Massachusetts Network of Foster Care Alumni
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MA Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.
As part of one of the nation’s largest pro bono legal networks, we have been instrumental in leading vital systemic reform initiatives for over fifteen years. Among our accomplishments Improving access to education for homeless children.
Low-income Massachusetts residents who need help paying for healthy food for their families or need assistance after a financial setback may qualify for temporary food and/or cash assistance programs to improve the quality of their lives.
http://www.mass.gov/portal/articles/massachusetts-food-and-cash-assistance.html
More adults now find themselves needing to return to the classroom on a less than full-time basis. The continuous increase in college costs is also requiring more students to reconsider their enrollment plans and to look at part-time programs as viable alternatives. The Commonwealth has recognized the above needs and established the Part Time-Grant program to serve as a bridge between higher education opportunities and those segments of the Massachusetts population.
MSPCC supports teen and young adult parents beginning at pregnancy. Home visitors offer encouragement and education to parents through each stage of pregnancy and early childhood development.
MassEquality is the leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Match Education is a search engine for researching potential school to send your children. We operate high-performing urban public charter schools, a unique graduate school of education that trains teachers for high-poverty schools, and a hybrid college and jobs program that seeks unprecedented degree completion rates and employment outcomes.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law by President Obama in 2010 to make sure that Americans are able to have affordable health insurance coverage. One part of the ACA focuses specifically on youth who were formerly in foster care. Young adults who were in foster care at age 18, or aged out of foster care at 19, may be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage until they are 26.
To apply online, visit ma health connector. Click here to download and print the application.
Watch the video to learn about eligibility, what is covered, and how to sign up:
The mission of My Life My Choice is to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of adolescents through survivor-led programs that “educate” and empower youth to find their voice and create a positive life path while working to eliminate the violence and victimization of sexual exploitation.
The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the UCC, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ's extravagant welcome.Open and Affirming" (ONA) is a movement of more than 1,200 churches that welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members. Nearly 250,000 members of the United Church of Christ belong to ONA churches—and our movement is growing.
Parent Support Groups are free, confidential, and anonymous. These groups serve as a safe place for parents to express frustrations and concerns about their children and families and get advice from other parents who understand.
The toll-free Hotline responds to more than 46,000 calls a year from people across Massachusetts struggling to feed their families. FoodSource Hotline counselors refer callers to food resources in their community as well as provides them with information about school meals, summer meal sites for kids, elder meals programs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
http://www.projectbread.org/get-help/foodsource-hotline.html
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
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/
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 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.
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: