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 ALC offers basic literacy courses in reading and mathematics to a 9th grade level, GED preparation, English for Speakers of Other Languages instruction, and Citizenship preparation classes to Brockton area adults. The ALC also offers Family Literacy classes which are geared toward ESOL students who have children in the Brockton Public Schools. The center also provides computer courses and counseling services.
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 Goddard School is not your average childcare facility. Highly trained Goddard School teachers use the most current, proven methods to ensure children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. Goddard School classrooms also feature diverse learning programs such as foreign languages, yoga, world cultures, manners and computer skills, programs that most childcare centers do not offer.
(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.
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 UMass Lowell Navigators Club is an organization made up of students, faculty and staff members dedicated to advocating and providing for the needs of UMass Lowell students from a less traditional path to college and in need of additional support.
https://umasslowellclubs.collegiatelink.net/organization/NAViGATORS
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.
Adult education that helps people prepare for the Hi-Set, college or a job. We all have an English Language Learning program. The Wellspring Education Resource Center provides individual counseling for students who need help going to college or a job training program.
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.
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.
In collaboration with individuals and organizations from within and outside Lawrence, YDO invites young people to be seriously engaged in their education through programs in academics and the arts. Building on each individual student’s particular assets, we encourage them to develop their potential and take charge of their growth and development.
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.