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 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.
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.
SchoolSoup's research team has identified Foster Child Scholarships. SchoolSoup.com is considered the authority on college/university scholarships and we have listed over $40 Billion in available scholarships. We take pride in having the most comprehensive free and up to date information available online. It is possible that your profile does not match the requirements to obtain a Foster Child scholarship but our directory does provide you with some of the information you will need to get your application process started.
http://www.schoolsoup.com/scholarship-directory/special-situation/foster-child/
Sesame Workshop created Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. Developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism, See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities. At the same time, the project fosters an affirming narrative around autism for all families and kids.
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
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 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 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.
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.
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:
St. Patrick – St. Vincent de Paul's Food Pantry serves 2,500 individuals from Watertown. Proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill, or receipt) is required to register. Hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday, from 10:00 am to 11:45 am.