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.
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.
Phillips Academy, a residential secondary school, seeks students of intelligence and integrity from diverse cultural, racial, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.The school's residential structure enables faculty to support students in their personal, social, and intellectual development. The academic program fosters excellence in all disciplines within the liberal arts tradition. Faculty members guide students in mastering skills, acquiring knowledge, and thinking critically, creatively and independently.
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
Food –
Kates Kitchen- lunch daily all welcome no questions asked, 413-532-0233
Margaret's Pantry- 413-538-8026
Clothing –
St. Jude's- 413-538-8026
Holyoke Career Closet- 413-552-2564
Mother Mary's- 413-536-5200
Housing- For men in recovery
Loreto House- 413-533-5909
Broderick House- 413-536-9109
McCleary Manor- 413-536-9109
Job Training-
foodWorks @ Kate's Kitchen 413-536-9109
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.
Rise Above provides opportunities to over 10,000 youth in the foster care system by responding to the growing need to give youth in foster care opportunities that will give them a sense of normalcy, provide comfort and build self-esteem.
By funding individual wishes for requests like prom expenses, soccer registration, and clarinet lessons, Rise Above provides positive experiences for children in foster care.
We are a community center for poor and homeless women — meals, advocacy, food pantry, lockers, laundry, showers, shelter, ESOL classes, computer classes, pre-GED tutoring, job counselor, housing search, legal services, outreach, public policy, organizing, arts workshops, mental health worker, credit counselor, wellness programming
Located in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury, Roxbury Village provides up to 18 months of housing for nine young people at a time, as well as intensive services and supports to build necessary resources and skills. Roxbury Village provides assistance with employment services; educational support; access to health services; positive and appropriate peer and adult relationships; strong community connections; and enhanced life skills (e.g. budgeting, financial management, and parenting).
http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_independent_living_roxbury#.VW82-vlViko
Free Phone with Minutes Program
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Public/NewHome.html
Available to meet with current or prospective Salem State Students in regard to questions or concerns. Primary support person on campus for students who have been involved with the foster care system.
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
School on Wheels of Massachusetts is to educate children impacted by homelessness by providing academic support and one-on-one mentoring so children can reach their full potential.
The vision of School on Wheels of Massachusetts is that all children have the academic support necessary to achieve a bright and productive future that will help end the cycle of homelessness.
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/
Silver Lining Mentoring is the only mentoring organization in Massachusetts that exclusively serves youth in foster care. We serve youth ages 7 and older through Our Mentors program includes a specialized mentoring initiative for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in care, which seeks to empower LGBTQ youth to develop a positive sense of self and belonging through providing committed, community-based mentoring relationships with LGBTQ identified adult mentors.
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.
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.
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