Support groups are listed in alphabetical order by city/town **Please Note: This list is updated only two times per year. It is best to contact the sup port group facilitator of the group you are interested in directly for more information** A A CTON Location: The Acton Senior Center 30 Sudbury Road Acton, Ma. Meetings: This group meets the 3 rd Tuesday of the month 11:00 – 12:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center. The support group meets monthly to help each other navigate through the challenges and joys faced as grandparents raising grandchildren, and become informed about the resources available. Language: English Childcare: No Contact Information: Joe O’Leary (978) 897-9595 [email protected]A mherst Location: The Bridge Family Resource Center A Program of Clinical and Support Options 101 University Drive, Suite A3, Amherst, MA 01002 Meetings: Monday evenings from 4pm to 5:30pm Location: Sign in front of building reads “CSO-Clinical and Support Options”, plenty of free parking Language: English Childcare: provided upon request Sponsor/Affiliated: The group is facilitated by Eve Eisman, a trained volunteer from Parents Helping Parents Contact Information:
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Support groups are listed in alphabetical order by city/town
**Please Note: This list is updated only two times per year. It is best to contact the support group facilitator of the group you are interested in directly for
more information**
A
ACTON
Location: The Acton Senior Center30 Sudbury RoadActon, Ma.
Meetings: This group meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month 11:00 – 12:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center. The support group meets monthly to help each other navigate through the challenges and joys faced as grandparents raising grandchildren, and become informed about the resources available.
Language: English Childcare: NoContact Information: Joe O’Leary
AmherstLocation: The Bridge Family Resource Center
A Program of Clinical and Support Options101 University Drive, Suite A3, Amherst, MA 01002
Meetings: Monday evenings from 4pm to 5:30pmLocation: Sign in front of building reads “CSO-Clinical and Support Options”, plenty of free parking
Language: English Childcare: provided upon requestSponsor/Affiliated: The group is facilitated by Eve Eisman, a trained volunteer from
Parents Helping ParentsContact Information:
Arlington
Location: Arlington Council on Aging27 Maple St., Arlington, MA 02476
Meetings: Services: support group, information & referral Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Language: English Childcare: not providedSponsor/Affiliated: Arlington Council on Aging –Town of ArlingtonContact Information: Lourie August, Social Worker
[email protected](781) 316-3400*Interested participants must contact Lourie August for intake
Ashburnham
Location: Oakmont Regional High School9 Oakmont Drive Ashburnham, Ma.
Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday/month9:30 am
Location: Laboure Center/Catholic Charities275 West Broadway South Boston, Ma. 02127
Meetings: Meetings are held every Tuesday at 11:00Services include support group, information, and referral, parenting advice, and counseling available for families
Location: Bourne Council on Aging239 Main Street Buzzards Bay, Ma. 02532
Meetings: Meetings are held the 4th Monday of the month 10:00-11:30 am at the Bourne Senior Center. Services include support group, information and referral, resource library, family programs, and special programs
Language: EnglishChild Care: NoContact Information: Lois Care, Outreach Coordinator
Location: St. Joseph’s Church, Charlton120 Sayles StreetSouthbridge, Ma. 01550www.stjosephscharlton.com
Meetings: Meetings are to advocate and organize grandparents in a supportive group to share concerns, solutions, resources, and to develop friendships in a caring and confidential manner.
*meetings and information are by appointment first, must contact facilitator.
Language: EnglishChild Care: Not providedContact Information: Ted and Dianne Dubsky
Location: Chicopee Council on Aging/Chicopee Senior Center5 West Main StreetChicopee, Ma.
Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:00 pm-7:15 pmMeetings are for support, information, and resources, as well as social events. Light refreshments provided.
Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided (contact facilitator for information)Contact Information: Kristine Rose, Program Coordinator
Location: Callahan Senior Center535 Union AvenueFramingham, Ma.
Meetings: Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of the month 7-9 pmLanguage: EnglishChild Care: Provided (contact facilitator for more information)Contact Information: Carol Casey
Location: The Framingham Family Resource Center and The Wayside Youth & Family Support Network88 Lincoln StreetFramingham, Ma. 01702
Meetings: Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month 6:00-7:30 p.m. Support for school issues/child care; behavioral/mental health issues; financial resources; custody issues; community & statewide resources.
Location: The Bernon Family YMCA 45 Forge Hill RoadFranklin, Ma.
Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available. Child care is available for the meeting.
Language: English Childcare: YES – contact the YMCA in advance 508-528-8708.Sponsor/Affiliated: The group is facilitated by Meredith Poulten and sponsored by the
YMCA, and the S. A.F.E. Coalition.Contact Information: YMCA: 508-528-8708
G
Greenfield
Location: Community Action Family Center90 Federal St. Greenfield, Ma.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Mondays/month10:00 am-11:30 am
Location: Cape Cod Family Resource Center29 Basset LaneHyannis, Ma. 02601
Meetings: This group meets the third Wednesday of every month 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at the cape Cod Family Resource center with Kerry Bickford form the Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. This group provides a supportive environment for all grandparents who play a role in raising grandchildren. Dinner and child care provided. *Registration is required.
Language: EnglishChild Care: ProvidedContact Information: Cape Cod family Resource Center
Location: Lowell General HospitalCommunity Health and Wellness Department
One Hospital DriveSaints Campus, Second FloorLowell, Ma.
Meetings: This group meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month during the school year (unless otherwise noted). Meetings are held 6:00-7:30 pm.
Language: EnglishChild Care:Contact Information: Lowell General Hospital, Community Health and Wellness Dpt.
(978) 788-7224
Lowell #2
Location: Lowell Family Resource Center27 Prescott StreetLowell, Ma. 01852
Meetings: Meetings are the First and Third Fridays of the MonthMeetings are at 1:00 p.m.
Language: EnglishChild Care:Contact Information: Lori Sousa, facilitator
(978) 942-3264
Lynn #1
Location: Lynn Community Connections Coalition298 Union StreetLynn, Ma. 01901
Meetings: Meetings: 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 6:00-7:30; September – June. Childcare, activities, and food provided
Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided (Contact facilitator for more information)Contact Information:
Lynn #2
Location: The Gregg House After-School Program106 Broad StreetLynn, Ma. 01902
Meetings: Meetings are held weekly on Thursdays while school is in session 9:30-11:00am. The Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Support Group in Lynn is open to grandparents who are in both the primary and secondary caregiver role for their grandchildren. Please call Meegan Simpson-Best for more information.The group is supported by Greater Lynn Senior Services, Gregg House, and The Department of Children and Families
Language: EnglishChild care: Not providedContact Information: Meegan Simpson-Best, Social Worker
(781) 477-1641
Lynnfield
Location: North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network30 Farm StreetWakefield, Ma. 01880
Meetings: Twice a month, Monday mornings from 9:30am - 11:30am from September-June. Please call the Family Resource Network for specific dates and locations.Group is open to people in Lynnfield, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester & surrounding communities
Language: EnglishChild Care: Not ProvidedContact Information: Kathy Harlow, Program Manager
Location: Martha’s Vineyard Family CenterMV Family Center campus (Fannie Blair Bldg.)35 Greenwood Ave.Vineyard Haven, Ma. 02568
Meetings: Meetings are held 2nd Saturday of every monthLanguage: EnglishChild Care: Provided (must pre-register)Contact Information: Marney Toole, Facilitator
Location: Medford Family Network489 Winthrop StreetMedford, Ma. 02155
Meetings: Meetings are held on a monthly basis. Please contact the facilitator for information on meeting dates and times.
This support group is for grandparents and relatives of children birth to 8 who have a significant role in the care giving with their grandchildren or have temporary custody of them. General meetings and special guest speakers on relevant topics will be held on a monthly basis, TBD, beginning November 2017.Services: Grandparents Play and Learn Group, lending library, information & referral, phone reassurance, home visitation, parenting education and financial planning information, clothing and children’s items daily for free exchange and quarterly swap day, weekend family events, ESOL support, ages and stages development questionnaires.
Language: EnglishChildcare: It is provided only if there are 4 children available to hire a person,
while attending the grandparents support group.Contact Information: Marie Cassidy, Family Support Coordinator
Location: North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network30 Farm StreetWakefield, Ma. 01880
Meetings: Twice a month, Monday mornings from 9:30am - 11:30am from September-June. Please call the Family Resource Network for specific dates and locations.Group is open to people in Lynnfield, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester & surrounding communities
Language: EnglishChild Care: Not ProvidedContact Information: Kathy Harlow, Program Manager
Location: Quincy Family Resource Center1120 Hancock Street 1st FloorQuincy, Ma. 02169
Meetings: Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Thursday night 6:00-7:30 pmLanguage: EnglishChild Care: Please contact the facilitator for more informationContact Information: Ann MacDonald
Location: North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network30 Farm StreetWakefield, Ma. 01880
Meetings: Twice a month, Monday mornings from 9:30am - 11:30am from September-June. Please call the Family Resource Network for specific dates and locations.Group is open to people in Lynnfield, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester & surrounding communities
Language: EnglishChild Care: Not ProvidedContact Information: Kathy Harlow, Program Manager
Location: Mass General for Children’s Hospital- North Shore Medical CenterFamily Resource Center, Room 42657 Highland AvenueSalem, Ma. 01970
Meetings: Meetings: 1st & 3rd Monday of the month @ 11:00am-12 noonLanguage: EnglishChildcare: NoneContact Information: Elizabeth Yourgrau, Director of Family Resource Center
Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month 5:00-6:30 pmMeetings are called “Home is Where the Heart is” and although the group is not specific to grandparents raising grandchildren, many do attend. The group is facilitated by Adoption Journeys. Dinner and childcare available upon registration. You must RSVP.
Language: EnglishChild Care: Child Care available upon request, please contact facilitator for more
information.Contact Information: Lauren Melillo
Sandwich Partnership for Families(508) 4770660 ext. 132www.sandwichpartnership.org
Springfield #1
Location: Gandara Center – Springfield Family Resource Center18 Gaucher Street Springfield, Ma.
Meetings: Please contact the center for informationLanguage: EnglishChild Care: Please contact the facilitator for more informationContact Information: Cindy Stovall, Director
413-733-7699
Springfield #2
Location: Multicultural Community Services1000 Wilbraham Rd.Springfield, Ma. 01109
Meetings: Multi-Cultural Services (MCS) is a Western Ma Family Support Center funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) via a contract. MCS has hosted a grandparent’ project since it began in 2000. This is a network of grandparents who are the primary caregivers for grandchildren with developmental disabilities. The Network provides grandparents the opportunity to get together and share experiences, provide support to one another, and address challenges as they advocate for their grandchildren’s needs. The Network meets 3-4 times a year for planning. They develop a yearly work plan which includes trainings, educational, information and referral, support for children with developmental disabilities. They meet at the Multicultural Community Services 1000 Wilbraham Rd. Springfield; meetings are held 10: am-1:00 pm. There are grandparents that Spanish is their primary language; The Coordinator is bilingual in Spanish and English. MCS can provide an interpreter.
Transportation is provided to those in need. A light lunch is provided for meetings, speaker series, and trainings. This project is for grandparents raising grandchildren with intellectual disabilities who have been determined eligible for DDS services.
Language: English and Spanish, MCS can provide interpreter services for other languages.
Child Care: Respite funds are available for those in need.Contact Information: Raquel Rodriguez, Coordinator
Location: United Arc294 Avenue ATurners Falls, Ma. 01376
Meetings: Website: www.unitedarc.org/ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the month – 11:30–1:00pm (no childcare)support group; information & referral; consultation; intergenerational eventsRequirements: Grandparent age 55+ with primary custodial care of grandchild(ren)
Language: EnglishChild Care: NoContact Information: Pat Keith, United Arc
Location: Wakefield Boys and Girls ClubGrandparents Raising AgainAmerican Civic Center457 Main Street (side door)Wakefield, Ma.
Meetings: The meetings are held once a month. Please contact the facilitator for information on dates and times. Light refreshments served.
Language: EnglishChild Care: Child care is available, please contact facilitator for more information Contact Information: Riley at the Wakefield Boys and Girls Club
Location: North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network30 Farm StreetWakefield, Ma. 01880
Meetings: Twice a month, Monday mornings from 9:30am - 11:30am from September-June. *Please call the Family Resource Network for specific dates and locations.Group is open to people in Lynnfield, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester & surrounding communities
Language: EnglishChild Care: Not ProvidedContact Information: Kathy Harlow, Program Manager
Location: Multi-Service CenterRoom 22748 Marion RoadWareham, Ma.
Meetings: Meetings: every 2nd Thursday of the month @ 5:30-7:00 pm**Childcare and Dinner: provided at the meeting;
Language: English Child Care: Child Care provided, please contact facilitators for more informationContact Information: Ms. Pat Simonelli (508)273-7241 [email protected]
Ms. Pat Gagnon ((508) 291-3500 ext. 3556
Webster
Location: Gladys E. Kelly Library2 Lake Street Webster, Ma. 010570
Meetings: Meetings: 3rd Tuesday/month 6:00-8:00 p.m.Language: English Child Care: Child Care provided, please contact facilitator for more informationContact Information: Kimberly Rockwood
Location: North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network30 Farm StreetWakefield, Ma. 01880
Meetings: Twice a month, Monday mornings from 9:30am - 11:30am from September-June. *Please call the Family Resource Network for specific dates and locations.Group is open to people in Lynnfield, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester & surrounding communities
Language: EnglishChild Care: Not ProvidedContact Information: Kathy Harlow, Program Manager