Family Resources
Eligible Programs
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy food, nutrition and health education, and other services free of charge to eligible Massachusetts families. Almost all Head Start families are eligible for WIC services. To find out more about WIC or to apply, call 1-800-WIC-1007 or contact a WIC program in your community.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP
SNAP is a government assistance program to help eligible families buy food. The amount of SNAP food stamps you may receive depends on your household size, income, and expenses. They can be used to buy almost any food item in any supermarket where you usually shop for food. Some people must work to qualify for SNAP food stamps, while others are exempt from the work requirement. Learn more and see if you’re eligible here.
EI is a program to help infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or are at risk for such delays. To find an Early Intervention program, go to Early Intervention Programs by City or call 1-800-905-TIES
Learn more about MassHealth and how to apply here. This link also includes an application for individuals in the community, including those under 65, families, and people with disabilities.
Family Support
211 connects callers with free information and referrals for food, shelter, rent assistance, utility bill assistance, after-school programs, child care, counseling, senior services, disaster relief and more! The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are confidential and are available in multiple languages and TTY. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available: 1-877-211-MASS (6277).
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies provide fuel assistance and weatherization programs, housing assistance, housing search and homeless prevention programs, free tax preparation and other asset development programs to assist low-income people. Find your local agency here.
Family Resource Centers support families who are in crisis or who need help. Click here to find the location nearest to you.
Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The statewide commission serves as a resource to the commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents raising grandchildren, and relatives, other than parents, raising kin.
MassHire Career Centers offer employment and training services for job seekers and employers. They are located across the state. Find your local Career Center here.
Health & Mental Health
Healthy Children is a website sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics that provides information on children’s stages of development and many health topics. The American Academy of Pediatrics is dedicated to the health of all children. Their website has news, research, health and safety tips, health initiatives, and lots of information for parents! You can also like their Facebook page to easily stay up to date on health news for children.
Parents Helping Parents offers free anonymous phone support, 24/7 at 1-800-632-8188.
Massachusetts Act Early aims to educate parents and professionals about healthy childhood development, early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders, the importance of routine developmental screening, and timely early intervention whenever there is a concern. Find free resources to help you track your child’s milestones here.