Family Resources

Early Learning and Family Resources 

The Basics - Offers simple, science-backed caregiving tips to support early brain development in young children.

Boston Central - A guide to local events, family activities, and things to do across Greater Boston.

Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) - Provides programs and support to help families engage in their child’s learning and development.

Boston Pre-K Specialized Services - Information and support for children in Boston Public Schools who may need special education or developmental services.

Boston–Suffolk County Family Resource Center - Offers parenting groups, family support, and referrals to community services.

CDC Developmental Milestones - Guides and checklists to help families track their child’s developmental progress from birth through age 5.

Child Care Choices of Boston - Helps families find child care, apply for vouchers, and access early education resources.

Common Start Coalition - Advocates for affordable, high-quality early education and child care for all Massachusetts families.

Countdown to Kindergarten - Supports families as they prepare their children for a strong start in Boston Public Schools.

EmbraceRace - Resources for raising children who are thoughtful, informed, and resilient about race.

Families First - Provides parenting education programs that build confidence and connection within families.

Family Nurturing Center - Offers home visits, playgroups, and parenting education to strengthen families and communities.

Focus on Pre-K (BPS Early Learning) - Guidance and resources for Boston Public Schools’ high-quality early childhood curriculum.

Great Starts - Helps families access high-quality child care and early learning options in Boston.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - Provides trusted information on early childhood development and high-quality early learning practices.

Parents Helping Parents Stressline – 1-800-632-8188 - A free, anonymous parent support hotline available 24/7.

Room to Grow - Supports families with young children through coaching, resources, and essential items.

Strategies for Children - Advocacy and data resources focused on improving early childhood systems in Massachusetts.

Zero to Three - National resources on infant and toddler development for parents and caregivers.

YMCA of Greater Boston - Offers early education programs, family activities, and community supports.

 

Basic Needs

ABCD - Provides food, housing, child care, job assistance, and emergency supports for families.
Boston–Suffolk County & Harbor Area Family Resource Centers - Parenting support, referrals, and community-based family services.

Catholic Charities - Offers food, rental assistance, family support, and immigration services.

Community Servings - Delivers nutritious meals to individuals and families facing critical or chronic illness.

Fair Foods - Provides affordable fresh produce through community food distribution events.

Greater Boston Food Bank - Helps families find local food pantries and meal programs.

Haley House Clothing Room - Free clothing and essentials for families in need.

Lower Roxbury Coalition and Wellness Initiative - Community programming, events, and wellness supports for Roxbury families.

Mass 211 (Dial 2-1-1) - Statewide hotline for housing, food, utility assistance, and other essential services.
Mass 211 HelpSteps - A tool to search for health and social services across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance - Provides SNAP, cash assistance, and employment support services.

Project Bread - Offers food assistance programs, including the FoodSource Hotline for finding meals.

Vital CxNs - Supports families by connecting them to community resources and parent groups.

Vital Village - Community networks working to improve child wellbeing and family support systems.

WIC - Nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and resources for pregnant people, infants, and young children.

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Community Resources

Association of Haitian Women in Boston - Supports Haitian women and families with community programs.
Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) - Provides recreation, child care, afterschool programs, and community supports.
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities - Information on housing assistance, rental support, and state housing programs.
Office of Early Childhood - Citywide resources for parenting programs, early learning, and family supports.
Boston Afterschool & Beyond - Connects families to out-of-school time programs and enrichment opportunities.
Boston Public Library - Free books, digital resources, storytimes, classes, and community events.

Casa Myrna - Provides services and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

Family Ties of Massachusetts - Support and information for families of children with special health needs.

Federation for Children with Special Needs - Advocacy, training, and resources for families navigating special education and disability services.

MBTA Income-Eligible Reduced Fare - Discounted public transportation fares for eligible residents.

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute - Support for families affected by homicide, violence, and trauma.
MIRA Coalition - Advocacy and resources for immigrants and refugees across Massachusetts.
Union Capital Boston - A network that supports families through community engagement and resource connections.

 

Continuing Education & Workforce Development

Center for Working Families - Career counseling, financial coaching, and job readiness programs.

Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) - Job training, adult education, and employment services.
MassHire - Career centers offering job search help, training, and workforce resources.
Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline - Helps adults find local ESOL, literacy, and high-school-equivalency programs.

Honest Jobs - Job platform focused on helping people with criminal records find employment.

YMCA Adult Education & Job Training Center - Training programs, ESOL classes, and employment support for adults.

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Legal Aid & Advocacy

Free Legal Answers - Online portal where eligible residents can ask civil legal questions and receive free attorney responses.

Greater Boston Legal Services - Free legal help for housing, family law, immigration, and other civil issues.

Health Law Advocates - Provides legal assistance for low-income families facing health-related issues.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children - Supports families navigating special education and child advocacy concerns.

Mass Legal Help - Easy-to-read legal information on housing, benefits, family law, and more.

Volunteer Lawyers Project - Free civil legal aid provided by volunteer attorneys.

WilmerHale Legal Services Center - Community legal services for housing, family law, immigration, and more.

 

Health & Wellbeing

Child Witness to Violence Program - Counseling and support for young children who have experienced or witnessed trauma.
Exceptional Lives - Guides and resources for families of children with disabilities or special needs.
Grove Hall Stop & Shop Wellness Classes - Free nutrition and wellness classes for families.
Handhold - Mental health resources for parents concerned about their child’s behavior or wellbeing.
Health Care for All Helpline (800-272-4232) - Free help finding or understanding health insurance in Massachusetts.
The Home for Little Wanderers - Behavioral health, family stabilization, and youth support services.
Mayor’s Health Line (617-534-5050) - Assists residents with health insurance, care access, and community health resources.
MassAbility Disability Determination Services - Information on applying for disability benefits.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline - 24/7 support connecting residents to mental health and substance use services.

Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant & Child Death - Support and resources for families experiencing infant or child loss.
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers - Helps families locate nearby community health centers.
Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition - Programs promoting healthy food access and community wellness.
Peer Recovery Support Services - Recovery support centers offering peer-led services for substance use recovery.
Propa City Community Outreach - Youth programs, family support, and community engagement initiatives.

Thom Early Intervention - Home-based services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

Your Pure Spark - Mental health and wellness coaching for parents and caregivers.