Massachusetts Network of Foster Care Alumni
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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/
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
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.
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
As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC’s vision a reality. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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.
The Network/La Red is a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in LGBQ/T, BDSM and polyamorous communities.
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.
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.
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:
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
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!
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.
There are many paths to college for students with disabilities. Some students may want to take a traditional path, such as applying to four-year or two-year colleges. Or they may want to pursue specialized training at a vocational or technical school to earn an occupational certificate. Some students might be more comfortable applying to a college or program within a college that is specifically designed to support students with disabilities. No matter what path students choose, there are ways for them to get the assistance and accommodations they need to succeed in college.
Provide 24/7 on-call support and a Transitional Living Specialist who will meet with them in the community one to two times per week.For young adults between the ages of 17.5 – 21. Alternative funding is available for this program so can take outside referrals.