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.
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 (MS)2 program was founded in 1977 to address the compelling need to cultivate the mathematical and scientific abilities of economically disadvantaged African American, Latino, and Native American high school students from targeted cities and communities across the United States. In a residential setting on the historic Phillips Academy campus, the three-summer program challenges students intellectually and exposes them to peers and educators with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and aspirations. This competitive and rigorous program is FREE of charge for all students selected.
https://www.andover.edu/summersessionoutreach/mathscience/pages/default.aspx
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.
Page Apartments is a community of 9 one-bedroom apartments designated for young people (ages 18-22) who have extended their relationship with the foster care system and have elected to remain under the supervision of DCF. The Department of Children and Families provides supportive services and guidance to the young people living here. Page residency is by case worker referral only.
http://www.thecalebgroup.org/wp1/find-housing-2-2/massachusetts/paige-apartments-lowell/
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
Rachel's Table is a volunteer-based group that transports unserved and unsold prepared and perishable foods that otherwise would be wasted.
This "excess" food is distributed to 35 shelters, soup kitchens and neighborhood pantries that serve our needy neighbors.
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.
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
Programs for kids, teens, and adults, such as science, dance, theater, and yoga.
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.