Resources

Local, State, and National Resources

Massachusetts 2-1-1:  Dial 211 for a Free Massachusetts Information and Referral Helpline!  Visit our website for a comprehensive list of services we can connect you with:  http://www.mass211.org/

MOC (Montachusett Opportunity Council), Fitchburg, MA delivers a variety of services including child care, education, workforce development, nutrition, health, community services, asset development, energy conservation and housing & homelessness services.  MOC carries out those services through three main divisions: Child Care & Head Start; Nutrition &  Wellness and Housing & Community Services.  For more information on the many services MOC offers, please visit:  http://www.mocinc.org/

The United Way of North Central MA – Everyone deserves opportunities to have a good life, a quality education that leads to a stable job, and enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.  The United Way provides the building blocks for a good life.  United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes addressing the underlying causes of these problems.  Living united means being a part of the change.  It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future.  For more information about the programs offered by the North Central United Way visit:  http://www.uwncm.org/programs

The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Gardner, MA provides support to Military Veterans and their families in need of services to develop a resilient, self-sufficient lifestyle essential to succeed in today’s environment.  Since it’s inception, the Cneter has been faithful to the mission, vision, and guiding principles of found Cathy Stallings McWilliams.  MVOC offers low-income housing alternatives, counseling, case management, job training, personal development, Veteran’s benefit resource assistance, medical transportation and food assistance.  MVOC is home to twelve transitional veteran, single occupancy units and seven low-income housing units, a food pantry, a drop-in center and administrative offices with a dedicated staff on hand for Veteran related inquiries during business hours.  For more information about MVOC visit:  http://www.veterans-outreach.org/

Arc Community Services, Inc., Fitchburg, MA which was incorporated in 1952, is a private, not for profit organization providing services to individuals who need special assistance in the areas of employment training; job placement; alternative day programs for adults where employment is not feasible; elderly services; summer enrichment programs; community inclusion programs; and recreational/social activities. The organization also provides family support and information services.  For more information visit their website:  http://www.arcofopportunity.org/

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program - We assist individuals of all disabilities to go to work. If you are unemployed or underemployed, you may be able to benefit from vocational services. All VR consumers must reside in Massachusetts and be eligible to work in the United States. The Fitchburg MRC Office serves individuals who reside in the following towns: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Gilbertville, Groton, Hardwick, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, New Braintree, Oakham, Pepperell, Princeton, Rutland, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, and Winchendon.  Any individual with a disability can inquire about obtaining services. Friends, relatives and health care providers can also refer an individual to MRC. Our services are designed to assist individuals with disabilities to make informed choices about work. For more information visit:  http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/disability-services/vocational-rehab/vr-area-offices/fitchburg.html

Face to Face Mediation Programs in Ma - In 1983, the Attorney General's Office pioneered the Face-to-Face (FTF) Mediation Program, adding a more formal mediation process to the continuum of services that help consumers resolve disputes. The Attorney General's Office currently funds 15 FTF community mediation programs serving more than two-thirds of the cities and towns and 49 District Courts throughout the Commonwealth.  The mediators are trained and certified in mediation skills and techniques in compliance with statutory requirements. Mediations are confidential and can be conducted at various stages of disputes. Consumers can seek mediation through a FTF program after an unsuccessful LCP mediation or before or after filing a complaint in the small claims court.  For more information, click here:  http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/consumer-assistance/mediation-services/face-to-face-mediation.html

Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life.  If you or someone you know is interesting in joining Job Corps, call 1-800-733-JOBS1-800-733-JOBS or 1-800-733-56271-800-733-5627 where an operator will provide you with general information about Job Corps, refer you to the admissions counselor closest to where you live, and mail you an information packet.  Click the link below to learn more about Job Corps and the programs they offer.  http://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx

Our Father's House, Fitchburg, MA - Homeless and Transitional Services to Men, Women, and Children.  Our Father's House has grown from a shelter of last resort which provided a bed and a meal, to an agency that offers comprehensive case management services to homeless.  The Emergency Shelter Program is partially funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development.  Visit Our Father's House at:  http://ofhshelter.com/Home_Page.html

Project Bread is committed to providing people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life with access to nutritious food. Finding out about the resources that are available—and taking advantage of them—are the first steps to keeping you and your family healthy. Project Bread works to fully enroll individuals in state and federal nutrition programs as well as refer callers to local food resources.  Food Source Hotline:  Our Food Source Hotline—a toll-free hotline that is the only comprehensive statewide information and referral service in Massachusetts for people facing hunger—can connect you to food resources in your community. 

Call 1-800-645-83331-800-645-8333 for assistance.  Need help applying for food stamps visit:  http://www.gettingfoodstamps.org/homepage.html

Locks of Love - This non-profit organization was incorporated in 1997 and utilizes donated hair and resources to provide hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children under 18 with medical hair loss.  The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.  Visit our website for more information:  http://www.locksoflove.org/