EPH Resource Guide

The Elizabeth Peabody House

Community Resource Guide

A User Friendly Guide to Community Resources for

Residents of Cambridge and Somerville

2

Table of Contents

Childcare Services……………………………………………………Page 3

Immigration/ESOL Services…………………………………Page 10

Adult Education Services………………………………………Page 14

Employment Services…..…………………………………………Page 17

Housing Services……………………………………………………..Page 21

Food Assistance………………………………………………………Page 27

Legal Services…………………………………………………….……Page 33

Domestic Violence……………………………………………..……Page 37

Mental Health………………………………………………………….Page 41

Quick Community Resources…………………………………Page 46

3

Childcare

Services

4

Getting a Childcare Voucher: DTA

Who can come: Unemployed individuals that meet DTA qualifications

If approved, offers you:

The ability to have subsidized childcare at different centers

What’s the process like?

1. Collect all pertinent documents such as social

security cards, paystubs, benefits papers, etc.

2. Go to the Department of Transitional Assistance in

300 Ocean Blvd, Revere to fill out an application

3. If approved, DTA will set you up with an appointment

with CCRC in Cambridge

4. Must contribute 20 hours to volunteer/vocational

service to maintain DTA status

5. Following interview with DTA, voucher should be

approved and can be used at a variety of childcare

centers

*Waiting List probable!

300 Ocean Avenue

Revere, MA 02151 Phone: (781) 286-7800

5

Getting a Childcare Voucher: CCRC

Who can come: Families must meet income guidelines, have a service need

as outlined by EEC, and must be active on the centralized waitlist

If approved, offers you:

Subsidized childcare voucher at different childcare centers

130 Bishop Allen Drive

Cambridge, MA 02139 Phone: (617) 547-1063

What’s the process like?*

1. Families can apply in the following ways:

Contacting their local CFCE program. Go to

http://www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/CFC

E.aspx to be connected to the CFCE program in

your community.

Speaking with a Family Services Specialist at

CCRC.

Completing the CCRC waitlist application

2. Families will be favored if they: are starting or

continuing paid employment, incapacitated, in an

education program or seeking unemployment

3. Once approved, you will hear back from the CCRC

*Waiting List!

Talk to: Reme

6

CAAS Head Start

Who can come: Somerville residents

If accepted, offers you:

An enriching experience for your child that uses creative curriculum

Parent training workshops that teach you parenting skills

366 Somerville Avenue

Somerville, MA 02143 Phone: (617) 628-8815


1. Parents can either call to set up an appointment, or

bring in the required papers

2. Parents will then do an enrollment application

*Waiting List!

Talk to: Chris

Voucher Friendly?: Yes

Basic Information:

Hours:

In general Childcare classrooms are open: 7:00 AM-5:30 PM

Rates: Determined by income Ages 2.9 to 6

7

Somerville Early Head Start

Who can come: Somerville families with a pregnant woman, infant or

toddler


Weekly home visits by family support workers

Twice-monthly play groups in a Family Resource Center

Extensive parent education and support

Coordination of health care

Basic Information:

Rates: Determined by income Ages 0 to 3


1. Eligible individuals should call to verify availability

2. Set up an appointment with a family worker

3. Fill out necessary paperwork*

*Services in Kreyol, Spanish & Portuguese

Talk to: Emily LaForest


63 College Avenue


8

Somerville YMCA Preschool

Who can come: Anyone that is eligible

If accepted offers you:

Integrates the social, the physical, social, emotional and cognitive

development of the whole child

Engaging parental experience

101 Highland Ave



1. Call to arrange an appointment

2. Take a tour of the center to meet staff

3. If you enjoy it, fill out an application and arrange

schedule

*Ages 2.9 to 6

Talk to: Joanne


Hours:

Monday – Friday

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Rates:

Five days - $200.00

Four days - $165.00

Three days - $130.00

Two days - $90.00

9

The Somerville Childcare Center Preschool



An enriching experience for your child that uses creative curriculum

Parent training workshops that teach you parenting skills

81 Highland Avenue

Somerville, MA 02143 Phone: 617-625-6600 ext. 6235

Talk to: Trish



1. Call to arrange an appointment

2. Take a tour of the center to meet staff

3. If you enjoy it, fill out an application and arrange

schedule

*Ages 2.9 to 6

Hours:

Monday – Friday

7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Rates:

$75 Registration Fee

$42 Per Day

10

Immigrant/ESOL

Services

11

The Welcome Project

Who can come: Recent Immigrants/ Somerville residents


Liaison Interpreter Program of Somerville (LIPS),service the Welcome

Project provides to recent immigrants for translation services

ESOL classes from experienced instructors that cover basic,

intermediate and advanced levels including:

o Spanish Basic Literacy

o US History and Civics (In preparation for U.S. Citizenship

exams)

Talk to: Lisa Gimbel

530 Mystic Ave, #111



1. Call the Welcome Project to arrange an appointment

to find out registration dates.

2. Register for classes and determine morning or

evening classes ($50 cost)

3. Attend in four month sessions!

12

Centro Presente



ESOL classes from experienced instructors that cover basic,

intermediate and advanced levels including:

o Spanish Basic Literacy

o US History and Civics (In preparation for U.S. Citizenship

exams)

o Computer Literacy classes (Basic computer usage, word

processing, Internet and email proficiency)

Legal Immigration Services Department (LIS) assists with visas, work

permits, and general asylum

Talk to: Freddy Matute

17 Inner Belt Road

Somerville, MA 02143 Phone: 617-629-4731


1. Call and ask for Freddy Matute, there on weekdays

apart from Tuesday

2. Describe the service you’re most in need of

3. Set up an appointment to fill out an application for

either legal services, ESOL classes, or general

advocacy

4. Hand in application/set up schedule for classes!

13

Mass Alliance of Portuguese Speakers

Who can come: Brazilian & Portuguese Immigrants/Speakers living in

Somerville


ESOL classes from experienced instructors during evening and

morning timeslots

Assistance with translation to obtain social services

Family support around domestic violence and battery

Classes that help you prepare to obtain citizenship

HIV prevention classes and general testing


1. Call or visit offices during the evening

2. Identify main service that you’re in need of (ESOL,

domestic violence, family support services, etc.)

3. Coordinator will connect you with proper service

4. For English classes determine fees & schedule and

fill out application

92 Union Square


(Cambridge Office)

Talk to: Renan Leahy

14

Adult Education

Services

15

SCALE

Who can come: Immigrants residing in Massachusetts, Individuals pursuing

their GED


ESOL classes from experienced instructors during evening and

morning timeslots

Adult Basic Education classes

GED Classes to earn your degree

*Classes free of charge, program completion $450

Talk to: Janice Philpot

167 Holland Street

Somerville, MA 02144 Phone: 617-625-6600 ext. 6900


1. Call to find out more information about class

registration dates for the next session (or apply online!)

2. Determine if you’d like to enroll in GED, English, or

Adult Basic Education (ABE) Classes

3. Ensure that the classes work for your schedule: night

or morning

4. Fill out application and pay orientation fee of $45 and

$65 fee for testing to determine level

Cost?: FREE!*

16

Somerville Community Corporation


If enrolled:

Learn about the importance of maintaining a budget

Home inspection and the importance of finding an inspector

Available resources in the community around saving money

Ways to avoid credit scams

Access to SCC’s homebuying program which helps obtain

housing

Talk to: Thais DeMarco


1. Call and ask to find out more information about various

financial literacy classes

2. Thais will explain how to enroll in one-time workshops

or consistent classes

3. Areas are budgeting, housing inspection, credit, and

home buying

4. Classes are offered in Portuguese, Spanish, and Kreyol


Somerville, MA 02143 Phone: :(617) 776-5931

Cost?: FREE!

17

Employment

Services

18

LIFT Somerville

Who can come: Residents of Somerville

Offers you:

Assistance building your resume

Prep for interviews and interview clothes

Conducts job searches for you

Rehearse interviews with you

Attend job fairs with you




1. Call and set up an appointment with a student volunteer

or walk-in

2. Conduct a brief 15 minute intake of your situation/goal

3. Sign paperwork & contract and you will be assigned a

student volunteer

4. Set up your schedule with the volunteer and begin!

*No Cost!

Talk to: Emily

19

The Career Source



Assistance building your resume

Prep for interviews and interview clothes

Conducts job searches for you

Rehearse interviews with you

Attend job fairs with you

186 Alewife Brook Pkwy # 310

Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: 617-661-7867


1. Fill out membership form for free

2. Figure out the job that you’re looking for

3. Set up an appointment with a counselor or work on a

computer

4. Counselors can help you build your resume and prepare

for job fairs

*Small fee for computer classes and printing

Talk to: Available Worker

20

The Futures for Young Parents Program

Who can come: 15-20 years old; 6 months pregnant or already a parent;

Receiving aid from TAFDC; Seeking a GED

If accepted, offers you::

Voucher at the daycare of your choice

Educational services that will help you obtain your GED

Pre-Employment services such as college trainings and career

seminars

Counseling services that address relevant issues like housing,

substance abuse pregnancy and budgeting. Shelter that

provides a safe haven for domestic violence victims while

allowing them to recuperate themselves and suggest resources

Children’s services that help children have a safe environment

466 Mystic Avenue



1. Call the phone number to set up an appointment

2. Determine if you are able to schedule classes from

9:00-2:30 Monday through Thursday

3. Enroll yourself in the program!

Talk to: Ashley

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Housing

Services

22

Somerville Homeless Coalition

Who can come:

Housing search and case management: for Homeless Individuals:

Includes individuals in eviction (7 Days within in court eviction) living

somewhere inhabitable, and or on the streets

Housing Support Programs: (waiting list) Need to be Homeless and

Disabled

Offers:

Help fill out Section 8 applications

Help you fill out application for out-of-state housing

Can offer Better Homes Program

Help pay utilities bill

Carry out housing search


1. Call to make an appointment and you will be assigned

a worker

2. Set up your weekly meeting with that worker to

help fill out a housing application

3. Will accompany you to housing interview and can

provide legal services

*Process can take about a week to start the case management

process. Can take a month to a year to receive housing.

1 Davis Square


Talk to: Lisa Davidson

23

Just-a-Start House

Who can come: Young women between the ages of 13-20 Most through

DTA; two spots from DCF. Must be pregnant or parenting or both.


o A team with a Case Manager and an advocate. Advocates cover life skills,

behavior management, money management, healthcare, child’s education.

o Case manager deals with the mother’s education, public benefits, DCF,

legal and immigration issues, mental health for mother and child and

housing.

*Independent living as opposed to a group home

**Ultimate goal to obtain housing!


1. Go to DTA and get a referral

2. DTA will set her up with a DTA worker

3. Meet with DCF worker

4. TLP Coordinator that meets with DCF

5. Determines that Just-a-Start House if your TLP

114 Temple Street

Somerville, MA 02145 Phone: (617) 776-8353 x.15

Talk to: Myisha Rodrigues Scott

24

Greater Boston Catholic Charities

Somerville

Who can come: Middlesex county residents facing threat of eviction & in

need of emergency assistance


Emergency assistance for paying rent and utilities once in a

lifetime

Food Pantry services, once a month and six times in a year

270 Washington St.


Talk to: Tara


1. Set up an appointment

2. Come in to fill out necessary paperwork

3. Eligible to receive up to $1500 in rent assistance

upon completion of process

25

CAAS Eviction Program

Who can come: Somerville residents facing threat of eviction


o Advocates educate you around your tenant rights

o Provides legal protection in court on issues such as foreclosures,

evictions, and unjust landlord practices

o Can negotiate payment plans with landlords in order to prevent

eviction

Talk to: Melissa McWhinney

66-70 Union Square, #104



1. Call CAAS at phone number above or do a walk-in

2. Do a brief 15 minute intake explaining your situation

3. If issue meets CAAS’s programs, will be assigned a

case worker

4. Case worker works with you on a host of issues

ranging from eviction to general tenant rights

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Somerville Community Corporation

Who can come: Somerville Residents

If Accepted, offers you:

Financial assistance for back rent and utilities.

Advocacy and mediation on behalf of our clients, often with some of

Somerville's largest landlords. In a majority of cases, we have been

able to prevent evictions and form agreements to which both parties

are agreeable.

Housing search and placement, including help applying for Section 8,

MRVP and public housing with subsidized units.

Personal budgeting and credit management.


Somerville, MA 02143 Phone: :(617) 776-5931


1. Call and ask for Stacey Pires

2. Describe your particular situation and the housing

situation you need help with

3. They will provide you with initial resources and if

accepted, will assist you over the longer term

Talk to: Stacey Pires

27

Food Assistance

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The Elizabeth Peabody House Food Pantry

Who can come: Residents of Somerville

Receive several bags of groceries with fresh produce, frozen meats, canned

items and items such as bread, rice, and pasta.

Also have directory of resources for clients in need to utilize.

Talk to: Paul Kuhne

275-277 Broadway



1. Please provide proof of income and address

2. Fill out a basic intake form with general information

3. Receive a food pantry ID Card

4. Able to visit the pantry once a month

5. Eligible only for residents of Somerville

Serving Schedule:

Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 PM

Thursdays 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

29

Project Soup

Who can come: Somerville Residents

Receive a premade bag of food that will last you 3-5 days.

15 Franklin Street

East Somerville, MA 02145 Phone: 617-776-7687

Talk to: Sandi Harris


1. Pick a day that works for your schedule

2. Please bring an ID and proof of address

3. You will receive a premade bag of food

4. Eligible to come once a month

*Typically no wait to receive food

Pantry Serving Schedule:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10:00 - 2:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Thursday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 - Noon

Soup Kitchen* Serving

Schedule:

Mondays: 6-9 PM

*In Davis Square

30

Helping Hand Food Pantry

Who can come: Anyone (Please bring ID!)

Receive a premade bag of food that will last you 3-5 days.

Fresh Pond Apartments

361 Rindge Avenue


Talk to: Nina Siciliano


1. Pick a day that works for your schedule

2. Please bring an ID

3. You will receive a premade bag of food

4. Eligible to come once a month

5. Food Options Vary

*Wait for food varies on the night

Serving Schedule:

Tuesday: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - Noon

31

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Determine eligibility:

https://service.hhs.state.ma.us/screening/ScreeningWelcome_input

Find out Your Rights:

http://www.gettingsnap.org/index2.htm

Apply at: Project LIFT, CAAS


1. Applicants must apply at their local office, based on

the city (and sometimes the zip code that they live in.

2. They may apply in person, by mail, by fax or online.

3. They have a right to apply and should not be

discouraged from doing so, even if the DTA worker

does not think they are eligible.

4. If they are eligible, their benefits will be

retroactive to the date their application was received.

5. An interview is required but can be conducted over

the phone if going to the office is difficult.

*Undocumented citizens may apply for their children

Numbers to Call: 1-866-950-FOOD (3663)

Project Bread: 1-800-645-8333

https://service.hhs.state.ma.us/screening/ScreeningWelcome_input

http://www.gettingsnap.org/index2.htm

32

Somerville WIC (Women, Infants, Children)

Who can come: Women that are pregnant, breastfeeding or have children

under the age of 5


Monthly packets of coupons that can be used to purchase milk,

formula, peanut butter and other grocery items


1. Applicants must call above number to speak with

intake person (Kreyol, Spanish, and Portuguese)

2. Prepare necessary paperwork including MassHealth,

birth certificates, or any other pertinent documents.

3. Come in with infant/child to WIC office

4. Meet with nutritionist who will record basic

information about infant/child including blood work,

heart rate and other standard health tests

5. Receive WIC coupons!

*Undocumented citizens may apply for their children

366 Broadway


Talk to: Nancy

33

Legal Services

34

Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services

Who can come: Income Eligible Individuals

Helps with…

Providing individuals with paralegals and attorneys in court

Primary housing and public benefits representation. Full range for

individuals over 60.

Representing victims of domestic violence

Mental health representation for entitlement benefits (medicare),

special education, etc.

Undocumented workers, children, and battered women gain legal

status

60 Gore Street


Talk to: Susan Hegel or Susan Chimene


1. Call and ask to speak with duty person.

2. Agency will get information about you, make sure

you’re income eligible.

3. If it is an issue they handle, then they would move

forward (see examples below)

35

Who can come: Residents of Cambridge/Somerville

If accepted:

o Help with: Employment Benefits, Social Security, Disability, Fair

Wage, Section 8 Termination, Housing/Public Housing, Tenant

Association, Mediation, Paternity , Public Assistance Programs,

Veterans Benefits

o Can provide you with counseling for these issues and

representation

.

23 Everett Street, First Floor


Talk to: Student Volunteer


1. First you call in, and do a brief intake over the phone.

2. Make an appointment to come in.

3. Don’t Forget!: Bring all of the necessary documents!!

4. Meet with Harvard Legal Student to start building your

case

Cost?: FREE!

36

Community Legal Services and Counseling Center

Who can come: Low-income Cambridge/Somerville residents

If accepted, helps you:

Secure protection from abuse

Receive child support

Work on group leadership

Multicultural ethnic issues and immigrant/refugee issues

Talk to: Any volunteer or Paul Goldmuntz


1. Ask to speak with someone about setting up an

intake.

2. Upon evaluation, a volunteer will contact you and

determine if you are eligible for their services

3. If so, you will be assigned a counselor and will work

on determining the best solution for your particular

situation.

1 West Street


Cost?: FREE!

37

Domestic

Violence Services

38

Who can come: All victims of domestic violence & abuse (must be self-

referred)

Offers:

Community Based

o Individual Advocacy & Support Groups

o 24 Hour Crisis Hotline that will provide emotional support and

referral services

o Court accompiment to get restraining order

Shelter of 21 beds that provides safety for domestic violence victims

o if full will work with you to find other shelter

o Three month stay

Children’s services that help children have a safe environment


1. Will set up an appointment with victim

2. Depending on what you need

3. Will set you up with a personal counselor that will assist you

with your particular situation.

Talk to: Michelle Fine

Call Hotline: (617) 623-5900

Business: 617-625-5996

39


If accepted to TLP, offers you:

o Assistance with housing searches

o General life skills training and counseling

o Fixing up resumes and applying to jobs

o Services Coordinator deals with the mother’s education, public benefits,

DCF, legal and immigration issues, mental health for mother and child and

housing.

**Ultimate goal to obtain housing!

Talk to: Ronit Barkai

1035 Cambridge St # B10



1. Call to set up an appointment or do a walk-in

2. Will carry out a brief intake upon doing the walk-in

3. Will set you up with a personal counselor that will assist you with

your specific needs.

4. Can apply to Transitional Living Program (TLP) if you choose

*Emergencies, please call and ask for emergency shelter

40

Emerge

Who can come: No limitations (typically self-identified abusers)


Different groups for gay men & women,

Separate groups for Spanish speakers

Anger management services, for anyone that is not their partner i.e.

family friend, etc. Curriculum based 14 week anger management

program that’s conducted one on one. Court mandated.

2464 Massachusetts Ave # 101



1. Intake Done over the phone

2. Come in for orientation ($25) Must contact partners

and ex-partners to discuss.

3. Orientations are Wednesdays 6 Pm and Thursdays at

Noon

4. Fill out a bunch of paperwork

5. Get started as soon as you’d like! *Abuser must come in to do 40 sessions in programs such as battering

intervention programs

Talk to: 10-3 Office Manager or Eric Albert

41

Mental Health

Services

42

Community Legal Services and Counseling Center


If accepted, helps you:

Secure protection from abuse

Receive child support

Work on group leadership

Multicultural ethnic issues and immigrant/refugee issues



intake.

2. Upon evaluation, a volunteer will contact you and

determine if you are eligible for their services

3. If so, you will be assigned a counselor and will work

on determining the best solution for your particular

situation.

1 West Street


Talk to: Any volunteer or Paul Goldmuntz

43

The Guidance Center

Who can come: Services are provided to children under six-years-old with

issues related to development, behavior and family needs, and their

caregivers

If accepted, helps you with:

Individual and family treatment

Home and/or school based treatment (early intervention)

Caregiver support

Psychological testing & Psychiatric consultation

Psychopharmacological evaluation and treatment

Collaboration with physicians

Consultation to child care programs and schools

5 Sacramento Street


Talk to: Melanie Branski



intake.

2. Describe your situation to the intake worker and

s/he will connect you with the proper channel of care

3. Will evaluate your healthcare situation and bill the

appropriate HMO, Mass Care or Company

*Offer phone services in English and Spanish

44

The Family Center Inc.


If accepted:

o Receive in-home therapy services if you have Mass Health

o Receive a parenting journey series 12 week group support in

Spanish & Kreyol. Parent development, experience of parent and

being in touch with how you were parented and being in touch

with that.

o Parenting in America. US Practices around child rearing and

DCF.

o Child caring dinner for parents and children.



Talk to: Fran Rowley


1. Call and speak with receptionist

2. Ask to speak with someone for an intake Process

takes 15 minutes

3. Clinical worker calls and clinician can call to schedule

most convenient appointment

*Unfortunately at the moment there is a waiting list.

45


For Child: Provides in-school consultation. Consultants can help teachers and

students cope with behavior issues.

For Adult: a wide range of services including psychotherapy, day treatment,

community treatment program, and substance abuse services.

What’s the process like For an Adult, Child or Family?

1. Talk to intake worker over the phone.

2. Intake worker will evaluate you and call you back

within 24 hours

3. Intake worker will arrange appointment and set up

your schedule

*Sliding scale of $10 per session

Talk to: Carolyn

Spangler or Raul Salinas

Ortega

63 College Avenue


46

Quick Resources

Clothing:

o Children’s Exchange 56 Magazine Street | Cambridge, MA 02140

Call: 617-576-0039

o Salvation Army

483 Broadway | Somerville, MA 02145

Call: (781) 395-9783

Healthcare:

o The Sharewood Health Clinic (*Tuesday Evenings 6-9) The First Church

184 Pleasant Street | Malden, MA 02148

Call: (781) 324-8991

o Enrollment and Outreach Team-Cambridge Health Alliance

Call: (617) 665-3155

Housing Services:

o Lead Abatement Task Force

Call: 617.625.6600 x 2588

o Cambridge and Somerville Fuel Assistance

51 Inman Street | Cambridge, MA 02139

Call: (617) 349-6252

47

To Be Added Soon:

-Services for the Elderly

Updated: 1/21/2011

EPH Resource Guide

Documents

subsidized childcare

somerville families

different childcare

somerville avenue somerville

variety of childcare

somerville residents

general childcare classrooms

employment services