Cyber Café @ Malden Square Community Resource List

MassHealth & Commonwealth Care Enrollment Centers

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:12:00 +0000

If you need to find an enrollment center in Massachusetts, the Community Partners site has a map of existing enrollment centers. If you are a provider or community agency that does enrollment but are not on this map, try contacting the Health Access Network of Community Partners for access to the map.

Miscellaneous

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:27:00 +0000

UMASS Pension Action Center, providing assistance to individuals having trouble understanding or obtaining their pension benefits

Massachusetts Do Not Call Registry

Federal Do Not Call Registry

Catalog Choice, eliminate unwanted catalogs you receive in the mail

Federal Trade Commission, Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and Email: Where to Go to “Just Say No”:

MISSING PERSONS ASSISTANCE :

Missing Persons Support; resources for people searching for loved ones with mental illness who are missing persons:

National Center for Missing Adults

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Salvation Army USA, Missing Persons – guidelines and procedures, etc.:

MULTICULTURAL :

NAMI Multicultural Action Center

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has created a Spanish-language website to help Spanish-speaking individuals with depression and bipolar disorder and their caregivers. The website fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information:

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, The Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC) is the nation's largest repository of information on health issues specific to African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders.

Healthfinder.gov, Encuentre aquí en el healthfinder.gov español las últimas informaciones y respuestas a las preguntas hechas con más frecuencia. Selecione una letra de la lista alfabética inferior para empezar a hojear los temas de salud:

Regional Office for Minority Health:

Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research, their mission is to generate innovative mental health services research that helps shape policy, practice and service delivery to reduce disparities and improve the well-being of multicultural populations:

Center for Multicultural Mental Health, Behavioral Health Disaster Response Training Program:

SAMHSA's Culturally Specific Mental Health Resources:

National Alliance for Hispanic Health, their goal is to improve health for all by using the Hispanic experience as a way to design a better system for health prevention and care. Activities: consumer and provider education, community programs, technology resources, help lines, teen theatre, policy development, advocacy, and research.

La Alianza Hispana, Inc., a hub of social service delivery, advocacy, and education in the Dudley Square area:

Sociedad Latina, viene trabajando con los jóvenes latinos como una manera de contribuir al desarrollo de la nueva generación de líderes:

"Su Familia" National Hispanic Family Health Helpline: 866-783-2645

Health brochures and booklets sent directly to you, (most available in Spanish):

Association canadienne pour la santé mentale, Le contenu de ce site est basé sur les commentaires de parents qui ont vécu cette situation et sur l'expertise de professionnels de la santé mentale et du domaine de l'éducation :

Los grupos enumerados en el directorio de las organizaciones de las inhabilidades y de los grupos de la información son una fuente de información inestimable:

ONLINE SOCIAL COMMUNITIES:

True Acceptance, a online social community that provides opportunities for adults over the age of 18 to meet other adults with mental illness:

No Longer Lonely, online dating designed exclusively for adults with serious mental illness. Membership is reserved solely for those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia , + schizoaffective disorder ,
bipolar disorder , depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder , anxiety, personality disorder , post-traumatic disorder, or disassociative disorder , or eating disorder:

ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS:

An Online Support Group is the place to share your experiences, your feelings and wisdom.
A comfort zone for people dealing with the same health challenges.

MDJunction.com , people helping people:

Daily Strength, Free anonymous support from people like you:

Find the Light, Focusing on Mood Disorders , Anxiety, and Substance Abuse

GriefNet.org is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss

Forums at Psych Central

Google Directory, Support Groups - Mental Health

ORGANIZATIONS LED by PEOPLE IN RECOVERY :

NAMI Greater Boston Consumer Advocacy/Affiliate Network, is a grassroots organization primarily consisting of mental health consumers:

Transformation Center: We are peers in all stages of recovering our mental health wellness and freedom from addictions and trauma:

M-Power, an organization of mental health consumers and current and former psychiatric patients. They advocate for political and social change within the mental health system:

Independent Living Centers of Massachusetts, Information and Referral, Skills Training and Peer Mentoring are the backbone of Direct Services:

Mental Health America , (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives:

National Empowerment Center , Recovery is real and this website is filled with practical information that will help you recover if you have been labeled with a mental illness:

Consumer Quality Initiatives (CQI) is a mental health consumer operated research, evaluation and quality improvement organization based in Massachusetts . A primary activity of CQI is to conduct personal interviews and focus groups with people with disabilities and/or their family members using semi-structured surveys and interview guides, leading to in-depth data-driven reports :

Active Minds, is a peer-to-peer organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health among college students. The organization serves as the young adult voice in mental health advocacy on over one hundred college campuses nationwide:

ORGANIZING SERVICES :

Professional Organizers Web Ring, group of several organizers in Massachusetts :

New England Association of Professional Organizers

Christian Professional Organizers in Massachusetts

OTHER DISABILITIES SERVICES

Deaf, Late-Deafened, and Hard of Hearing services

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind

Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Retardation, DMR offices, housing, etc:

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:

Institute for Community Inclusion, ICI, offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research, and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities:

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Lawyers with Depression

Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Parent/Professional Advocacy League, (PAL) advocates for supports, treatments and policies that enable families to live in their communities in an environment of stability and respect:

National Federation for Families for Children's Mental Health (FFCMH), a national family-run organization dedicated exclusively to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life:

Families for Depression Awareness, helps families recognize and cope with depressive disorders to get people well and prevent suicides:

The Council for Exceptional Children, the voice and vision of special education:

National Organizations and Information Groups are an invaluable source of information:

Los grupos enumerados en el directorio de las organizaciones de las inhabilidades y de los grupos de la información son una fuente de información inestimable:

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

National Organization on Disability, it's ability not disability that counts:

SAMHSA's Guide to Evidenced-Based Practices (EPB) on the Web:

SAMHSA's Resource Center to Promote A cceptance, D ignity and S ocial Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center):

Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Mental Health Work Group:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Homelessness Resource Center (SAMHSA), sharing knowledge to prevent and end homelessness:

National Alliance to End Homelessness, they work collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help homeless individuals and families make positive changes in their lives. They provide data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide

United Jewish Communties (UJC), u nifying North American Jewry UJC represents and serves 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America

National Council of Churches USA, The NCC's member faith groups — from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches :

Catholic Directory and Resources:

RECOVERY LEARNING COMMUNITIES

The Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community is one of six regional Recovery Learning Communities funded by the Department of Mental Health. We collaborate with current peer run organizations and providers to create activities facilitated by people with mental health conditions

The Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community (RLC) supports individuals in finding their own paths to mental health recovery within the communities of their choice by offering trauma-sensitive peer supports and through the development of a regional peer network. The Western Mass RLC is entirely peer-run and is active in all four counties - Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire, and Franklin - of Western Massachusetts :

The Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community (RLC) is an entirely peer-run organization which aims to connect individuals in recovery with existing peer-run organizations and individuals and to help create new opportunities for support whenever possible:

REFUGEE HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS :

Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights, serves survivors of torture and related trauma, the BCRHHR firmly recognizes the importance of providing care to the whole person, ethnic community support groups and accept people with and without insurance:

International Institute of Boston , provides newcomers with direct and practical assistance in the form of English & literacy courses, Refugee Resettlement services, Citizenship Education , Economic Development, Employment Training & Placement, Legal Aid and Social Services (e.g. crisis intervention, mental health counseling, human trafficking prevention) through the Institute's three sites in Manchester NH, Lowell MA and Boston MA.

The Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT) is a multi-disciplinary program that has been pioneering the health and mental health care of traumatized refugees and civilians in areas of conflict/post-conflict and natural disasters for over two decades.

RESEARCH :

NARSAD, supports scientific research to find better treatments and ultimately prevent severe mental illnesses:

National Institute of Mental Health , reducing the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain and behavior:

Institute for Mental Health Research, offering Help and Hope to individuals and families living with mental health disorders:

SEARCHABLE WEB-BASED DATABASES :

DisabilityInfo.org is maintained by New England INDEX. Contained within this site is a wealth of information for people with disabilities, their friends, families and the people who serve them. Information within this site focuses on Massachusetts:

The Mental Health Information Network (MHIN) is provided as an educational service. Links to external websites are provided for educational purposes:

Healthfinder.gov has carefully selected information and Web sites from over 1,500 health-related organizations:

Disability and other resources in Massachusetts

Mass Resources, a free online resource for Massachusetts residents in need of housing, food, health care, and other basic services:

SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMS

Visit the link below for information on an exciting new consumer run program called C.H.O.I.C.E.S (consumers helping others improve their condition by ending smoking)

The following link details "real life" stories of folks who have overcome their addiction to nicotine.

Smoking Cessation Program for Veterans 1-800-Try-to- Stop ( 800-879-8678 )

www.makesmokinghistory.org/veterans

http://www.smokefree.org http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco/

SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES

Massachusetts Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities,

Find educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, and attorneys for children with disabilities on the Yellow Pages for Kids for your state. You will also find special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, grassroots organizations, and government programs for children with disabilities :

Family Support Center on Disabilities: Knowledge & Involvement Network, a centralized resource on the full range of options available to individuals with disabilities and their families.

Respite Care for Children with Special Care Needs "Getting a Break: A Roadmap to Respite Care for Massachusetts Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs" brochure available for download on Massachusetts' Family Voices website . This brochure gives strategies for making the most of limited respite resources & Massachusetts publicly-funded respite services.

The Higher Education Support Toolkit, developed by the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, provides disability service staff and health care staff with a simple way to work with students who are experiencing challenges arising from their psychiatric disability. The toolkit is available as a free download at the Center's website.

Going to College, A resource for teens with disabilities:

SPED Child and Teen offers valuable information on Massachusetts Area
Special Needs workshops, seminars and more regarding financial help, legal help, and free or low cost family and support programs:

Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities:

10 Tips to End the School Year, other tips and parent resources:

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS and THIRD PARTY SPECIAL NEEDS POOLED TRUSTS

NAMI's Special Needs Estate Planning Guidance System:

The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national, not for profit organization of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law:

ElderLawAnswers supports seniors, their families and their attorneys in achieving their goals by providing the following services: The best information on the Internet about crucial legal issues facing seniors; A network of highly qualified elder law attorneys nationwide; Online practice tools for elder law attorneys:

National Elder Law Foundation, Find a Certified Elder Law Attorney

PLAN (Planned Lifetime Assistance Network)

PLAN of Massachusetts

Combined Jewish Philanthropies Disabilities Trust

Massachusetts Pooled Trust

Berkshire County ARC Master Special Needs Pooled Trust

STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAMS :

The course schedule consists of eight weekly classes and one day-long class on a Saturday or Sunday. Morning or evening courses are available. This highly participatory, practical course includes: Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices; Gentle stretching and mindful yoga ; Group dialogue and discussions aimed at enhancing awareness in everyday life; Individually tailored instruction; Daily home assignments; Four home practice CDs and a home practice manual; The course is challenging and life-affirming:

Stress Reduction Program, the program consists of eight 2-hour classes and a half-day workshop held at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA, body scan meditation (a directed tour of attention through the body), gentle stretching and hatha yoga , and sitting medication, instruction in informal mindulness meditation:

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a stress reduction technique that uses the mind's ability to be aware. The course consists of weekly group classes. Participants will be introduced to and will practice guided mindfulness meditation, relaxation techniques , gentle yoga stretches and self-inquiry exercises. It is beneficial for anyone who wants to cope with stress in a healthy manner, classes in Boston and Medford:

This course is modeled after the internationally recognized Stress Reduction Program established by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at UMass Medical School in Worcester, MA. The course consists of weekly group classes. Participants will be introduced to and will practice guided mindfulness meditation, relaxation techniques, gentle yoga stretches and self-inquiry exercises.

Classes in Concord

SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS :

Samaritans of Boston goal is to reduce the risk of suicide and increase awareness about suicide prevention throughout Greater Boston and MetroWest. Samaritan's accomplish this through five suicide prevention programs: Befriending Service - 24 Hour Helpline; Samariteens; Grief Support Services; Community Outreach; and Lifeline - Suicide Prevention & Intervention:

As the nation's leading organization working to reduce emotional distress and prevent suicide among college students , The Jed Foundation is protecting the mental health of students across the country:

The Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, mission is to support and develop effective suicide prevention initiatives by providing leadership and advocacy, promoting collaborations among organizations, developing and recommending policy and promoting research and development. Website also has lots of resources and useful links:

Question, Persuade, and Refer -- 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer to someone to help. QPR can be learned in as little as an one hour:

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES :

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

Recovery Community Organizations in Massachusetts

SUPPORT GROUPS :

Gateway to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Information: The PTSD Information Center has Fact Sheets and Videos to answer your questions on trauma, PTSD and related issues. The National Center for Victims of Crime serves victims of any kind of crime, including those whose victimization results in PTSD. They have a Helpline, 1-800-FYI-CALL, and welcome your call.

Smart Recovery, An alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous for recovery from addictions. Statewide meeting list.
Phone: (781) 891-7574:

Dual Recovery: Weekly Tuesdays, beginning February 3rd from 12-1PM. Location: Baystate Community Services Building, Blue Chair Room-2nd Floor. 13 Temple St., Quincy MA.

Overeaters Anonymous

A NEW TEEN SIBLING SUPPORT GROUP (ages 13-16) is forming in conjunction with Andover Youth Services and "Baskets". The group will be meeting monthly, on Sundays from 4-6PM.
For more information, email Beth@fcbcsupport.org .

DBSA group meets in Lowell contact Alicia Page at dbsamerrimackvalley@yahoo.com for more info.

Support group for parents who suffer from depression, anxiety and/or mental illness meets at McLean Hospital , DeMarneffe Cafeteria, 115 Mill St. , Belmont , Thursdays 6:30- 7:30pm.
*Childcare will be provided at the meeting.
Please contact Kathleen MacDonald kathleen@gomanagement.net to RSVP if you are going to be bringing your children.

Recovery is REAL JP Chapter
-Tuesdays 3:30 to 5 pm at 284 Amory Street Jamaica Plain 02130 Near Stony Brook T Stop
-Group directed and Peer Facilitated Support Group

Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community/ Peer Education Resource Center (PERC)
129 Portland Street Boston, MA 02114 - near North Station T Stop, Call 617-788-1034 before you come. Coffee House
-Saturday 2-5:30 pm - a Peer meeting where people can come to get together on a Saturday
-Meet others, sit down, drink coffee and share your problems
-Make use of the computers and the resource center

DBSA support group meeting, every Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm, Valley Human Services, 95 South St., Ware, 01082 .
Contact dbsouthbridge@yahoo.com

Parent Support Group
Thursdays, 10am - 11:30am (Or anytime in between) YOU, Inc., 205 School Street , Gardner

Parents, Do you have a child with emotional or behavioral health care needs? Are the holidays too busy? Take a few minutes to relax and have a nice warm coffee or tea, sprinkled with Understanding, Support, and Resources.
No RSVP necessary, come when you can.... On site Childcare Provided, Refreshments will be served
For more information, please contact Kathy Hamelin at (978)632-2321 x49

Parent Support Groups (with children addicted to substance abuse )

2009 Expressive Arts Sibling Groups
Winter and Spring series for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities , chronic mental illnesses and/or severe medical problems. Weekly and monthly offerings for children 5 to 15 years old. Space is limited.
These are offered in Watertown by Cecil Reve, LMHC-ET.

A new Foundation for Children with Behavioral Challenges (FCBC) support group is forming in the Wrentham area .
Contact Beth Edelstein at Beth@fcbcsupport.org for more details!

The West Suburban Site Parent Peer Support group has relocated to: Metro West Supported Housing, 340 Maple Street - 4th Floor,Marlborough MA . Time remains from 10:00-11:30.
Call Chip Wilder, Director of Family Options to register at 508-485-5051, x240 . This group meets weekly on Wednesday's.

Peer Support Group Thursdays 3-4pm (ASL Interpreter Provided)
Dual Recovery Peer Support Group , Thursdays 7-8pm (ASL Interpreter Provided)
Parent Peer Support Group , Thursdays 10-11am St. Chrysostom's Church (Davidson Room) 1 Linden St (corner of Hancock & Linden),
North Quincy Mental Health Peer Support Group, Saturdays 10:30-11:30am Emmanual Parish Church, 519 Washington St., Braintree Peer Support Group, 2nd Thursday/month Neponset River House, 595 Pleasant St., Norwood

Winchester Hospital, support groups http://www.winchesterhospital.org/community/search/searchDefault.asp Newton Wellesley Hospital, support groups

http://www.nwh.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=24&itemID=17364

Lowell General Hospital, support groups

Emerson Hospital, support groups

DBSA-Boston offers a variety of support groups for both people with affective disorders and their friends and families

NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital, Family Support Programs

Freedom Center Support Group, Northampton

Hearing Voices Group

Every Tuesday, 4:30 to 6 PM at the Recovery Learning Center , 187 High St., Suite 303 , Holyoke MA

DBT Peer Support Group:
Join Melanie for this new peer support group based in learning about distress tolerance skills taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
~ Melanie will guide individuals to explore how to better tolerate distress and difficult emotions using these skills.
~ No prior experience with DBT required!
When: Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. (Cancelled on 11/27)
Where: Holyoke RCC, 187 High St., Suite 303, Holyoke

Social Anxiety Support Group:
Join Sera and others from the community in this group intended for individuals who have difficulty with anxiety and being around others, particularly in groups.
~ For the safety of the group, number of participants is limited to 6 and no one will be
able to join the group more than five minutes after the designated start time.
~ Groups will be held in a closed-door setting before regular open hours, and participants
can stay after the group for open hours or leave prior to the arrival of other individuals.
~ Groups will start with a quiet moment, followed by check-ins and the introduction of
topics or open talk time. Light snacks will be provided.
When: Fridays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Holyoke RCC, 187 High St., Suite 303, Holyoke
***Sign-up is encouraged due to the limited space.
Call 413-539-5941, x203 with questions or to sign up

Advocates, Inc., Peer Support Group, Fridays 5-6 pm, 675 Main St., Waltham, MA.

Advocates, Inc., WRAP Support Group, every Wednesday 6:30-8:00 pm, 675 Main St., Waltham, MA.

Peer Support Group, every Tuesday, 4:30-5:30 pm, Waltham Clinic of the Edinburg Center, 169 Elm St. Waltham, MA, second floor conference room

The Children's Room helps grieving children, teens and families in our community to go on living fully. We serve families from over 75 cities and towns in Massachusetts. We are also part of a Massachusetts-wide network of programs helping grieving children, teens and families. Contact us to learn about programs serving your area or how you can help grieving children, teens and families:

NAMI's online communities for all family members

My Invisible Disabilities Community, this network is for people living with chronic illness, pain, injuries and/or disabilities, as well as their friends and family:

Before attending a support group it's advisable to call/email and confirm the meeting location, date and time since meeting information may not be up-to-date. It's also advisable to attend more than one group so you can find one where you feel comfortable sharing. A support group is a safe, confidential place to share amongst peers.

NAMI Massachusetts, supports groups for people in recovery and support groups for family members and caregivers:

Vet-to-Vet (Women's Veteran's self-help support group), meets Thursdays from 1-2pm at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Hospital , Fourth Flr Rm C-12, Contact Darlene Saunders 857-364-6396

Samaritans, Grief Support Services and Helplines (Greater Boston & MetroWest areas):

Samaritans of Fall River & New Bedford Areas, Services and Helplines:

American Association of Suicidology, support groups for those who have lost a loved one:

Massachusetts Suicide Support Groups

Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Parent Support Group listing for viewing or printing out:

Asperger's Association of New England, various support groups

Autism Society of America , Massachusetts Chapter

Attention Deficit Disorder Association, support groups in Mass

Children and Adults with AD/HD, Mass chapter:

Tourettes Syndrome Association, Inc., Massachusetts Chapter:

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders Support Groups

Multiservice Eating Disorders Association, supports groups in Mass:

Anxiety Support groups in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Anxiety Support Groups

Emotions Anonymous, meetings in Mass

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, support groups in Mass

Abraham Low Self-Help Systems (formerly Recovery Inc.), meetings in Massachusetts:

Depression Bipolar Support Alliance , support groups in Mass:

Manic-Depressive Depressive Association of Boston , supports groups in New England :

Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, parent support groups in Mass:

Foundation for Children with Behavioral Challenges, parent support groups:

Co-Dependents Anonymous, locate a meeting :

Postpartum Support International, support groups and other resources in Mass

Dual Recovery Anonymous, meetings in Mass

Dual Recovery meetings at Mass. Clubhouses

Narcotics Anonymous, meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous, meetings

Massachusetts Al-Anon/Alateen meetings

Debtors Anonymous, meeting locator

Gamblers Anonymous, meeting listing in Mass:

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts , Survivor and Family Support:

PTSD Support group in Mass:

Sidran Institute, (Traumatic Stress Education & Advocacy). Extensive information and resources on PTSD, dissociative disorder, trauma, and self injury; Help desk

Trichotillomania Learning Center , support groups in Mass

Parents helping parents support groups, confidential and anonymous Parents Support Group s meet weekly at many locations in Massachusetts . At these group meetings, parents can talk to other parents about how to improve their relationships with their children:

Epilepsy Foundation of Mass. & Rhode Island, adults, ages 18 and over, living with epilepsy an opportunity to share common experiences through a supportive group, also provide families the opportunity to share common experiences, network and support one another through Parent and Family Support Network (PFSN) Group gatherings:

Caregiver Alliance of Suffolk County , support groups

Alzheimers Association, Massachusetts Chapter, support groups for caregivers

The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. Find a Sibhop near you:

American Tinnitus Association, ATA support network

Mentalhelp.net website, American self-help support groups, you may be able to find other support groups using this site:

McLean Hospital , Child and Adolescent Program, Current Outpatient Support Group Offerings:

Mass. General Hospital support group list:

Metro Suburban Recovery Learning Community Faulkner Hospital , Addiction Recovery Groups and Self-Help Groups:

Cambridge Health Alliance , Outpatient Groups

AdCare Hospital, Outpatient Groups, click on location for details

Jordan Hospital , Depression after Delivery support group

Newton-Wellesley Hospital , Adult outpatient support groups

North Shore Medical Center, outpatient support groups

Wing Memorial Hospital & Medical Center , outpatient support groups

Grandparents responsible for their grandchildren living with them

A free group for siblings (ages 5-12) of children/adolescents with behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges

Parent Partnership Program, building strength, hope & resiliency

A free support group for Parents who's adolescent or your adult is struggling with substance abuse

TRANSPORTATION :

MBTA Reduced Fare Program, Application for MBTA Transportation Access Pass

Massachusetts Association of Regional Transit Authorities (MARTA)

Public transportation options in your community

MAB Community Services has volunteers available for transportation for those that are legally blind in Worcester county area.
Call (508) 854-0700 for intake. Donation - couple of dollars

Minuteman Senior Services website has a transportation guide on sixteen Minuteman senior service towns (Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Wilmington, Winchester & Woburn).Click on link for transportation in individual towns or complete transportation guide.

MassHealth members who need non-emergency transportation to and from medical appointments may be eligible for free transportation services. Eligible members who use private or public transportation can get reimbursement for their transportation expenses. Eligible members who need dial-a-ride services can get van or taxi service free of charge. Call MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900 to for more information about medical related transportation.

Charity Cars, Inc., national charity that provides donated vehicles free of charge to struggling families willing to work and become self-sufficient, tax-paying members of the community, how to apply for a vehicle:

Good News Garage is working hard to find good donated cars in Massachsetts to help qualified low-income families

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, The Ride and ADA Paratransit service available to the disabled in 62 communities via 4 subcontractors. Call for more information and to apply or download the application

Brockton Area Transit Authority , dial-a-bat serves the elderly and disabled. Call and apply for an ADA pass to use this service

Cape Ann Transportation Authority, Elderly and handicapped service, call for more information and to apply

Franklin Regional Transit Authority, Paratransit service available. Call for more information and to apply

Greenfield-Montague Transportation Area

Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, dial-a-ride serves the elderly and disabled. Call for more information about this and the ADA pass

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, ADA Paratransit service available. Call for more information and to apply

Lowell Regional Transit Authority, Roadrunner ADA Paratransit services are available to persons with disabilities. Call for more information and to apply

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Paratransit service is available for seniors and disabled riders. Call for more information and to apply

Merrimack Valley Regional Transportation Authority, ADA and Non-ADA EZ Trans service is available. Call for more information and to apply

Southeast Regional Transit Authority, Demand Response services for the disabled. Call for more information and to apply

Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, ADA, Dial-a-Mart and other services are available for seniors and the disabled. Call for more information and to apply

Worcester Regional Transit Authority, Paratransit service is available. Call for more information and to apply

Martha's Vineyard Regional Transit Authority, Paratransit service is available. Call for more information and to apply

Nantucket Regional Transit Authority, Paratransit service is available. Call for more information and to apply

128 Business Council, lists various shuttles in various communities along Route 128. Also links to some rideshares organizations

Massachusetts Transportation Options, listing of known public transportation options by county and some towns

TRUST AND GUARDIANSHIP SERVICES

Massachusetts Bar Association, Client Service Pamphlets: What is a Guardian and a Conservator? Living Wills and Health Care Proxies? and more

The Handbook on Guardianship and the Alternatives , (a PDF file, 109 pgs) an explanation in simple terms of guardianship, conservatorship and other options.
Copyright 2007 by Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee

ElderLawAnswers, the combination of an informed consumer and a qualified attorney produces the best legal results for the clients.
ElderLawAnswers supports seniors, their families and their attorneys in achieving their goals (find an attorney, etc.):

Find a lawyer in your area of Massachusetts whose practice includes Guardianships and Conservatorships:

UTILITY PROGRAMS :

Low Income Energy (Gas, Oil, and Electric) Programs in Massachusetts :

SafeLink Wireless is a government support program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers:

The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program was created for people who are struggling to pay their heating bills in Massachusetts :

MassSAVE, in addition to in-home programs and incentives, Massachusetts homeowners can take advantage of other energy-saving programs including rebates towards the installation of energy-saving equipment and products:

Lifeline is a government program that offers qualified low income households a discount on their monthly local telephone bill and Link Up helps households reduce the cost of initiating telephone service:

VETERANS RESOURCES :

The Veterans' Administration offers a Special Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that is largely unknown. This Special Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

National Center for PTSD

The Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) has announced a supplement to its monthly Dial-A-Lawyer programs: a session dedicated solely to veterans' legal questions. The free program will run on Thursday, October 16 from 5:30-7:30pm. Volunteer lawyers will field phone calls and answer questions an any legal issue, including those related to state and federal benefits. Lawyers will be available by phone from 5:30-7:30pm. This free program is open to Massachusetts residents who are veterans of the armed services. The Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer program is provided at no charge as a public service of the MBA.

The Dial-A-Lawyer phone number is 617-338-0610.

Veterans Resources at the NAMI website:

Massachusetts Dept. of Veterans Services

Veterans Outreach and Counseling in Massachusetts

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Hotline, Staffed 24/7 with Mental Health professionals who can refer callers to one of more than 120 VA crisis centers closest to them. Their goal is to get the veteran the best immediate help needed: 800-273-8255. Spanish speaking line is 888-628-9454.

VA New England Healthcare System:

Giveanhour.org, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free mental health services to U.S. military personnel and their families affected by the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan :

Veterans as Employees

Designed by U.S. Department of Labor for employers and the workforce development system , the America' s Heroes at Work website is a link to information and tools to help returning service members succeed in the workplace.

2-page Flyer on Resources for Veterans

A variety of resources to treatment providers, veterans, and their family members by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Web Portal focus on Post Deployment

The Department of Defense launched a web portal that allows service members to seek mental health treatments focused on post-deployment problems

Suicide Prevention Tools from US Army

To support and empower soldiers, civilians, families and veterans in minimizing suicide behavior by providing tools for human resource personnel and commanders

Reports on Suicide Prevention , Depression and Treatment among Veterans

This issue of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Report examines data from veterans aged 21 to 39 who have experienced Major Depressive Disorder .

This second report, prepared by the Congressional Research Service , discusses data and risk and protective factors for suicide in the general population and among veterans.

Online Directory of Resources for Wounded Veterans and their Families:

The National Resource Directory is a web site, developed jointly by the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, that provides over ten thousand services and resources available through governmental and non-governmental organizations to support recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

Operation Healthy Reunions, Information for troops and their families:

WARMLINES

The Warmline is a call in service that provides the community with a place to turn if they need someone to talk to. The Warmline Staff are Mental Health Consumers. All staff have received the training and education needed to provide Warmline services to the community. All calls are kept confidential. What you say is kept between you and the Warmline staff. The only exception is when the call is considered a crisis. In this case the call will be referred to the crisis service.

MetroBoston

MetroBoston Recovery Learning Community
Phone: 877-733-7563 (877-PEER LNE)

Hours: Mon. Thurs. & Sat. 4-8 pm

Center Club Warmline
Phone: (617) 675-3873
Hours: Mon-Sun 2-5 pm

Casa Primavera Warmline
Phone: (617) 445-8017
Hours: M-F 8-9 am, 5-11pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm

Metro Surburban Area

C.A.S.T.L.E.
Phone: (617) 610-7907
Hours: Su-F 7-11 pm

The Peer Line
Phone: (508) 312-5139
Hours: M-F 5:30-10 pm

Consumer Warmline
Phone: (800) 243-5836
Hours: Mon-Fri 5-10 pm, Sat & Sun 1-10pm

Edinburg Center

Phone: 781-862-3600 or 781-860-0570

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 5pm-10pm, Sat & Sun. 1pm – 10pm

Central MA Area

Cross Connections
Phone: (978) 629-8485
Hours: M-F 4-7 pm & 10-12 pm

Tradewind Warmline
Phone: (508) 864-0270
Hours: Fri 4-10 pm, Sat & Sun 10am-10 pm

The Central Mass Recovery Learning Community
Phone: 508-468-9740

Hours: Mon-Sun 6-8 pm

Westwinds Warmline
Phone: (508) 426-1660
Hours: Mon-Sun 6-9 pm

Northeast Area

Project Rap
Phone: (978) 922-0000
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:00 pm

Western MA

Pioneer Valley Warmline
Phone: (413) 747-8658
Hours: Thurs-Sun 5pm-1am

List of known Warmlines

Mental Health Services

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:25:00 +0000

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

FEDERAL GUIDE TO HELP PARENTS MAKE SAFE CHOICES WHEN CHOOSING A RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR THEIR CHILDREN
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released the first-ever federal consumer guide to assist parents in choosing a safe residential treatment program for their children. The guide was issued as part of FTC's investigation into the deceptive marketing practices of some residential treatment programs, which was requested by
Rep. George Miller (D-CA)

DBT Resources: Clinical Resource Directory:

National Respite Locator Service Search Results Page The following locations in Massachusetts are listed

Geriatric Mental Health Foundation:

Find a Geratric Psychiatrist

Therapycounseling.com offers a wide range of different counseling services over the phone. Register as a user, choose your counselor, and get your free 5 min. consultation.

American Residential Treatment Association, Member organizations of ARTA offer a variety of services and are able to respond to a wide range of needs. Members will be talk with you about their programs and how they might address your specific set of circumstances

Massachusetts Board of Registration; Physicians Profiles, Complaint Process, Tips for choosing a doctor, How to Obtain Vital Records, etc

COPA Directory: a directory of consumer-operated programs and activities in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Health

MAGELLAN HEALTH SERVICES' NEW ONLINE LEARNING TOOLS SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL RESILIENCY AND RECOVERY

Free Resource Available to Families, Mental Health Consumers and Providers. The e-Learning Center is a free resource that currently hosts 10 interactive "e-courses" in English and in Spanish, offering in-depth strategies and techniques for promoting resiliency and recovery. The e-courses include testimonials of personal experiences that provide motivation and each can be completed in 30- 45 minutes

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) has a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services (includes find a provider, list of emergency service providers)

BMC Healthnet Behavioral Health Services

Fallon Community Health Plan, Find a doctor (behavioral health)

Independent Living Centers of Massachusetts, Information and Referral, Skills Training and Peer Mentoring are the backbone of Direct Services

State Mental Health Resources for Massachusetts , Searchable Databases at the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration of the

U. S.

(SAMHSA)

Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition, a “clubhouse” is a place where people who have mental illness come to rebuild and/or regain control of their social and economic lives

Social Worker Therapy Referral Service (a service of the Massachusetts Association of Social Workers), one-on-one and group therapy

Mass. Division of Professional Licensure, Search for a Licensed Professional, Social Worker

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Find a Psychologist, American Psychologist Association

Mass. Division of Professional Licensure, Search for a Licensed Professional, Psychologist:

Find a Psychiatrist and other resources, American Psychiatric Association

Find a Doctor, American Medical Association

Mass. Division of Professional Licensure, Search for a Licensed Professional, Mental Health Counselor

Find a counselor, American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC)

Find a Therapist, on-line and phone counseling for anyone (individual, child, etc)

Find a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, use drop down menus to narrow search

Find a Dialectic Behavioral Therapist, click on the state

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Directory for Spanish-speaking and Culturally-informed Private Practice Referrals for Mental Health

Association of Black Psychologists, Psychologists listing for Massachusetts

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, the Office of Minority Health, Information and referral offers customized responses to telephone, e-mail and mail inquiries

Muslim Mental Health Professionals in the US & Canada, page down for the state:

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), people with mental health issues have can have hope, control over their lives, develop self-directed wellness plans, and recover, working toward meeting their own life dreams and goals:

Mental Health Magazines

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Esperanza - How to cope with anxiety and depression

Anchor: "Conquering Depression", magazine offers: motivating personal stories about people living with and overcoming depression; information-packed features about medication and treatment options; news and research developments; recommendations for healthy living; and strategies for coping with depressive disordersmagazine

SZ, Schizophrenia Magazine, ensures you have access to the latest news and information about schizophrenia, as well as inspirational stories about people affected by the disorder

bp is their magazine-filled with hope, inspiration, newsfeatures, and educational information on building a healthy lifestyle,including: stress reduction, exercise and sleep, treatments,relationships, and employment

Moods magazine is a publication provides educational information in layperson terms to the general public, educational institutions, and to the workplace. Moods emphasizes prevention through education, and supplies those living with a mood disorder (and illnesses that may be simultaneously present, such as addictions, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, etc.) with easy-to-read, useful information, while also diminishing the stigma attached to mental illness

Medications

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:24:00 +0000

CVS is offering generic drugs at a discounted price, see details in link.
It is not an insurance plan. The program does require a ten dollar
membership fee. It may be useful for people with very limited insurance
coverage and people who are uninsured for various reasons.

NeedyMeds.org has information on medicine and healthcare assistance programs. They do not run a patient assistance program , and they do not supply medicine or financial assistance

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club:

Walmart $4 Prescriptions Program

The Target $4 Generic Drug Program

Hannaford Healthy Saver Plus

MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations

MassMedLine is a free, confidential service available to all Massachusetts residents who are seeking information regarding their medications. Whether you are having difficulties affording your medications or want to know
what the side effects are to your prescriptions, MassMedLine can help, 866-633-1617

General information about medications, at the NAMI website

Ask the Pharmacist, questions pharmacists are often asked and answered are periodically placed at the NAMI website

Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Index to Drug-Specific Information

MENTAL HEALTH and SUBSTANCE ABUSE PUBLICATIONS

FEDERAL GUIDE TO HELP PARENTS MAKE SAFE CHOICES WHEN CHOOSING A RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR THEIR CHILDREN
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released the first-ever federal consumer guide to assist parents in choosing a safe residential treatment program for their children. The guide was issued as part of FTC's investigation into the deceptive marketing practices of some residential treatment programs, which was requested by
Rep. George Miller (D-CA)

Rethink's Mental Health Shop, an online resource for mental health
publications, leaflets, booklets, DVDs and more

Family Guide: Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free

Healthyplace.com is the largest consumer mental health site on the net. We provide authoritative information and support to people with mental health concerns, along with their family members and other loved ones

Family Guide:Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free

Drug & alcohol abuse , treatment & prevention

The American Council for Drug Education is a substance abuse prevention
and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the
most current scientific research on drug use and its impact on society

Children's Books by mental health issue/challenge, author and title

Adult Books for Parents and Professionals in the Family Resource Center Behavioral Health Library NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital by title and author

New Harbinger Publications , research-based, user-friendly self-help books

National Institute on Drug Abuse , publications in English and Spanish

Chinese Language Materials about Mental Illness (NAMI)

Portuguese Language Materials about Mental Illness (NAMI)

Spanish Language Materials about Mental Illness (NAMI)

Choosing the Right Treatment - What Families Need to Know about Evidence-Based Practices (In Spanish)

National Institute of Mental Health, Publications

Federal Citizen Information Center, free government health publications, most available in Spanish

Selection of books, brochures, posters and other items at the NAMI store

Two guides designed to help patients, families, and physicians make informed decisions about obtaining and administering the most appropriate care for a child with ADHD or depression

SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is the Nation's one-stop resource for information about substance abuse prevention and addiction treatment

SAMHSA's fact sheets and other materials for Children and Families about Children's and Adolescent Mental Health (most available in Spanish)

The Parents' How-To Guide to Children's Mental Health Services in Massachusetts, The Boston Bar Association, with support from Children's Hospital Boston, has developed the guide to Services in Massachusetts, which answers all of these questions and more. It takes you through the mental health system step by step, from deciding if your child needs care to getting specific services

NAMI NH Guidebook for Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Severe Emotional Disorders (downloadable for free or purchase a hardcopy)

National Association of School Psychologists, information for families (many in multiple languages

Health brochures and booklets sent directly to you, (most available in Spanish)

Patient-Family Guides that can be downloaded (PDF files)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Print Publications

FEMA for Kids: After the Disaster: A Children's Mental Health Checklist

Medical Services

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Massachusetts Community Health Centers (by town)

Massachusetts Hospitals

Directory of Massachusetts Hospitals and Medical Centers

Massachusetts Board of Registration; Physicians Profiles, Complaint Process, Tips for choosing a doctor, How to Obtain Vital Records, etc:

Find a Doctor, American Medical Association:

Find a Doctor, Dentist, or Hospital in Massachusetts :

Legal Resources

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Mass. Housing Courts by County: http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/housingcourt/index.html#county Frequently Asked Questions prepared by the Mass. Housing Court for Tenant/Landlord Disputes including Mediation as an option

The Lawyers Clearinghouse provides pro bono legal services to nonprofit organizations, groups seeking nonprofit status, and guests of area homeless shelters . We offer lawyers meaningful and rewarding pro bono opportunities. We also provide educational programs for nonprofit organizations and lawyers

2008 edition of Legal Tactics: Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts . This handbook provides practical information about tenants' rights in private housing—housing that is owned by an individual or a privately owned company. In each chapter, reference is made to sample letters and court forms. To get these forms see the list below or go to Self Help Forms where these same forms are organized by topic. If you live in public housing , go to the Public Housing section. You may also purchase Legal Tactics from Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education by calling 1-800-966-6253

"Student Mental Health and the Law ", a new document from the JED Foundation, is a comprehensive resource developed in collaboration with leading experts in higher education law, administration and mental health. This guide provides clarification of FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ), disability law, and other legal issues colleges face, and includes guidelines for addressing campus mental health and working with students in distress

Campus Mental Health: Know Your Rights!

A guide for students who want to seek help for mental illness or emotional distress. Produced by the Leadership21 Committee of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Chapters include: You are Not Alone, Seeking Help, Privacy, Academic Accomaodations, Discipline, Involuntary Leave of Absence, Going to a Psychiatric Hospital, Forced Medication, Resources

Parenting & Child Custody Issues Toolkit for People with Behavioral Health Problems

The UPenn Collaborative on Community Integration has developed a free tool kit for parents with serious mental illnesses. Research indicates that mothers with serious mental illnesses are almost three times more likely than mothers without such illnesses to have been involved in the child welfare system or to have lost custody of their children. The tool kit helps parents who have lost custody or are at risk of losing custody of their children, helps parents in recovery from mental illnesses with parenting issues, and offers guidance for professionals as well. The tool
kit, "Helping Behavioral Health Clients with Parenting & Child Custody Issues,"

Mass. Trial Court Law Libraries, Forms etc. for granparent visitation, healthcare proxy, etc.

Dial-A-Lawyer, free legal advice is available on the first Wednesday of each month. Attorneys volunteer at the MBA's Boston headquarters by providing free, basic legal information by phone to callers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. , to assist anyone and everyone, but particularly those who are not eligible for free legal services or cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

To use Dial-A-Lawyer, call (617) 338-0610

Legal aid services throughout the state.

Know your rights, various brochures from the Mental Health Legal Advisory Committee (tenant rights, patient rights, DMH complaint process, etc.)

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

Center for Public Representation, dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities

Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), Hotline in English and Spanish M-F 1:30-4:30pm , HIV related protections, Gay/Straight Alliances, transgender issues and helps with harassment

Volunteer Lawyers Project, handles cases in the Metro Boston area, mainly housing (including foreclosure or bankruptcy), family (divorce), consumer related, public benefits (primarily SSI), and wills and probate for the elderly

Law library online, reference library which provides some resources for legal help with mental health issues

American Bar Association, Lawyer Referral & Information Service, Massachusetts :

Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities

Committee for Public Counsel (CPC), Mental Health Litigation Unit, provide trial and appellate representation to indigent persons against whom are filed petitions seeking commitment to public or private psychiatric facilities or judicial authorization to administer or terminate certain types of treatment (e.g., antipsychotic medication, aversive behavior modification, life-support mechanisms). The CPC also trains, and is available to assist, criminal defense attorneys in respect to mental health issues that arise in the criminal justice context (e.g., competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility).

Committee for Public Counsel (CPC), Children and Family Law (CAFL) Program provides legal representation to children and indigent parents in child welfare matters, including care and protection proceedings, children in need of services cases (CHINS), actions to terminate parental rights, state agency-sponsored guardianships, and any other child custody proceeding where the Department of Social Services (DSS) is a party or where the court is considering granting custody to DSS. In Massachusetts , both children and indigent parents have a right to representation by counsel in child welfare cases

Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston , non-profit organization soley focused on ending illegal housing discrimination in the greater Boston area, serving the communities in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk , Plymouth , and Suffolk counties

Find a lawyer in your area

FindLaw for the Public, thousands of articles and resources in scores of categories to help the public with a wide range of legal issues, from bankruptcy to landlord/tenant law to selecting a lawyer

The Youth Advocacy Project offers legal representation and advocacy to children under 17 years old who are charged as delinquents or youthful offenders. The Youth Advocacy Project provides these services at a number of stages. The Youth Advocacy Project can offer advice and consultation on general delinquency issues.

Minority Law Resources:

The CORI Reader, (38 page PDF prepared by Mass. Law Reform Institute)

Mass. Executive Office of Public Safety & Security, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)

Mass. Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Find a Lawyer:

Tenant's Rights: What Tenants in Forclosed Properties Need to Know:

LEGAL SERVICES to DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN :

Children's Law Center of Massachusetts, providing direct representation to low income children in Eastern Massachusetts, and technical assistance and training to lay and professional communities throughout New England on issues affecting children's education, civil rights, custody, health and welfare.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children, non-profit organization dedicated to being an independent and effective voice for children who face significant barriers to equal educational and life opportunities

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – legislators, legislation, laws, committees, etc.

To find your election information, who are your state and federal legislators, how to register to vote, etc.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Kids and Teens

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Going to College, a resource for teens with disabilities

More than Sad: Teen Depression, video about 4 teens

Transitional Age Youth at Parent Information Network (TAYatPIN) is a program that provides educational and support services for parents and caregivers of youth, ages 14 to 25 years. Services and outreach to parents are provided through the facilitation of focus groups, parent support groups, and one-on-one support.

As the nation's leading organization working to reduce emotional distress
and prevent suicide among college students , The Jed Foundation is
protecting the mental health of students across the country.

American Social Health Association, learn about STD's

MPower:Musicians for Mental Health

Mental Illness: What a Difference a Friend makes

Half of Us:through Half of Us, mtvU and The Jed Foundation want to
initiate a public dialogue to raise awareness about the prevalence of
mental health issues on campus and connect students to the appropriate
resources to get help:

Ulifeline, your online resource for college mental health:

NIDA for teens, The Science Behind Drug Abuse :

Facts on Tap

National Institute on Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse of the National Institute
of Health :

The Higher Education Support Toolkit, developed by the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation , provides disability service staff and health care staff with a simple way to work with students who are experiencing challenges arising from their psychiatric disability. The toolkit is available as a free download at the Center's website.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters' mission is to enable high-risk, runaway and homeless youth to achieve a healthy and productive adulthood through prevention, intervention, and education services. Serving youth ages 14 – 24 each year, Bridge offers a comprehensive range of health, educational, career and housing services. Bridge is the only agency in the Boston area to provide a continuum of age-appropriate services.

Depressedteens.com , an educational site dedicated to helping teenagers and their parents and educators understand the signs and symptoms of teenage depression and provide
resources for those ready to reach out and get the help they need

Children's Books by mental health issue/challenge, author and title

b) Under Mental Health and Substance Abuse Publications : Children's Books by mental health issue/challenge, author and title

Adult Books for Parents and Professionals in the Family Resource Center Behavioral Health Library NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital by title and author

NAMI Child & Adolescent Center

Friendships Count is the second anti-stigma public service campaign aimed at teens.

Watch the video
To find local resources, check out links offered by the Mental Heath Connection of Tarrant County

Active Minds is the only organization working to utilize the student voice to change the conversation about mental health on college campuses, find a chapter at a college campus you're attending or going to attend

Hip Hop Mental Health is doing innovative work around mental health from social justice and cultural perspectives. A video excerpt of their hip hop theater piece "LOW", news about what they have been doing lately and their mission

Young Adult Services at South Shore Mental Health

Copecaredeal.org, a mental health site for teens, focuses on coping skills and healthy living

KidsHealth has separate areas for kids , teens , and parents — each with its own design, age-appropriate content, and tone. There are literally thousands of in-depth features, articles, animations, games, and resources — all original and all developed by experts in the health of children and teens

Girlshealth.gov, this website focuses on health topics that girls are concerned about and helps motivate them to choose healthy behaviors by using positive, supportive, and non-threatening messages.

MedlinePlus:Teen Mental Health

Itsallright is an Australian website where you can read the diaries of four fictional teenagers touched by mental illness. It also has useful factsheets on mental illness including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders.

Depressed Teens: an educational site dedicated to helping teenagers and their parents and educators understand the signs and symptoms of teenage depression and provide resources for those ready to reach out and get the help they need

Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:21:00 +0000

These resources may help you make better insurance-related decisions.

The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance decisions to safeguard their families' financial futures. The main topics addressed in their educational efforts are life, disability, long-term care, and health insurance. LIFE does not endorse any product, company, or insurance advisor.

Mass. Division of Insurance, Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Information for Consumers – consumer guides about various types of insurance policies.

InsureMASS Insurance Premium Comparison Website, Auto Insurance Rate Comparison Tool. This site produces sample insurance premiums for typical drivers with various backgrounds and levels of experience. Your actual premium may differ significantly from the sample based on specific information that you will provide to a company when you apply for insurance.

Identity Theft

noreply@blogger.com (SarahBekele) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:19:00 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission's Identify Theft site helps teach consumers how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen.

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General's Identify Theft site is similar to the FTC's website and the AG offers a Guide to ID Theft for Victims and Consumers.

Three credit bureaus hold the key to your credit.

Equifax

Experian

TransUnion

Annual Credit Report is the site set up by the big three credit reporting agencies in the United States to furnish one (1) free annual credit report from each agency, as required by federal law.

Instead of getting all three free reports at once, it's a good idea to get one free credit report every four (4) months from a different bureau. This way, you can see your credit picture throughout the year and keep better track of your credit.

Lawrence (MA) Farmers' Market

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:54:00 +0000

When:
Every Wednesday, July 8th to October 28th, 8am to 2pm

Where:
Appleton Way, Between Essex and Common Streets

Why:
To pick up the freshest fruits and veggies around and support your local farmer!

Note: If you know of other Farmers' Markets in your area (Metro North and Greater Boston area), let us know and we'll post them. Also, remember that Local Harvest will lead you to these resources in your area (anywhere in the US).

Local Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:03:00 +0000

Where can you get organic food, local farmer's markets, and similar? Try Local Harvest. Go to the site, plug in your zipcode, and you'll find where to get locally-grown food and more.

From their site:
"The best organic food is what's grown closest to you. Use our website to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies. Want to support this great web site? Shop in our catalog for things you can't find locally!"

Also, if you are in the local (Malden, Medford, Everett, MA) area and need a food pantry or soup kitchen, check out the calendar page of our own website (Cyber Cafe @ Malden Square) and click on Hunger Network.

Hunger Network Online Listing

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:26:00 +0000

The Hunger Network, a collaboration among food pantry and soup kitchen providers in the Malden, Medford, & Everett communities, has published its updated list of food bank and soup kitchen days and hours of operation on the Calendar Page of the Cyber Cafe @ Malden Square website. Note that it is the 3rd calendar on the page, as the listings would overwhelm either of the other 2 calendars.

Layoff Support Network

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:14:00 +0000

The Layoff Support Network (LSN) was created to help people who have been laid off. This is a 100% free, 100% non-commercial site--we don't even carry advertisements. This is based on a pay-it-forward concept: hopefully people will find the site helpful and someday be able to help others in return.

We have a great job-searching tool, podcasts, career coaching and even
articles from a licensed psychotherapist.

This is not really a job-searching site--there are hundreds of those.
This site was designed to help people deal with the stress of not having
a job. We hope to use the wisdom of the crowd to offer resume reviews,
interview tips and other kernels of knowledge that might help someone
survive and find a job.

We also happen to be the only website that wants to go out of
existence--when all our members find jobs, we will consider it a job
well done and disappear.

If you can find any of the collected wisdom of use, or want to
contribute a blog or a forum post and share your expertise, our effort
will be considered a success. Come visit and tell us what you think.

Simply by becoming a member you help other members. Statistics from Google Analytics indicate that we have 100x the visitors as the number of registered members. By joining, other members can get an honest impression of the number of people using this site. It was our hope in designing the LSN that its users would take comfort in knowing that they are not alone. Well, now that I (Craig) have been laid off, at least you know you’ve got me to keep you company!

Catalytic Communities

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Catalytic Communities - CatComm - is creating a world where community-generated solutions are just a mouse-click away, where anyone, anywhere, confronting a local problem, can find the inspiration and tools they need to implement the solution, learning from their peers.

Catalytic Communities uses technology to link grassroots community groups so they can learn from each other's successes, and support one another's work. When community organizations tackle local problems, their work would be easier if they knew about successful programs in similar neighborhoods around the world. CatComm realizes people solve crises in their communities every day, and the Internet is the perfect tool to replicate these successes. We collect and posts how-to examples in our Community Solutions Database. These real-life stories address a wide range of issues, from HIV prevention to spurring economic growth, providing effective care for children and the elderly, and much more. The database of 200 projects inspires people to make a difference around the world.

Bread of Life (Malden) has newly designed website

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Bread of Life has been one of the top 5 purchasers and distributors of free food in Eastern Massachusetts since 2003, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank. They provided the equivalent of over 285,000 meals to hungry, homeless and isolated people in 2007.

They provide and/or support hot meals with clothing ministry, food pantry, Mobile Homeless Outreach, weekly spiritual support group, and the ShareWood Project (free health care). For more information, visit their website.

Bread of Life is always looking for volunteers whether it is donating time or money. To find out more, please use one of the ways listed below to find out how you can help:

Telephone: (781) 397-0404
FAX: (781) 288-0002

Postal Address:
Gabriella Snyder
c/o Bread of Life
511 Main Streeet
Malden, MA 02148

Using the Social Web to Find Work

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Free eBook- Using the Social Web to Find Work

2009 will be an unprecedented time for workers in the US, with many people losing their jobs through no fault of their own. This will ripple economically to other countries as well. No one’s really safe. I wanted to offer some ideas ahead of the mess.

I’ve written Using the Social Web to Find Work as a free ebook for you to download and share with others. It includes ideas and information from chrisbrogan.com, and takes you from the specifics of using LinkedIn to your benefit, into some ideas on how to grow and nurture your social networks ahead of a need for them.

It’s not much, but I wanted to help in one way that I know how - by providing ideas and actionable information.

Editor's Note: Chris Brogan is one of the founders and organizers of the highly popular PodCamps around the country. His advice comes from his experience. If you are not familiar with social networks, read his free e-book anyway; you may decide it's time to connect electronically, and it's definitely a more informed way to job search.

Boston Resource Net

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:41:00 +0000

ResourceNet is a free, one-of-a-kind web tool providing a wide range of information about human services—the kind of information you can’t get from a phone book!

ABCD and BPHC (Action for Boston Community Development and Boston Public Health Commission) are jointly sponsoring BostonResourceNet. ResourceNet maintains the site to enhance the public’s access to information about human services in Boston.

Food Stamps Can Mean Healthy Meals for You and Your Family

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:41:00 +0000

Applying for Food Stamps Has Never Been Easier

Despite the help the Food Stamp Program can offer, there are still many eligible Massachusetts residents who could enroll. In today’s economy, too many families are struggling to make ends meet. Food stamps can help you ensure that you and your family are getting consistent, healthy meals at home. Food stamps come on a debit card that automatically deducts from your monthly benefits each time you use it at the grocery store—an easy, convenient way to provide nutritious food for your family!

Project Bread is partnering with community-based organizations across the state to increase enrollment and awareness of the Food Stamp Program by providing application assistance to clients. This program, in partnership with the Department of Transitional Assistance, gives eligible applicants a convenient, supportive, and secure way to access benefits online. The initiative provides greater convenience: applicants can apply in their neighborhood, and they can work with a counselor who speaks their language and coaches them through the process.

The food stamp application is also available to anyone online, thanks to the Department of Transitional Assistance. You can apply from a home, library, health center or any location with access to the Internet at www.mass.gov/dta. It is fast and convenient and you can apply anytime!

Interested applicants can find the latest information about times and places to apply—online, in person or by mail and fax—at www.gettingfoodstamps.org, www.mass.gov/dta or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. You can also make an appointment with Tri-CAP to apply, 781-322-4125, using the Commonwealth's Virtual Gateway.

Solicitar los cupones de alimentos nunca ha sido tan fácil

A pesar de los recursos que el Programa de Cupones de Alimentos le puede ofrecer, muchos residentes elegibles de Massachussets todavía no están participando. En la economía de hoy, muchas familias están luchando para ganar lo suficiente para vivir. Utilizar los cupones de alimentos puede asegurar que usted y su familia tengan comida saludable en casa. Se puede comprar comida con los cupones de alimentos usando una tarjeta de transferencia electrónica que automáticamente paga de su cuenta de beneficios mensuales–una manera fácil y conveniente de proveer alimentos nutritivos para su familia.

Project Bread se ha asociado con organizaciones comunitarias en Massachussets para trabajar juntos y aumentar el nivel de participación en el programa de cupones de alimentos. Si usted quiere ayuda con la solicitud, muchas agencias están ofreciendo asistencia. Este programa, en asociación con el Departamento de Asistencia Transitoria, le da una manera conveniente y segura de acceder a sus beneficios en Internet. Esta iniciativa facilita el proceso de solicitar los beneficios; usted puede llenar la solicitud en la comunidad donde vive, y puede recibir ayuda de un asesor que hable su idioma y le ayude con el proceso.

Si usted quiere llenar la solicitud sin la ayuda de un asesor, ahora cualquier persona puede acceder a la solicitud para cupones de alimentos a través del Internet, gracias al Departamento de Asistencia Transitoria. Se puede llenar la solicitud en Internet (ubicada en la página www.mass.gov/dta) desde su casa, una biblioteca pública, un centro de salud, o cualquier lugar que cuente con acceso al Internet. ¡Es rápido, conveniente, y usted puede solicitar cuando quiera!

Si está interesado, puede encontrar la información más reciente sobre agencias que pueden ayudar con la solicitud (no importa si es por Internet, en persona, o por correo o fax), en las páginas web www.gettingfoodstamps.org y www.mass.gov/dta, o puede llamar al FoodSource Hotline de Project Bread al 1-800-645-8333. You can also make an appointment with Tri-CAP to apply, 781-322-4125, using the Commonwealth's Virtual Gateway.

Free FileMaker Campus Productivity Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:01:00 +0000

The makers of FileMake Pro offer a free version designed for students to help them manage their time and be more productive. This specialized runtime version of the FileMaker database runs on both MACs and PCs and can be used by more than students. We think job seekers may find it very useful as well.
Some ways to use it are to:

Manage Contacts
Organize Research Material & Lecture Notes (job seekers: think company research and interviews!)
Tracking Group Projects and Assignments
Coordinate Events & Registrations
Track & Prioritize To Do Lists

They'll ask for your email address and mailing address to sign up; that's often the price of getting something for free. They want more business from you later. But if you need a way to organize your community projects, job search, or school life, then this may be the tool for you.

Where to Get Your Annual Free Credit Report

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:54:00 +0000

You don't have to pay anyone or subscribe to any fee-based services to get your free annual credit report from each of the nationl consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

The ads you see on TV are not really free because you have to subscribe (or accept a trial offer) for a product. So while the website name is easy to remember -- remember this -- it's not free and it's not the site you want!

Annual Credit Report is what you want: http://www.annualcreditreport.com will get you to the correct site.

Tip: Don't order from all 3 credit reporting agencies at the same time. Instead, order your free credit report from one agency every 4 months. Over the course of a year, you'll have an updated, free credit report and gain a better idea of how you are doing in the credit area.

Candidate Seeker: An Alternative Job Search

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:40:00 +0000

CandidateSeeker.com delivers job opportunity notices via email to you the candidate. We are the only major online recruiting and employment service that DOES NOT post resumes or application forms for viewing by the public OR subscribers. We never circulate resumes to employers.

Candidates are never charged to use our service. And, we do not allow placement agencies who charge applicant fees to use our service!

Job Central "replaces" America's Job Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 17:52:00 +0000

For people and organizations who relied on America's Job Bank to list job openings or search for jobs, the Dept. of Labor's decision to close the website was unwelcome news. America's Job Bank had been a significant resource for many employers that did not have funds to pay for job postings on commercial websites such as Monster and CareerBuilder. The job bank also helped many organizations fulfill their Affirmative Action outreach because it covered every state and thus reached incredibly large numbers of job seekers.

However, a group of leading U.S. employers pooled their resources to create Job Central as a public service, achieving the same nationwide coverage. Take advantage of the free job search if you're job hunting and the free job listings if you're an employer.

Health & Human Services Internet Gateway

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:54:00 +0000

Launched in 2004, Virtual Gateway is an Internet portal that provides the general public and human service clients, providers, and front-line staff with online access to health and human services information and services. For additional information, please visit the page.

Information and services on the Virtual Gateway are organized according to what human service clients, providers, and staff need and how they seek information and conduct business today. The Gateway is the result of collaboration across multiple government agencies to meet three common goals:

Provide a single point of access to services,
Promote worker and provider productivity, and
Support the relationship between the Commonwealth and its community partners.

Over 12,000 individuals, many of them employed by more than 500 state agencies and provider organizations, use the Virtual Gateway today to conduct business with agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and within the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Health Insurance Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Claire) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:32:00 +0000

Big changes are happening in Massachusetts health care. Most adults must now carry health insurance, effective July 1, 2007. The Commonwealth Health Connector is the official website to go to for information about the new law and to find the right health plan for you and/or your family.

Whether you are employed by an organization that does not offer health insurance, self-employed, or unemployed, there are choices there for everyone. And if you qualify for a plan at no or low cost, they’ll let you know. Health insurance is an important decision.

This site will help understand your otions and make the right choices.