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.
Are you looking for a mentor to support you through navigating the school semester, queer community, or simply an LGBTQIA friend here? The Stonewall Center's Peer Mentorship Program matches first-year and transfer students to a mentor within the UMass queer community to provide academic, social, and emotional support. This program is dedicated to building community among LGBTQIA students on campus by fostering relationships between incoming and returning students. Through peer support, incoming students have the opportunity to grasp queer campus life and have help understanding the complexity of the university.
Voices4Hope is a website created by a group of young adults with mental health challenges that work in the Transitions RTC. The goal of this site is to connect young adults with mental health challenges across the country so we can find out about things that are important to living happily and independently.
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.
Adult education that helps people prepare for the Hi-Set, college or a job. We all have an English Language Learning program. The Wellspring Education Resource Center provides individual counseling for students who need help going to college or a job training program.
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
A federal, educationally based pre-school program that provides both the child and family with education, social service, health, nutrition/dental, special needs services, and family involvement support: Acceptance based on Federal Income Guidelines. Children with special needs given special consideration. For children ages 3 and 4 years; 4 year old children receive priority placement. Must be a Worcester resident. (Documentation required, such as a utility bill). Must provide current immunization record, physical exam, birth certificate, or other documentation as required by funding source. Offersbothhalf-dayandfull-dayprogramsinfourWorcester-arealocations. Limited transportation may be available if qualified.
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.
Year Up’s mission is to close the opportunity divide through a one-year intensive and free program that serves youth ages 18-24 who have a high school diploma or GED, and are eligible to work in the U.S. Students receive an educational stipend and earn 24 free college credits while taking classes and completing an internship at top companies in the Boston area to help them prepare for their journey towards a professional career and higher education!
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.
YourPlanForTheFuture is the state’s no-cost, one-stop online shop for students, parents, and educators designed to help Massachusetts students manage their educational and career pathways. YourPlanForTheFuture has been adopted by more than 71 high schools, representing more than 37,000 students from all corners of the Commonwealth. Leveraging technologies and online user experiences intuitive to students of today,
https://www.yourplanforthefuture.org/Ext/YPFC/Home/index.html
In collaboration with individuals and organizations from within and outside Lawrence, YDO invites young people to be seriously engaged in their education through programs in academics and the arts. Building on each individual student’s particular assets, we encourage them to develop their potential and take charge of their growth and development.
Youth on Fire is a daytime drop-in center for homeless and unstably housed young adults. we offer a wide array of services, supports, and leadership opportunities for our members, including showers, lockers, and laundry. Youth on Fire is a daytime drop-in center that provides hot meals, case management and connections to other services. We also provide Case Management and connection to other services.
There are many paths to college for students with disabilities. Some students may want to take a traditional path, such as applying to four-year or two-year colleges. Or they may want to pursue specialized training at a vocational or technical school to earn an occupational certificate. Some students might be more comfortable applying to a college or program within a college that is specifically designed to support students with disabilities. No matter what path students choose, there are ways for them to get the assistance and accommodations they need to succeed in college.
Provide 24/7 on-call support and a Transitional Living Specialist who will meet with them in the community one to two times per week.For young adults between the ages of 17.5 – 21. Alternative funding is available for this program so can take outside referrals.