Visitation House
119 Endicott Street, Worcester, MA
Phone: (508)965.7391
Contact: Eve Lindquist evelindquist@visitationhouse.org
Website: https://visitationhouse.org/
Visitation House is a welcoming home for women facing unplanned pregnancies with no other place to turn. The house serves up to 12 women at a time with a caring 24/7 staff and volunteers to mentor and model successful working-family life. Visitation House nurtures women to better care for themselves and their babies in a supportive family-like setting providing private rooms, food, clothing, as well as educational programs and coaching to build important life and career skills. Women stay at the house any time during their pregnancy until 6 months after their baby is born. This program is offered at no charge to the mother and is funded primarily by individual donations. Visitation House receives no government funding.
Amesbury Center – Community Action, Inc.
44 Friend Street, Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-2570
https://www.communityactioninc.org/programs/food/amesbury-center
Services: Low and moderate income families can apply for housing, rent assistance, food, mortgage help, holiday meals and gifts and clothing. They also operate a food pantry and clothing bank. In addition get help from a counselor in applying for the CAI Low-income Heating Assistance program (LIHEAP) as well as Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition and health program.
Thom Worcester Area Early Intervention and Family Support
239 Mill Street, Suite B, Worcester, MA 01602
Phone: (508) 752-8466
Fax: (774) 243-6611
Email: Kelly.brennan@thomchild.org
Website: http://www.thomchild.org
Hours: 8am-5pm
Services: Early Intervention Program (EI): In Massachusetts is a statewide, family-centered, developmental service. Thom Child & Family Services offers the earliest possible intervention and support for children birth to three years old who have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities or whose development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.
Pregnancy and Newborn Support: Thom Child & Family Services offers free home visits to pregnant women, new mothers and their infants who live in the Springfield and Greater Lowell areas of Massachusetts.
Regional Consultation: Regional Consultation Programs (RCPs) provide consultation, family support, and community-wide workshops and training in Massachusetts.
Baby Safe Haven
Phone: (866)814-SAFE (Children of Hope)
Services: The Safe Haven Act of Massachusetts (2004) allows a parent to legally surrender newborn infants 7 days old or younger at a hospital, police station, or manned fire station without facing criminal prosecution. The Safe Haven Act is an amendment to Chapter 119 of the Massachusetts General Laws, section 39½. The law became effective on October 29, 2004.
Important Terms:
Newborn infant: a baby 7 days old or younger.
Voluntary placed, voluntary placement or voluntary abandonment: voluntarily leaving the newborn infant with an appropriate person at a designated facility.
Designated Facility: hospital (it is preferred that the newborns specifically be taken to an acute care hospital emergency department), police department or manned fire station; the locations stipulated by the Safe Haven Law.
Appropriate person: someone at a designated facility who is able to ensure that the newborn infant is safe; for example, the triage person in a hospital emergency department or duty officer in a police station.
Notification: An immediate notice to be filed with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) on the voluntary surrender of the newborn infant.
Worcester Family Partnership
130 Leeds Street, Worcester, MA 1606
Phone: (508) 799-3136
Fax: (508) 799-3129
Email: vietze@worc.k12.ma.us or beltont@worc.12.ma.us
Website: http://worcesterschools.org/worcester-family-partnership
Services: Worcester Family Partnership is a MA Department of Early Education and Care grant to provide support services to families with children birth to school age. Worcester Family Partnership is offering you the opportunity to participate in a FREE Screening for your child. The AGES & STAGES Questionnaire only takes a few minutes and will give you important information about your child’s development.
WFP Opportunities include:
Playgroups–For parent and child Monday through Friday 9:30–11:00 am
Family Literacy–In collaboration with Adult Education programming (GED & ESOL) sponsored by partner agencies, family activities are offered to extend learning to the entire family.
Family Recreational Activities – scheduled monthly.
Workshops–Related to parenting topics – scheduled monthly.
Family Resource Information.
Support for families–Transitioning into school/child care settings.
Quality support -For early education programs.
PCHP–Parent-Child Home Program.
Lutheran Social Services
14 East Worcester Street, Suite 300, Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: 774-243-3900
Toll Free: 877-500-8263
Services: Resettlement services, basic needs, and legal advice (including help with citizenship forms) for refugees and immigrants.
American Red Cross
2000 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606
(508) 595-3700
Veterans and Their Families
Services:
Services available for active duty members. THis program offers coping with deployment counseling sessions.
Emergency communications during family crisis and health and safety career training opportunities. Limited scholarships available. Also helps veterans come in contact with resources that may be useful to them.
Problem Pregnancy
495 Pleasant St.
Worcester, MA 01609
1-888-310-7217
Services:
Abortion Consultation, Free Pregnancy Tests, Free Limited Ultrasounds, Additional Service Referrals, and Confidential Services
Considering Abortion In Worcester, Massachusetts?
If you’re pregnant and considering abortion in Central Massachusetts, visit Problem Pregnancy. Our center provides abortion consultations to help you make an informed decision about abortion. Make an appointment at Problem Pregnancy to talk about your personal situation, discuss the abortion methods that may be available to you and get answers to any questions you may have.Abortion Consultations
During your abortion consultation, Problem Pregnancy will provide information about the options that may be available to you at this point in your pregnancy and answer questions you may have about the abortion pill or surgical abortion. All abortion consultations are free and confidential.Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion)
Medical or non-surgical abortion uses RU486 or other types of chemicals to terminate your pregnancy. This method of abortion is used for women who are within 10 weeks of the start of their last menstrual period.Surgical Abortion
If you’re not a candidate for a medical (non-surgical) abortion or if the medical abortion fails, a surgical abortion would be necessary. Some of the most common surgical abortion procedures include manual vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage, and dilation and evacuation.
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
Behavioral Health Services
19 Tacoma Street
Worcester, MA 01605
(508) 852-1805
Services:
The Community Health Center provides outpatient multilingual psychotherapy and psychiatry services for children, adolescents and adults. There is a pharmacy on site. These services are only available for health center patient only.
Payments:
MassHealth all plans are accepted along with Medicare and Medicaid, HSNO, CMSP, Commercial Insurances.
Worcester Public Schools
Locations vary
24 Chatham Street
Worcester,MA
(508) 799-3090
Worcester Public Schools Night Life
Services:
The Night Life program has a reputation for being one of the most enriching and successful in the nation. It offers a wide array of classes, in everything from business to recreation. Job training and vocational skills classes are available. Online classes are available. The program also operates an adult learning center at 24 Chatham Street that specializes in adult literacy, ESL, and GED classes).
They have at their disposal a team of Commonwealth certified teachers so help you further your education.
If you are 16 or over and have left school you are eligible for this program.
Registration:
Classes are filled on a first come first serve basis so please register early if you considering taking one of the classes offered. You may register up until the first night of the class.
Schedule:
Times and dates are subject to the specific courses.
Payment:
Tuition for the courses must be paid in full by the time of registration. They do not accept payments in form of cash, however all major credit cards and checks are accepted.
Additional information:
Please log on to their website for more specific information.
http://www.nightlifeworcester.org/
Worcester Public Schools
24 Chatham Street, Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 799-3090
WPS Adult Learning Center
Services:
The WPS Adult Learning Center offers a variety of programs at this main location and other branches throughout the city. The Family Literacy Program runs Tuesday and Thursday for daytime hours, 9:00 to 11:30 am and evening hours are 5:30 to 8:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The also offer GED & ESL courses, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 to 11:30 am. The evening classes take place Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 to 7:30.
Citizenship Classes are also available, please call for more information.
Registration Information:
Free of charge.
Head Start:
770 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610
(508) 799-3237
Fax: (508) 799-3633
Recruitment & Enrollment Information: (508) 799-3608
Services: Head Start is a federally funded preschool program whose focus is to provide quality instruction and education with an emphasis on early literacy and mathematics. Children leave Head Start prepared for elementary school and a successful transition to kindergarten. Teachers use research based curriculum. Instruction is provided in both individual and small group settings. The classroom environment and teacher instruction provide opportunities for each child to develop at their own pace in a stimulating and challenging setting.
Comprehensive services are provided to both the child and their family.
These services include:
Health screenings and education
Oral Health screenings and dental education
Nutritional services
Special Needs identification and support services
Social Service support and referrals
Family Involvement activities including Adult Education opportunities
The program services 615 children and families who reside in the City of Worcester. Each Head Start building is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Limited transportation is provided and multilingual staff are available to assist families.
Lutheran Social Services
51 Union Street Suite 222, Worcester, 01608
774-243-3900
ESOL Classes
Contact:
(508) 754-1121 X440
Contact Person is Monica Bond or mbond@lssne.org
Services:
ESOL, web-based practice of essential skills and assistance for entering in other programs such as Pre-GED.
ESOL classes (Literacy to Advanced Levels)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
LSS’s Adult & Community Learning Center Program integrates employability skills, college & career readiness skills in all ESOL Classes, and offers WEB-based practice of skills essential to entering Pre-GED/GED Programs
Registration:
Registration for September, 2013 begins August 26, 2013.
Classes are funded to be available Sept. – June at no cost to you.
Enrolling Every Monday (except holidays) from 1-3 pm.
Everyone is always welcomed!
Family Health Center of Worcester
26 Queen Street, Worcester, MA 01610 (First floor)
(508) 860-7700
http://www.fhcw.org/en/HealthServices/WalkInCenter
Free Health Clinic
Services:
Sick visits, health insurance assistance, urgent care, social services, dental services
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8a-7:30p, Saturdays 9a-4:30p
Accepts:
Insured, underinsured, uninsured
Languages spoken:
English, Spanish, others by translation service
Mental Health Services
Services:
The Family Health Center has one psychiatric doctors to prescribe medication. There is a pharmacy on site. This is a Virtual Gateway for persons waiting for insurance.
Spanish & English speaking therapists for children, adolescents & adults.
Payments:
MassHealth is accepted in addition to Medicare A&B, Blue Cross / Blue Shield – Preferred provider organ, (PPO) with co-pay, Health Safety Net (HSN). There is a sliding fee scale according to income.
Nutrition Support/ Breastfeeding Peer Counseling
Services:
WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children
Contact:
Edward M. Kennedy Health Center
(508) 853-2904.
Plumley Village,
(508) 799-9392.
Mill Swan Head Start
(508) 755-4750
Hours:
Call for an appointment or walk In Monday- Friday 8:30 to 3:00 pm. Open Monday & Wednesday from 8:30 am until 7:30 pm and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30 to 5:0 pm.
Eligibility:
WIC is for all kinds of families: married and single parents, working or not working. If you are a father, mother, grandparent, foster parent or other legal guardian of a child under 5 or a pregnant woman. Mass health standard & DTA recipients automatically qualify.
UMASS Memorial
55 N. Lake Ave, Worcester, MA 01655
(508) 334-1000
Health Insurance
Services:
The UMass Memorial Patient Financial Services Department helps people enroll in free and low-cost Massachusetts health insurance plans, and helps them choose healthcare providers. Language services provided.
Contact:
(508) 334-9300
Hours:
M–F, 8a-4:30p
Emergency Mental Health
Services:
UMass Memorial operates a 24/7 emergency mental health hotline that is available to individuals regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.
Contact:
866-549-2142 (24/7 hotline)
Free Health Clinic
Services:
The UMass Memorial Ronald McDonald Care Mobile provides preventive medical and dental services to people without health or dental insurance on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 different community sites. Medical services include physical exams for children, adolescents and adults, sports physicals, immunizations, lab tests, blood pressure tests, health education, vision referrals, hearing tests and care for serious or ongoing illnesses. Dental services include dental health care, sealants, and dental cleaning.
Contact:
(508) 334-6073
Hours:
Call for hours and locations
Accepts:
Uninsured, underinsured, insured, Medicare, Medicaid
Fees:
Financial assistance available
Languages: English
Substance Abuse
Services:
Located at 55 Lake Avenue North, The Mental Health 8 Eat unit helps with Substance abuse treatment, Detoxification, Methadone Maintenance, Methadone Detoxification, Buprenorphine Services.
Mental Health Treatment
Services:
24 hour psychiatric emergency service.
This is an emergency service open to those in the area who believe they have a psychiatric emergency.
Contact:
(508) 334-1000 or(508) 334-3562
Payments:
UMMMC accepts payment from most insurers, Medicare and Mass Health whether unmanaged or managed. However, please check with the clinic before accepting a scheduled appointment. Those without coverage may meet with our Financial Counselors toward enrollment in Mass Health or Commonhealth Plans.
Pernet Family Health Service
237 Millbury Street
Worcester, MA 01610
(508) 755-1228
Chris Nelson
Support Groups
Types of Groups: There are a variety of programs offered by Pernet Family Health Services. These programs include the Fathers Support Group and a parenting class.
Services: Child care is available for the Fathers Support group but not for the parenting class. Neither programs include transportation. Programs are geared to support fathers and families.
Eligibility and Scheduling:
The Fathers Support Group is only for fathers and is held every Tuesday from 5:45 to 7:15pm.
The parenting class is for DCF refereed families only. This class is held every Wednesday. Must inquire about timing. This program run in 8 weeks cycles.
Parents Helping Parents
129 Granite Street, Worcester, 01610
(508) 852-4239
Mara
1-800-632-8188, 24 hours a day hotline
Support Groups
Group Types: hotline and in support group.
Services:
Support for parents and guardians who may feel frustrated or isolated in their parental role. Parent support and share experiences and get support and encouragement from other parents. Support group services given in English only.
Hotline services are available in any language. Hotline is for parents who may not be able to go to in person support group or need emergency support.
Eligibility and Scheduling:
For parents feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated in their role as a parent or guardian.
South Bay Early Childhood,
548 Park Avenue, Suite B, Worcester, MA01603
Parent Step Curriculum Group:
Services:
Focuses on practical skills you need to help your children from the start. Also provides effective discipline strategies that promote both self-esteem and mutual respect
Contact:
Merrie Mackenzie, M.Ed.
774-823-1500
Hours:
Starting June 19th Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Eligibility:
Open to any parents looking for support.
Toddler Play Group
Services:
Playgroups offer children a safe, leader-led time where they can explore their world and develop new friendships. They are a wonderful opportunity to play and interact with your child and meet new friends.
Contact:
Merrie Mackenzie
M.Ed.
774-823-1500
Hours:
Please call for days and times.
Eligibility:
This service is available for children 18mo-3yrs and it is free of charge.
Partial Hospitalization and Day Treatment program
340 Main St Suite 819 Worcester Ma 01608
Services:
Include the Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Addiction Program and the Structured Outpatient Addiction Program. Day treatment is also available.
Contact:
Randy Dupell
Intake Liaison
(508) 752-3969 ext 1211
Tara Carloni,
Intake Liaison
(508) 752-3969 ext 1208
Or Julie DiLeo
Program Director
(508) 752-3969 x1203
Hours:
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am–4:30 pm.
Eligibility/Payment:
This program is for adults male and females age 18+ with mental illness. Insurance based payment.
MSPCC
Family Counseling Center
335 Chandler Street, Suite 1
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 753-2967
1-800-442-3035
Services:
They are Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative Services for eligible children under the age of 21 years, such as In-Home Therapy, Russian, and Albanian speaking available and Therapeutic Mentoring, Spanish-speaking available.
Majority of counseling services are provided within the home. The clinicians are trained in TF-CBT, in working with traumatized children and issues around attachment.
There is support available for military families. Sexual Abuse Treatment and Trauma Services (VOCA) is also available.
There is aPParent Support Group Workshop for non-Offending Caretakers with children who have been either abused or traumatized in the Fall and Spring.
Psychiatry available for ongoing clients in addition to young parent support.
Payments:
Accepts various insurances including the following MassHealth Products: MBHP, Medicaid, Neighborhood Health Plan, Network Health, Fallon and Boston Medical Center. Limited BC/BS and Tufts Insurances.
Support Groups
Group Types: Support Group for Teen Girls, Support Group for Caregivers when a Child has been a Victim of Abuse, Healthy Families Parent Support Group
Services:Transportation and childcare is available for Healthy Families Parent Support Group but not for the other two support groups.
Support groups are for girls who have undergone abuse or neglect, for the parents or caregivers of children who have been abused and for parents who are enrolled in the MSPCC Healthy Families Program.
Eligibility and Scheduling:
Support Group for Teen Girls is intended for girls ages 12-16, who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and/or neglect. This program is FREE and meets on Thursdays from 4:30-6:00 pm. Program starts on 3/6/2014 and runs for 8 weeks.
Support Group for Caregivers is for all non-offending caregivers, including biological/foster/(pre)adoptive parents, grandparents, and/or other adults in a caregiving role. This service is free. Program meets on Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 am or on Thursdays 4:30-6:00 pm. Program starts on 3/6/2014 and runs for 8 weeks.
Healthy Families Parent Support Group is for parents who are enrolled in MSPCC Healthy Families Program.
Worcester Community Connections
548 Park Avenue, Suite B, Worcester, MA01603
Nurturing Parenting Program
Services:
A 16 week curriculum for building healthy and caring families by enhancing self-worth, empathy, discipline, and empowerment.
Contact:
Pat Strong
(508) 796-1417
Hours:
16 week sessions; one in the Fall and one in the Spring.
Eligibility/Payments:
All parents or caregivers. Free of charge.
The following support groups at offered at 484 Main Street, Suite 460 Worcester, MA 01608.
Parenting Journey
Services:
The Parenting Journey is a 12-week journey designed for parents who want to learn more about themselves, their childhood relationships and the relationships with their children. Participants will also learn about resources to help with parenting.
Contact:
English:
Olga Lopez Hill
(508) 796-1412
Spanish:
Rosa Salazar
(508) 796-1416
Hours:
12 week sessions; one in the Fall and one in the Spring.
Eligibility/Payments:
All parents or caregivers. Free of charge.
Effective Co-Parenting
Services:
Program focuses on ways to co-parent when you are not living together; ways to improve communication skills and reduce conflicts.
Contact:
Amanda Beeso
(508) 796-1411
Hours:
5 week sessions; one in the Fall and one in the Spring.
Eligibility/Payments:
All parents or caregivers. Free of charge.
Parenting With Love and Logic
Services:
Gives parents practical strategies for reducing behavioral problems, increasing motivation, building responsibility and resiliency.
Contact:
Catalina Delaney
(508) 799-3225
Linda Jackson
(508) 799-3252
Hours:
5 week sessions; one in the Fall and one in the Spring.
Eligibility/Payments:
All parents or caregivers. Free of charge.
Family Needs Parent Group
Services:
Provides activities to promote parent leadership and peer support.
Contact:
Anne Bureau
(508) 796-1418
Hours:
The 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5 pm.
Eligibility/Payments:
All parents or caregivers. Free of charge.
Clearway
358 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester, Ma. 01604
(508)438-0144 Bethann Morton( pre natal class)/Janet Child(abortion recovery)/Joyce Morse ( Parenting Class)
Support Groups
Group types: Abortion Recovery Support Group, Pre natal Classes and Parenting Classes.
Services:
No childcare or transportation provided for any of the programs.
Abortion Recovery Support Group: provides assistance with abortion recovery for females and males.
Pre natal classes: one to one pre natal classes provided at no cost to you.
Parenting Classes: A Christian curriculum based parenting class.
Eligibility and Scheduling:
Must call to make an appointment.
Must call for days and times. Usually the third Monday of every month from 11:30 am -1:00 pm.
Eligibility and scheduling:
All programs are free. ARSG program is available to men and women in need of abortion recovery assistance. Pre natal classes are available to expecting mothers while parenting classes are available to any Worcester parent. Must call for meeting information regarding all the programs.