Description: 365DAD’s mission is to connect, equip and transform men with positive parenting practices to build better families through education, support, and services.
Services: Group & meeting facilitation, Program trainings, Outing coordination, Professional development for other providers, Consultations and Service referrals.
Service hours:Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Languages: English, SpanishServices include:
Some ABCD neighborhood sites offer assistance with the Earned Income Tax Credit, tax preparation, and financial literacy. Call for further information about each program.
Service hours:
Downtown office: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Other Locations:Allston-Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center (NOC)
640 Washington Street, Suite 203
Brighton
617-903-3640
Asian American Civic Association
87 Tyler St. 5th Floor,
Chinatown, Boston
617-426-9492
Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center
110 Claybourne St.
Dorchester
617-288-2700
East Boston Area Planning Action Council (APAC)
21 Meridian St.
East Boston
617-567-8857
Roxbury/N. Dorchester NOC
565 Warren Street
Roxbury
617-442-5900
JFK Family Service Center
23A Moulton St.
Charlestown
617-241-8866
Mattapan Family Service Center
535 River St.
Mattapan
617-298-2045
Mystic Valley Opportunity Center
11 Dartmouth St
Suite 104
Malden
781-321-2501
North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center
1 Michelangelo St.
Boston
617-523-8125
Parker Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Service Center
714 Parker St.
Roxbury
617-445-6000
South Boston APAC
424 W. Broadway St.
South Boston
617-269-5160
South End Neighborhood Service Center
554 Columbus Ave. Boston
617-267-7400
All services are available to residents of Boston, Malden, Medford, and Everett. Fuel assistance, Head Start, and some workforce development/job training and senior programs are available to additional suburbs. Suburban residents from towns other than those listed above should call for eligibility.
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Creole, Somali, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese. Ask about specific languages at program or neighborhood office when calling. Transportation Google MapsWe provide a full computer system for $50 with a lifetime warranty.
We also provide many free training opportunities to learn how to take care of computers and to learn to be in the computer or related businesses.
Service hours:Zoom meetings and in person at various times. Please call 617-522-1049 for the schedule.
Waiting time: We can usually get you a desktop computer within a week All classes are open immediately. Languages: English, some Spanish, some Haitian Creole, some Russian, some KinyarwandaThe Asian American Civic Association provides limited english-speaking and economically disadvantaged people with education, occupational training, and social services enabling them to realize lasting economic self-sufficiency.
AACA provides a range of services, including English classes, social services, job training, college preparation and a post-graduate retention program.
Services
Education
Training
M - F: 9am - 5pm
Languages: English, Chinese Transportation Google MapsThe BRN programs ensure that clients can maintain their commitments within and to the legal system and navigate programs to assist their transition as they leave incarceration.
Assisting people with a disability to live as full a life as possible through:
Monday through Friday: 8:45am to 5:00pm
Other Locations:1526 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
Any individual/family member who self identifies with a disability.
Waiting time: Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are not turned away, and assisted based on staff availability. Languages: English, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, ASL, Luganda, Swahili, Runyankore, Other languages accommodated through language line Transportation Google MapsBoston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Adult Education programming builds invaluable skills for life and work.
They offer a flexible and supportive approach focused on their students. Programs take place at many BCYF community centers in Boston. Each year, thousands of adults take part in BCYF education programs, including:
English As A Second Language or Other Language
They offer English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) classes at all levels. This includes those with little or no knowledge of English, to those able to conduct simple conversations.
Classes currently take place at the following locations:
They also offer ESOL classes at English High School and the Mario Umana Middle School Academy. BCYF Jackson/Mann Community Center offers a unique family literacy program. Parents and children can take part in classes at the same time.
High School Equivalency
Get Prepared
They offer High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation classes to adult learners at all grade levels. These classes help prepare you to take the HiSET or GED high school equivalency exams. They prepare you to understand the concepts stressed in the exam and build on your knowledge. The goal is to give you the ability to earn scores that exceed passing requirements.
Online learning
Their courses are becoming more focused on online learning and testing. This will help you build the computer skills to succeed in higher education and the modern workforce. Online learning also provides flexibility for students to access a quality education from their local community center or home.
Lots of Options
They are proud that BCYF was one of the first agencies approved to offer HiSET neighborhood testing sites in the state. You can take the HiSET or GED exams at a number of different times and locations. They are also the only HiSET paper-based testing site in Boston.
BCYF Adult Education Testing Locations:
Central Office: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Community Center schedules vary.
Transportation Google MapsBRIE’S Way is a collaborative storefront training center where Justice-Involved Individuals (JIIs) can access workshops in entrepreneurship, computer literacy, photography, videography and Justice 4 Housing’s innovative Hands On Defense (HOD) Trainings.
Service hours:10AM - 7PM est
Requirements & Restrictions:required to be formerly incarcerated
Languages: EnglishCCAE provides high-quality, place-based experiential education.
Other useful links
Requirements & Restrictions:
Must be 18 or older.
Transportation Google MapsThe Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) empowers a diverse community of adult learners to transform their lives and realize their potential through education, skills development, and community participation.
The Cambridge Community Learning Center helps adult learners:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is an anti-poverty agency fighting to empower people and mobilize resources to fight poverty’s causes and impacts. See specific services below:
May vary by program
Requirements & Restrictions:May vary by program
Languages: Amharic, English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish Transportation Google MapsThe Cambridge Public Library offers an array of innovative services that reach beyond research and circulation
Service hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday & Satursday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
Book drop open 24/7
Boudreau Branch: 245 Concord Ave. 02138 (Temporarily closed) (617-349-4017)
Central Square Branch: 45 Pearl St. (617-349-4010)
Collins Branch: 64 Aberdeen Ave. 02138 (617-349-4021)
O’Neill Branch: 70 Rindge Ave. 02140 (617-349-4023)
O’Connell Branch: 48 Sixth St. 02141 (617-349-4019)
Valente Branch: 826 Cambridge St. 02141 (617-349-4015)
Transportation Google MapsCatholic Charities operates a number of community service centers in eastern Massachusetts. The centers provide a wide variety of support services including some basic needs emergency assistance, education and training programs, transitional housing for families, child care, and family counseling, and support.
Programs:
For COVID-19 Program Updates, click here.
Service hours:See CCAB website
Other Locations:Catholic Charities Program Locations
Catholic Charities Labouré Center
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8500
Also home to Refugee and Immigration Services & Community Interpreter Services
Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8100
Catholic Charities North
117 North Common Street, Lynn
781-593-2312
Catholic Charities South
169 Court Street, Brockton
508-587-0815
Catholic Charities Yawkey Center
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester
617-506-6600
Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities
70 Lawrence Street, Lowell
978-452-1421
Catholic Charities Child Care Locations
Yawkey Child Care Center
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester
617-506-6600
Nazareth Child Care Center
19 St. Joseph Street, Jamaica Plain
617-522-4040
Lynn Child Care Center
37 North Federal Street, Lynn
781-598-5547 ext. 230
Malden Early Education and Learning Program
77 Salem Street, Malden
781-397-6055
Peabody Child Care Center
13 Pulaski Street, Peabody
978-532-6860
Labouré Child Care Center
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8500
Home Based Family Child Care
6 Pleasant Street, Suite 220
Malden, MA
781-605-3330
The primary mission of Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Charlestown Adult Education is to provide services that meet the needs of the people in the community, with first priority given to BHA and Boston residents.
Programs and services:
M - F: 9am - 5pm
Waiting time: Usually wait list for ESOL classes; Enrollment in GED within 2-3 months. Languages: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian Transportation Google MapsCollege Bound Dorchester was built by, and for, the community and individuals who believe in the transformative power of education, and currently operates as Boston Uncornered. The organization’s Uncornered model scaffolds the best practices of mentorship with the proven success of high expectations and provides financial support to ensure that young adults are able to progress from a past of incarceration to a future of higher education and employability with a goal of unlocking the brilliance and power of Core Influencers as positive agents of peace to drive community change.
They focus on young adults aged 18 to 30 to support reentry and success with services for:
COVID-19 Update: Their physical buildings are currently closed due to the pandemic but they are providing services virtually.
Service hours:Their buildings have reopened and we are following a COVID-19 policy that requires students to be vaccinated or wear a mask if not vaccinated.
Waiting time: Rolling admissions Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Creole Transportation Google MapsDOVE is a multi-service organization providing comprehensive direct services and support for victims of dating and domestic violence, as well as their children. DOVE’s services include crisis intervention, danger assessment and safety planning, supportive counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and representation, and community outreach, education, and training.
Programs & Services Include:
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Crisis hotline: 24/7
Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation runs a number of economic development programs, including a Reentry Program for returning citizens and the Workforce Development Program. These programs are available to Boston residents, and they offer individualized job pre-and-post job counseling and placement and job skill-building opportunities.
Reentry Program Participants can start in the program while in prison and continue after release with case management or come through different avenues. Guidance is offered with educational and employment goals, weekly support groups, and assistance with personal needs such as probation officer relationships and family/community relationships. Services provided can include job readiness programs, resume writing help, and a GED preparedness course.
Referrals are made on a case-by-case basis.
Update: Currently remodeling their building and have a temporary location at 572 Columbia Road, Dorchester. It is best to call and contact them before coming to the office. Doing meetings on zoom, on the phone, and in-person.
Service hours:Please call for an appointment at 617-533-9575
Requirements & Restrictions:Clients do not need a CORI to access services
Transportation Google MapsHaley House uses food with purpose and the power of community to break down barriers between people, empower individuals, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Five Branches
Education & Training
House of Hope is dedicated to assisting homeless families in Massachusetts. We provide services to families referred to us by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If you are a family or individual experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness, you can contact DHCD directly to gain access to resources and referrals:
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Stabilization
To apply for shelter services, please call (866) 584-0653 and speak with a Homeless Coordinator.
Understanding the need to empower homeless parents with essential employment skills, a positive employment experience, and an increased sense of self-worth to serve as the foundation for long-term employment stability, we developed the Learn2Work Program, which provides a supportive work environment that ignites the desire within each intern to successfully support their family and make a difference in their community.
The Learn2Work Program also provides “soft-skills training” (such as communication and interpersonal skills) and job-placement support to every intern. Interns gain job-skills in a supportive work environment (either retail or culinary) that empowers them to implement personal career plans and work through employment issues that are the basis for any employment success. The goal of the Learn2Work Program is to provide a supportive work environment that ignites the desire within each intern to successfully support their family and make a difference in their community.
Interns discover that work is valuable, work allows them to give back to society, and it builds their self-esteem. We have learned that our internships can literally transform our intern’s relationship to work.
The families who are living in our shelters will be the source of the 25-35 interns per year who will gain real world experience as they operate our retail store and prepare and serve our meals as they Learn2Work!
Learn2Work includes two initiatives: the Hope Chest Retail Program and a Culinary Skills Program.
ICW offers their students the opportunity to learn a valuable skillset, personal training, and this experience allows students to meet clients from opposite socio-economic backgrounds, build an invaluable network, all while making a stable living.
ICW also offers a case management program where they offer their students the opportunity to become ready for employment through resume workshops, mock interviews, housing assistance, and more.
Service hours:Mon-Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Fri: 9am- 2pm
(Hours may vary)
Prioritize individuals who have been referred by courts, jails/prisons, and organizations but is willing to help any individual who has been a victim/perpetrator of gun violence.
The Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program (JPCCALP) is the ideal way to develop your skills in English, math, reading, and writing, and make progress towards your goals. They offer free day, evening, and online classes convenient for busy adults. ALP is a full-service program where students can begin at any level and advance through the highest levels.
Life-long learners gain the basic skills they need to receive their General Educational Development (GED), enter job training programs, and apply for higher education and employment opportunities. You can:
Programs
Office is open M - Th: 10am - 7pm
Transportation Google MapsJeremiah Program is an organization focused on uplifting families and disrupting generational poverty. They facilitate an experience that partners with families led by single mothers to achieve a college degree while at the same time, preparing their children for educational success.
Jeremiah provides empowerment and life skills training and individual coaching at its home base in Nubian Square. Here, families study, learn, play, socialize, and cook in a supportive environment. Jeremiah assists moms with finding safe and affordable housing and quality early childhood education if needed.
JP Boston’s education partners include Endicott College and Southern New Hampshire University, known for their small classes, supportive faculty and administration with solid track records for supporting students who are parenting. Their partners are committed to the academic and employment success of our young mothers.
Program Benefits
The Kennedy Center develops and operates high quality programs that serve a wide range of ages and needs to residents of Charlestown and the greater Boston community. Services provided:
Eldercare Services:
• Daily social activities
• Monthly educational speakers
• Monthly health screenings and health education presentations
• Case management services
• Translation & interpretation services in Spanish, English, and Chinese
• Pickup and delivery of prescriptions medications for isolated, frail, and home bound elders
• Medical Escorts for medical appointments
• Trips to local shopping malls and recreational events are provided
• Cooking and healthy eating classes
• Heating fuel assistance application processing
• Emergency support service referrals
• Health screening/services and health services referrals
• Weekly senior exercise programs
• Access to a computer lab and computer training
Education Services:
• Preschool Programs
• Toddler Childcare/Early Head Start
• After-school Program
• Parent Handbooks
Community Services:
• Information and referrals to education and job training programs
• Positive parenting classes and food shopping on a budget
• Healthy cooking classes and food shopping on a budget
• Classes in budget preparation and financial literacy training
• Assistance in accessing all forms of local, State, Federal, and corporate low-income support services such as fuel assistance, food stamps (SNAP), housing vouchers, WIC, Summer Works jobs, and low cost internet and computers, etc.
• Emergency support services for those that are: in need of food, clothing, shelter, transportation services to critical appointments; information about and/or referral to organizations that provide services for individuals/families dealing with issues of domestic violence, substance abuse/addiction, and/or mental health concerns.
• Information and referrals for basic health screening services for children and adults.
• Annual Holiday Gift Drive that provides seasonal gifts for over 500 children from low income families (For Charlestown families only)
• Annual Community Pot Luck Luncheon.
Provides affordable housing, education, training, community engagement, and supportive services, including:
Cambridge Biomedical Careers Program: This free 9-month training program (September–May) prepares participants for entry-level jobs in the biotechnology, life sciences, and medical research industries, and supplies local employers with work-ready, diverse employees. The laboratory training is done in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College. In the program, students also receive job readiness training such as preparing a resume, interviewing, and job search, and are introduced to industry professionals through career talks and employer site visits. After graduation, students receive follow up services for up to one year, until they are placed in relevant employment.
There is no tuition fee. Applications are accepted April through August. Eligibility requirements include: a GED or HS diploma, Massachusetts residency (primarily Cambridge, Boston, and MetroNorth), income eligibility, age 18+, and good reading and math skills.
Contact: 617-918-7520
Information Technology Careers Program
The JAS IT Career Program is a FREE educational and career skills training program that prepares individuals for Computer User Support Specialist positions in any business environment. The program is ideal for people who are looking for a new career or are entering the job market for the first time.
Through this training module students are able to obtain stackable industry recognized credentials and certificates (i.e. CompTIA, CompTIA A+, etc.)
Contact: 617-918-7520
YouthBuild/Just-A-Start: JAS YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth development program for 16 to 24 year-old out of school youth that provides education leading to grade level increases and credential attainment (high school diploma or HiSET – formerly GED); career exploration and employment skills building (with a construction/facilities maintenance and/or healthcare focus); and leadership and life skills training. Through their housing community service work experience, youth gain occupational skills leading to HBI PACT and OSHA certificates (industry recognized credentials), in addition to applied academic skills and leadership development. JAS YouthBuild also provides comprehensive guidance, counseling, case management, and support services. Youth who complete the program transition to employment, training, and/or college and receive intensive follow-up support for at least one year, with additional support beyond.
Contact: youthbuild@justastart.org or 617-918-7506
Home Improvement Programs: Provides assistance in managing home improvement projects and helps homeowners, condominium associations, and landlords secure financing for housing improvements. JAS’s experienced rehab specialists guide clients through the entire process, from application to completion.
Contact: 617-918-7514
Homeowner Services:
JAS offers an array of services to meet the ongoing needs of low and moderate income homeowners in Cambridge. These services include: technical assistance with property maintenance and repair; advisory services for condominium association finances, management, and compliance; education and training courses; and leadership development for condominium associations.
Contact: 617-918-7514
Real Estate Development Projects:
As part of its core mission, Just-A-Start (JAS) develops and owns affordable apartments that allow low and moderate income residents to live in Cambridge at rents that are within their means. JAS currently owns nearly 600 units and has partnered with Maloney Properties and Wingate to provide the portfolio with professional management. If you are interested in affordable rentals in Cambridge, please contact Maloney Properties and Wingate for more information.
Mediation/Conflict Resolution:
To avoid evictions and/or homelessness, Just-A-Start (JAS) professionals mediate and help resolve disputes between tenants, landlords, homeowners, and others by creating a safe, neutral forum in which meaningful dialogue can occur. Mediation allows parties to understand each other’s perspectives, explore options, and come up with a resolution that everyone feels comfortable moving forward with. Through these efforts, JAS has helped thousands of individuals reach compromise and address conflicts before they spiral out of control, often preventing unnecessary eviction. For qualifying cases, JAS professionals also provide mediation to resolve consumer disputes referred through district courts or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Contact: 617-918-7518
Other Locations:
YouthBuild
1175 Cambridge St. Cambridge
617-242-1460
Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate and proof of address.
Transportation Google MapsJRI works in partnership with individuals, families, communities and government to pursue the social justice inherent in opening doors to opportunity and independence.
JRI offers a wide array of services including:
Free, confidential and individualized tutoring for 2 hours per week in basic literacy and ESOL scheduled for mutually convenient times at public locations convenient to the student and tutor.
Depending on health restrictions in place at any given time due to COVID-19, tutor/students may be restricted to remote tutoring only.
Service hours:Office hours are M - F: 9am - 5pm. Please call for an appointment. Tutoring is flexibly scheduled between the volunteer tutor and the adult student for mutually convenient times.
Requirements & Restrictions:Must be over 16 and not currently enrolled in a public school. Primary service population is adults who read below the 6th grade level. No walk-ins; call for appointment.
Waiting time: Their waiting list varies. The average wait time is 6 to 12 months. Transportation Google MapsWith a fundamental belief in the importance of building equity, diversity and inclusion in postsecondary education for underrepresented students, they provide personalized guidance and encouragement to support Massachusetts high school students, parents, and adults pursuing education beyond high school.
While the services at the Center differ depending on individual needs, their advisor always help students:
MassEdCO has advised many returning citizens in the past and is familiar with the kinds of assistance returning citizens may require in accessing higher education. MassEdCO provides help with completing college and financial aid applications and with career planning.
Interested in meeting with an advisor? Make an appointment by calling 617-536-0200 or complete their online intake form.
Other Locations:www.massedco.org/locations
Transportation Google MapsMassHire Boston Career Center aims to provide state-of-the-art services that successfully connect business and job seekers of Greater Boston.
Programs:
Office: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Program hours vary
The mission of MJE is to end neighborhood violence by empowering mothers and youth to challenge the normalization of violence and become effective catalysts for change in their homes, schools, and communities.
Programs
New Beginnings Reentry Services, Inc. works in partnership with community agencies to empower and provide supportive services to formerly incarcerated women to successfully rejoin their communities. NBRS addresses the critical issues of education, physical and mental health, as well as personal development through programs and services.
Languages: SpanishCulinary arts job training 12-week program, which includes technical training along with personal coaching and career readiness. Job placement assistance at the completion of the program. To learn more and to begin the application process, please attend one of the information sessions, held every Tuesday at 9:30am in person.
Service hours:
M-F: 9am-3pm
Requirements & Restrictions:NECAT’s program is free of tuition cost to students and is designed for individuals who are:
– Unemployed or underemployed (earning a low income) with limited access to training opportunities
– Dedicated to working hard and securing a permanent job after the program
– Interested in a career in the hospitality or food services industries
– Able to commit to the 12-week program, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 4 pm
– At least 18 years old
– Legally able to work in the state of Massachusetts
– Able to show proof of a high school diploma or GED / HiSet
– Committed to staying in touch with NECAT for at least two years after the program
Services
In addition, Seniors enjoy a number of programs including a drop-in senior center, health, exercise, and wellness classes, social activities, discounted taxi vouchers, and a supermarket shuttle.
They provide hot meals on Mondays and Fridays, as well as snacks 3 times a week, primarily for seniors, people who are disabled or homeless.
Additionally, they offer a range of educational presentations; job readiness programs; assistance with your search for affordable housing; assistance with your health insurance application (Medicare Part B); translation and interpretation services in Italian, Mandarin, and Turkish, and notary services.
During the holidays, they can provide holiday meals, gifts, and participation in their Adopt-a-Family program.
Service hours:Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
Other Locations:Boston Public Library, West End Branch
151 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-523-8125
Low income residents of Boston for most programs. Bring I.D. and proof of income for your first visit.
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Turkish Transportation Google MapsNuestra Comunidad is devoted to building the wealth and enhancing the physical, economic, and social well-being of Roxbury and other underserved populations in greater Boston through a community-driven process that promotes self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization.
On The Rise is a day program for women and trans/nonbinary individuals currently experiencing or recovering from homeless. We provide tangible, day-to-day essentials in our Safe Haven, including showers, breakfast and lunch, mail, toiletries, computers, a nap room, and more. Our team of Advocates work closely with people on a wide variety of issues, ranging from employment, substance use, mental health, physical health, moving logistics, applying for housing, legal issues/court, and more. For those with the fewest options, we cultivate long-term relationships that foster safety and belonging. Guided by the strength and initiative of our program participants, we join their journey to wellbeing, as skilled partners and advocates.
Service hours:Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
Tuesday: 12pm-3:30pm
If you have not visited them or used their services before, they ask that you complete a low-threshold intake with one of their Advocates. There is no formal referral process to engage with their program.
Languages: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole Transportation Google MapsOWLL is a grassroots collective of BIPOC, White, and Differently Abled Artists who commit their art for racial and social justice. They bring together underrepresented voices from Boston’s urban communities in leadership workshops that culminate in theatre productions celebrating their cultural heritage and social experiences. Their collective works with community partners to ensure a focus on the social justice issues most relevant to the participants and serves as a basis for deep community listening, transformation, and the development of a new narrative for the participant’s and their community’s future
The Massachusetts Parole Board operates regional reentry centers across the state. These centers help inmates make the transition from prison to the community. Staff help released inmates to:
These centers are open to released inmates with no post-release supervision. If you are a released inmate, members of their department may be able to bring you to the reentry center closest to your release address. This program is also available to former inmates at any time after they are released.
Other Locations:Locations:
Regions 1 and 2
60 Clayton Street, 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 376-6260
Region 3
100 Willow St., Lynn MA 01902
(978) 750-1900
Region 4
340 Main Street, Suite 380, Worcester 01608
(508) 753-7252
Region 5
436 Dwight Street, Springfield 01103
(413)-784-1210
Region 6
499 Essex Street, 1st Floor, Lawrence 01840
(978) 687-6342
Region 7
231 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Brockton 02301
(508) 587-0987
Region 8
1204 Purchase Street, New Bedford 02740
(508) 999-4820
Region 9
188 Concord Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham 01702
(508) 875-0621
Prison Book Program is a nonprofit organization in Quincy, MA that sends packages of free, hand-selected books to incarcerated readers in all 50 states. Requestors write letters to us with the kinds of books they like to read, and volunteers select books from our library and package the books for the mail at our weekly volunteer sessions (typically 4 per week). We specifically welcome the expertise and insight of formerly incarcerated people and returning citizens. Our volunteer sessions are a fun, friendly way to get involved, help others, and put your knowledge about the prison and/or jail system to good use.
Anyone can sign up for a volunteer spot on our website: www.prisonbookprogram.org (click “volunteering”) or at www.bostoncares.org.
Service hours:We typically hold volunteer sessions four times a week, usually Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. There are fewer sessions during the summer months. Please consult our volunteer schedule online to check that a session is happening.
Other Locations:There are dozens of groups like this one across America. See the website for a list. http://prisonbookprogram.org/resources/other-books-to-prisoners-programs/
Requirements & Restrictions:None. We welcome all volunteers.
Waiting time: 2-3 months Languages: Our volunteer program is conducted mostly in English, but we carry books in many languages and receive requests in many languages as well. Volunteers who speak languages other than English are welcome. Transportation Google MapsProject Hope is a multi-service agency at the forefront of efforts in Boston to move families up and out of poverty. They provide low-income women with children access to education, jobs, housing, and emergency services.
Services:
Although our building is closed for now, they are here for you. Just call 617-442-1880 or email info@prohope.org.
Click here for COVID-19 resources.
Service hours:M – F: 9am – 5pm
Languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole Transportation Google MapsRian Immigrant Center has a vision of a shared society where all are welcomed and valued, and enjoy equal opportunities and protections. By embracing their Irish traditions of hospitality and social justice, they empower more than 3,500 immigrant and refugee families from over 120 different countries every year with a comprehensive range of support services.
Services include:
For updates on COVID-19, click here.
Languages: Albanian, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, SpanishRoca’s mission is to be a relentless force in disrupting incarceration, poverty, and racism by engaging the young adults, police, and systems at the center of urban violence in relationships to address trauma, find hope and drive change.
Programs
Other Locations:Boston
845 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02119
617-442-3101
boston@rocainc.com
Lynn
52 Andrew Street
Lynn, MA 01901
781-780-9611
lynn@rocainc.com
Springfield
29 School Street
Springfield, MA 01105
413-846-4301
springfield@rocainc.com
Holyoke
384 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
413-437-7714
holyoke@rocainc.com
Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.’s mission is to help youth caught in cycles of poverty, victimization and violence transition successfully into adulthood.
Services:
SCALE’s mission is to provide adults opportunities to achieve their goals in a supportive, diverse, welcoming learning community through academic programming and guidance.
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
St. Mary’s Center offers a wide variety of programs for women and children. St. Mary’s serves as a safety net for vulnerable families and children–providing a haven and home as well as life-changing programs and services.
Programs
The Bridge to College program prepares adult students to succeed in college-level courses. Participants work on their reading, writing, math, computer, and study skills. Students who successfully complete the Bridge to College Program:
The Fall 2021 Bridge to College Program will run from September 2021 through June 2022.
Classes meet from 6: 15 – 9:15 p.m.
Questions? Contact Eleanor Stafford, program coordinator, or text/call 857-285-3217.
Requirements & Restrictions:You must have a GED, HISET or a high school diploma. (Foreign high school diplomas must be translated into English)
Cambridge residents have priority
Transportation Google MapsThe Home for Little Wanderers helps build stable lives and hopeful futures for children who are abused, neglected or at-risk. The Home for Little Wanderers ensures their emotional, social, educational and physical well-being from birth to age 26 through a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of critical services.
Programs
At USES, they offer programs that support the whole family in achieving economic mobility.
Programs
M - F 8am - 6pm. Call or visit website for class schedule.
Transportation Google MapsWhether you are looking to grow in your current career or try something new, Urban College of Boston has a program for you. They offer affordable and flexible learning options in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Haitian Creole, so you can personalize your college experience to fit your needs and schedule.
Programs
Service hours:Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm
Requirements & Restrictions:No international admissions. High School diploma required for an associate degree. High School diploma recommended for certificate program
Transportation Google MapsLocated in the Opportunity Center, the Framingham Women’s Transition Program offers a safe and supportive environment where female ex-offenders can get the support they need to make a successful transition to life in the community. Program participants are assigned a case manager who will assist them in developing an Individual Service Plan (ISP) designed to meet their personal goals.
Requirements & Restrictions:To be eligible for services, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:
The X-CEL School offers pre HiSET, HiSET, and College Prep classes at several four locations in Boston. Most of the classes have “rolling admissions” so that students can begin at any time. This was done in part to make it possible for returning citizens to begin classes no matter when their incarceration ended. Classes are small and each student advances through the skill levels at his or her own pace.
STRIVE: This program is a collaboration between STRIVE Employment Services and X-Cel. STRIVE operates a 5-week job readiness program, which runs Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. The program focuses on changing the participants’ behavior and attitude so that they will be successful in securing employment and keeping it.
Integrated into STRIVE’s 9 – 5 program, X-Cel comes in twice a week for two hours each day to provide reading and math classes in preparation for the HiSet exam. At the end of the five-week cycle, STRIVE participants who lack a high-school diploma, are then referred to one of X-Cel’s community-based HiSet prep classes. The reading and math classes at STRIVE/Codman Square are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm – 4pm. Also see the STRIVE Directory Listing.
X-Cel Conservation Corps breaks the cycle of poverty by preparing Boston youth for careers in water management and conservation that lead to economic self-sufficiency. Key components of the X-Cel Conservation Corps include workforce readiness development, paid conservation projects to improve water quality and build environmental resilience in Eastern Massachusetts, classes to prepare for wastewater operator license, and paid internships in the water management field.
Service hours:Morning classes Mon-Thurs. 10:am-12:30pm
Evening classes Mon.-Wed. 6-9:30PM
No walk ins. Must make appointment for intake.
Other Locations:Physical location is at 39 Smith Street, Second Floor, Roxbury MA 02119
They are no longer holding classes at any other locations at this time.
Requirements & Restrictions:Must be 18 or older.
For GED: must be able to read at 4th grade level.
For College Prep: must have GED or High School Diploma.
Waiting time: Open enrollment (no waiting list) Languages: English Transportation Google MapsYOU Boston is a workforce development organization that works with young people, ages 16-24, who are court-involved or gang-affiliated, reentering the community from incarceration, or seeking refuge from poverty or violence.
Services
9am-5pm typically, however flexible
Requirements & Restrictions:YouthBuild Boston aims to empower and assist underserved young people from the Boston area with the essential social, vocational, academic, and life skills necessary to navigate a positive pathway to self-sufficiency and neighborhood responsibility
Programs
As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston helps individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with the goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.
The F.Y.R.E. Initiative is YW Boston’s leadership and empowerment program for middle school girls in the Greater Boston area. The program’s curriculum incorporates social justice education, positive identity development, and civic engagement. Each weekly session is designed to promote dialogue and experiential learning to cultivate empathy and increase social-emotional learning.