For Patients and Families
This section has resources for Massachusetts residents.
ARC of Massachusetts
Provides advocacy, support, and community services for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities
Boston Resource Net
Information about human services in Boston
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
Provides financial assistance for Massachusetts families with children experiencing a medical condition requiring services that are not covered by a private insurer, federal or state health care assistance, or any other financial source
The Daniel Connection
A program of the Jewish Family and Children Services of Greater Boston providing support and financial aid to families of very ill patients
Easter Seals Disability Resource Line - (800) 922-8290
Referrals to Easter Seals and other services for equipment, housing, funding, support
Federation of Children with Special Needs
Provides parent education, advocacy training, resource specialists and excellent resource database online, including camp directory
Gateway Arts
Art program for people with disabilities to be paid for their work
Health Care for All, Massachusetts
Advocates for quality, affordable heath care
Jewish Family and Children Services of Greater Boston
Provides support services for immigrants, new mothers, people with disabilities/mental illness, elderly-both resources and support groups
Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Counsels
Connects local Parent Advisory Counsels in Massachusetts; has list of area advocates
Massachusetts Department of Education: Special Education
Massachusetts Special Education; see training for useful information
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
See DPH Programs for services such as Early Intervention, Care Coordination for children with special needs
Massachusetts Department of Social Services
Dedicated to the safety, permanency and well being of children who have been abused and neglected in family settings or by recognized caretakers
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance
Formerly known as the Department of Public Welfare- the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs for needy citizens
Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy
See Access to Healthcare in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Family Ties
Comprehensive Massachusetts resource database online, can be printed or viewed by topic
Massachusetts Family Voices
Massachusetts chapter of the national grassroots information and resource clearinghouse
Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council
Independent Living services maximize the independence and productivity of people with disabilities and promote integration into the community
Massachusetts Knight of Columbus
Provide money for van conversion, home ramps/lifts, hearing aids; must apply to local chapter - (781) 551-0628
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (Mass Rehab)
Provides public vocational rehabilitation, independent living services and disability determination services
Massachusetts
Official webpage for the state of Massachusetts; search for local government programs
MassResources
Information about the many types of assistance available to those in need living in Massachusetts, including eligibility checks
Massachusetts Department of Career Services and Unemployment Assistance
The Division of Career Services operates employment service programs, the Workforce Training Fund, and oversees the state's 32 One-Stop Career Centers. The Division of Unemployment Assistance administers the Unemployment Insurance program, the Medical Security Plan and produce Massachusetts' jobs and economic data
New England INDEX
Resources and information on disabilities in New England
Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Massachusetts
As the statewide organization of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, PAL provides support, education, and advocacy around issues related to children's mental health
Rebuilding Together, Boston
Volunteers rehabilitate homes in city of Boston
Special Needs Advocacy Network, Massachusetts
Provides professional development and support for advocates; has list of available advocates
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) RIDE
Public transportation for people with disabilities in Massachusetts
Institute for Community Inclusion
Promotes inclusion for people with disabilities in Massachusetts
Boston Leah (Leadership Education in Adolescent Health) Transitions Project
Information about transitioning into adult health care system for adolescents with special health care needs
Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.
Human services agency promoting self-help for people and neighborhoods, providing services at the local level, including housing advocacy
Mass Coalition for the Homeless
Has programs to bring food to families in temporary shelter, get furniture and household items for families and clothing for children and infants
Project Bread
Food Source Hotline (800) 645-8333 provides information about food pantries in Massachusetts
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
Volunteers provide hotline crisis counseling, adolescent and family services, support groups, medical advocacy and legal advocacy. BARCC also provides violence prevention education workshops
Boston Police Domestic Violence Unit
Contains contact information for district police officers and peace liaisons, who connect families to services
Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance
Provides direct assistance to crime victims
Mental Health Legal Advisor's Committee, MA
Provides advocacy information for people with mental health issues in Massachusetts: (617) 338-2345
