Please click on the tabs below to access resources for each topic. Although we strive to include as many resources as we can here, this is not an exhaustive list. Please contact charly@bostoncasa.org or lizabeth@bostoncasa.org if you have additional resources, you think could be helpful for other volunteers.

Continuing Education Opportunities

CASA Volunteers need to complete 12 hours of Continuing Education credits a year. Four hours of your CE credits must be from our Boston CASA University sessions. The remaining eight may come from any of the listed resources.

How to earn Continuing Education credits:

Read/watch/listen to one of the resources below.
Fill out form: https://forms.office.com/r/vsUvhc0AmD
Repeat as needed!

Anti-Racism

Books

White Fragility
This book examines how white fragility develops, how it perpetuates racial inequality, and how to more constructively engage as a white person talking about race.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43708708-white-fragility
Credits: 3

Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare
In this book, Dorothy Roberts uses data as well as personal experience to analyze and critique the racial disparities within the child welfare system, particularly foster care.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34663.Shattered_Bonds
Credits: 3

Videos

Exclusion By Design: The History of Anti-Black Racism in the Child Welfare System
This video explores the history of anti-Black racism in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and finds and explains the parallels between racism in policy and racism in practice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnRm81rTnWk
Credits: 2

Child Development

Books

Building the Bonds of Attachment
This book explains both the specialized psychotherapy and parenting that is often necessary in facilitating a child’s psychological development and attachment security.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/310996.Building_the_Bonds_of_Attachment?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=wBRhe7zmfl&rank=1
Credits: 3

What Happened to Johnnie Jordan?: The Story of a Child Turning Violent
This book dives into the case of Johnnie Jordan, a child who, after being failed by the system, killed his foster mother. The book follows the story as Johnnie grows up, but more importantly examines a system that is so muddled down and overworked that children entrusted to its care often receive none at all. It begs the question, how does the way children are raised impact the lives of others?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/584567.What_Happened_to_Johnnie_Jordan_?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ls9GTiyabj&rank=1
Credits: 3

Presentation

Teenage Brain, Alcohol, and Risky Behavior
https://www.schooltube.com/media/Teenage-Brain-Alcohol-Risky-Behavior/1_yi5nii0w
Credits: 1

Disability Equity

Books

More Alike Than Different: My Life with Downs Syndrome
This memoir details the life of a person who was raised to be unapologetic about their disability and who rose to great heights because of that mindset.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51198582-more-alike-than-different?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=rw8exE5s6p&rank=2
Credits: 3

Articles

Youth with Disabilities in the Child Welfare System
https://www.academia.edu/23247460/Youth_with_Disabilities_in_the_United_States_Child_Welfare_System
Credits: 1

Videos

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
This documentary details how an inclusive summer camp created such strong relationships between campers that it sparked an entire movement for disability rights.
https://cripcamp.com/
Credits: 2

Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems

Books

Somebody Else’s Children: The Courts, The Kids, and The Struggle to Save America’s Troubled Families
This book dives into the inner workings of America’s family court system, providing an up-close-and-personal look at the parents and children whose fate it decides.
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/169967.Somebody_Else_s_Children
Credits: 3

I Speak For This Child
In this book, the author details her own experiences as a guardian ad litem, providing a glimpse of what it takes to make sure that America’s most vulnerable citizens are treated with care and respect.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251902.I_Speak_for_This_Child
Credits: 3

Videos

Congratulations, You’re on Your Own: Life After Foster Care
This documentary follows the lives of youth who are transitioning out of the foster system, from how they got there to what happened while they were in care and what happens once they age out.
https://www.pbs.org/video/congratulations-youre-on-your-own-life-after-foster-care-p5ziqx/
Credits: 1

LGBTQ+

Books

Trans: A Memoir
This book interweaves the personal with the political in a powerful memoir that explores the debates the comprise trans politics and will redefine our ideas of what it means to be alive.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24388296-trans?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hW6Hs5hxmZ&rank=1
Credits: 3

Life Isn’t Binary: On Being Both, Beyond, and In-Between
This book shows how rigid binary thinking limits our relationships, well-being, and sense of identity, and explains how we can begin to change those thought pattern.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43818540-life-isn-t-binary?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7NLVe5untr&rank=1
Credits: 3

Gender: Your Guide: A Gender-Friendly Primer on What to Know, What to Say, and What to Do in the New Gender Culture
This book provides a guide to all things gender: from the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and sex to the use of gender-neutral pronouns.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38926324-gender?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=vBd1C6XZlU&rank=1
Credits: 3

Basic Needs

ABCD– Energy Programs

(617) 357-6012

ABCD’s is Boston’s multi-service Community Action Agency that provides a variety of services including education, housing, income assistance and energy program which provides assistance with paying and reducing utility bills, debt forgiveness, and repairing and replacing broken heating systems.

Catholic Charities of Boston

(617) 522-4040

Catholic Charities provides a plethora of services that can be beneficial to our families such as child care, counseling, adoption services, tutoring and mentoring, family support, community interpreter services, etc.

Citizens Energy Corporation

The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program has delivered millions of gallons of home heating oil to poor households in MA since 1979.

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)

(877) 382-2363

The Department of Transitional Assistance is the place to start in regard to homelessness and the strains of poverty. The DTA’s mission is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. Families can get access to programs like TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children), EAEDC (Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children), SNAP, and SSI through the DTA.

FamilyAid Services Boston

(617) 542-7286

FamilyAid Services provides temporary emergency shelters, motels, transitional, and permanent housing. They also assist with local emergency transportation, family relocation out-of-state, and employment services.

Fair Foods Dollar-A-Bag Program

(617) 288-6185

For a donation of two dollars, a family receives about 15 pounds of groceries weekly from Fair Foods.

Income Eligible Child Care

Income Eligible Child Care provides subsidized child care for the children of low-income parents not receiving child care through TAFDC, who are working, disabled, in an education or job training program, or who otherwise meet the activity requirement. Child care is provided for children under 13 and for older children with special needs.

Mass 211

(877) 211-6277

Mass 211 is a helpline that individuals can call to find essential community services like an after school program, a food bank, or where to secure care for an aging parent. This resource serves as a way to find government benefits, services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources.

Massachusetts Emergency Food and Cash Assistance Program (SNAP)

1-877-382-2363

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program or SNAP is the new name for the Food Stamp Program. If you live in Massachusetts, you can complete the screening tool to see if you are eligible to apply for SNAP/food stamps online! SNAP consumers are families with children, elders, and disabled who need financial assistance to purchase nutritious food at neighborhood grocery stores.

Project Bread

(617) 723-5000

Project Bread anticipates and responds to immediate needs in our communities with emergency and short-term programs provided with dignity and kindness. This program provides a FoodSource Hotline to find available resources to get vital food.

Rosie’s Place

(617) 442-9322

Rosie’s Place is a community center for poor and homeless women that provides meals, advocacy, a food pantry, lockers, laundry, showers, shelter, ESOL classes, computer classes, pre-GED tutoring, job counseling, housing searches, legal services, outreach, arts workshops, mental health workers, credit counseling, and wellness programming.

SafeLink

1-800-723-3546

Safelink is a government benefit program that gives low-income families a phone with minutes to stay in contact with the important supports in their lives.

Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) Supplemental Nutrition Program

WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to MA families who qualify.

Childcare/Early Care and Education

Child Care Choices of Boston

(617) 542-5437

Child Care Choices of Boston (CCCB) is the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCRA) for Boston, Brookline, Chelsea, Cambridge, Revere, Somerville and Winthrop. The search feature on this website allows parents to find licensed child care providers and family child care providers in their community and information about how to apply for child subsidies and financial aid.

ABCD Boston

https://bostonabcd.org/ (617) 348-6388

ABCD is a non-profit human services organization that provides low income residents in the Greater Boston region with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. ABCD offers services for: educational services for children, youth and adults, as well as, health services, housing, immigration, job training and youth programs among others. ABCD offers Head Start, Early Head Start, before and afterschool as well as summer youth programs, and youth and adult job training.

Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center

http://bcnc.net (617) 635-5129

As the largest social service provider for Asian families in the Greater Boston area, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) responds to community needs by delivering holistic, family-centered, and culturally competent programs to over 2,600 children, youth, and adults each year. These programs include child care and enrichment programs, education and workforce initiatives, and family and community engagement.

Head Start/Early Head Start

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs

Local Boston Website:

http://bostonabcd.org/head-start-early-childhood-education.aspx

1-866-763-6481

Head Start is a federally funded child development program that offers free early childhood programs for pregnant women and children ages 0 to 5. This program helps children from low income families get a head start and become ready for school.

Horizons for Homeless Children

http://horizonschildren.org (617) 553-5455

Horizons for Homeless Children is leading the fight in Massachusetts to help alleviate the trauma and stress of homelessness on both children and their families by providing world-class early education, vital opportunities for play, support for parents, and crucial advocacy on behalf of some of our most marginalized citizens.

Disability Assistance

Disability Law Center

http://www.dlc-ma.org (800) 872-9992

The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities. DLC provides information, referrals, technical assistance and representation regarding legal rights and services for people with disabilities, including those who have a wide range of physical, psychiatric, sensory and cognitive disabilities.

Early Intervention Department at Children’s Hospital

http://www.childrenshospital.org/about-us/locations/boston-childrens-at-martha-eliot-health-center/departments/early-intervention-department

(617) 355-6000

Early Intervention (EI) at Boston Children’s Hospital provides family-centered services to support the developmental progress of eligible children. Depending on the child’s needs, the EI team may include a developmental specialist, social worker, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or other specialty providers. Eligibility is any child under the age of three with a physical, emotional, or cognitive condition, and who is at risk for being developmentally delayed.

Easter Seals of MA

http://www.easterseals.com/ma/ (800) 244-2756

Easter Seals provides services for children and adults with disabilities or special needs. Services include obtaining assistive technology devices, referrals, employment opportunities, speech, physical, and occupational therapy, and a summer camp for children.

Families TIES of MA

http://massfamilyties.org/ (800) 905-8437

Family TIES offers parent-to-parent support, information, and referral services and workshops to ensure that parents feel confident in their abilities to care for children with special needs.

Federation for Children with Special Needs

http://fcsn.org/ (617) 236-7210

FCSN provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.

MA Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF)

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/family-health/cicrf/

(617) 624-6060

This program gives reimbursement for families with children who have excessive medical expenses, special health care needs, and disabilities. Must submit an application.

MA Commission for the Blind (MCB)

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/mcb/

(617) 727-5550

The MCB provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living social services, assistive technology for the blind, orientation and mobility services, consumer assistance and more.

MA Department of Developmental Services

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dds/

(617) 727-6508

The DDS provides a comprehensive system of specialized services to adults with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities. Services include day support, employment support, residential support, family support, respite, and transportation.

MA Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/mrc/

(617) 204-3600

The MRC provides comprehensive services to people with disabilities including employment and advocacy. MRC serves people with all types of disabilities except those who are blind. Individuals with visual disabilities are served through the MA Commission for the blind (MCB).

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)

http://www.barcc.org/

Hotline (800) 841-8371

BARCC is the only rape crisis center in the Greater Boston area with a hotline to answer calls from rape survivors 24-hours a day with medical advocacy, legal services, counseling services and case management.

CASA Myrna

http://www.casamyrna.org

Safe Link 1-877-785-2020

CASA Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, providing safety, resources, advocacy, and information.

Child Witness to Violence Project

http://www.childwitnesstoviolence.org/

(617) 414-4244

The Child Witness to Violence Project provides direct mental health services, case management, and family advocacy to children (birth to 8 years old) and their families to treat the effects of violence. CWVP also provides training and consultation to community agencies and providers.

Common Purpose

http://commonpurpose.com/main.htm

(617) 522-6500

Common Purpose Inc. is a Boston-based batterer intervention program that consists of a 41-week psycho-educational group in which men examine their use of violence, power, and control through discussion, video tapes, written exercises, self-examination, and role plays. Clients include volunteers, court-mandated clients, and DCF referred clients.

DOVE, MA

http://dovema.org/

24 Hour Hotline (617) 471-1234

DOVE provides a 24-hour hotline, an emergency shelter, community-based individual advocacy, psychoeducational and support groups, civilian domestic violence advocacy services, legal advocacy services, and community outreach and education. Dove works primarily in southern MA including communities like Dedham, Milton, Quincy, Canton, etc.

Elizabeth Stone House

http://www.elizabethstonehouse.org/ (617) 427-9801

Elizabeth Stone House provides emergency shelter for domestic violence victims, transitional housing programs and offers information and referrals, anger management working groups, domestic violence and trauma support, economic sustainability programs, parenting support groups, and a nurturing program.

Greater Boston Legal Services

https://www.gbls.org/ (617) 371-1234

GBLS provides free legal services and representation in civil (non-criminal) matter to low-income families to help them secure some of the most basic necessities of life. Services include: victims services for domestic violence, housing assistance, renters rights, disability rights, immigration and work-related cases.

HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change)

http://hawcdv.org/services/

Hotline 1-800-547-1649

HAWC offers a wide variety of comprehensive services to people experiencing domestic violence. They have access to services such as a 24-hour hotline, hospital advocacy, legal advocacy, parent-child trauma recovery, emergency family shelters, and support groups.

Health Imperatives

Hotline (508) 588-2041

Health Imperatives is a non-profit community based agency that provides vital health and human services to families and individuals in Southeastern, MA. These services include resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and reproductive health and disease prevention services. Offers emergency shelter for families and individs fleeing domestic violence. Penelope’s Place is a 5+ bedroom domestic violence shelter providing survivors with safety, security, and comfort.

Jane Doe Inc.

http://www.janedoe.org/

(877) 785-2020

Jane Doe Inc. is the only statewide membership sexual and domestic violence coalition in MA. Their website offers good resources for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

My Life My Choice

http://www.fightingexploitation.org/

(617) 779-2179

My Life My Choice is a nationally recognized initiative designed to stem the tide of commercial sexual exploitation of adolescents through survivor-led programs that educate and empower youth to create a positive life path while working to eliminate the violence and victimization of sexual exploitation.

Peer Health Exchange

http://www.peerhealthexchange.org/resources/boston

Peer Health Exchange’s mission is to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make healthy decisions. They train college students to teach a skills-based health curriculum in under-resourced high schools across the county. This website offers links to other health related topics as well.

Planned Parenthood

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn 1-800-230-7526

Planned Parenthood offers vital reproductive and sexual health services in their health clinics; they also offer a resource page full of information on topics including abortion, birth control, body image, Plan B, STIS, etc. Most foster youth are on MassHealth insurance in Massachusetts, which is accepted at all Planned Parenthood clinics.

Transition Home

http://transitionhouse.org/

Hotline (617) 661-7203

Transition House provides the tools people need to build safe and healthy lives by offering a full circle of care and support for adults and children overcoming the trauma of family and partner violence. Their trauma-informed programs emphasize personal empowerment, economic self-sufficiency, education access, job skills development, permanent affordable housing, positive parenting, youth development, strengthening resiliency and overall wellness.

Education and Special Education Resources

General Education Resources

ABCD Boston

https://bostonabcd.org/home.aspx (617) 348 6000

ABCD is a non-profit human services organization that provides low income residents in the Greater Boston region with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. ABCD offers educational services for children, youth and adults, as well as, health services, housing, immigration,. ABCD offers Head Start, Early Head Start, before and after school as well as summer youth programs, and youth and adult job training.

Boston Public Schools

http://www.bostonpublicschools.org (617) 635-9000

This is the general website for Boston Public schools. Locations for individual schools or general information about the school system can be located here.

Boston Student Rights App

http://www.bostonstudentrights.org

A student designed app to get everyone on the same page about student rights and school discipline. This app breaks down district policies and the Code of Conduct so that everyone understands the rules.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children

http://massadvocates.org/ (617) 357-8431

Mass Advocates provides assistance for children who are facing barriers to receiving educational services to which they are legally entitled. Mass Advocates specializes in working with children with disabilities, homeless children, children who have been expelled or suspended from school and children who are victims of or have witnessed domestic violence.

Alternative High Schools

Another Course to College

(617) 635-8865

9th through 12th Grade
http://accbps.org
Mission: Another Course to College (ACC) is a college preparatory high school in the Boston Public Schools, serving students from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods. It is dedicated to providing rigorous academics for students in a supportive environment of about 250 students. ACC fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares its students for college-level analytical reading and writing across the curriculum.
Location: 612 Metropolitan Avenue, Hyde Park, MA 02136

Boston Arts Academy

(617) 635-6470

9th through 12th Grade
https://bostonartsacademy.org
Mission: Boston Arts Academy (BAA) is the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts, serving more than 440 students who reflect the diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods. We offer pathways to success to urban students who otherwise might not have access to both formal arts training and a college preparatory education.
Location: 174 Ipswich Street, Boston, MA 02215

Boston Day and Evening Academy

(617) 635-6789

9th through 12th Grade
http://www.bdea.com
Mission: Boston Day and Evening Academy re-engages off-track students in their education preparing them for high school graduation, post-secondary success and meaningful participation in their community.
Location: 20 Kearsarge Ave, Roxbury, MA 02119

Boston International High School

(617) 635-9373

9th through 12th Grade
http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/780
About: A high school specifically designed to serve a diverse student body of English Language Learners
Location: 100 Maxwell St. Dorchester, MA 02124

Community Academy

(617) 635-7734

9th through 12th Grade
http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/school/community-academy
Mission: A small alternative high school in Jamaica Plain, serving students who have not thrived in traditional settings. Our student-teacher ratio of 15 students per teacher allows all students personal academic and social support. The small size creates a strong sense of community and allows parents to be active in their children’s education. Emphasis is on academic excellence, as reflected in rising MCAS scores, time dedicated to individual tutoring, and the variety of college prep courses offered. We support non-traditional students by offering a credit recovery, online program.
Location: 25 Glen Road Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Curtis Tufts

(781) 393-2101

9th through 12th Grade
https://www.medfordpublicschools.org/schools/curtistufts-school/
Mission: The Curtis Tufts provides an educational and therapeutic experience for high school age students. Enrolled students acquire a 21st century education within a small, supportive learning community, promoting academic, social and emotional confidence. Students transition as productive, healthy contributors to the society in which they live.
Location: 437 Main St, Medford, MA 02155

Fenway High School

(617) 635-9911

9th through 12th Grade
http://www.fenwayhs.org
Mission: Fenway is devoted to providing a high-quality, personalized education to students from all over the city of Boston. Our mission is to create a socially committed and morally responsible community of learners that values its students as individuals. Fenway’s goal is to encourage academic excellence and to develop intellectual habits of mind, self-esteem, and leadership skills among all students.
Location: 67 Alleghany St, Boston, MA 02120

Full Circle High School

9th through 12th Grade
http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/schools/next-wave-full-circle-schools-6-12
Mission: Next Wave Junior High School and Full Circle High School teach to students who have difficulty learning in traditional educational settings. We are a safe place for everyone & every member of the school community will be treated with respect.
Location: 8 Bonair Street Somerville, MA 02145

New Mission High School

(617) 635-6437

9th through 12th Grade
http://newmissionhigh.org
Mission: New Mission High School empowers all students to become self-directed, lifelong learners who do well in the world and do well for the world. In our inclusive, portfolio-based school, our students develop their passion, commitment to learning, habits of mind, and essential skills.Our students will become college graduates who work to create positive change and a more democratic and just society.
Location: 655 Metropolitan Ave Hyde Park, MA 02136

Phoenix Charter Academy

http://phoenixcharteracademy.org/
About: The Phoenix Charter Academy Network manages a growing portfolio of free, open-enrollment, college preparatory public high schools in Massachusetts. The Phoenix Network currently manages three public charter schools in Chelsea and Springfield and a district school in Lawrence. These schools recruit older, disconnected, and underserved students and empower them for college success through high academic expectations and relentless support.

University High School

(617) 348-6510

https://bostonabcd.org/university-high-school.aspx
About: University High School (UHS) is an alternative high school serving Boston students age 16 to 21 years old who are struggling academically or are otherwise at-risk in the traditional school system. UHS allows kids to earn a Boston Public School (BPS) diploma from their original high school. UHS provides an intensive learning experience, small classes, case management, career development, mentorship, and extracurricular and after school activities to encourage career exploration and help students bridge the gap between high school and college. At UHS, the curriculum is portfolio-based and life skills focused.

Alternative Schools

MAPPS (The Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools)

(781) 245-1220

http://maaps.org
Maaps is a resource for finding local private schools. Exceptional schools for exceptional Children. This is a directory of SPED schools in MA with a mission to “to represent private special education schools in their goal of providing the highest quality education to students with special needs.”

Boston Middle School Academy

(617) 635-1534

7th & 8th Grade
http://mydorchester.org/bps/BostonMiddleSchoolAcademy
Mission: Boston Middle School Academy (BMSA) is an alternative education program designed to help students reduce the negative behaviors that prevented them from achieving academic success in other Boston middle schools. BMSA is focused on developing the educational, social and behavioral skills of the student. The goal of this program is to successfully transition students to an appropriate middle school or high school at the end of the school year.
Location: 215 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA 02127

Next Wave Junior High School

6th through 9th Grade
http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/schools/next-wave-full-circle-schools-6-12
Mission: Next Wave Junior High School and Full Circle High School teach to students who have difficulty learning in traditional educational settings. We are a safe place for everyone & every member of the school community will be treated with respect.
Location: 8 Bonair Street Somerville, MA 02145

College Prep/Support

Academic Support for College and Life at Bridgewater State University

(617) 267-3700

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_independent_living_ascl#.VsYskPkrLIV
This program offers a unique way to support young people as they successfully transition from state systems of care into higher education. They offer youth (over the age of 18 years) clinical, social, academic, vocational, and daily living supports. ASCL students reside on the BSU campus throughout their time at the university.

American Student Assistance College

http://www.asa.org/for-students/college-planning/boston-public-library-college-planning-center/

(800) 999-9080

The American Student Assistance College Planning team helps students, as young as middle school and adults from all backgrounds plan for college and find sources of financial aid through school-based programs located in libraries and community agencies. In Boston, this program is based in the Boston Public Library. They offer FSA ID Workshops, FAFSA Assistance, career planning resources, etc.

The Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC)

http://www.bostonherc.org/about

(617) 442-5608

This center serves underrepresented urban students in grades 9-12 and their families. It does so through out-of-school academic enrichment, career advising, and academic support and retention services to help youth graduate from high school and college. HERC equips and empowers them to achieve their vision, to realize their potential and to transform their lives and communities.

Bottom Line

https://www.bottomline.org/ (617) 524-8833

Beginning in junior or senior year of high school, students can start working with a Bottom Line counselor that will tailor their goals to their interests and work with them to get them to college.

Casey Family Services Scholarship Program

http://www.fc2success.org/programs/cfs/ (571) 203-0270

Individuals between the ages of 16 and 49 can receive up to $10,000 in total over the course of their education to be utilized within 10 years. This includes undergraduate, master’s degree programs, and professional degree programs like law and medicine.

Boston Uncornered: A Solution By College Bound Dorchester

http://uncornered.org (617) 944-1086

College Bound Dorchester’s mission is to equip students with the attitude, skills, and experience to graduate from college. It is the nation’s only corner to college solution that engages gang-involved individuals. They offer services such as support programs and college connections.

Foster Child Grant

http://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/foster.asp

(617) 391-6070

The Foster Child Grant Program was funded by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2001. It provides grants of up to $6000 annually for foster children to help pay for an education beyond high school at any college or university throughout the continental United States.

Freedom House

https://www.freedomhouse.com (617) 445-3700

Freedom House created the Preparing Urban students for success in High School and Higher Education (PUSH) program to increase life time earnings of young people, there by reducing poverty and creating employability.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)

http://www.massedco.org/gear (508) 754-6829

GEAR UP is a federally funded project of MassEdCO and the MA Department of Higher Education. This national initiative encourages young people to have high expectations, stay in school, study hard, and take the right courses to go to college. They work with youth in grades 7-12 to get them prepared for college.

Summer Search

https://www.summersearch.org/ (415) 362-5225

Summer Search helps students from low-income backgrounds develop the skills needed to become college-educated leaders who give back to their families and communities. This long-term program, starting in sophomore year of high school, provides 7-9 years of support customized for every student, including a combination of mentoring, summer experiential opportunities, and start-to-finish college advising.

uAspire

https://www.uaspire.org (617) 778-7195

uAspire works to ensure that all young people have the financial information and resources necessary to find an affordable path to– and through– a postsecondary education. uAspire partners with high schools, community organizations, higher education institutions, and individual practitioners to provide college affordability advice to young people and their families.

826 Boston

http://www.826boston.org/programs/ (617) 442-5400

826 Boston is a nonprofit youth writing and publishing organization that empowers traditionally underserved students ages 6-18 to find their voices, tell their stories, and gain communication skills to succeed in school and in life. 826 Boston offers after school writing and tutoring programs, creative writing workshops, a fall and summer college essay academy and alumni hiring and scholarship opportunities.

Special Education

Advocates for Special Education: MA Chapter

http://advocatesforspecialeducation.com/home

(617) 357-8431

This resource provides various attorneys and advocates with specific skills for youth and CASAs navigating the special education process in MA.

Disability Information Resource Page

https://disablityinfo.org 1-800-642-0249

This page provides resources and programs for youth with disabilities for education and for everyday life. CASAs for youth with disabilities should definitely check out this page.

Massachusetts Special Education Resource Pages

http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/parents.html

http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/iep/

(781) 338-3000

This resource page provides a plethora of resources surrounding SPED classes, IEPs, and issues surrounding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“Ultimate Guide of Resources for Families with Special Needs”

http://joyfuljourneymom.com/ultimate-list-of-grants-and-resources-for-families-with-special-needs/

This is a parenting blog about parenting, family adoption and special needs.

Enrichment Programs for Youth

Allen Madden Foundation

https://alanmaddenfoundation.org/

The Rising Voices initiative gives foster youth the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. The Alan Madden Foundation has teamed up with Guitar Center, Inc. to provide foster youth, both past and present, with free musical instruments and free lessons from professional instructors.

Ballet Rox

www.balletrox.info

BalletRox Dance! is a community dance program located at Spontaneous Celebrations in Jamaica Plain. BalletRox is open to all community members, there is no audition or selection process. Tuition is modest, (sliding scale, based on income) and includes dancewear and costumes at no additional charge.

Eagle Eye Institute

http://eagleeyei.org/

Eagle Eye Institute provides opportunities for urban young people to learn about, make connections with, and be inspired to protect the natural environment. Through this work, Eagle Eye seeks to increase the diversity of people involved in serving as environmental leaders.

The Fishing Academy

http://www.thefishingacademy.org/

As its name suggests, the mission of the Fishing Academy is to provide young people in the greater Boston area with the opportunity to experience the outdoors and learn life skills, such as teamwork, patience, discipline, self-confidence, and respect through the sport of fishing.

InnerCity Weightlifting

http://www.innercityweightlifting.org/

InnerCity Weightlifting uses fitness training as a tool to reduce violence and promote professional, personal, and academic achievement among urban youth.

Rise Above

www.weriseabove.org

The Rise Above Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing MA child in foster care with enriching activities, opportunities, and experiences. Through an online application, youth in DCF custody can gain access to things like music classes, karate, dance, little league, soccer, football,

SquashBusters

http://squashbusters.org/

SquashBusters is a sports-based youth enrichment program located in Boston. By using the sport of squash, this program provides academic support and enrichment, community service, and summer opportunities to improve the lives of youth.

Sunshine Farm

http://www.sunshinefarmsanctuary.com/

Sunshine Farm is home to horses, donkeys, ponies, rabbits, cats, Koi–and all of the children in foster care. This farm in Bridgewater, MA works with youth who have experienced trauma and allows them to interact with the animals, which according to leading research, is beneficial for them.

TeenLife

https://www.teenlife.com/

TeenLife, the leading source for college preparation, provides information about summer programs, gap year programs, community service opportunities, and more. Their mission is to connect students, parents, and educators with the best experiential learning opportunities for middle- and high-school students.

True Colors: Out Youth Theater

http://www.thetheateroffensive.org/true-colors/youth-programming

True Colors: Out Youth Theater uses a proven community-based theater approach to train and activate lesbian, gay, biseuxal, transgender, and allied youth leaders ages 14-29.

Boston Learning Center

http://mydorchester.org/bostonlearningcenter

The Boston Learning Center has been committed to promoting academic excellence for urban students since 1981. This resource provides tutoring and test prep and a community invested in learning for youth.

Boston Partners in Education

http://bostonpartners.org/

Boston Partners in Education enhances the academic achievement and nurtures the personal growth of Boston’s public school students by providing them with focused, individualized, in-school volunteer support. These academic mentors meet with students during the school day and help them with subjects like math and English language arts.

Schools on Wheels Massachusetts

http://www.sowma.org/

School on Wheels of MA is a program that’s mission is to education children impacted by homelessness by providing academic support and one-on-one mentoring so children can reach their full potential.

Family/Parent Peer Support

Cradles to Crayons

https://www.cradlestocrayons.org (617) 782-0803

Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive–at home, at school, and at play. This service requires a referral from DCF.

Families First

http://www.families-first.org/ (617) 868-7687

Families First provides diverse education parenting programs with an emphasis on managing discipline, encouraging self-esteem, and communication. Available at little to no cost to qualifying families.

Family Nurturing Center of MA

http://www.familynurturing.org/ (617) 474-1143

The Family Nurturing Center, located in Dorchester, provides parenting and community-based programs to help families provide safe, nurturing homes and communities for their children. This organization offers a wide-spectrum of programming aimed at supporting parents during all stages of parenting–from pregnancy through adolescence.

Family Service of Greater Boston

http://www.fsgb.org/programs.html (617) 523-6400

Family Service of Greater Boston provides many counseling-based services and programs including “men in the making”, “helping fathers be fathers”, “strong start”, parenting programs, and the “family independence teen living program”. A go-to for specific counseling services for our families.

Healthy Baby/ Healthy Child

http://www.bphc.org/whatwedo/childrens-health/Pages/Childrens-Health.aspx

(617) 534-5395

Healthy Baby/ Healthy Child provides community-based programming designed to promote infant survival, positive birth outcomes, oral health, and family unity. The HBHC program provides home visiting to pregnant and parenting families with a child under the age of five.

* Children’s Hospital Boston Young Parent Program

http://www.childrenshospital.org/centers-and-services/programs/a-_-e/childrens-hospital-primary-care-center-chpcc-program/other-services/young-parents-program

(617) 355-7718

The Young Parent Program at Children’s Hospital Boston provides quality medical care, social work services, and health education to teen parents.

Housing and Homelessness

ABCD– Housing Programs

https://bostonabcd.org/service_Categories/housing

(617) 348-6000

ABCD’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Department works with clients to give them the assistance and skills they need to maintain their households or find new housing that is safe and affordable. The department provides prevention, stabilization, and case management services to ensure that housing is sustained and families can work towards other family career and educational goals.

Boston Emergency Shelter Commission

http://www.bphc.org/whatwedo/homelessness/emergency-shelter-commission/Pages/Emergency-Shelter-Commission.aspx

(617) 534-5395

If you have a family that needs a shelter, call the BESC for a list of local shelters.

CASA Myrna

http://www.casamyrna.org (617) 521-0100

CASA Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, providing safety, resources, advocacy, and information.

Cradles to Crayons

Boston Home

(617) 779-4700

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dta/

(877) 382-2363

DOVE, MA/Community Advocacy and Prevention Services

http://dovema.org/

(617) 770-4065 or 24 Hour Hotline (617) 471-1234

DOVE provides a 24-hour hotline, an emergency shelter, community-based Individual Advocacy, psychoeducational and support groups, civilian domestic violence advocacy services, legal advocacy services, and community outreach and education. Dove works primarily in southern MA including communities like Dedham, Milton, Quincy, Canton, etc.

Elizabeth Stone House

http://www.elizabethstonehouse.org/

(617) 427-9801

Elizabeth Stone House provides emergency shelter for domestic violence victims, transitional housing services and offers information and referrals, anger management working groups, domestic violence and trauma support, economic sustainability programs, parenting support groups, and a nurturing program.

HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change)

http://hawcdv.org/services/

1-800-547-1649

Home and Healthy for Good (HHG)

http://www.mhsa.net/HHG

(617) 367-6447

Home and Healthy for Good provides housing, support services, and advocacy for chronically homeless people across Massachusetts.

HomeStart

http://homestart.org/ (617) 542-0338

Home Start provides case management and support for families and individuals regarding homelessness prevention, affordable housing searches, housing stabilization, and money management.

LifeBridge

http://www.lifebridgesalem.org/

(978) 744-0500

LifeBridge’s mission is to end the crisis of homelessness. They offer a suite of essential services including emergency and transitional shelter, community meal programs, permanent supportive housing, intensive case management, supportive programs & training, and a thrift shop. Serves the North Shore.

Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless

http://www.mahomeless.org/homelink

(781) 595-7570

This resource provides many programs and resources including Homelink, A Bed for Every Child Initiative, Room to Breathe, and Teen Closet.

MA Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

http://www.mass.gov/orgs/housing-and-community-development

(617) 573-1100

The DHCD can help families find housing vouchers, fuel assistance, foreclosure assistance, and heating system repairs. There are also applications for rental, public housing, and housing assistance available online.

Metro Housing Boston

http://housingpartnership.net

(617) 859-0400

Metrohousing Boston administers rental vouchers provides a variety of client services including housing search, stabilization, foreclosure prevention, information and referrals.

New Life Furniture Bank of MA

http://www.newlifefb.org

(774) 316-6395

New Life is a charitable organization that accepts tax-deductible donations of furniture and household items, warehouses them, and then makes them available at no charge to those in need of furniture. Eligible parties are usually transitioning out of homelessness, as well as domestic violence victims.

Transition House

http://transitionhouse.org/

(617) 661-7203

*Bridge Over Troubled Waters

http://www.bridgeotw.org/

(617) 423-9575

Bridge provides services to “high-risk” and homeless youth ages 14 to 24. These services include a runaway program, counseling and support services, a transitional day program, in-house medical and dental clinics, education and career development programs (GED), emergency residence, single parent housing, and a transitional living programs.

*Roxbury Village

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=roxburyvillage

(888) 466-3321

A program of the Home for Little Wanderers, Roxbury Village provides up to 18 months of housing for nine young people ages 18-22 , as well as intensive services and supports to build necessary resources and skills. This program offers assistance with employment, educational support, access to health services, positive and appropriate peer and adult relationships, strong community connections, and enhanced life skills.

*Seasonal Overnight Shelter (Y2Y)

http://www.y2yharvardsquare.org/

(617) 864-0795

Y2Y provides seasonal overnight shelter to homeless young adults ages 18-24 in Harvard Square. In addition to shelter, Y2Y offers breakfast and dinner, showers, laundry facilities, storage, and case-management.

*ShortStop Transitional Housing

http://www.waysideyouth.org/OurServices/WaysideYoungAdultServices/ShortStopTransitionalHousing.aspx

(617) 776-3377

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.

*Youth on Fire

http://www.harvardsquare.com/youth-fire

(617) 661-2508

Youth on Fire is a daytime drop-in center for homeless and unstably-housed young adults ages 14 to 24. This program offers a variety of services, supports, and leadership opportunities for youth, including showers, lockers, laundry, hot meals, case management, and connections to other services.

Immigrant and Refugee

Catholic Charities of Boston Immigration and Refugee Services

https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/organization.392962-Catholic_Charities_of_Boston_Refugee_and_Immigration_Services

(617) 464-8100

Catholic Charities provides help for individuals with completing forms, filings with USCIS, representation at asylum interviews (Credible Fear Interviews, Reasonable Fear Interviews), representation before the Immigration Court. Furthermore they offer adjustment of status, asylum applications, consular processing, deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) assistance, employment authorization, employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions, family-based petitions, NACARA, naturalization/citizenship assistance, help with removal hearings, special immigrant juvenile status, T-visas, temporary protected status (TPS), U-visas, and violence against women act (VAWA) petitions.

Greater Boston Legal Services

https://www.gbls.org/ (617) 371-1234

Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

miracoalition.org

(617) 350-5480

MIRA is the largest organization in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees. They offer training and leadership development to assist in creating a new generation of immigrant leaders.

Project Citizenship

http://projectcitizenship.org/ (617) 694-5949

Project Citizenship provides free assistance to legal permanent residents who seek to become U.S. citizens. Project Citizenship and its partner organizations offer regular citizenship workshops.

Legal and Advocacy Issues

Children’s Law Center

http://www.clcm.org/ (781) 581-1977

The Children’s Law Center provides legal representation to children and youth in court and administrative proceedings involving school (restraint and seclusion, school discipline, and special education), child welfare (abuse & neglect and CRA), and juvenile justice. The Law Center also provides technical assistance (statewide help line 1-888-KIDLAW8) and trainings to parents, youth, attorneys and helping professionals; furnishes backup to legal aid programs of the Commonwealth; and, engages in various systems reform efforts, including local and statewide task force/committee work, legislative and appellate advocacy, and research projects.

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS)

https://www.publiccounsel.net (617) 482-6212

CPCS provides legal representation in Massachusetts for those unable to afford an attorney in all matter in which the law requires the appointment of counsel.

Disability Law Center

http://www.dlc-ma.org (800) 872-9992

DOVE, MA

http://dovema.org/

24 Hour Hotline (617) 471-1234

GLAD

https://www.glad.org/ (617) 426-1350

GLAD is a legal advocates and defenders organization that fights for the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Their website provides legal advice to individuals who have been discriminated against because of their sexual or gender identity.

Greater Boston Legal Services

https://www.gbls.org/ (617) 371-1234

Health Law Advocates

http://www.healthlawadvocates.org (617) 338-5421

Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal representation to low-income residents experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services. HLA is committed to ensuring universal access to quality health care in Massachusetts, particularly for those who are most at risk due to such factors as race, gender, disability, age, or geographic location. With its partner organization, Health Care For All, HLA combines legal expertise with grassroots organizing and policy reform to advance the statewide movement for universal health care access.

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee

http://www.mhlac.org/ (617) 338-2345

The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee works to enhance and protect the rights of persons with mental health concerns in key areas most closely related to their ability to live full and independent lives free of discrimination. MHLAC advocates provide informal advocacy or full legal representation to indigent adults and children who are mistreated in, or face undue, psychiatric confinement or need help securing community-based mental health services; who might otherwise be denied custody or visitation of a child; who are suspended or expelled from school or denied necessary language services; who are locked up and denied an education; who are denied rights by emergency room staff; who are confined in a prison or jail and mistreated or denied mental health care; who have been restrained with physical force or by mechanical means or confined in isolation from other persons in a school or state run facility; or who were denied short or long term disability.

Office of the Child Advocate

http://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-child-advocate

(617) 979-8374

The goal of the OCA is to ensure that every child involved with state agencies in Massachusetts is protected from harm and receives quality services. OCA listens to the problems you encounter and identifies resources and strategies that can help. OCA also works with legislators, social workers, doctors, administrators, and other professionals to improve services to children and families.

Treehouse Foundation/ REFCA Suitcase Project

http://refca.net/ (413) 527-7966

The Treehouse Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to restore and strengthen the health and wellbeing of children and youth placed in foster care. Their community model aims to move children out of the public foster care system and into permanent, loving families. The Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) Initiative was launched in late 2010, and serves as a growing model for regional investment in the success and well being of children and families who experience foster care.

Youth Advocacy Division

publiccounsel.net

(617) 482-6212

YAD assists children in delinquency proceedings with effective representation in court, educational advocacy, psychological assessments, and individualized referrals to community resources.

LGBTQ

BAGLY

http://www.bagly.org/clinic

(617) 227-8378

BAGLY works with LGBTQ youth across MA and provides leadership development, promotes health and services, hosts social support events and runs the statewide GLBT Youth Group Network.

Boston GLASS

http://jri.org/services/health-and-housing/health/boston-glass

(617) 735-7434

Boston Gay & Lesbian Adolescent Social Services is a community center serving young people in the LGBTQ community. An average of 25-30 youth a night come to GLASS to meet friends, talk to staff, or participate in formal personal development programming.

DCF LGBTQ Guide

http://glad.org/care/

(617) 426-1350

This document provides DCF’s policies in regard to the rights of LGBTQ youth in their custody. If you feel like your LGBTQ youth’s rights are being infringed on or if you just want a reminder of what to expect from DCF, review this guide.

Fenway Health

http://fenwayhealth.org/care/behavioral-health/

(617) 267-0900

GLBT National Help Center

www.glnh.org (415) 355-0003

The GLBT National Help Center provides vital peer-support, community connections, and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. This organization runs two national hotlines as well as provides a volunteer one-to-one online chat.

It Gets Better Project

Home

Homepage

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them.

MA Commision on LGBT Youth

http://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-on-lgbtq-youth

(617) 624-5495

The Commission is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has a mandate to investigate the use of resources from both the public and private sectors to enhance and improve the ability of state agencies to provide services that protect and support the health and safety of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the schools and communities of Massachusetts, with a focus on suicide prevention and violence intervention policies regarding harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ youth. This link provides many resources to ensure that the civil liberties of LGBTQ youth are not being infringed on.

MassNow: LGBTQ

http://www.massnow.org/resources/lgbtq

(866) 427-3524

MassNOW advances intersectional justice for people who identify as women and girls in the Commonwealth. This link also provides LGBTQ resources in MA.

PFlag

https://www.pflag.org/ (202) 467-8180

PFlag provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy about LGBTQ issues to families with non-heteronormative sexual and gender identities. Their mission is to support families, allies, and people who are LGBTQ and advocate in communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ.

Silver Lining Mentoring

http://www.silverliningmentoring.org/

(617) 224-1300

Silver Lining Mentoring is the only mentoring organization in MA that exclusively serves youth in foster care. They serve youth ages 7 and older with their one-to-one mentoring program and through their Leaders program, they teach life-skills to young people ages 14 and older who are preparing to “age out” of the child welfare system. They offer a specialized mentoring program for LGBTQ youth in care, as well.

True Colors: Out Youth Theater

http://www.thetheateroffensive.org/true-colors/youth-programming

(617) 661-1600

True Colors: Out Youth Theater uses a proven community-based theater approach to train and activate lesbian, gay, biseuxal, transgener, and allied youth leaders ages 14-29.

Mental Health

A Home Within

1-888-898-2249

A Home Within offers open-ended individual psychotherapy to current and former foster youth, free of charge.

Boston Children’s Hospital

(617) 355-6000

Boston Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of mental health services from inpatient to outpatient programs and neuropsychological assessments.

Boston Emergency Services Team (Boston Medical Center)

(800) 981-4357

Emergency Service Providers (ESP) provides behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization services through four service components: Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) services for youth, adult mobile services, ESP community based locations and community crisis stabilization (CCS) services for ages 18 and over. All ESP service components and locations may be accessed through the ESP’s toll free number: 800.981.4537.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

http://www.bridgeotw.org/ (617) 423-9575

CEDAR (Center for Early Detection, Assessment, and Response to Risk)

http://www.cedarclinic.org/ (617) 754-1223

CEDAR is a center committed to advancing our understanding of and ability to help young people at risk for
psychosis and their families. This program works with young people from 12-35 who are experiencing new or worsening symptoms that may be warning signs for psychosis.

Child Witness to Violence Project

http://www.childwitnesstoviolence.org/ (617) 414-4244

Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI)

http://mass.gov/children-behavioral-health-initiative-cbhi

CBHI is an interagency initiative of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services whose mission is to strengthen, expand, and integrate Massachusetts state services into a comprehensive, community-based system of care to ensure that families and their children with significant behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs obtain services necessary for success in home, school, and community. CBHI also offers therapeutic mentoring services.

Common Purpose

http://commonpurpose.com/main.htm (617) 522-6500

Elizabeth Stone House

http://www.elizabethstonehouse.org/ (617) 427-9801

Elizabeth Stone House provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, transitional housing and offers information and referrals, anger management working groups, domestic violence and trauma support, economic sustainability programs, parenting support groups, and a nurturing program.

Fostering Resilience

http://www.fosteringresilience.com/resources.php

This resource provides ample reading material on how to allow youth to thrive past their trauma by providing comprehensive resilience training and resilience-building advice.

Massachusetts General Hospital Psychology Assessment Center

http://www.massgeneral.org/children/psychology-assessment/

(617) 643-3997

The pediatric neuropsychology specialists at MassGeneral Hospital Psychology Assessment Center provide neuropsychological assessments (neuro-psych evaluations) to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological, medical, genetic, and developmental disorders.

NAMI Resource Page

http://namimass.org/support-and-education

Helpline 1-800-370-9085

This resource page offers an extensive list of policy information, a treatment center locator, and many other resources and services.

SMART Team

http://jri.org/services/acute-care-and-juvenile-justice/juvenile-justice/cst

(508) 479-1573

The SMART Team, a division of Justice Resource Institute, provides young people 13-24 years old, with the highest quality of mental health services in the places where they can be reached; their homes, schools, detention centers, DYS facilities, jails and prisons.

The Trauma Center at JRI

http://www.traumacenter.org/

(617) 232-1303

The Trauma Center is a program of JRI that provides comprehensive services to traumatized children and adults and their families at the main office in Brookline. In addition to clinical services, The Trauma Center offers training, consultation and public education programs.

Resources for Transition Age Youth

The Answer Book

http://www.mass.gov/courts/programs/cip/the-answer-book.pdf

The Answer Book provides DCF involved youth with vital information about their rights, how things work in DCF, and what they are entitled to if/when they age out.

Young Adult Resource Network

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_independent_living_yarn

(617) 287-0160

A program of the Home for Little Wanderers, Young Adult Resource Network provides youth who are aging out of DCF with assistance in areas such as housing, health and wellness, substance abuse, educational growth, career and vocational choices, social skills, life skills, safety planning, and recreational activities.

Youth MOVE Massachusetts

https://sites.google.com/a/ppal.net/youth-move-massachusetts/

(413) 739-9500

Youth MOVE advocates for youth rights and voice in mental health and the other systems that serve them, for the purpose of empowering youth to be equal partners in the process of change. Youth M.O.V.E provides community-based individual and group peer support, youth and young adult resources and referrals, as well as youth-specific trainings on a variety of topics (i.e. Strategic Sharing, Professional Development Skills, LGBTQI+, etc.). Youth MOVE employs young adults with lived experience within our own agency. Youth MOVE collaborates with state systems for better policies and services for youth and young adults.

Youth on Fire

http://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/youth-on-fire/

(617) 661-2508

College Prep/Support

ABCD Boston

https://bostonabcd.org

ABCD is a non-profit human services organization that provides low income residents in the Greater Boston region with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. ABCD offers services for: educational services for children, youth and adults, as well as, health services, housing, immigration, job training and youth programs among others. ABCD offers Head Start, Early Head Start, before and after school as well as summer youth programs, and youth and adult job training.

Academic Support for College and Life at Bridgewater State University

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_independent_living_ascl#.VsYskPkrLIV

(508) 531-1000

This program offers a unique way to support young people as they successfully transition from state systems of care into higher education. They offer youth (over the age of 18 years) clinical, social, academic, vocational, and daily living supports. ASCL students reside on the BSU campus throughout their time at the university.

American Student Assistance College Planning

http://www.asa.org/for-students/college-planning/boston-public-library-college-planning-center/

(800) 999-9080

The American Student Assistance College Planning team helps young people and adults from all backgrounds plan for college and find sources of financial aid through school-based programs located in libraries and community agencies. In Boston, this program is based in the Boston Public Library. They offer FSA ID Workshops, FAFSA Assistance, career planning resources, etc.

The Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC)

http://www.bostonherc.org (617) 442-5608

Bottom Line

https://www.bottomline.org/ (617) 524-8833

Beginning in junior or senior year of high school, students can start working with a Bottom Line counselor that will tailor their goals to their interests and work with them to get them to college.

Casey Family Services Scholarship Program

http://www.fc2success.org/programs/cfs/

(571) 203-0270

Boston Uncornered: A Solution By College Bound Dorchester

http://uncornered.org (617) 944-1086

College Bound Dorchester’s mission is to equip students with the attitude, skills, and experience to graduate from college. They offer services such as support programs and college connections.

Foster Child Grant

http://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/foster.asp

(617) 391-6070

Freedom House

https://www.freedomhouse.org (617) 445-3700

Freedom House removes barriers to educational success and opportunity by coaching students, creating college-level learning opportunities, and providing intense college preparation during the summer.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)

http://www.massedco.org/gear (508) 754-6829

Summer Search

(415) 362-5225

uAspire

https://www.uaspire.org (617) 778-7195

826 Boston

http://www.826boston.org/programs/

(617) 442-5400

Sexual Health

Bedsider

http://bedsider.org/ (617) 732-4090

This website provides a free online birth control support network that helps women find a method that’s right for them–and stick with it–until their lifestyle changes.

CDC Website for Sexual Health

https://www.cdc.gov/sexualhealth/ (800) 232-4636

This website contains many different sections with information pertaining to STIs, reproductive health, sexual violence prevention, health pregnancy, HIV/AIDS prevention, and LGBTQ health.

Fenway Health: HIV/AIDS Testing

http://fenwayhealth.org/care/medical/std-testing-services/

(617) 267-0900

Fenway Health is the go-to place for LGBTQ-informed mental health services. They offer individual, group, couple, and family therapy. Fenway Health offers free HIV/AIDS testing for anyone who walks into their clinic. The above link will direct you to the times and locations of these tests for the youth and families that we work for.

Health Imperatives

healthimperatives.org

(508) 583-3005

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

http://www.sutterhealth.org/Pamf/health/teens/sexual

This resource speaks realistically about sex and virginity and provides important information for youth who may be considering engaging in sex for the first time. It focuses on sex in a healthy, sex-positive way that involves issues of consent, feeling ready, and safe sex.

Peer Health Exchange

http://www.peerhealthexchange.org/resources

(857) 239-0658

Planned Parenthood

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn

(800) 258-4448

Sex, Etc.

https://sexetc.org

Sex, Etc.’s mission is to improve teen sexual health across the county by providing comprehensive sex ed information by teens for teens. They also have a resource called “Sex in the States” which is a state-by-state guide to teens’ rights to sex education, birth control, and more.

Substance Abuse

Addiction Recovery Management Service

https://www.massgeneral.org/psychiatry/services/treatmentprograms.aspx?id=2090

(617) 643-4699

The Addiction Recovery Management Service (ARMS) program through Mass General specializes in supporting teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 26 and their parents as they deal with their substance use and related problems.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

http://www.aa.org/

http://www.aaboston.org/

(617) 426-9444

AA is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. AA provides support and many groups around the city for people struggling with alcohol addiction to attend.

Al-Anon/ Alateen

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

Massachusetts http://ma-al-anon-alateen.org/

(508) 366-0556

Al-Anon is an organization that provides support groups for individuals who have people they love that are addicted to alcohol. They offer groups for both adults and teens around the city.

Learn to Cope – Support Groups

http://learn2cope.org/

(508) 738-5148

Learn to Cope is a non-profit support network that offers education, resources, peer support, and hope for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs.

Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR):

http://www.moar-recovery.org/ (617) 423-6627

MOAR’s mission is to organization recovering individuals, families, and friends into a collective voice to educate the public about the value of recovery from alcohol and other addictions. MOAR provides peer-to-peer mentoring for newly recovery addicts from people who have overcome their addictions.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

https://www.na.org/

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an international organization for people struggling with narcotics addictions. They provide support and many groups around the city for people who need help overcoming their addictions to narcotics.

Summer Programs

ABCD Boston

https://bostonabcd.org/home.aspx

ABCD is a non-profit human services organization that provides low income residents in the Greater Boston region with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. ABCD offers services for: child care, families, adult education, early childhood education, health, housing, immigration, job training and youth programs among others.

BELL

http://www.experiencebell.org

BELL exists to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced communities. We build educational equality by mobilizing schools and communities and expanding learning time beyond the traditional school day and school year. Our programs serve scholars from pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade throughout the United States. BELL offers after school programs, summer programs, reading programs and programs for parents.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston

https://www.bgcb.org/what-we-do/summer-programs/

BGCB offers accessible and affordable after-school time programming to children and teens in Boston and Chelsea. — Our Club facilities and age-appropriate settings create a sense of physical and emotional safety for our members and our staff make the Club feel like home – fostering a family atmosphere. The professional staff, including licensed social workers, actively cultivate relationships with members to ensure they feel connected and have a strong sense of stability and belonging as well as have fun! Members develop critical thinking, physical, social, technological, artistic and life skills by participating in interactive activities intentionally designed to support their development and overall well-being

Courageous Sailing

https://courageoussailing.org/sailing/youth/summer-programs/

This is a sailing program that offers summer sailing camps. They are devoted to developing leadership learning and personal growth in children from all economical and ethnic backgrounds. At Courageous, sailing is the platform enabling our students to learn, grow and lead. We are dedicated to making these opportunities available to all. Courageous sailing offers a summer learn to sail program for youth ages 8-18 in Charlestown, Jamaica Pond, Camp Harbor View and UMass Boston.

Franklin Park Zoo

http://www.zoonewengland.org/discover/families,-youth-and-teens/youth-teen-programs

Every year, Zoo New England becomes a living classroom, offering formal and informal youth development programming. Education is an integral part of our mission and our commitment to serving as a community resource to our surrounding neighborhoods. The zoo offers Junior Zoo Teen Program for youth ages11-14; Junior Zookeeping Class for middle school students; and employs 50 Boston teens in paid positions through the Zoo Teen program.

Hale Reservation

https://halereservation.org/programs/

Hale reservation is an outdoor reservation that offers a variety of outdoor learning opportunities to help children grow and develop while in nature and breathing in fresh air. They offer after school programs, summer day camps and year round educational programs, all facilitated in the healthy and therapeutic world of the outdoors.

Homeless Education Resource Network

http://bostonhern.org/about/background/#content

This program gives full support and resources to students, who are temporarily without homes. That way, they can have stable learning experiences in school. They offer transportation for youth, educational programs for parents and providers, Special Education support, mentoring and summer programs, and school supplies.

“My Voice” Summer Youth Film Camp

https://bnntv.org/my-voice-summer-youth-film-camp

This program helps youth learn to film, create, and edit using the latest Adobe software and Macs and gives them the ability to produce shows in a professional TV studio. By providing hands-on learning, this program allows youth to share their story on the TV or the web. A $500 stipend is provided to youth upon completion.

Sociedad Latina

http://www.sociedadlatina.org/education/

Sociedad Latina is a citywide organization that focuses on supporting the unmet needs of youth and families from Boston’s Latino and Mission Hill/Roxbury communities. Sociedad Latina supports positive youth development from age 11-21 with a variety of afterschool and summer programs for youth including: STEAM Team: a science, technology , arts and math program for middle school students in Mission Hill/Roxbury ; Acceleration Academy: In grade 9, youth enroll in Acceleration Academy, an academic support and postsecondary success program aimed at promoting on-time graduation for youth and opening doors to higher education. Academy for Latinos Achieving Success: In grade 11, youth join our Academy for Latinos Achieving Success (ALAS), a college access and success program which supports youth through the first two years of college.

Summer Search

summersearch.org

Summer Search helps students from low-income backgrounds and develop the skills needed to become college-educated leaders who give back to their families and communities. This long-term program, starting in sophomore year of high school, provides 7-9 years of support customized for every student, including a combination of mentoring, summer experiential opportunities, and start-to-finish college advising.

Transportation

MassHealth Transportation

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/insurance/masshealth-member-info/covered-services.html#trans

1 (800) 841- 2900

This program is a free, non-emergency transportation service for scheduled medical appointments from MassHealth if your MassHealth coverage type includes transportation services (MassHealth Standard or CommonHealth) and the medical appointment you are going to is covered by MassHealth. Individuals must submit an application which indicates medical reason that public transportation cannot be used.

More Than Wheels

http://www.manta.com/d/mxfkxwp/more-than-wheels

(866) 455-2522

More than Wheels is a nonprofit car-purchasing program that works with individuals to help them buy a vehicle regardless of their credit situation. They provide customized 1-1 credit coaching, a personalized plan with manageable goals, and an interactive financial education course.

Youth Employment

Action for Boston Community Development SummerWorks

https://www.summerworks.net/WorksClient/ (617) 348-6000

ABCD has offered summer jobs to youth for 45 years. Youth ages 14 through 21 are eligible to participate and work in a range of jobs. Participants receive guidance, work readiness and life skills training to learn about resume writing, financial education, conflict resolution and workplace
etiquette.

AmeriCorps

https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-programs

AmeriCorps programs do more than move communities forward; they serve their members by creating jobs and providing pathways to opportunity for young people entering the workforce. AmeriCorps places thousands of young adults into intensive service positions where they learn valuable work skills, earn money for education, and develop an appreciation for community citizenship. AmeriCorps offers a variety of local, state and national work programs. Here is the National Service Hotline 1-800-942-2677

Artists for Humanity

http://afhboston.org/ (617) 268-7620

Artists for Humanity is built on twin philosophies: engagement in the creative process is a powerful force for social change, and creative entrepreneurship is a productive and life-changing opportunity for young people and their communities. This organization allows youth apprentices to participate in innovative projects commissioned by clients. AFH teens sit at tables with the CEOs of companies where their work is appreciated, their opinions are valued, they are treated as peers, and they are looked at as experts.

Boston Public Library Career Resources

http://www.bpl.org/teens/job-help/ (617) 536-5400

This resource has books on different jobs, college and career resources, volunteer opportunities, afterschool and summer employment for youth, and resume writing and interviewing help.

Boston Private Industry Council

http://www.bostonpic.org/programs/employment-bps-students

(617) 423-3755

The Boston Private Industry Council provides summer jobs and school-year internships to over 3,000 high school students through their affiliations with more than 300 businesses around the city. Their internships are intensive and allow youth to gain essential skills for youth to prosper after high school and beyond.

Boston Youth Service Network

http://bysn.org/ (617) 348-6515

The Boston Youth Service Network connects Boston’s talented young people with a network of nonprofits to enrich individual lives and uplift entire communities. This organization offers programs like Alternative Education Diploma, job opportunities, organizational support, and a youth council.

City Year

https://www.cityyear.org/ (617) 927-2500

City Year unites young individuals (age 17-25) from diverse backgrounds to engage in a year of full-time service, leadership development, and civic engagement. As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders are deployed in teams to high-poverty, urban schools.

The Department of Youth Engagement & Employment Resource Page

https://www.boston.gov/health-and-human-services/bcyf-youth-engagement-employment

(617) 635-4202

A one-stop shopping resource center for youth in the city of Boston. Their goal is to meet the needs of young people by connecting them to a variety of opportunities, resources, and free or low-cost events in the city.

Department of Youth Engagement & Employment Teen Employment Program

https://www.boston.gov/departments/youth-engagement-and-employment

(617) 635-4202

The City of Boston’s teen employment program, the Boston Youth Fund provides thousands of Boston teens between the ages of 15 and 18 with job opportunities during the summer months. The Boston Youth Fund participants work in a variety of jobs within the community, faith-based organizations, and government agencies. Positions include administrative assistants, mural painters, peer leaders, etc.

The Department of Human Services Youth Employment Programs (Cambridge, MA)

https://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/programsforkidsandyouth/youthemployment

(617) 349-6200

The Office of Workforce Development (OWB) serves as a coordinating entity for many youth in the Boston area. Through its Reaching All Youth (RAY) committee, the office brings together twenty agencies to share information and work on common issues. This organization offers information about programs like the Harvard Internship Program, Teen snow shoveling programs, and other programs that may be interesting for youth in our population.

Foster Skills: Got Skills Workforce Program

http://www.fosterskills.org/got-skills.html

This program teaches foster youth skills that will allow them to get a job and a place to stay. Mentored by Year Up, this program provides writing, math, and computer skills to youth. Furthermore, they work with employers to create direct pathways to the workforce for foster youth.

Future Chefs

http://www.futurechefs.net/ (617) 451-3883

Future Chefs prepares urban teens for quality work and life after high school by providing early employment and education opportunities in the restaurant industry, transferable skills training, and ongoing coaching and support.

Job Corps

http://www.jobcorps.gov/ 1-800-733-5627

Job Corps provides free education and training programs that help young people (16+) learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED and find and keep a good job.

Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP) (program of DHSP, Cambridge, MA – see above)

https://www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/programsforkidsandyouth/MSYEP.aspx

(617) 349-9779

MSYEP serves as many young people’s first job experience. The program serves primarily 14 and 15 year olds, although 16 to 18 year olds are encouraged to apply. Teens are placed in public sector and non-profit jobs during the summer. They work twenty hours a week, earning minimum wage ($10 an hour).

More Than Words

https://www.mtwyouth.org/ (781) 788-0035

More Than Words is first and foremost a bookstore. Through job training and onsite work, this organization empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, and/or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. Youth aged 16 through 21 can be referred to their organization and learn how to manage their own businesses through working at/managing the two More Than Words locations (Waltham and the South End).

One Life at a Time

http://www.1lifeatatime.org/ (781) 681-7003

One Life at a Time is committed to providing comprehensive employment assistance to all those in need of job training services and preparing every client to successfully rejoin the workforce. They offer resume packages, job coaching sessions, and career change services. They work with the DCF population and youth aging out of the foster care system by providing all-inclusive Job Training Programs.

Press Pass TV

www.tcproject.org (617) 288-4917

This organization offers two signature programs: the Media Leadership Institute and Network(ED). The Media Leadership Institute is a paid, part-time after school and full-time summer youth employment and development programs where youth are trained to produce commercially viable, high-quality videos that open up pathways to careers and higher education. Network(ED) increases young people’s academic success, positive sense of
self, resiliency, leadership skills, and their ability to create lasting relationships.

Roche Bros.

http://www.rochebros.com/careers/

Roche Bros. helps youth learn how to be effective workers while being lenient to typical behaviors that occur in one’s first job as a young person. This organization is more willing to “take a chance” on youth who need employment and give them the support that they need.

SuccessLink

https://www.boston.gov/health-and-human-services/successlink-summer-jobs-program

(617) 635-4202

The City of Boston has partnered with hundreds of community-based and nonprofit groups across the City providing meaningful jobs to thousands of Boston teens ages 15 – 18.

VIP Initiative (Boston Public Health Commission)

http://www.bphc.org/whatwedo/violence-prevention/Violence-Intervention-and-Prevention/Pages/Violence-Intervention-and-Prevention.aspx

The VIP Initiative is an ongoing program of the Division of Violence Prevention at the BPHC. This initiative provides youth access to employment, summer, and after-school opportunities as well as attempts to limit violence in 5 specific high-risk neighborhoods.

Work Without Limits

http://www.workwithoutlimits.org/ (877) 937-9675

Work Without Limits is a statewide network of engaged employers and innovative, collaborative partners that aims to increase employment among individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to position Massachusetts as the first state in the nation where the employment rates of people with disabilities is equal to that of people without disabilities.

Year Up

http://www.yearup.org/ (617) 606-6477

Year Up empowers low-income young adults to go from poverty to professional careers in a single year by identifying highly motivated urban young adults, training them for six months, and matching them with companies as interns. Youth must be between the ages of 18-24, have a high school diploma or GED, and be available 5 days a week for the full year of the program.

YouthBuild

https://www.youthbuildboston.org/ (617) 445-8887

At YouthBuild Boston, low-income young people learn construction skills to help build affordable housing and other community assets such as community centers and schools. While YBB promotes the core values of youth development and community service, it stands out as an innovative non-profit offering a hands-on approach to building trades training.

Youth Options Unlimited Boston

http://www.youboston.org/ (617) 541-2600

YOU Boston empowers and motivates young people to gain the educational, employment, and career advancement necessary to be successful in the workforce, in the community, and in their lives. This organization works with youth ages 14 to 24, specializing in serving young people from neighborhoods with the highest level of poverty and violence, and those reentering the community from incarceration. They offer case managers, career development specialists, and team leaders to work with each youth and help them succeed.

Franklin Park Zoo

http://www.zoonewengland.org/discover/families-youth-and-teens/youth-teen-programs

(617) 541-5466

Sociedad Latina

http://www.sociedadlatina.org/workforce-development/

(617) 442-4299

Sociedad Latina is a citywide organization that focuses on supporting the unmet needs of youth and families from Boston’s Latino and Mission Hill/Roxbury communities. Sociedad Latina supports positive youth development from age 11-21. Sociedad Latina offers a variety or career exploration and apprenticeship programs. Jovenes Latinos Pro Salud (Health Careers for Youth): High school seniors and out-of-school youth transitioning to college or full-time employment explore employment opportunities in the healthcare field through apprenticeships with hospital partners in the Longwood Medical Area. Youth complete a work readiness curriculum (e.g. interviewing, resume writing) and engage in monthly career exploration activities (e.g. career panels, job shadows) to gain a better understanding of different career fields. Entrepreneurship Academy: an innovative 10-week program, Latino and English Language Learner (ELL) youth explore the fields of entrepreneurship and business, create business plans, execute soft launches of prototypes, explore postsecondary academic and career options, and pitch their ventures to a panel of “mock” potential investors.

Thompson Island Green Ambassadors

https://thompsonisland.org/programs/green-ambassadors/

(617) 328-3900

Through a partnership with the National Park Service, Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center provides Boston youth ages 15-18 with professional experience in the green job sector. The Green Ambassadors program is designed to develop life skills, workforce readiness, and environmental stewardship, while providing career training in future green pathways.

Youth Mentor and Peer Support Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay

https://www.bbbsmb.org/ (617) 542-9090

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of MA’s mission is to provide children who lack positive adult role models with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships with caring, responsible adults that change their lives for the better.

Roca

www.rocainc.org (617) 442-3101

Roca’s mission is to disrupt the cycle of incarceration and poverty by helping young people transform their lives by providing them with avenues to engage in transformative relationships, and to begin working towards educational outcomes that will further their chances of success. Roca offers a young men’s and young mother’s program.

Silver Lining Mentoring

http://www.silverliningmentoring.org/ (617) 224-1300

Strong Women, Strong Girls

http://swsg.org/ (617) 459-1500

Strong Women, Strong Girls supports positive mentoring relationships between college women and pre-adolescent girls in underserved local communities to help raise ambition and combat the dangers of low self-esteem.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

https://www.sadd.org/ (508) 481-3568

For 35 years, SADD has been the leading organization committed to saving lives by empowering teens to stand strong against destructive decisions including reckless driving, substance abuse, suicide, depression, bullying, violence, body image, and more.

Other (dress for success and prom dresses)

Belle of the Ball

The Belle of the Ball boutique is for qualified girls who cannot afford the cost of a prom gown. They provide a day to “shop” with a personal shopper for the dress of their dreams, receive makeup tips, prom accessories, and the chance to win certificates for prom-related services.

Dress for Success

Dress for Success provides professional attire/clothing to low-income and/or disadvantaged women. They also offer an employment retention program that helps women prepare for job interviews and transition into the workforce. This service requires a referral from a partnering agency.