We have deep roots in Amherst and throughout Western MA, working daily to provide family services, advocacy, crisis intervention, and more.  FOA addresses the many challenges families may confront, recognizing that the core components of stability – secure housing, nutritious food, and proper healthcare – lay the foundation for lifelong success.  

For decades, CHD and FOA has been a safety net for low-income families in our community, assisting with mental health issues, domestic violence, addiction, housing, and life skills.  FOA offers:

Home Visiting

Our home visiting program helps more than 100 low-income families each year. We stabilize and support families struggling with a variety of life skills. We can help with issues such as parenting, budgeting, and conflict resolution as well as locating other resources you may need.

Crisis Intervention

From mothers in crisis to school counselors seeking support for students, from local physicians concerned about their patients to fellow nonprofits seeking to coordinate services, FOA is a universal resource for people in Hampshire County.

Advocacy

FOA provides short-term assistance with specific issues such as mediation with a landlord or utility company, access to childcare, and assistance with medical emergencies.

Case Management

FOA caseworkers provide ongoing weekly support to families, including financial benefits, transportation to appointments, life skills counseling, housing advocacy, parenting support, and healthcare.

Community Housing Support

FOA helps low-income families maintain housing by working closely with landlords to prevent evictions as well as offering tools and education to tenants to support housing stability.

Immigration Services

We provide advocacy, information, transportation, and translation services to documented and undocumented immigrants dealing with mental or physical health problems, domestic violence, or substance use challenges. Advocates also assist with housing, employment, and parenting.

Information and Referrals

FOA responds to calls from families seeking services throughout our community. A caseworker can assess your needs and make referrals to appropriate community agencies.  The types of family services offered in Western Massachusetts vary greatly. At CHD, we strive to address the core issues that result in food and housing insecurity so you can gain the independence you deserve.