Expansion of the Family Resource Center Program Announcement

Family Resource Centers logo

The Baker Administration is pleased to announce the expansion of the Family Resource Center (FRC) program to a total of 21 sites as of July 1, 2017.

The program is a statewide network of community-based providers offering a range of services and resources to all of the Commonwealth’s children and families, including those specific to Children Requiring Assistance. Since being established in 2015, the FRCs have provided services to more than 20,000 family members in Massachusetts.

Currently, there are 18 FRCs across the state, with at least one in each of the 14 Massachusetts counties. The new FRC sites are located in Framingham, Holyoke, and Athol. They are each incorporated within an existing community service program and co-located at their facility:

  • Framingham – Wayside Youth & Family Support Networks
  • Holyoke – Enlace de Familias de Holyoke / Holyoke Family Network Inc.
  • Athol – Valuing Our Children

There are also plans in development to open an additional FRC in Everett by the end of 2017.

FRCs provide all residents of the Commonwealth with community-based, culturally competent services including: information and referrals, evidence-based parenting classes, youth and parent mutual self-help support groups, grandparent support groups, and access to a statewide network of community-based providers offering services for families with children ranging in age from birth to 18 years. FRCs also have specific services available for families with children who may be frequently absent from school, have serious problems at school or at home, have run away, are living on the streets, or are being exploited or trafficked. Through the work of the FRCs, families can access needed support, focus on strengthening their bonds, connect with others, and engage in their communities.