help children who have difficulty finding success in traditional settings. We are a one-of-a-kind summer camp, year-round support and advocate for children and families. We encourage you to learn more about Starfish and the campers and families who have had their lives changed by their powerful experiences here. Then, we hope you will join us, becoming a camper, family, staff member, teacher, social worker, donor or friend who has seen the difference a Starfish summer can make.
Hourly Respite provides temporary support to a child/youth with emotional and/or behavioral disturbances. LUK's Hourly Respite services are responsive to the needs of families; are reliable and flexible; and strengthen families, children and youth. Hourly Respite reduces family stress; establishes, supports, and maintains family stability; increases family and individual safety; and minimizes the need for out-of-home placement.
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/
Programs for kids, teens, and adults, such as science, dance, theater, and yoga.
The Worcester West DCF Area Board created a list of resources in central MA for the community to utilize. You can download the whole Road Map for Families they created here. We have also incorporated most of the resources in this guide as individual searchable entries within MassNFCA's Resource Database. MassNFCA is grateful for their contribution to our website.
Young people need safe and enriching environments to try new things, develop skills, meet new people and show what they're capable of. Achieving and maintaining health in spirit, mind and body makes for a richer life and giving back to neighbors and those in need is our responsibility as neighbors, colleagues and citizens. The Y defines our areas of focus–the programming you're part of every day.