Search Resources

Submit a Resource

Help us grow our Database!

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.

Schools On Wheels Massachusetts

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.

http://www.sowma.org

Learn more

SchoolSoup’s

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/

Learn more

ShortStop Transitional Housing

Shortstop is a community-based program that provides housing and transitional care to homeless young adults, ages 18- 22, from the Somerville, Cambridge and Greater Boston areas. ShortStop offers a variety of services including educational and vocational support services for young people transitioning to adulthood. Shortstop assists each young adult to make a successful transitional to stable permanent living situations by promoting independent living skills in a supportive environment.

http://www.waysideyouth.org/shortstop-transitional-housing-co-ed/

Learn more

StandUp For Kids

Our primary goal is to establish and build relationships with runaway, homeless & street-dependent youth ages 13-25. Life skills focused on are:

1. Anger Management Sessions
2. Increased tutoring services for GED, job hunting/resume building
3. Financial Management
4. Improving Communications
5. Study Skills
6. Goal Setting
7. Behavior Management Class

8. Social Events for homeless and at-risk youth/families

http://www.standupforkids.org/about/default.aspx

Learn more

The Answer Book

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

Learn more

The Community House of Hamilton & Denham

Programs for kids, teens, and adults, such as science, dance, theater, and yoga.

http://communityhouse.org

Learn more

The Cowasuck Band

There is a growing effort to bring history back into focus and to correct many misconceptions about the relationship of Native People, such as us, and the founding of the United States. Educational and cultural programs: Library & Information Resources, Language & Music Program, Traditional Drum & Singing. The Social services are Information & Referrals with NEDOBAK Network Help Line Legal Clinic. Religious services are also important to our people. Ceremonies & Marriage with a Spiritual Counseling is provided to all members.

http://www.cowasuck.org/index.cfm

Learn more

The FACES Clinic at UMASS Memorial Children’s Center

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.

http:// http://www.facesclinic.com/

Learn more

The Federation for Children with Special Needs

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

http://www.fcsn.org

Learn more

The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition

(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.

http://www.ncset.org

Learn more

The Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL)

Is a family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families. PPAL's goals are to support families, nurture parent leaders and work for systems change.

http://ppal.net

Learn more

The Simple Dollar

Comprehensive guide designed to help students learn how to manage their personal finances. They do this by providing financial expert's advice, thoroughly researched data, and helpful tips that guide students through financial planning, budgeting, identifying the risks of overspending, as well as the dangers of credit cards.The Simple Dollar has created this completely free and comprehensive guide that includes many helpful features such as a student budget calculator that can help students understand everything they need to know about budgeting and money management.

http://TheSimpleDollar.com

Learn more

The Women, Infants and Children (W.I.C.) Supplemental Nutrition Program.

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.

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/basic-needs/food/wic/

Learn more

The Young Adult Vocational Program

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:

  • Appropriate work habits and attitudes
  • Job seeking and interviewing skills
  • Resume writing
  • Filling out applications
  • Social Skills
  • Communication skills

http://www.yavp.org

Learn more

Training Resources of America

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:

  • Increasing their basic reading, language and math levels
  • Improving their English speaking/comprehension capabilities
  • Obtaining a High School Equivalency Credential
  • Learning new skills
  • Developing self-confidence
  • Finding and retaining gainful employment
  • Improving opportunities for increased earnings and job advancement
  • Becoming active and productive members of their communities

http://www.tra-inc.org

Learn more

Voices4Hope

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.

http://www.voices4hope.net/about-us.html

Learn more

William Warren Scholarship

The William Warren Scholarship Program provides scholarships for educational and vocational programs to any youth under age 25 who was in the care/custody of DCF for a minimum of one year. Scholarships range from $250 to $4000. Both current and former DCF youth are eligible.

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/adolescent/education.html

Learn more

Worcester Child Development Head Start

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.

http://headstart.worcesterschools.org

Learn more

Worcester West Area Board - Road map for families

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.

Learn more

Year UP

Year Up’s mission is to close the opportunity divide through a one-year intensive and free program that serves youth ages 18-24 who have a high school diploma or GED, and are eligible to work in the U.S. Students receive an educational stipend and earn 24 free college credits while taking classes and completing an internship at top companies in the Boston area to help them prepare for their journey towards a professional career and higher education!

http://www.yearup.org

Learn more

close flag