Information and Resources for Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Family Resource Centers are here to support you during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Below are some resources that can help you during this challenging period. Remember to wash your hands well, practice social distancing, and know that we are here for you.
We also know that many people are scared, stressed, and anxious right now, and may need some extra help and support. And children may not act as they would usually because of the fear they may be feeling. Check out this video that highlights some of the resources available to families under stress during this uncertain time.
English
Spanish
See how our FRCs have been working with families in Massachusetts.
Find information on trauma-informed resources for parents and caregivers in our Understanding Childhood Trauma and Your Family brochure here. The brochure has also been translated into the following languages: - Spanish Version - Brazilian Portuguese Version - European Portuguese Version - Haitian Creole Version - Arabic Version - Cape Verdean Creole Version - Chinese Version
These posters/flyers provide some information on how to access supports to help you – and them – through this time. They are available in seven languages for download. There is also a flyer focused on supporting young children, currently available in English.
English
English
English
You can also share these social posts - available in English and Spanish - which are based on the posters/flyers.
There is also a post highlighting the needs of younger children in English.
Food Sources
SNAP Online Purchasing
As of May 29, 2020, Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP benefits can use their EBT card to buy food online from Amazon and Walmart. More information in English and Spanish.
As of May 29, 2020, Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP benefits can use their EBT card to buy food online from Amazon and Walmart. More information in English and Spanish.
Baker administration addresses food security with $41 million in support
The funding will address urgent food insecurity for Massachusetts residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding will address urgent food insecurity for Massachusetts residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Request for Replacement SNAP Benefits
Make a request for SNAP benefits replacements.
Make a request for SNAP benefits replacements.
SNAP and Cash Benefits during COVID-19
Information from MassLegal Services on the changes to SNAP rules
Information from MassLegal Services on the changes to SNAP rules
Food Pantries and Food Banks across Massachusetts
A list of food pantries and food banks from across the state.
A list of food pantries and food banks from across the state.
New Resources in Spanish to Share regarding the Pandemic EBT Cards
The MA Food System Collaborative was kind enough to share two Spanish-language videos from Boston Public Schools about P-EBT that may be helpful to families you are working with: How to activate your P-EBT card & What you can purchase with your P-EBT card
The MA Food System Collaborative was kind enough to share two Spanish-language videos from Boston Public Schools about P-EBT that may be helpful to families you are working with: How to activate your P-EBT card & What you can purchase with your P-EBT card
Learning and Education
Parent and Caregiver Supports
Early Childhood Educators Tip Sheets
A series of tip sheets on how to address COVID-related issues with younger children. Translations of these tip sheets are available in Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
A series of tip sheets on how to address COVID-related issues with younger children. Translations of these tip sheets are available in Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole.
Video: Supporting Resilience in Kids' Time of Stress
This video focuses on how to support resilience in children during this traumatic time.
This video focuses on how to support resilience in children during this traumatic time.
Video: Supporting Resilience in Kids through Caregiver Regulation
This video focuses on the caregiver’s role in supporting resilience in children.
This video focuses on the caregiver’s role in supporting resilience in children.
At Home Learning Resources for Students and Families
Update (March 30, 2020) from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, featuring newsletters and educational resources for parents and their children.
Update (March 30, 2020) from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, featuring newsletters and educational resources for parents and their children.
Department of Children and Families
COVID-19 information and resources from DCF
COVID-19 information and resources from DCF
Free Wifi
Xfinity is offering free wifi to individuals and families during the pandemic.
Xfinity is offering free wifi to individuals and families during the pandemic.
New Online Parent Support Groups
Parents Helping Parents is offering a number of resources, including online Parent Support Groups.
Parents Helping Parents is offering a number of resources, including online Parent Support Groups.
The Mental Health Advocacy Program (MHAP) for Kids Training Form
Districts must provide students with a FAPE during school closures and this “may include, as appropriate, special education and related services provided through distance instruction.” The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education later explained that school districts should be making every effort to provide special education instruction and services.
Districts must provide students with a FAPE during school closures and this “may include, as appropriate, special education and related services provided through distance instruction.” The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education later explained that school districts should be making every effort to provide special education instruction and services.
MHAP for Kids has created a helpful guide for parents and providers based on this most recent current guidance we have. There is also a tracking form available.
Tips for Families with children on the autism spectrum
Dr. Jessica Sassi, New England Center for Children in Southborough, was featured on WBUR and offered some tips for families with children on the Autism Spectrum who are now home due to COVID 19
Dr. Jessica Sassi, New England Center for Children in Southborough, was featured on WBUR and offered some tips for families with children on the Autism Spectrum who are now home due to COVID 19
Virtual Tours and Resources
Check out this list of virtual tours of museums, zoos, and theme parks, as well as information on religious and spiritual resources.
Check out this list of virtual tours of museums, zoos, and theme parks, as well as information on religious and spiritual resources.
Caring for Each Other Initiative
Sesame Workshop launches “Caring for Each Other” initiative to support parents and families during COVID-19 pandemic.
Sesame Workshop launches “Caring for Each Other” initiative to support parents and families during COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Education and COVID-19 – Webinar May 8
The Worcester FRC is co-hosting this webinar at 10 a.m. with Health Law Advocates’ Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids.
The Worcester FRC is co-hosting this webinar at 10 a.m. with Health Law Advocates’ Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids.
Children’s Bureau
Information and resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families
Information and resources from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Children & Families
Tips for ensuring educational stability during school closures
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education information for working with students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, in migrant, or in military families.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education information for working with students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, in migrant, or in military families.
Emergency Childcare Resources
The state has identified childcare programs to provide care to children of families designated as COVID-19 Essential Workforce.
The state has identified childcare programs to provide care to children of families designated as COVID-19 Essential Workforce.
DCF Educator Tip Sheet
Communicating with students, their families, and caregivers looks very different during this time of remote learning. Here are a few tips for educators working during these unprecedented times
Communicating with students, their families, and caregivers looks very different during this time of remote learning. Here are a few tips for educators working during these unprecedented times
Massachusetts Home Visiting Initiative Newsletter
Welcome to the MHVI Covid-19 Resource Digest, volume 3. We’re departing from our usual content for bring you resources for these times.
Welcome to the MHVI Covid-19 Resource Digest, volume 3. We’re departing from our usual content for bring you resources for these times.
Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents
Activity ideas to parents whose families are sheltering in place, social distancing, and homeschooling due to school closures amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. This fact sheet outlines activities families can do without supplies, in lighted or dark areas, to stay preoccupied when dealing with the stress of a major event.
Activity ideas to parents whose families are sheltering in place, social distancing, and homeschooling due to school closures amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. This fact sheet outlines activities families can do without supplies, in lighted or dark areas, to stay preoccupied when dealing with the stress of a major event.
The Pandemic Toolkit Parents Need
8 expert tips to help families stay regulated.
8 expert tips to help families stay regulated.
Guide to scheduling a parent child visit with Family Resource Center (FRC)
Schedule a parent child visit with your local Family Resource Center.
Schedule a parent child visit with your local Family Resource Center.
Financial, Housing, and Material Supports
Health, Wellness, and Hygiene
Announcement on Closings from the Department of Transitional Assistance
Effective March 18, all DTA local transitional assistance offices are closed to in person visits until further notice.
Effective March 18, all DTA local transitional assistance offices are closed to in person visits until further notice.
What to Do if You Are Sick - information from the CDC
Steps for presenting the spread of Covid-19 if you are sick - information from the CDC.
Steps for presenting the spread of Covid-19 if you are sick - information from the CDC.
Resources from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
There are a number of webinars available to continue educating communities about their rights and responsibilities when they are faced with certain issues, and to bring attention to the resources the Attorney General’s office has to offer. You can register for these trainings or share them amongst your communities using Eventbrite. Upcoming events include:
There are a number of webinars available to continue educating communities about their rights and responsibilities when they are faced with certain issues, and to bring attention to the resources the Attorney General’s office has to offer. You can register for these trainings or share them amongst your communities using Eventbrite. Upcoming events include:
- Civil Rights – Monday, April 13th 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilities – Wednesday, April 15th 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Teen Workers’ Rights – Thursday, April 16th 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
If you or someone you know is having their rights violated regarding sick time, travel compensation, or other issues as a result of the public health situation, call the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division hotline at 671-727-8400.
Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The following guidance, recommendations, and resources are provided by child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts.
The following guidance, recommendations, and resources are provided by child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts.
Information Sheet from Commonwealth Corporation
A range of resources and information for individuals and families.
A range of resources and information for individuals and families.
Three Ways to Boost Your Resilience as a Parent
Parents need support during these difficult times just like kids do. Here are a few self-care tips for adults.
Parents need support during these difficult times just like kids do. Here are a few self-care tips for adults.
Free Wifi
Xfinity is offering free wifi to individuals and families during the pandemic.
Xfinity is offering free wifi to individuals and families during the pandemic.
Your Mental Health and Wellbeing - Working Remotely During Covid-19
Advice for maintaining your mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.
Advice for maintaining your mental health from the American Psychiatric Association.
COVID-19 and Evictions
Information from MassLegalHelp regarding illegal evictions
Information from MassLegalHelp regarding illegal evictions
Health Care Toolbox
Health Care Toolbox, a Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress website, now has information and resources to help healthcare staff and families manage the stress/psychological impact of COVID-19. Healthcare professionals will find information on how stress caused by the pandemic impacts them, how to build coping and resilience skills, and signs of secondary traumatic stress. Families will find information on how parents can help their children cope, downloadable tip sheets, and additional resources.
Health Care Toolbox, a Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress website, now has information and resources to help healthcare staff and families manage the stress/psychological impact of COVID-19. Healthcare professionals will find information on how stress caused by the pandemic impacts them, how to build coping and resilience skills, and signs of secondary traumatic stress. Families will find information on how parents can help their children cope, downloadable tip sheets, and additional resources.
Your Mental Health and Wellbeing - Working Remotely During Covid-19
Links to pediatric clinical and mental health resources.
Links to pediatric clinical and mental health resources.
Massachusetts COVID-19 Symptom Check and Support
Check your symptoms and learn where to access help if you think you may have COVID-19
Check your symptoms and learn where to access help if you think you may have COVID-19
Safe Link
Safe Link is expanding their services and outreach for survivors and victims of domestic violence. They are available through Mass 2-1-1 and at 877-785-2020.
Safe Link is expanding their services and outreach for survivors and victims of domestic violence. They are available through Mass 2-1-1 and at 877-785-2020.
Health Literacy Project COVID-19 Fact Sheets
COVID-19 fact sheets available in 35 different languages.
COVID-19 fact sheets available in 35 different languages.
That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief
This Harvard Business Review article might help you better understand the grief you may be feeling right now.
This Harvard Business Review article might help you better understand the grief you may be feeling right now.
Behavioral Health Resources
Free support for individuals in substance use recovery
Free support for individuals in substance use recovery
Free Choice Recovery Coaching
Information from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Information from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
We All Need Help Sometimes - Public Information Campaign Graphics
Graphics and flyers to help educate about resources and supports that are available.
Graphics and flyers to help educate about resources and supports that are available.
Future without Violence Tip Sheet
Resources and information to support people living in fear
Resources and information to support people living in fear
Using good hygiene and staying away from large crowds (such as 50 or more people) are just two things you can do to try to avoid getting this virus. This flyer (in English and Spanish) from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides more tips for staying healthy (visit this link to access the flyer in different languages ). These are good habits to use even for the general flu season.
Learn to Cope
Resources and supports for individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery.
Resources and supports for individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery.
Massachusetts Certified Intimate Partner Abuse Education Programs
Information on programs available across the state.
Information on programs available across the state.
MassSupport Network - How We can Help
MassSupport Network provides community outreach and support services to residents of all ages in response to the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19. Info in English. Info in Spanish. Info in Kreyol.
MassSupport Network provides community outreach and support services to residents of all ages in response to the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19. Info in English. Info in Spanish. Info in Kreyol.
Adolescent and Young Adult Supports
Providers
COVID-19 Resources for Youth & Young Adult
Information and resources that may be beneficial to youth and young adults
Information and resources that may be beneficial to youth and young adults
Resource Guide for Providers
This resource is from Gina Plato Nino of the Central West Justice Center and Worcester Together
This resource is from Gina Plato Nino of the Central West Justice Center and Worcester Together
Transition Age Youth Access Centers
The Department of Mental Health has updated contact information for their Youth Access Centers
The Department of Mental Health has updated contact information for their Youth Access Centers
Summary of Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services
Infographic from the USDA
Infographic from the USDA
Best Practices Fact Sheet for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services
Infographic from the USDA
Infographic from the USDA
Region-specific Resources
Boston
Worcester
City of Boston's Office of Housing Stability Rental Relief Fund
The funds will assist income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston with their rental payments who:
The funds will assist income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston with their rental payments who:
- do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or
- because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income.
Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester
Information from the City of Worcester on available community resources
Information from the City of Worcester on available community resources
Online screening tool
from the Office of Housing Stability
from the Office of Housing Stability
WRTA Customer Bulletin
Rear-Door Boarding & Fares Waived for 30 days
Rear-Door Boarding & Fares Waived for 30 days
Chelsea Community Connections "Clothing our Community" Drop off Clothes Donations
Drop off your clothing donations on Saturday July 11 from 10am-1pm. Spanish version.
Drop off your clothing donations on Saturday July 11 from 10am-1pm. Spanish version.
New Hope
For Families of Southern Worcester County, New Hope is still operating remotely to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence. The best way to reach an advocate is by calling the hotline. 800-323-4673.
For Families of Southern Worcester County, New Hope is still operating remotely to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence. The best way to reach an advocate is by calling the hotline. 800-323-4673.
Chealsea Community Connections "Clothing our Community" Clothing Available for infants
Pick up clothing for infants size 12-14 on July 18 from 10am-2pm. Spanish version.
Pick up clothing for infants size 12-14 on July 18 from 10am-2pm. Spanish version.
Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Aid (CLA) is open and ready to assist our low-income and elderly neighbors with their civil legal needs involving eviction defense, family law issues, education law for kids with special needs, and access to government benefits. Focus currently is for resources on employment-related problems arising for low-wage workers who are finding it hard to navigate the Covid-19 landscape as it relates to their rights regarding unemployment compensation, paid leave, and other matters.
Community Legal Aid (CLA) is open and ready to assist our low-income and elderly neighbors with their civil legal needs involving eviction defense, family law issues, education law for kids with special needs, and access to government benefits. Focus currently is for resources on employment-related problems arising for low-wage workers who are finding it hard to navigate the Covid-19 landscape as it relates to their rights regarding unemployment compensation, paid leave, and other matters.
Worcester Public Library offers virtual help desks to patrons during closure
The Public Services librarians are available online or by calling 508-799-1699. Anyone may request a one-on-one virtual help session on the topics below with a staff member.
The Public Services librarians are available online or by calling 508-799-1699. Anyone may request a one-on-one virtual help session on the topics below with a staff member.
- eBooks Help - similar to our Thursday afternoon eBook Q&A, patrons can contact us to learn about eBooks and request help with any issues
- Citizenship Help - similar to our Wednesday night Citizenship class, patrons can request one-on-one for help studying the material
- Tech Help - similar to our Wednesday night Tech Help, patrons can receive tech help such as help with their devices or Microsoft programs
- Math Help - similar to our Wednesday night Drop-In Math and Computer Programming Tutoring for Adult Learners, patrons can receive one-on-one math help
Patrons may receive help for these services via telephone, email, or a virtual meeting, which ever method works best for staff and patron.
Worcester Housing Authority
Worcester Housing Authority COVID-19 Resources for Housing Authority Residents
Worcester Housing Authority COVID-19 Resources for Housing Authority Residents
Worcester COVID Parent Needs Survey
The Worcester Parent COVID Action Group is looking for parents to share their need in this survey, available in these languages:
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Vietnamese
The Worcester Parent COVID Action Group is looking for parents to share their need in this survey, available in these languages:
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Vietnamese
COVID-19 and Fall School Re-Entry
Join a free webinar on Massachusetts state guidance on COVID-19 school re-entry. The event will take place on September 18th at 10am.
Join a free webinar on Massachusetts state guidance on COVID-19 school re-entry. The event will take place on September 18th at 10am.
Parenting "Wired" Kids
Learn about remote learning safety and expand your understanding of internet culture in this workshop on Tuesday September 29th from 10-11:30 am.
Learn about remote learning safety and expand your understanding of internet culture in this workshop on Tuesday September 29th from 10-11:30 am.
Find Support for Clients Facing New Needs Related to COVID-19 at the Worcester FRC
Information on resources the Worcester FRC can support families with. If you're looking for food support, housing, or childcare, click here.
Information on resources the Worcester FRC can support families with. If you're looking for food support, housing, or childcare, click here.
Western Massachusetts
Northeast Massachusetts
Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support
Learn more about how loneliness and disease containment measures could impact the mental health of both children and adolescents. This event is hosted by the Greenfield FRC.
Learn more about how loneliness and disease containment measures could impact the mental health of both children and adolescents. This event is hosted by the Greenfield FRC.
Lyft Relief Rides
Mass 2-1-1 and Lyft are partnering to fill the gaps in transportation needs with RELIEF RIDES
Mass 2-1-1 and Lyft are partnering to fill the gaps in transportation needs with RELIEF RIDES
Lifting Lowellians: Assistance and Mutual Aid
Information and resources for people in the Greater Lowell area.
Information and resources for people in the Greater Lowell area.
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
An organization working to prevent and end homelessness through a Housing First approach that makes homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
An organization working to prevent and end homelessness through a Housing First approach that makes homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
Emergency Shelter
A list of shelters for individuals during the COVID-19 Crisis from the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.
A list of shelters for individuals during the COVID-19 Crisis from the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.
Holyoke Area Resources
Support & advocacy group for youth of color, ages 14-21.
Support & advocacy group for youth of color, ages 14-21.
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