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Summer Newsletter
July-August 2026
| | Join us on the afternoon of Friday, July 10, at the museum for FREE nature-based activities & music. No registration required. The Festival runs from 11-7:00. | | | |
Our Annual July & August List of Nearby Activities:
- gathers family events in and near our 11 towns into chronological order with registration information (if needed) and cost (if applicable)
- includes museum passes available at libraries
- includes a link to find places you can go at reduced/no cost with an EBT or WIC card
- includes museums that waive entrance fees for military families during summer
0-12 Months Activities
0-6+ Years Activities
If you'd prefer the list to be emailed to you, just let Linda know and she'll send it directly to your inbox as an attachment: Linda Jensen
| | | FOCUS ON BILINGUALISM IN YOUNG CHILDREN | | |
We often hear concerns from parents in our programs who speak a language other than English at home that their child will have trouble learning to talk, or that people have told them they should only speak English to their child so that the child won't have a language delay. But the fact is that the research says children who grow up bilingual (which children who grow up in the United States hearing a language other than English at home will be) actually learn language at the same rate as their monolingual peers. Being bilingual also has many benefits for cognitive functioning, not to mention the benefit of children being able to converse with family members who don't speak English. Here is a short piece from NPR about the benefits of raising bilingual kids and some tips on how to do it.
And for those who do speak a language other than English at home, we will be bringing back our popular Multilingual playgroup with Ms. Jasmine this summer! (Facilitated in English and open to families who speak any other language at home.) See description below.
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Early Literacy in Bilingual Families Webinar
Presented by Jasmine Wang, M.A.
Thursday, July 30, 8:00 p.m.
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Join Jasmine Wang, ParentChild+ Coordinator, former television host, and mother of a bilingual child, for a practical and encouraging conversation about raising children in a bilingual environment. Drawing from both professional experience and her own family’s journey, Jasmine will share how her son overcame early language delays and developed strong, fluent communication skills in both English and Chinese. Families will learn strategies for supporting language development, maintaining a home language, and building confidence in bilingual children. Please Register Here for the Zoom Link!
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NEW! Multilingual Play & Story Time Group
6- Week Group for Ages 18 Mos. thru 5 Years
Mondays, 10-11:00 at First Connections, Acton
July 6 thru August 10
In this group, we will have a chance to explore multiple languages in a warm and welcoming environment. Each week, we will have a different exciting theme—such as art, nature, or science—with activities designed to celebrate different languages and cultures. Each group will end with a circle time with songs and a book focused on different languages and cultural identity.
Younger siblings are welcome, but please be aware that we may occasionally use tools or small parts during our themed activities.
Email lmatthews@jri.org to register.
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First Year of Life Summer Programming
| | First Year of Life Parent Group & Individual Consultations | | |
Our First Year of Life Group is facilitated by Emily Fiorini, LMHC & Delia Hagan, LCSW. The group meets over zoom with one monthly in-person session at Goodnow Library in Sudbury. All parents in the postpartum year can join this free weekly group to get support for their own emotional wellbeing, recovery, and transition into parenthood. In addition, you will learn about baby's development, feeding and sleep support. Participants receive a weekly follow-up email filled with expanded resources based on the previous week's discussion topics, and helpful upcoming community events.
Whether you are attending group or not, you are welcome to connect with Emily or Delia for an individual consultation relating to your postpartum year, mental health, or other resources.
Contact:efiorini@jri.org or dhagan@jri.org
| | Navigating the 4th Trimester | | |
This quarterly workshop offers a supportive place for expectant parents to explore the physical, emotional, and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth. In this program you will learn evidence-based strategies to support your postpartum plan that include practical strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this transformative time. Join us for this interactive session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant, Mary Beilman, who draws from over 20 years supporting new parents; and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, who specializes in infant and parent mental health and is First Connections' program director. Helpful postpartum community resources are included. Birthing person and a support person are welcome to attend free of charge! Register through Emerson Health, which provides us with space to offer the program.
This program will be held at the Steinberg Wellness Center for Mind and Body, 310 Baker Avenue in Concord.
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Monday, Sept. 28, 6:30-8:00pm
Register for the next class here
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Breastfeeding, Chest-Feeding, Pumping, Using Bottles, Formula,
or any combination of these methods?
Questions about your feeding routine, weaning, returning to work?
First Connections welcomes you to join Advanced Lactation Consultant and CLC Mary Beilman for a Feeding Group session where you can meet in a safe judgement-free space to get support, connect with other parents, share and learn. Please RSVP to lmatthews@jri.org to attend either/both dates. Babies/support person welcome.
Tuesdays, July 21 or August 18, 10:30-11:30
Held at First Connections, 179 Great Rd., Acton
| NEW! Counseling Services for Parents & Young Children | |
Now accepting therapy clients! - Delia Hagan, LCSW
Telehealth and In Person sessions available
Play Therapy, Postpartum and Family Support
First Connections, in partnership with Metrowest Behavioral Health Center, is excited to announce the expansion of our services to include clinical mental health counseling for parents and young children. Delia Hagan, LCSW is now accepting new clients for both telehealth and in-person sessions.
Delia specializes in:
- Child-Centered Play Therapy for young children
- Support for perinatal and postpartum emotional wellbeing
- Individual and family therapy for parents and caregivers of young children
Her approach focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship, supporting emotional development, and helping families navigate early childhood challenges with care and expertise.
If you are interested in working with Delia, please:
We look forward to supporting more families in our community through this exciting new offering.
Insurances Accepted:
Allways Health Partners My Care Family (Mass Health) • Allways Commercial • Beacon /Fallon (Commercial) Beacon/Boston Medical HealthNet Plan (Commercial) • Beacon/Boston Medical HealthNet Plan (Mass Health) Beacon/ Fallon (Mass Health) • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MASS • GIC Unicare (Commercial) • Harvard Pilgrim MBHP/Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership • Medicaid • Medicare • United Healthcare United Behavioral Health • Tufts Public Health Plan (Mass Health)
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Danbi Leads the School Parade - A Starting School Story
Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Mass. Ave., Boxboro
This story is perfect for 3-7 year olds.
Danbi recently moved and is starting school with new children, teachers, and customs. Read about her experiences learning to fit in and find a friend.
August 17-26 - Set up outdoors - visit any time.
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Free "In Kindergarten" Book
If your child will be entering kindergarten this coming Fall, this free book can help make that transition more familiar by doing activities during the summer to get ready! You can pick it up at our office in Acton. Email Linda and we will let you know when it's ready for pickup any time from the basket on our door.
First Connections is located at 179 Great Rd., Acton. We're opposite Dunkin Donuts, in between Donelan's & Trader Joe's
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To register for any group, please email lmatthews@jri.org.
1) If this is the first time you are registering, please let us know what town you live in.
2) Your child's age on the first day of playgroup should match the age range stated in your chosen playgroup.
3) Each child can only attend 1 playgroup.
4) PLEASE NOTE: If you are able to attend at least 3 of the 6 weeks, and tell us when you'll be unable to attend, you are welcome to register for a summer group
| | 6-Wk Summer Playgroups Begin July 6 | | |
Ages and Stages Playgroup for infants 0-11 Months
and Pre-Crawling Children Age 2 and Under
Held at Littleton Library, Mondays, 10:30-11:30
This group meets at the Discovery Museum in Acton on July 20
This developmentally-inclusive playgroup will be co-facilitated by an Early Intervention Specialist and a First Connections Staff Member, and is open to all babies under a year and any babies/toddlers who are not yet crawling age 2 and under. Little ones will have the chance to play with some age-appropriate toys to support their development, based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Caregivers will also have a chance to check in with one another and the facilitator to share wins, ask questions, and get support for challenges. We will also sing songs and read a book each week. All caregivers are welcome, but please make arrangements for older siblings to keep little ones safe. If you have any questions about whether this group is appropriate for your family, please email Ellie at espringer@jri.org
Ages and Stages Playgroup for children aged 12-23 Months
Held at First Connections, Acton, Thursdays, 10-11:00
In this playgroup, children will be able to play with all the toys in our playroom, including a play kitchen and baby dolls. Each week we will have an activity that will support an area of development based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, including some art and sensory activities. At the end of each meeting, we will have a circle time with songs and a book. Please dress your child in clothes that can get dirty. Infant siblings in a carrier are welcome. Please make arrangements for older siblings to keep little ones safe.
Multilingual Play & Story Time Group for ages 18 Mos, thru 5 Years
Held at First Connections, Acton, Mondays, 10-11:00
In this group, we will have a chance to explore multiple languages in a warm and welcoming environment. Each week, we will have a different exciting theme—such as art, nature, or science—with activities designed to celebrate different languages and cultures. Each group will end with a circle time with songs and a book focused on different languages and cultural identity.Younger siblings are welcome, but please be aware that we may occasionally use tools or small parts during our themed activities.
Ages and Stages Playgroup for children aged 24-35 Months
Held at Maynard Public Library, Fridays, 10:30-11:30
In this group, children will have a chance to interact with one another and with materials and activities based on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to support different areas of their development, as well as some of the library's sensory play materials. We will have a circle time with songs and a story at the end of each meeting. Infant siblings in a carrier are welcome. Please make arrangements for care of older siblings to keep the room from being too crowded.
Nature Playgroup for children aged 3-5 years
Held at Sargent Memorial Library, Boxborough Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30
This group will start in the library's meeting room, followed, when weather permits, by an outdoor activity on the library's lawn or in the adjoining conservation area. The activities will be based on a curriculum from the Boston Children's Museum. Each group will include a circle time with songs and a book.
Younger siblings welcome, but please let us know who will be attending so we know whom to expect. If the heat index is 90+ at 10:30, we will meet inside the library with air conditioning.
Science & Nature Outdoor Playgroup for Ages 4 thru 8
Held at Farrington Nature Linc, Lincoln, Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00
This group will meet at Assabet River Wildlife Reserve, Sudbury, on August 5
In this group, we will explore Nature Linc's trails and all the plants and animals that live there. We will start each group in an indoor (not climate-controlled) area with a book and an activity, and then we will head outside. Trails are not stroller friendly, and everyone should dress appropriately for walks in the woods. Siblings are welcome, but please let us know who will be attending so we know whom to expect. If the heat index is 90+ at 10:00, we will meet in a space that is out of the sun and has fans.
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2026 Graduation Event
“This spring, ParentChild+ celebrated another successful year with our annual PC+ Graduation Party! Families, children, home visitors, and staff came together to celebrate the children’s growth, learning, and accomplishments throughout the program year.
We are so proud of all of our graduating families and grateful for the connections built along the way. Thank you to everyone who helped make the celebration so special!"
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If you have an 18-36 month child and want to learn more about this early literacy home visiting program, call or text First Connections at 978-505-4227.
Welcome Gina!
We are delighted to share that our team is growing! Delia Hagan, has been an incredible addition to our team and will be transitioning to focusing on the First Year of Life program and new clinical offerings (see above). With Delia's transition we are so excited to be welcoming Gina Herdeg as our new ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist beginning in September!
Gina has been a volunteer facilitator for a Littleton Parent Association Playgroup for several years, and now that her youngest is "graduating" into kindergarten, the playgroup is looking for a new leader. If you may be interested in taking on this role, please reach out to Gina: gina.herdeg@gmail.com
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THANK YOU for the Diaper Donations!
Play Together Playgroup
Neighborhood Villages
The Glow Bar
Hope in Bundles
Acton Cooperative Preschool
Rep. Simon Cataldo's Office
Acton Community Services Office
Amory Meltzer, Lisa Francisco, Kim Luong, Meera Acker, Elena Visovsky, Pam Reichert
and all anonymous drop-offs
If your company, school, parent or scout group needs a Community Service Project, please think of us. There are many families in financial need in the communities we serve who could use your help. We cannot use EEC grant funds to purchase diapers, so are reliant on community donations. Highest need sizes are 4-7, but we take all sizes and Pull-ups. Even if you have half a box that no longer fit, we will pass them along to someone who needs them!
You can also buy diapers or pull-ups from our Amazon wish list and have them shipped directly to us:
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Thank you to Ellen Leckband and Winnie Jackson for their kind donations of toys and books to update our playgroup supplies!
If you are interested in supporting our programs through a donation of books, toys, or supplies, you can order from our Amazon wish list:
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New Information about How to Apply for
Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)
Starting May 6, 2026, MyChildCareMA became the new self-service portal where families can manage their CCFA waitlist application (formerly called Kinderwait). Families are now able to:
- Apply for the CCFA waitlist
- Submit documentation for their application
- Check the status of waitlist applications
- Track their waitlist application record over time
- Read letters from their Family Access Administrator
If families have questions about their current waitlist application status, they can still contact Mass211. If they have questions about eligibility they can also reach out to the Child Care Resource & Referral office serving their town:
Boxboro, Harvard, Maynard or Sudbury Residents:
Child Care Resources at Seven Hills Foundation
Acton, Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Lincoln, Littleton or Westford:
Child Care Circuit
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SOS: Summer Safety
with Acton-Littleton Public Health Nurse Susan Sama and Conservation Specialist Ian Bergemann
Topics to be covered include:
- How to prevent allergic reactions
- Avoiding poisonous plants
- Where you can find hiking trails in Acton
- Apps to identify wildlife in our community
- Precautions to take for tick & mosquito-borne illnesses
Drop in and join us on Wednesday, July 29, 12:15-1:15 at
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street, Acton
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | Summer Outdoor Safety (SOS) | Acton Memorial Library
| | | Sign up for a Summer Reading Program with reading challenges, games, raffles and prizes! Library programs may have different activities and themes. | | |
OPEN TABLE FREE LUNCH PICKUP 2026
If you are finding it financially difficult to provide daily nutritious lunches and snacks this summer, Open Table can provide 3 lunches, snacks and drinks each week for your child, including a sandwich or wrap and vegetable or salad.
Order: Online by Monday at Noon.
Pickup at 33 Main Street, Maynard, on Tues. 3:00-6:30 or Thurs. 11:00-4:30.
Details Here. Call 978-369-2275 or email orders@opentable.org
No photo ID or proof of financial need required.
Questions? Order forms are available in English, Portuguese & Spanish.
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Acton & Boxborough families who could use help in providing lunches for their children this summer can sign up to pick up 3 lunches each Wednesday using the QR code or by clicking on this link:
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District - Summer Food for AB Kids
Children age 3-18 are eligible for 3 meals per week.
You must sign up each week you will be picking up lunches. Meat and vegetarian options available. The Resource Center is open from 10:00-7:00 on Wednesdays for pickup.
Questions? Email:
resourcecenter@abschools.org
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WIC Income Eligibility Limits have Been Increased!
As of June 11, the income limits for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program in Massachusetts have been increased. The WIC Program provides food, breastfeeding support, discounts to cultural activities across the state, and nutrition counseling/education.
A family of 3 can now earn $50,542/year and still qualify.
Check your eligibility and the program details HERE!
| Appointments Required. No one turned away due to insurance reasons. Limited appointments available. Acton residents prioritized. Questions? Contact Susan Sama, R.N., ssama@acton-ma.gov | |
Ask Me, I Did It! Adopting from Foster Care in Mass.
Thursday, July 23, 7-8:30 p.m.
In this virtual interactive event, you'll hear from experienced adoptive parents who will share personal stories and answer questions about foster care adoption from their perspective.
Additionally, MARE’s Family Support Services Coordinator, Emily Goldberger, will give an overview of the process of adopting from foster care in Massachusetts. She will talk about who the children and teens who need adoptive homes are, the different agencies that you can work with to become licensed to adopt from foster care, the steps in the licensing process, and more.
While anyone considering or pursuing adoption from foster care in Massachusetts is welcome to attend, this event will be particularly useful to those who are just starting out and are interested in learning more about foster care adoption and whether it is right for them. Registration Link or email Emily with questions: emilyg@mareinc.org
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Summer Community Parent Support & Education
Parent Groups Held by the Center for Early Relationship Support (FREE), Info here
If you have any questions about registration, email lpucker@jfcsboston.org
Fragile Beginnings for parents of babies who have spent time in the NICU, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30
Newly Adoptive Parents meets on 1st & 3rd Fridays via zoom: michellekahan@jfcsboston.org
Parents of Toddlers (1-3 yrs) meets from 1-2:30 on Wednesdays via zoom
Grandparents of children 0 thru 3 years meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 4-5:00 via zoom
In-person weekly new parent support groups take place in Arlington, Brookline, more.
Parents Helping Parents Virtual Support Group (FREE) Schedule Here
Speak with other parents who share the joys and struggles that most parents have. Get advice, feedback, and resources to help you manage day-to-day challenges. PHP has groups for
Parenting Preschoolers
Parenting Neurodivergent Children
Parenting during High Conflict Divorce
Single Parenting Group, or Fathers Parenting Group, or Mother's Support Group
Parenting Groups for Military or BIPOC families
Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support Group (FREE)
This ongoing virtual monthly group sponsored by Emerson Health is for those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy during the 2nd or 3rd trimester or shortly after birth and are looking for support from others with shared experiences. A partner or friend is welcome to attend with you. The group is facilitated by an advanced practice nurse with experience supporting families whose pregnancies have ended unexpectedly or whose infants have died. Individuals are encouraged to contact the facilitator, Katie Stockman, NP, for the connecting zoom link. Held on 2nd Mondays,7-8:30 p.m. Website registration information
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Come share the rewards and challenges of raising your grandchildren. Learn from and support others in similar circumstances. Discover ways to relieve stress. Benefit from the resources available from the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and hear about State agencies which can provide assistance. For statewide resources, workshops, & support groups, contact colleen.pritoni@state.ma.us, 617-748-2454. All programs are FREE of charge. Website
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SAVE THE DATE!
September 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
"More Than Blue"
A documentary film produced by Dr. Lee Cohen, Director of the Center for Women's Mental Health
at Mass. General Hospital.
This is the first major documentary on Postpartum Depression, and it features First Connections' Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Support Group facilitator and parents, among others.
The film will be screened, followed by a panel discussion, held at Goodnow Library, Sudbury.
More details will follow in our Fall Newsletter.
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Denotes funding for this program provided by Mass. Dept. of Early Education & Care CFCE Grant
First Connections, a program of Justice Resource Institute, Inc, is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant recipient through the MA Department of Early Education and Care. We offer free services to families residing in Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford. In addition to state funding, we rely on the generous support of local partners such as Acton Congregational Church, Concord Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord Carlisle Foundation, Maynard Community Chest, Emerson Community Benefits Dept, Nordblom Family Foundation, Commonwealth Children's Fund, and Community Foundation for Metrowest to fund these programs and expand the geographic reach of our First Year of Life programs to families in neighboring towns. We also appreciate private donations from individuals and families that help make this work possible. Thank you for your support!
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