A city/town

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

(978) [email protected]

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

Language: EnglishChild Care: NoContact Information: Kristina Bogosh

[email protected]

ATHOLLocation: North Quabbin Grandparent Support Group

109 Lumber Street 2nd Floor, Unit 4Athol, Ma. 01331

Meetings: Services: support group, information, and referral.Meetings are every Wednesday of the month9:30-11:00 am

Language: EnglishChild Care: provided per requestContact Information: Bette Jenks (978) 249-5070

[email protected]

Attleboro

Location: Robbins Children Center803 N. Main Street Attleboro, Ma.

Meetings: This group meets every 3rd Tuesday 6:00-7:30 p.m.At the Welcome Center. Small refreshments as well as a snack for the children is provided.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Available for those who register aheadContact Information: Lee-Ann Pereira (978) 249-5070

[email protected]

B

Billerica

Location: Grandparents as ParentsFirst Congregational Church18 Andover Road Billerica, Ma.

Meetings: 1st Thursday/MonthLanguage: EnglishChild Care: YesContact Information: Tracy Rudenick

[email protected]

Beverly

Boston 1

Location: MSPCC/Kinnections3815 Washington Street 2nd Floor Jamaica Plain, Ma. 02130

Meetings: Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month 10:00-12:00

Services include supports group, information, and referralLanguage: EnglishChild Care: NoContact: Deanna Forist (617) 983-5850

[email protected]

Boston 2

Location: The Julia Martin House via MSPCC/Kinnections90 Bickford Street Jamaica Plain, Ma. 02130

Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 10:00-12:00Services include supports group, information, and referral

Language: EnglishChild Care: NoContact: Deanna Forist (617) 983-5850

[email protected]

Boston 3

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

Language: EnglishChild Care: NoContact Information: Emily Elmore (617) 464-8564

[email protected]

Bourne

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

(508) 759-0600 ext. 5228

[email protected]

Brockton

Location: The Family Center – Community Connections of Brockton1367 Main Street Brockton, Ma. 02301

Meetings: Every Tuesday 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided upon requestContact Information: The Family Center

508-857-0272

Brookfield

Location: Quaboag Church175 Fiskdale Rd.Brookfield, Ma. 01506

Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the month at 9:00-10:30 am2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided upon requestContact Information: Terri McIssac

[email protected]

C

Charlton (southbridge)

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

(508) [email protected] or [email protected]

Chicopee

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


D

E

F

Falmouth

Location: Cape Cod Neighborhood Support CoalitionEast Falmouth Elementary School33 Davisville Rd.E. Falmouth, Ma. 02536

Meetings: Support group meetings are held every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Dinner is at 5:30 pm/ meeting 6:00-7:15 pm.Language: English

Child Care: Provided (contact facilitator for information)Contact Information: Beverly Costa-Ciavola

Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition(508) [email protected]

Fall river

Location: Fall River Family Resource Center45 Rock StreetFall River, Ma. 02720

Meetings: This group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday/month5:30 – 7:30 pmDinner and child care is provided, please register ahead of time

Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided (contact facilitator for more information)Contact Information: Allison Hague


Framingham #1

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

[email protected]

Framingham #2

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.

Language: English

Child Care:Contact Information: Dodi Hardsog

[email protected]

Franklin

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

Language: EnglishChild Care:Contact Information: 413-475-1555

H

Huntington

Location: Hilltown Family Center9 Russell RoadHuntington, Ma.

Meetings: Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month.10:00 am -12:00 pmRefreshments served.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Child Care available upon request, please contact facilitator for more

information.Contact Information: Pat Keith

[email protected]

Hyannis

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

508-815-5100 or [email protected].

I

J

K

L

Lowell #1*Currently on hold

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


M

Mansfield

Location: Mansfield Council on AgingMansfield Public Library255 Hope Street Mansfield, Ma. 02048

Meetings: Meetings are held 2nd Wednesday of the month6:30 pm-8:00 pm

Language: EnglishChild Care:

Contact Information: Christine [email protected]

Martha’s vineyard

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

(508) 693-7900 ext. [email protected]

Medford

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


Melrose





N

New Bedford

Location: Family Resource & Development Center128 Union Street 3rd FloorNew Bedford, Ma. 02740

Meetings: Support Group Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month 5:30-7:00 p.m. Dinner and Child Care are provided.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Child Care is available, please contact the facilitators for informationContact Information: Darlene Spencer

508-994-4521 ext. [email protected]

Newton

Location: Newton Public LibraryRoom A330 Homer StreetNewton, Ma.

Meetings: This group provides support and information sharing for grandparents raising grandchildren. Meeting Times: 6:00 p.m.- 7: 30 p.m.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Not providedContact Information: Beverly Mobilia

Community Partnerships for Children and Families(617) [email protected]

North Adams

Location: The Family Place61 Main Street #218North Adams, Ma.

Meetings: Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.5:30 pm-7:30 pmDinner is provided* Transportation available upon request

Language: EnglishChild Care: Yes, available upon requestContact Information: The Family Center

413-663-7588

Northampton

Location: Northampton Recovery Center2 Gleason PlazaNorthampton, MA.

Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 9:30-11:00Language: English

Please contact the facilitator for more information.Contact Information: Pat Keith

[email protected]

O

P

Pittsfield#1

Location: First United Methodist ChurchFenn Street Pittsfield, Ma.

Meetings: This group meets two Mondays a month 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.*contact facilitators for datesChild Care and meal is provided.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided, contact the facilitator for more informationContact Information: Michelle (413) 446-8224

Genie (413) [email protected]

Pittsfield#2Location: Berkshire Children and Families Family Resource Center

Meetings: This group meets the last Wednesday of the month in 2 sessions; 9:30 am-11:00 am AND 5:30 pm-7:00 pm.

Contact Information: Berkshire Children and Families Family Resource CenterTammy (413) 442.5333 ext. 264

Plymouth

Location: Plymouth Council on Aging44 Nook RoadPlymouth, Ma. 02360

Meetings: Meetings are held every Thursday @ 10:00–11:30am support group, information & referral & education

Requirement: call in advance to confirm evening meeting

Language: English (if needed, a translator would be provided in Haitian Creole and Portuguese, French, and Spanish)

Childcare: NoContact Information: Beth Hadfield


Q

Quincy

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

617-481-7227 ext. [email protected]

R

Reading





S

Salem

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


Sandwich #1

Location: Corpus Christi Parish324 Quaker Meeting House RoadEast Sandwich, Ma.

Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m.

Language: EnglishChild Care: NoContact Information: Maria Bess

[email protected] Sandwich #2

Location: Forestdale School151 Route 130Sandwich, Ma.

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

(413) 782-2500 ext. 349

T

Taunton

Location: Triumph, Inc.25 Barnum StreetTaunton, Ma. 02780

Meetings: The support group meets the last Friday of every month 9:30-11:00 am. Child care is available upon request/registration.

Language: EnglishChild Care: Child Care is available upon registration/request.Contact Information: Lee-Ann Periera

(508) 822-5388 ext. [email protected]

Tuners falls

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


U

V

W

Wakefield #1

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


Wakefield #2


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



Wareham

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

[email protected]

Westfield

Location: Central Baptist Church115 Elm Street Westfield, Ma.

Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:15-7:30 pm No meetings in July and August

Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided, please contact facilitators for more informationContact Information: Cathy Frye (413) 374-3070

Maureen Viturale (413) 237-6673

Pam Dougherty (413) 563-2772

Weymouth

Location: Weymouth Public Library, Fogg Library1 Colombian StreetWeymouth, Ma.

Meetings: Meetings are held every Monday 7:00-8:45 pmLanguage: EnglishChild Care: Not availableContact Information: Judy Geagan

(781) 706-7535

Whitinsville

Location: Family Continuity76 Church St. 3rd FloorWhitinsville, Ma.

Meetings: This group meets on Monday mornings 10:00 -11:00 am and Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm (child care available for pm meetings only)

Language: English Childcare: provided upon request for pm meetingsContact Information: Call 508-234-4181 ext. 5093

Winchendon

Location: Caregivers CaféWinchendon C.A.C.273 Central StreetWinchendon, Ma.

Meetings: Meetings are the last Wednesday of every month9/25/19, 10/23/19, 11/27/19Reach out to contact person for fall and winter schedule

Language: EnglishChild Care:Contact Information: Cheryl Haddad

[email protected]

Winchester


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



Worcester #1

Location: YMCA Greendale Branch75 Shore DriveWorcester, Ma. 01605

Meetings: Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month 6:00-8:00 pmSupport, information, and referral during meetings* Registration is required

Language: EnglishChild Care: Provided, please contact facilitator for more information

Contact Information: Debbie Dowd-Foley, Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.Caregiver Specialist(508) 756-1545 ext. [email protected]

Documents

A city/town