Welcome! This community resource email is provided by the Charlestown Family Support Circle and meant to highlight all of the wonderful resources in the Charlestown community and the city of Boston, in an effort to increase access to supports and services for residents, children, youth and their families.

Starting in January 2024, the E-Blast will be sent out on the 15th of each month instead of bi-weekly. Thank you!

Food Resources

Upcoming Events Hosted by the Kennedy Center

Infant and Car Seats

Available at the Health Center!

There are free, limited amount of infant and toddler car seats available through the Charlestown Health Care center!

You do not have to be a patient at MGH Charlestown to participate! The only requirement is to bring your vehicle with you so it can be safely installed in your car at the health center. 

Please contact Brian or Roberto to set up your install today: rbonilla@mgb.org bmahan@mgb.org

NEW Health and community health centers across the nation need your assistance! There is proposed legislation promising multi-year funding for Community Health Centers and primary care workforce programs, that will provide a lifeline for our nation’s health and well-being. It’s an opportunity we cannot afford to miss, and we need your help!

Community Health Centers, like NEW Health, play a vital role in our healthcare system, offering comprehensive, patient-centered care to over 31.5 million individuals, regardless of their insurance status. These centers serve as beacons of hope for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. Without stable funding, the invaluable services they provide are at risk. Furthermore, the proposed bill includes support for primary care workforce programs, a crucial step in investing in the next generation of primary care providers and ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our communities.

The services offered by Community Health Centers are an essential safety net for all Americans, from rural communities to urban centers, from children to seniors, and from the uninsured to those with private insurance. The benefits of these centers ripple throughout society, improving overall health, economic productivity, and community well-being.

We urge you to reach out to our federal officials, to prioritize the well-being of their constituents by supporting this bill. Please urge our elected leaders to vote in favor of this crucial legislation, to ensure that everyone has access to the quality healthcare they deserve. For information on how to reach out to our representatives and join the NEW Health advocacy network, go to our advocacy page.

Messy Play!

Registration is now open for ALL for Messy Play!

Let your littles come explore and leave all the mess with us! Space is limited.

Stop by our welcome center or email charlestowny@ymcaboston.org to register.



Child-Watch

YMCA is excited to welcome their little friends back to Child-Watch. This is available for YMCA family members.

Mindfulness for Kids with Anxiety

Held from 2/1 to 3/14, Thursdays from

4:15-5:00pm

Kids will learn new skills and mindfulness techniques to manage their anxiety. Group will be run by Laura Benson from MGH IHP.

Kids Movement Class

Held from 3/4 to 4/8, Mondays from 4:15-5:00pm

Family Book Club

Tuesdays at 4:15 pm; begins 1/16 - ages 4 to 8

CFEN Circle Time 

Fridays at 10 am; begins 1/19 -ages 5 and under.

Tinker Time

Wednesdays at 10:30 am; begins 1/17 - ages 18 months to 4 years.

Raising A Reader

Tuesdays at 11 am; begins 2/27 - ages 6 months to 3 years.

Free Breastfeeding Support Group

Thursdays at 12:15 PM

This free group is held in-person and led by a

Registered Nurse and International Board

Certified Lactation Consultant.

All families who are breastfeeding, pumping

and/or bottle feeding are welcome! Bring

your baby and all of parenting questions,

concerns and stories to our community of

non-judgmental support.

John F. Kennedy Family Service Center

15 Tufts St. (3rd floor), Charlestown

Alli Keach

Registered Nurse, CLC, and Mom

Thursdays

12:15 PM

To register visit: www.nurturebynaps.com

Fall Programs at the Charlestown Learning Center!

Arts and Crafts Story Time: Thursdays for K-2nd Graders

2023-2024 FREE Homework Club - Monday and Wednesday, 4:30pm-6:00pm

Beginning the week of September 18th through the end of the school year!

DROP IN classes for weekly Chess Club on Tuesdays and for 4th-6th grade LEGO Coding on Wednesdays!

No experience necessary to participate in either program! 

Here’s how to join us:

1. Email or message @Charlestownlearningcenter on Instagram with your child’s name and whether they are a parent/guardian pick-up or walker. 

2. Venmo @Charlestown-lacrosse $40 drop in fee. MUST PAY TO HOLD YOUR SPOT -weekly space is limited. 

3. Complete the liability form online or in person on the day of class

For immediate updates, follow CLLC on Instagram, @charlestownlearningcentercllc

For scholarship information: contact Blake Riley, Learning Director, at cllclearningdirector@gmail.com

Cam Joyce Lacrosse Director: Girl's & Boy's Program

Ryan M. Sutton Chair Board of Directors

Carey Baldwin Vice Chair

Jeff Harris Vice Chair

Office Phone - 617.242.9328

Start From the Start Programming

Charlestown Adult Education:

an Array of Resident Resources Located on 76 Monument Street!

To complete an Adult Education Intake Form, please follow this link!

Boston Teacher's Union: Homework Help

Mondays and Thursdays

4:00-6:00 PM

Gentle Yoga at Charlestown Branch

Mondays

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Gentle yoga classes are geared toward students of all ages who enjoy gentle exercise, this class is a meditative practice through the physical body. Join us for an inclusive and inspiring morning, where a community yoga teacher from the Hands to Heart Center guides you through a mindful yoga flow. 

Please bring your own yoga mat; limited mats are available to borrow.

Prior to your first class in this series, please sign a copy of HTHC’s Online Accident Release Form. Printed copies are available for pick up at the branch and at the start of each class.

Meet The Instruments With NEMPAC

Friday, February 16th from 11:00-12:00pm

Bring your children to meet a variety of musical instruments with musicians from NEMPAC (North End Music & Performing Arts Center). There will be a guitar, keyboard, ukulele and recorder, and the musicians will play a few songs for the children as well. Get up close and personal with musical instruments! Hope to see you there!

Age Strong Commission

Office Hours at Charlestown

Come meet with an advocate from Boston's Age Strong Commission at the Charlestown Branch. We have many designations. As a Commission, Council on Aging, and Area Agency on Aging, we are not new to aging. We have been doing this for more than 50 years. Age with us.

The Mission of the Age Strong Commission is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so we can live and age strong in Boston together. Meet with us to get help with:

• Referrals
• Transportation
• Food resources
• Ways to save 
• Volunteer opportunities
• Care partner support
• Housing
• Events and engagement

An Age Strong advocate is available at Charlestown Branch on the second Monday of each month (except on public holidays). 

No appointment is necessary!

Community Partnership: Alternatives to Suspension is Back for the School Year!

For the last seven years, the Alternatives to Suspension program has been a part of the Charlestown High School community as a Harm Reduction Model and resource for students in replacement of formal punishment strategies like suspension from school, which have a direct correlation to the school to prison pipeline. In recognition of Road to Success’ schedule, the Coalition’s AtS Facilitators Mswati Hanks and Mel Soto began to provide a second group time specifically for the RTS community. We are excited to introduce one of the Coalition’s interns, Rachel Harris, who will be co facilitating this group with us for the year! We plan to bring a variety of topics like from the history of the war on drugs to the future of cannabis in business.

We look forward to starting this year’s Alternatives to Suspension program with the general CHS community when we have received enough referrals to have a full cohort. If you see us in Charlestown High, make sure to stop us and say hello!

If you would like to submit a referral, please contact Mswati Hanks at Mhanks1@mgh.harvard.edu. 

Eliot Resource Center - Everett, MA

February 2024 Programming

The Black Moms in Loss Support Group provides connections for individuals that identify as Black mothers grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant. This group intends to help bereaved mothers find support and provide the helpful information to help them navigate the pain of their loss. This group is created in partnership with the Sisters in Loss organization.

Celebrating Families: Free Support Group!

Mondays 5:30-7:00pm

Celebrating Families is an educational program from all family members, children and adults, living with the stress of alcohol and/or other substance-use disorders at home or within the family.

Groups begin September 11,2023

To register or for more information

please contact:

Erin LaMonica

617-268-1619 x 403

elamonica@sbnh.org

Ethos - Free Nutrition Program for Older Adults!

The Ethos Nutrition program started in 1973 and is one of more than 5,000 local Senior Nutrition Programs in the United States. Through its home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and congregate meals (Community Cafés) programs, Ethos provides well over 2,634,000 meals to seniors who need them annually. The organization also offers nutrition check-ups and counseling from a licensed dietician.

Today there are 40 community cafes throughout Boston. Community cafes are open to any person 60 or over. If a spouse is under 60, they are welcome as are younger residents of a building that houses a community café. An anonymous, confidential donation of $2.00 per meal is requested. The community cafes sponsor events ranging from summer barbecues to exercise programs to political events.

Meals-on-wheels are a major part of the Nutrition Program. People 60 or over in southwest Boston who are unable to easily leave the house and cannot prepare a nutritious meal, are eligible for the program. Ethos requests a donation of $2.00 per meal and sends a reminder each month.

The nutrition program also includes “Nutrition Check-ups” from a registered dietitian, with the option of a full assessment and nutrition plan. Thanks to a grant from the City of Boston, Commission on Affairs of the Elderly, this service is available for a donation, not a fee.



Caregiver Homes is now CAREFORTH!

Careforth, is a program from MassHealth known as (Adult Family/Foster Care) which allows individuals 16 years or older, who are unable to remain at home alone due to chronic illness, physical and/or mental disabilities, to stay in their home or in the home of a loved one in order to maximize their quality of life. They need assistance with at least 1 ADLs. Careforth provides financial support to the caregiver and offers a RN and Case Manager to support both the consumer and the caregiver at home.

A lot of Families can benefit from Careforth program. Increased support for the caregiver can decrease their stress. Our program is a fall prevention and hospitalization prevention program. There are many families that need the support, but don’t know about it or how to access it this community resource. 

Our website is htpps://careforth.com/ 

Alvarez Counseling and Advocacy

Empowering and supporting parents to make family centered decisions in education

Some families with children with disabilities or academic difficulties do not have access to the same resources as their counterparts, legal representation, familiarity of services at schools, or their rights as parents. Providing the tools and resources to families with children suspected of needing additional educational support is beneficial. Families and students have a lot and voice.

Research Study Opportunity for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

This institute offers ongoing healing and safe spaces for survivors of homicide, suicide and overdose victims, as well as families of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated loved ones. These are non-judgement spaces for participants regardless of their circumstances.

The Boston Parks: Winter Fitness Series

January 7th to April 6th

Boston Centers For Youth and Families

The Mission of BCYF is to enhance the quality of life of Boston's residents by partnering with various organizations to offer a wide range of comprehensive programs and activates according to neighborhood needs and interest.

Youth Sport Fairs are Coming!

Youth ages 9-14 are invited to two upcoming Youth Sports Fairs on Thursday, February 22 from 1-4pm at the BCYF Shelburne Community Center and Sunday, March 17 from 9am-12pm at the Carter Playground Bubble in the South End. Both events will feature sports clinics and activities, information about upcoming youth sports programs and opportunities in Boston, and music, snacks, and free giveaways. Registration is strongly encouraged.

Black History Month Partnership with NE Revolution

The New England Revolution have launched the club’s fourth annual “Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E.” initiative which celebrates New England’s Black History. As part of the initiative, Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E. has raised over $70,000 for the purchase of new soccer equipment and many hours of youth-oriented programming at multiple BCYF locations. Learn more including how you can join the initiative here.

Homeless Youth Handbook:

A resource guide committed to Teaming up for Homeless Youth

Make your Dream of Higher Education a Reality with MassReconnect

Are you ready to get back into the classroom and on the path to achieving your career goals? If you are 25 or older, MassReconnect will pay for all your tuition and fees and will provide you with an allowance to cover your books and supplies.

Looking for a New Path?

Consider becoming a wellness coach!

The Wellness Coach Project is now an AmeriCorps program!

That means this tuition-free career pathway to healthcare / social work / education professions now provides participants with a $14K stipend and a $3,500 AmeriCorps Education Award towards future postsecondary tuition.  

Have you Been Affected by Community Violence?

Community Safe Spaces held by Local Organizations

319 is, "a group of alcoholics working together to get and stay sober. We are doctors, custodians, mothers, fathers, children, and everyone in between living our lives one day at a time. Everyone who has a desire to stop drinking is welcome to become a member of our family as we trudge the road of happy destiny."

Since March 19th, 319 has had an AA meeting online without interruption 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have a new chair every hour while the host and co-hosts in the background make sure to greet new people, post pertinent information, and change your screen name if you like. To join a live meeting, please click the button below.

To identify a local in person or virtual meeting, please click on the button below.

Please view the “MOAR Mini-Guide with MOAR to Come”, which provides information on prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

The following pages are a “how-to” guide meant to support individuals and families seeking help with the recovery process. MOAR is looking to continue to receive input to ensure it is comprehensive and beneficial to everyone, so please continue to let them know what additions you would like to see.

MOAR provides the opportunity, via the action for recovery meetings, trainings, and public events, for those with lived experience to learn to tell their stories.

Support Groups Provided by The Sun Will Rise Foundation

Alternatives to Suicide Support Group

Held by The National Alliance on Mental Health

This is a peer-run group for individuals who want a safe, judgment-free zone to talk about alternatives to suicide. The group is supportive and confidential and strives to create a space where people can provide peer support for one another, and strategize about alternatives to help each other best cope with difficult life circumstances.

First Church Unitarian Universalist

Morse Room

6 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain

Meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Contact us for more information about this Alternatives to Suicide Support Group:

Jay Lapin, MSW

Senior Manager, Education & Support

617-286-7617

jlapin@namimass.org

Mental Health America is thrilled to announce the release of three new valuable resources to enhance mental health support for Spanish-speaking communities:

Culture, Community, and Connection: 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit

• The BIPOC Mental Health Month campaign and toolkit were designed to provide culturally responsive mental health information to highlight three core pillars of culture, community, and connection and how integral they are to BIPOC communities. The toolkit includes factsheets, worksheets, shareable images, and more that can aid community discussion and guide individuals to helpful resources.

Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth: 2023 Back to School Resources

• The Back to School campaign and resources were developed to help increase understanding of how online activity affects the mental health of children and teens. The factsheets, shareable images, and other materials in the toolkit can be used to help manage the challenges of virtual spaces and empower youth to make informed decisions for their mental health and well-being.

New Mental Health Resources Hub in Spanish:

• Our Spanish-language resources hub provides a comprehensive collection of mental health materials to assist individuals, families, and others in accessing valuable mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking community.

Resume Builder: Job & Career Guide for People navigating a Mental Health Disorder

ResumeBuilder.com empowers job seekers with AI and expert insights. Leveraging millions of resumes, vast industry data, and a team of certified professionals, we strive to make resume writing and job landing a seamless experience.

It provides a step-by-step guide to finding work while receiving treatment, including specific resume and cover letter writing tips, example interview questions, and information to stay self-assured and centered while pursuing their professional goals. We also included mental health and employment resources for every state to provide further assistance.

For more information contact NAMI Latinx at latinx@namiboston.org or (781) 819 3282.

Peer Support Line

Provided by the Wildflower Alliance

What is a Peer Support Line?

A peer support line (sometimes referred to as a ‘warmline’) is a private phone line that you can call to:

• Get support
• Ask about resources
• Connect with another person who can relate or has ‘been there’
• Just talk

Our peer support line is answered by a trained peer supporter who has their own first-hand experience with psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, addiction, and/or other interrupting challenges. This line does not collect personal information, perform assessment, or call crisis or the police.

Schedule:

By phone every day:

7pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday

7pm-10pm Friday through Sunday

Call: 888.407.4515

Do Not Leave A Voice Mail:

They are not checked. Please keep calling until you reach someone!

About online groups

Most of our on-line groups used Zoom to meet. New to Zoom? Learn about joining Zoom meetings by watching this video.

Time Zones

All times listed are Eastern Time in the US. If you aren’t sure how your time zone lines up with Eastern Time in the US, you may CLICK HERE and look for the time in Boston, Massachusetts or other east coast US-based cities. Please keep in mind that if you are on the other side of the globe from us, the group may meet on a different day for you.

Other online support groups

We also have included links at the bottom of this page to other groups and organizations offering on-line support.

Accuracy

We are doing our best to keep this up-to-date and accurate, but you may occasionally find a typo or something that just recently changed, and hasn’t been updated yet. If you’re having difficulty or are confused about the time, date, or access for any group we’ve listed, please e-mail us at info@wildfloweralliance.org.

24/7 Behavioral Health Emergency Hotline is LIVE!

888-309-1989

This hotline will provide real team crisis support for those struggling with behavioral health symptoms. Clinicians will help to assess the situation and make recommendations for interventions, including but not limited to mobile crisis evaluations, connection to inpatient and other services and follow up visits.

This crisis number services the following communities: East Boston, Charlestown, Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop, Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Malden and Medford.

Resume Resource

This website provides a step-by-step guide to finding work while receiving treatment, including specific resume and cover letter writing tips, example interview questions, and information to stay self-assured and centered while pursuing their professional goals. More information here

Do you need immigration advice from a lawyer? The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement offers free one-time immigration consultations on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Consultations are by telephone. Due to high demand, you must register for an appointment beforehand.

To register for an appointment with a volunteer lawyer, call 617-635-2980 or email immigrantadvancement@boston.gov.

Interpretation and disability accommodations are available.

The Mitigating the Cost of Housing (MATCH) program is a new MassHealth initiative designed to provide assistance with one time housing costs (e.g., moving costs, security deposits, furnishings) for some people enrolled MassHealth who are moving into community-based housing.

ELIGIBLILITY

To be considered eligible, you must meet all three of the criteria below:

1. You must be a MassHealth member and enrolled in one of the types of MassHealth managed care health plans listed below or receiving services through the MassHealth Frail Elder Waiver operated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

o Accountable Care Organizations

o Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)

o Primary Care Clinician (PCC) Plan with MA Behavioral Health Partnership

o Integrated Care Programs (for individuals eligible for Medicaid and Medicare)

o One Care

o Senior Care Organizations (SCOs)

o Program for the All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

2.  You must be moving out of a place where you are not currently responsible for housing costs and related expenses. Such places include:

o A nursing facility or residential care facility

o A congregate care setting

o An acute inpatient hospital, chronic rehab care facility, or psychiatric inpatient hospital

o An emergency shelter, the streets or other places not meant for human habitation, unhabitable housing, transitional housing, or a doubled-up situation where you are unable to stay permanently

o A state system of care for youth that you are aging out of

o A 24-hour diversionary residential program for substance use treatment

o A correctional facility

3.  You must have already identified a community-based housing opportunity where you have to pay for housing costs and related expenses. 

MATCH assistance can be requested any time up to 60 days before you move into community-based housing and up to 60 days after you have relocated to the community. 

Specific health insurance agencies have been designated to submit MATCH applications for eligible MassHealth members. Use the information located here to contact your health insurance provider and see if you are eligible for MATCH assistance.

ELIGIBLE COSTS AND EXPENSES

In general, the MATCH program provides eligible individuals with up to $5,500 to help with the following types of costs:

· Moving Costs (security deposits, first month's rent, moving expenses)

· Utilities (set-up fees and deposits, including money owed that needs to be repaid to start a new service)

· Furniture

· Furnishings (sheets, pillows, towels)

· Food Pantry and Cleaning Supplies

· Toiletries 

· Clothing (if no other resource is available)

· Cleaning and Pest Control

· Durable or Special Medical Equipment not approved by insurance

Funds cannot be used for recurring costs such as monthly rent or ongoing utility costs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

General information about the program can be found online at https://www.mass.gov/masshealth-match-program

Metrolist - City of Boston Metrolist is a database by the city of Boston that provides information on affordable housing and homes in the city and beyond.

Existing Affordable Rental Units

The buildings listed in the link below include affordable units and participate in the BPDA Affordable Housing Program. Lotteries were conducted in the past to select the initial tenants for these units. From time to time these units may become available again. For more information about any upcoming availability, please contact the phone numbers listed in the provided table.

If your income does not qualify you for a BPDA affordable unit, or if you are interested in learning more about other affordable housing opportunities in Boston, please review the information below:

• CHAPA Lotteries and Resales Listings: The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association lists lotteries and resales on affordable ownership opportunities.
• MassAccess Housing Registry: This database lists available units across Eastern Massachusetts, and highlights accessible/barrier-free homes for persons with disabilities.
• MBHP Apartment Listings: Metro Housing|Boston affordable rental apartments. 
• MassHousing: MassHousing helps create affordable housing in Boston and keeps a list of available affordable ownership and rental units.

Landlord Incentive Program

The city of Boston is launching a program to support landlords who rent to Boston households moving out of homelessness. They provide signing bonuses, broker fees, unit retention bonuses, and a dedicated customer service provider. Form for interested landlords here

Calling all teens:

Get paid to work at the ICA!

PowerCorps BOS: Get Paid to Train for Green Jobs!

WorkSMART Program Provided by ABCD Youth Services

To learn more about youth job opportunities go to:

https://bostonpic.org/

https://www.bpl.org/job-help-for-teens/

https://afhboston.org/getinvolved.html

The Community-Led Improvement of Air Quality and Health in the Lower Mystic (CLEANAIR) is a research project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and led by the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA). Their goal is to improve transportation related air quality and health in the Greater Boston area.

Community Input Survey:

Factors Effecting Youth Substance Use in Boston

Thank you for participating in this survey! Your input is critical as we craft the city of Boston's strategic plan to address youth substance use. Throughout the year we have been reviewing and collecting data that has allowed us to identify factors that influence youth substance use. We now need to select which factors to focus as we create solutions to support Boston's youth. We want to know which ones YOU FEEL have the greatest impact on your community.

School Improvement Survey

This form is meant to collect responses from Boston high school students about their experience in school. Please, be honest and feel free to elaborate as much or little as you want in open response questions!

Important Information Provided by the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute

State-funded SNAP for

Immigrant Households

Attached is DTA’s January 2024 update that includes information about the state SNAP benefits for certain legally present immigrants. DTA is working hard to implement this new program, which we hope will be live by the end of January or February. 

How to advise your clients:  

• The state-funded SNAP program is not “live” right now. DTA is working hard to get it up and running. 
• Immigrants can still apply to lock in an application date! They may get a letter that says their SNAP was denied. Once the program is operational, eligible immigrants will get benefits back to the date of their SNAP application. 
• The immigrants eligible for the state-funded benefit are legally present immigrants who cannot get federal SNAP including those with Humanitarian Parole or battered immigrants who must wait 5 years, as well as immigrants “under color of law”. (Unfortunately, Legal Permanent Residents who are waiting for the 5 years to expire are not eligible for the new program). 
• This program may be temporary if the state does not provide additional funds. The Feeding Our Neighbors Coalition is working hard to secure funding in the FY25 State budget. 

1. DTA has posted alerts that households in some areas of the state have had their benefits stolen. Here is what to know: DTA should replace all of the SNAP or cash that was stolen. To do a claim for replacement, visit DTA’s FAQ here.  DTA should strive to replace stolen benefits within 5 business days from getting the household’s signature - but if there is a higher than usual number of claims filed it may take more time. Please let us know what you are seeing. 

2.    Households should change their PIN often! The best way to protect SNAP from skimming theft is by changing the PIN every after purchase. We know this is extremely hard for most people to do - and encourage changing it before each monthly issuance at the least.

If you are interested in setting up a training for your team or organization, please contact Veronica at vtopp@bwh.harvard.edu.

Please share this information with your fellow community members!