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 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
We are a non-profit, grassroots organization offering Reggio Emilia inspired programs for children and youth ages 2.9-15. Families and children are welcomed regardless of background and cultural differences.Programs include: day programs from Preschool to Kindergarten, (ages 2.9-5), before & after school programs (grades K-8) and summer programs (ages 3.9-15). These programs are designed to empower youth through creation and creativity.
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/
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
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.
The mission of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is to feed our neighbors in need and lead the community to end hunger. In Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties in Western Massachusetts, approximately one in every eight people suffers from chronic food shortages or needs emergency food assistance. In some areas, rates of hunger and food insecurity are more than six times higher than the Massachusetts statewide average.
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. We are committed to increasing our food distribution to provide at least ONE MEAL A DAY to every person in need in eastern Massachusetts.
The Haven Project is a Drop-in Center that is open Tues - Thurs from 4-7PM. During these hours we provide a hot meal, snacks, basic clothing and toiletries. We coach unaccompanied youth, providing support towards securing stable housing, job placement and medical referrals.
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.
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.
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.
This is a great resource to find counseling, therapy and connection to all different types of Mental Health professional. If you're suffering from depression, anxiety, loneliness, or have any Mental Health concerns this is a perfect resource to connect to a professional
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
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
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.