Multi-Service Center Newsletter
February 2026 Issue
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- New opportunities for youth coming soon from the Watertown Youth Coalition (WYC)
- Meet the Navigating to Emotional Wellness Program Coordinator
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- Upcoming offerings from Belmont Wellness Coalition
- How Watertown Social Services Resource Program can help you apply for fuel assistance
- And More!
| | What Our Programs Have Been Up To | | Student Leadership in Action: Building Community & Inspiring Change | | |
Last November, Watertown Youth Coalition's Peer Leaders participated in two impactful events that highlighted youth leadership and community building. Across both events, students strengthened their leadership skills and shared thoughtful ideas for creating positive change.
At the Annual Empowering Girls Conference at Newton City Hall, students heard motivating stories from women working in a variety of fields. They later reflected on what resonated with them and how future programs can be even more impactful.
Peer Leaders also attended the 2025 SparkShare Summit, a Boston-based gathering that brings peer leadership groups together from across Massachusetts. They connected with students from nearby communities and participated in peer-led circle discussions focused on real challenges they see in their schools and communities.
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Meet Sofi
Sofi Block has been a Clinical Intern at the Multi since last August, supporting Watertown Youth Coalition alongside Youth Engagement Specialist, Christina. She helps oversee the Peer Leadership group, working with Watertown High School students to create events that spark conversations about mental health and substance misuse. She also helps run youth programs in the community that promote harm reduction and healthy decision making.
Sofi is finishing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College and brings a blend of youth development knowledge, creativity, and behavioral insight to everything she does.
Pictured: Wayside Multi Intern, Sofi Block
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Community Forum Highlights 2025 YRBS Insights
Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) administered to Watertown youth last spring, were shared with community members at the Youth Wellness Community Forum, in January. This event was co‑hosted by Watertown Youth Coaltion and Watertown Public Schools.
Participants explored key trends in youth belonging, connections with trusted adults, and students’ perceptions of substance use in Watertown. These conversations will help guide local efforts to strengthen youth wellness and support systems across the community
Pictured left to right: Multi Staff, Sophia Suarez-Friedman (Program Director),
Christina Lupica (Youth Engagement Specialist), Stephanie Sunderland-Ramsey
(Program Coordinator), and Molly Pistrang (Data Evaluator)
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Coming Up: Watertown High School (WHS) Focus Groups
WHS and Watertown Youth Coalition are currently inviting students to participate in new focus groups designed to create more meaningful and engaging community service opportunities. These groups aim to support student wellness, leadership, and creative expression.
Upcoming Topics Include:
- Discussion circles focused on men's mental health, school experiences, and social pressures.
- Leadership connections with like-minded youth across local, regional, and statewide initiatives.
- Drama therapy workshops to explore emotions and communication through creative practice
For questions or to get involved, please contact Christina_Lupica@waysideyouth.org
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Follow Watertown Youth Coalition on social media to stay updated
on programs, events, and resources:
| | Navigating To Emotional Wellness (NEW) | | |
NEW Program Coordinator, Lauren Morton, is featured in Wayside Multi's
latest Staff Spotlight:
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Want to Refer a Youth?
The Navigating Emotional Wellness (NEW) Program increases access to mental health services for youth and families who have experienced a traumatic event (defined as a difficult or upsetting experience that affects daily life) to bridge the gap between referral and service delivery.
Services are available for youth ages 6-22 in Watertown or Waltham.
Cost of Services = FREE
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Upcoming Navigating to Emotional Wellness (NEW) Group
Got things on your mind? Hang out, play games, and talk about life with other kids your age! This group is open to middle school boys in Watertown and Waltham.
Starting March 11th, 2025
Wednesdays, 3:45-5 PM
127 North Beacon St, Watertown MA
Interested? Contact: Lauren_Morton@waysideyouth.org
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Join Us for Our Upcoming Parent Group!
Wednesday, February 25 • 7–8 PM (via Zoom)
Topic: How and When do We Enroll Our Kids Around Navigating Life's Tasks?
Chores, household budgeting, sending sympathy cards, respecting other cultures, people, elders, etc.
To receive the Zoom link, email Lisa_Gibalerio@waysideyouth.org
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2025 Belmont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Findings Presented at School Committee
On November 3rd, Belmont Wellness Coalition staff presented highlights from the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey to the Belmont School Committee. The survey, administered last spring to students in grades 7-12, offers important insights into student health, behaviors, and well-being.
| | In Case You Missed It ... | |
Recent Prevention-Centered Video Segments
Belmont Wellness Coalition's Public Health Educator, Lisa Gibalerio, continues to appear in monthly prevention focused video segments produced by Belmont Media Center. Each month, Lisa breaks down important wellness topics for families and the community.
Latest Release Topic:
Teen Stress About Appearance
Other Recent Video Topics:
- Social Host Liability Law
- Key Findings from 2025 Belmont YRBS
- Teen Dating & Healthy Relationships
- Mitigating Overwhelming Stress
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Recent Columns in The Belmont Voice
In her monthly "Ask Lisa" column, Belmont Wellness Coalition’s Lisa Gibalerio responds to parent questions with compassion, expertise, and practical guidance.
Recent Topics:
- What to Know About Opioids Following Dental Surgery
- Guidance on Weight Gain
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Supporting a Grieving College Roommate
If you have a question, email:
Lisa_Gibalerio@waysideyouth.org
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Watertown Social Services Resources
Program (SSRP)
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Need Support? We're Here For You
If you’re a Watertown resident between the ages of 18–59, our Social Services Resource Program is here to help. We can assist you in accessing a wide range of local resources, including:
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Need Help Paying Heating Costs This Winter?
Fuel Assistance can help cover your heating expenses- whether you heat with gas, electric, oil, or even if your heat is included in your rent. This program runs November 1st through April 30th every year.
Call us to learn more or start an application.
Prefer to start an application online?
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Upcoming Library Drop-in Hours
Stop by the Project Literacy Office at the Watertown Free Public Library during our drop‑in hours. We welcome all community members who need assistance finding or applying for local resources.
Upcoming Drop In Hours:
- March 4th, 2:00-4:00 PM
- March 18th, 2:00-4:00 PM
- April 1st, 2:00-4:00 PM
- April 15th, 3:00-5:00PM
Pictured: Multi Social Services Resource Navigator, Aida
Quinonez Flores
| | Get Involved: Ways to Support Wayside Multi | | |
Join Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leadership
Looking to make a difference at Watertown High and in the community?
Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders help guide community projects, support prevention efforts, and build leadership skills.
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Schedule a Mental Health First Aid Training
The Multi-Service Center can accommodate Mental Health First Aid trainings for community members, schools, or any group looking to build practical skills for supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge.
Contact: stephanie_sunderland@waysideyouth.org
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Host a Community Innovations Group
Help bring free substance use prevention programming to youth ages 12–22 in our community.
These groups support young people with family history of substance use disorder, those who've witnessed an overdose, are currently using substances, or may be at risk.
Programs are FREE, require no insurance, and can be hosted in schools, youth center, after‑school spaces, or residential programs.
Interested? Contact: christina_lupica@waysideyouth.org
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Wayside Multi Featured in Watertown Cable Access‑TV PSA!
Check out our recent public service announcement created with WCA‑TV, highlighting the essential work Wayside Multi does to support youth and families across Watertown.
Your generosity helps keep these services free and accessible year‑round. Every contribution makes a difference.
Click here to watch the PSA
| | | Contact Wayside Multi Service Center: 617-926-3600 | | Wayside Youth & Family Support Network | | waysideyouth.org/community-education-outreach-services | | | | | |
