Skip to Main Content

Reentry Resources for Merrimack College's Jail Education Project

Support for Reentry: Publications

Purpose & Use of this Guide

This online guide is meant to provide an overview of services for returning community members in counties of Eastern Massachusetts. The resources here reflect the self-determined needs of individuals awaiting release from the Middlesex County Jail system. As such, the services and programs found herein are tied to the geographical interests of individuals interviewed.
The guide is meant to be a living, evolving resource that will be updated, modified, and enhanced in accordance with community members' needs and aspirations, and the ever changing landscape of opportunities available for re-entry in Massachusetts. 

Books & eBooks

Reentry Checklists & Timelines

Streaming

Former offenders face enormous obstacles once they leave prison. John Oliver sits down with Bilal Chatman to discuss the challenges of reentering society.
Just over half of the African American male population in New Orleans is unemployed, partly because of former encounters with the criminal justice system that make it incredibly difficult to find work. In the city, there are a handful of organizations that work to help prisoners upon their release through forms of support like housing and job training. "Basically, everybody in my community is in prison," says Dianne Jones, who heads one of the first re-entry programs to serve women in New Orleans. "As a black mother, I feel as if the system was designed to fail me here." In this short documentary, we uncover the processes and pitfalls of re-entering society after being incarcerated.
After Maryam Henderson-Uloho was convicted of obstruction of justice, she was sentenced to 25 years in a Louisiana prison. Ultimately, she served 13 years—more than half of that time in solitary confinement. When she was released, she felt dehumanized. “You see, in prison, you’re broken—mentally, emotionally, and physically,” says Henderson-Uloho in the short documentary Sister Hearts. “I didn’t know what to do. I was alone. I was scared. I had no one.” An ex-felon, Henderson-Uloho was unable to open a bank account or a credit card. She couldn’t rent an apartment. Nobody would employ her. “I had to go inside myself and find something good about me,” she says. “I felt like trash … I needed help.” This is the incredible story of how she turned her life around—and continues to support other female ex-offenders
“We are not going to idly sit by and not reclaim our rightful place in this country.” A New Way of Life Reentry Project founder Susan Burton shares her story of pain, poverty and abuse that led to years in and out of prison. Today, as a leading advocate for formerly incarcerated women, Susan provides support and services to help women rediscover, reimagine and rebuild their lives. She took her powerful story of personal transformation and collective power to the US Commission on Civil Rights.
In 2017, the NewsHour reported on the first podcast produced entirely from inside of a prison. “Ear Hustle” offers a rare look at inmate experiences, from race relations to sharing a tiny cell. One of the show’s co-hosts was released in November, and Jeffrey Brown went back to California to catch up with him and find out what’s next for the hit podcast.
"Our stories can be far reaching and life-changing - if we are brave enough to tell them." The women from the Voices From the Inside, Joanne Liupaono, Kimmy Takata, and Sai Ako share their stories to bring awareness of society's actions before and after imprisonment. “Transpired from a creative writing program at the Womenʻs Community Correctional Center, we have evolved into a group called ‘Voices From The Inside.’ We deliver a dramatic presentation of our personal life stories through our writings, along with a skit and song. Our team consists of three women who represent three hundred women behind us. We have been through many challenges in finding forgiveness, compassion, humility and most of all integrity in our efforts to change. Through this journey we have discovered that not too many people have the same vision as we do, and a lot of us are misinformed of what change means to us. Our purpose is to inspire our youth, motivate parents and captivate our leaders. We are a vehicle used for reconciling the past and healing the present so we can embrace our future. As ex-inmates in this transformative process we are likely to instill value in our communities.”

Comprehensive Re-entry Support

Multi-Service Agencies Assisting Returning Community Members

Project  Place

1145 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02118

(617) 542-3740

info@projectplace.org

https://projectplace.org/

Services:

  • Assist in the obtainment of vital documents (birth certificates, driver's licenses, Mass ID, Social Security cards)
  • Job Training, Career and Skill Development
  • Case Management for Housing Services: "Case Managers address housing needs, help research options, and guide the client through the application processes".
  • CORI Assistance
  • Housing
  • Recovery & Mental Health Support
  • Working with probation or parole
  • Transportation Assistance
  • Anger Management

Special Programs:

  • Project Plan Enterprises: Choose from one of three paid, part-time work programs geared toward building skills to assist re-entry to the workforce
  • Skill Development & Industry Internship Programs
  • Nurturing Fathers Program
  • CREW (Community Reentry for Women)
  • Enrollment Form
Reentry Planning (from Mass.gov)

Reentry planning check-list 

Thrive (Lawrence & Lowell)

175 Cabot St. Suite 100-E

Lowell, MA 01854

(978) 483-0211

9:30am-5pm, M-F

Join to become a member and receive support if you are…

  • Incarcerated and preparing to be released within 12 months. Or persons in community who were released from incarceration within the past 12 months.
  • Over 25 years old.
  • Planning to return to or living in Lowell or Lawrence, MA.
  • Concerned about facing the challenges of reentry alone.
  • Seeking opportunities for healing and reconciliation.
UTEC Emerging Adult Reentry Project (serving Lawrence & Haverhill)

35 Warren Street

Lowell, MA 01852

(978) 856-3902

  • For adults, 18-25 yrs. old
  • Work Readiness Program
  • Education
  • Transitional Coaching
  • Substance use and mental health services

 

Resources for Women: Housing and Health

Shelter and Housing

Bristol Women's Shelter

205 Bacon Street

Waltham, MA 02451

(781) 893-0108

bristollodge@mhsainc.org

Services:

  • Provides temporary, emergency shelter accommodations for 12 homeless adult women.
  • Operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Phone calls are accepted beginning at 9:00am.
  • After successfully completing the intake process, women are given access to individualized case management to address and provide referrals for housing, employment, mental health, substance abuse, financial insecurity, nutrition and more.
  • For individuals 18 years or older
  • This is a dry facility.
  • Maximum stay: 90 days

On the Rise, Inc.

341 Broadway

Cambridge, MA 02139

Other locations:

First Parish Church

1446 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02138

PH: (617) 497-7968

info@ontherise.org; https://www.ontherise.org/

Services:

  • Childhood and adult abuse or assault
  • Domestic violence
  • Addiction
  • Housing 
  • Mailing address services
  • Medical and Mental health care
  • Legal issues
  • Education & training

Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole

 

Mental Health

Domestic Abuse/Intimate Partner Violence

SafeLink

877.785.2020
TTY: 877.521.2601

A resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Advocates are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Alternative House 

P.O. Box 2100

Lowell, MA 01851

(978) 937-5777

24-Hour Hotline: 1-888-291-6228

https://www.alternative-house.org/

Services:

  • Residential/Housing: Emergency, transitional, Permanent & affordable housing, and rental assistance
  • Legal advocacy/Court Accompaniment
  • Support groups, Counseling
  • Education: workshops, job training, enrollment assistance for GED programs, college enrollment. 

Domestic Violence Ended (DOVE)

https://www.dovema.org/

email: info@dovema.org

24-Hour Hotline: (617) 471-1234 OR 888-314-3683

SafeLink Hotline (emergency shelter): 1-877-785-2020 

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 690267
Quincy, MA 02269

Locations served: Avon, Braintree, Canton, Cohasset, Dedham, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton, Norwood, Quincy, Randolph, Sharon, Stoughton, Walpole, Westwood, and Weymouth.

Services:

  • 24 hr crisis hotline
  • Emergency Shelter
  • Community based advocacy and counseling: (617) 770-4065, EXT 300 (leave a message on the the intake line)
  • Support groups:  (617) 770-4065, EXT 300 (leave a message on the the intake line)
  • Children's services: (617) 770-4065, EXT 320
  • Chinese advocacy programs: (617) 770-4065, EXT 304
  • Legal advocacy program: (617) 770-4065, EXT 400 (leave a message on our intake line)
  • LGBTQ Services: (617) 770-4065, EXT 300 

 

Elizabeth Stone House

One Westminster Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
Main line: 617.427.9801
Intake line: 781.400.0770

info@stonehouseinc.org

Services:

  • Support services (mental health, financial stability, immigration)
  • Childcare/Daycare
  • Housing

The Women's Center

405 County Street

New Bedford, MA 02740

PH: (508) 996-3343

OR

209 Bedford Street

Fall River, MA 02720

PH: (508) 672-1222

TTY: (508) 996-1777

info@thewomenscentersc.com ; http://www.thewomenscentersc.com/

Services:

  • Comprehensive, FREE, confidential services to all ALL (children and men included) survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood trauma,
  • Counseling, education, outreach
  • Referrals and resources

 

Re-Entry Services--General

General Re-Entry Programs and Services

Cambridge Women's Center

46 Pleasant Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

PH: (617) 354-6394

Helpline: (617) 354-8807

info@cambridgewomenscenter.org

https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/

Services:

  • Drop-in day center program providing a safe space for all who identify as women (ages 48 +);

  • In-person and telephone helpline offering emotional support and resource referrals on topics such as homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance use, mental health, and trauma;

  • Informational resources on housing, employment, legal services and more

  • Material assistance, including free food, clothing and Computer Lab access.

  • Free classes, workshops and groups, (20+ each month) including creative arts, trauma support, financial planning, LGBTQ+ support, English-Spanish conversation, wellness and self-help, and much more!

Hands of Hope Pantry & Outreach Center, Cape Cod Council of Churches

49 Rt. 28, PO Box 387

West Harwich, MA 02671

PH: (508) 432-1312

Contact: Cathy Driscoll, Program Director

churcheshoh@comcast.net; https://www.capecodcouncilofchurches.org/hands-of-hope-food-pantry-and-outreach-center.html

Services:

  • Emergency assistance to low-income families of need in the mid-Cape area (Mashpee to Harwich)
  • Food
  • Financial assistance to prevent evictions and homelessness, emergency shelter, assistance with utility and medical bills, clothing, and small household goods.
  • Faith Family Kitchen, located at the Faith Assembly of God, 154 Bearses Way, Hyannis, is currently providing
    pre-packaged meals to go on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays,
    5:30-6:30pm.

 

New Beginnings Re-Entry Services (NBRS)

55 Roxbury Street #191302

Roxbury MA 02119

PH: (857)-237-2780

info@NewBeginningsReentryServices.org OR stacey.borden@newbeginningsreentryservices.org

https://www.newbeginningsreentryservices.org/

Services:

  • Trauma-informed services
  • Expressive Therapy through the Dramatic Arts
  • Licensed drug & alcohol counseling
  • Re-Entry house (opening soon)

Women's Prison & Re-Entry Project

105 Chauncy Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02111

Contact: Miriam Ruttenberg or Stephanie Goldenhersh

mruttenberg@publiccounsel.net

sgoldenhersh@law.harvard.edu

The Women’s Prison and Re-Entry Project serves women incarcerated in Massachusetts’ prisons and jails, or those who have been involved with the criminal justice system. The Project normally operates at South Bay House of Correction in Suffolk County. In teams, volunteer attorneys meet with women and answer questions regarding family law, child custody, care and protection, housing, CORI, and criminal warrant clearing. During COVID-19 they are not visiting prisons or jails in person but are available to do Zoom educationals as requested by facilities or re-entry programs.

WPRP has launched a new Clemency Project which offers legal representation regarding petitions for clemency to incarcerate women serving long sentences. For more information, please contact Lola Remy, Director of Pro Bono Programs at LRemy@womensbar.org

Women's Transition Program, SMOC (South Middlesex Opportunity Center)

7 Bishop Street, 2nd Floor

Framingham, MA 01702

PH (Opportunity Center): (508) 620-2690

https://www.smoc.org/women-transition-program.php 

Services:

  • Program participants assigned personal case manager who assists with developing an Individual Service Plan to meet personal goals.
  • Offers a WIDE variety of services: Addiction services; Mental/behavioral Health support; Alternative rental voucher program; Career counseling and support; Child care/Head Start; Domestic violence and sexual assault services; "Family Self-Sufficiency"; Fuel assistance; GED/HS equivalency support; Job training & JobLink voucher program; Rental assistance program; Shelter/Safe Home services; WIC Nutrition program assistance...and more.
  • Participants must be:
    • Recently released from a Massachusetts Correctional facility (within the past 6 months)
    • Currently incarcerated and scheduled for release within the next 6 months
    • Currently on probation or parole

Education and Employment

Education

St.Mary's Center for Women and Children

90 Cushing Avenue

Dorchester, MA 02125

General Information: (617) 436-8600

contact@stmaryscenterma.org; https://stmaryscenterma.org/

*Serves: Dorchester, East Boston, and Roxbury

Services:

  • Women's Learning Resource Center: Offers ABE (Adult Basic Education) and pre-HiSet and high school equivalency preparation courses to women who are balancing life and family. 
  • Life skills and community resources components are integrated into the classroom schedule, allowing students to make sustainable changes in their families by learning about parenting skills, child development, learning disabilities, school advocacy for their children, and housing, education, childcare, legal, and mental-health community supports.

More Coming Soon!

Employment: Job Training and Work Readiness

More Coming Soon!

Recovery Services for Women

Substance Use Recovery

Boston

Brigham and Women's Bridge Clinic is a rapid-access, low barrier clinic for patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), including alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, amphetamines, etc. They take a harm reduction and compassionate approach for patients in all stages of recovery.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

75 Francis Street (Near Main Entrance)

Boston, MA 02115

Brigham and Women's Bridge Clinic provides the following services:

  • Medications for the treatment of addiction (e.g., buprenorphine/Suboxone™, Sublocade™, naltrexone, Vivitrol™)
  • Individual and group peer support with a recovery coach or social worker
  • Connection to community resources for food resources, housing, identifications cards, employment, education, etc.
  • Provides a “bridge” to longer-term treatment that fits each patient’s self-identified path for sustained recovery when an individual is ready for that transition
  • Addiction Psychiatry
  • Infectious Diseases (HIV, Hepatitis C, etc.)
  • Women's Health (pre-pregnancy, pre-natal, and post-partum)

Middlesex County

Maris Center for Women

197 Elm St.
Salisbury, MA 01952

(978) 462-2595 

Maris Center for Women offers a safe, supportive residential program where 40 women can focus on recovery and healing with a minimum commitment of 3 months for an extended period of up to two years. Maris Center residents contract to abstain from all drug and alcohol use and addictive behaviors, attend appropriate AA/NA meetings and participate fully in all additional aspects of therapy. Daily group programming and 24-hour supervision are provided. Residents are encouraged to fully integrate into the community through employment and community service and are required to pay a portion of their treatment fee/rent, provide their own meals and contribute to the upkeep of the Center. The Maris Center provides a safe place to begin the healing of mind, body and spirit. Residents receive 24-hour support through program staff and peers. Of the 40 placements at Maris Center, 12 are reserved for incarcerated women participating in the Women in Transition (W.I.T) pre-release program, run in partnership with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.

Women's Sober Living at Sober Surroundings 

https://sobersurroundings.com/locations/medford/

South Shore/South of Boston

Adcare Treatment Centers

Recovery and support services:

  • Inpatient 
  • Outpatient
  • Criminal Justice Services

Multiple Locations:

1419 Hancock Street, Suite 201

Quincy, MA 02169

617-328-0639

88 Faunce Corner Rd.

North Dartmouth, MA 02747

508-999-1102

95 Lincoln Street

Worcester, MA 06105 

508-453-3053

Steppingstone, Inc.

Recovery and support services:

  • Residential rehabilitation
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Peer recovery support
  • Coordinated Care network services (counseling, family support services, section 35 services, housing, and more.

Multiple Locations:

Fall River Women’s Program
522 North Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Contact: Courtney Furtado
Phone: 508-674-2788 ext. 11106
cfurtado@steppingstoneinc.org

Transition House
542 North Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Contact: Anthony Mendes
Phone: 508-674-2788 ext. 11142
amendes@steppingstoneinc.org

New Bedford Graduate Program
977 Pleasant Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Contact: Christine Marceau
Phone: 508-984-1880
cmarceau@steppingstoneinc.org

New Bedford Women’s Program
979 Pleasant Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Contact: Christine Marceau
Phone: 508-984-1880
cmarceau@steppingstoneinc.org

Outpatient Program
279 North Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Contact: Katharine Tyler
Phone: 508-679-0033
ktyler@steppingstoneinc.org

Housing

State and Regional Housing Resources

Tenants' Resources, Massachusetts

Rental Kit (from HUD):  https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance

Housing Programs in Massachusetts: https://www.masslegalhelp.org/housing/finding/housing-programs

Massachusetts Tenants Rights: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tenant-rights

Massachusetts Tenants Rights, Laws, and Protections (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/states/massachusetts/renting/tenantrights

Massachusetts Tenants' Screening & Rights (2017): https://www.masslegalhelp.org/housing/lt1-chapter-2-tenant-screening.pdf

Multi-County Services

NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (NHS) (Brockton, Kingston, New Bedford, Quincy) provides services aimed at providing affordable, safe housing and financial skills and resources to individuals and families. Services include: emergency rental assistance; shelter and homelessness prevention; first-time homebuyer education and counseling; financial coaching; foreclosure prevention; affordable residential and small business loans. 

  • Homelessness Prevention. Contact Kathy Facchini at (781)-422-4222 for information about the following:

    • Housing Resources- Housing Consumer Education Center

    • RAFT 

    • HomeBASE

    • Family Shelter program

  • Rental Resources. Contact Angelica Gomez at (781)-422-4226 for information about:

    • Rental Assistance & Section 8

    • Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

    • Tenants / Landlords & Owners

General Contact Information & Locations:

Brockton

Located in the Multicultural Banking Center at HarborOne

68 Legion Parkway

Brockton, MA 02301 

Phone 617-770-2227

Kingston

169 Summer Street

Kingston, MA 02364 

Phone 781-422-4200

New Bedford

196 Union Street

New Bedford, MA 02744

Phone 774-328-9925

Quincy

422 Washington Street

Quincy, MA 02169

Phone 617-770-2227

Middlesex County

Community Teamwork (Part of Mass "Network of Care")

155 Merrimack Street

Lowell, MA 01852

PH: (978) 459-0551

kross@commteam.org; https://www.commteam.org/program/housing-supports/

Community Teamwork works with people wherever they are on the continuum of need for housing security, from struggling to meet basic rental and utility expenses to facing homelessness and even to supporting people who are ready to achieve homeownership. Services: 

  • Federal & state rental vouchers

  • Housing Consumer Education And Emergency Rental Assistance (HCEC)

  • One of eight Regional Administering Agencies (RAAs) that manages subsidized housing assistance, or Rental Assistance

  • Emergency shelters for individuals and families

North Shore

Coming Soon!

South Shore/Plymouth County
  • Father Bill's and MainSpring (FBMS): FBMS currently operates more than 600 permanent supportive housing units across Southern Massachusetts for individuals and families. 

MainSpring House: 54 North Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301. Phone: 508-587-5441

Father Bill’s Place: 38 Broad Street, Quincy, MA 02169. Phone: 617-770-3314

Email: info@helpfbms.org

  • Serving: Quincy, Brockton, Plymouth
  • Most individuals in PSH are those with disabilities and/or those who have previously been homeless for a significant period of time, and would have difficulty accessing or maintaining mainstream housing.
  • Rapid Re-Housing: FBMS administers short and medium term rental assistance through the Emergency Solutions Grant.
  • PSH tenants pay 30% of their income as rent. They are assigned a case manager who helps ensure participants are accessing the services they need to successfully remain housed.

Streaming

Gina Chiala, an attorney for The Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom, offers five things you can do to protect your rights as a tenant
Learn about what you can do if you feel you’ve been discriminated against in housing. Find out more about the steps in the complaint process.
Lisa Waltke, manager of Austin Apartment Specialists, review how Austin apartments perform criminal background searches, what they are looking for and what your options are a renter if you are trying to rent and have a criminal record.
Chip Parker, manager of Apartment Experts North in Austin, Texas discusses the criminal history check portion of qualifying for an Austin apartment. This is part of a series on qualifying that includes: Income and Employment Verification Credit History Check Rental History Check Criminal History Check (this video)
Tenant Lawyer, Eric Castelblanco, talks about what the most frequently asked questions that tenants may have. Find out what makes an apartment uninhabitable, how often your landlord can raise the rent, and more!
Approximately 38 million housing units in the United States pose potential lead-based paint hazards.

Education

Returning to School: Resources & Programs

Free publications available for download. These online publications, produced by the John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity, are available for free downloading. John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity is dedicated to advocacy for returning citizens and community members. 

Continuing Your College Education

High School Equivalency Credential Program--Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)

  • DTA will provide a voucher to cover the fee for you to take the test required to earn the credential via either the GED or HiSET pathways
    • https://www.mass.gov/info-details/choose-a-tafdc-pathways-to-work-program#high-school-equivalency-credential-
    • Contact: DTA.EmploymentServices@state.ma.us
GED vs HiSET
  • They are about the same in terms of difficulty level
  • GED tests may ONLY be taken on a computer
  • HiSET is available in paper OR computer formats
  • Successful completion of either test will result in the equivalent of a Massachusetts high school diploma.
  • Both are accepted and recognized by virtually all employers

(Above--and below--information is from the Abisi Adult Education Center, a division of Lowell Public Schools.)

To further compare and contrast the tests, see the chart below...

Books

Streaming

Pass the GED with 50 standard GED math questions designed to make you easily prepare for the test.
It turns out that saving all of your studying until after midnight on the night before your big exam is not actually a great way to prepare. Today, Thomas explains some test prep strategies that actually work.
College is often presented as THE best path to success. But it's not the only path. Is college really the best option?
In this video, we walk you through the process of applying for admission at a U.S. community college.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to apply for more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds. Check out this video for info about the FAFSA and the resources available to help fill out this important application.

Employment

Job Training and Career Resources

Employment Resources Online

Books & eBooks

Streaming

Legal Resources & CORI

CORI & Employment

Requesting a copy of your CORI

You can get a copy of your CORI by mail or online. For mail requests, contact the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) at 617-660-4600. For online request, visit the Massachusetts iCORI website.  

CORI: General

Services in Massachusetts

American Bar Association: Free Legal Answers (online)

Massachusetts Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal advice clinic in which qualifying users post civil legal question to be answered by pro bono attorneys licensed in their state. Question topics include Family, Divorce, Custody, Housing, Eviction, Homelessness, Consumer Rights, Financial, Work, Employment, Unemployment, Health and Disability, Civil Rights, Income Maintenance, Juvenile and Education Law.

https://mass.freelegalanswers.org/

Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services

60 Gore Street, Suite 203

Cambridge, MA 02141

Phone (CASLS): 617-603-2700

Free legal advice and representation is offered in the following general areas:

  • Housing- eviction defense, denial of public housing or Section 8; termination of Section 8

  • Benefits- denial or termination of federal disability benefits; denial or termination of state benefits including EAEDC, SNAP (food stamps), TAFDC, MassHealth, EA shelter

  • Elder issues- housing, nursing home issues, Social Security, SSI, elder abuse

  • Criminal cases are not handled

  • Languages: Spanish; translators available for other languages

**Requirements & Restrictions: Residency in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Woburn, or Winchester.

Greater Boston Legal Services

197 Friend Street Boston, MA 02114 

Ph: 617-371-1234 OR Toll-free: 800-323-3205

www.gbls.org/ 

Other Locations:

Cambridge

60 Gore St., Suite 203, 

Cambridge, MA 02141

617-603- 2700; TDD: 617-494-1757

Roxbury Courthouse

85 Warren St. Roxbury, MA

Walk-in clinics on the 3rd Thursday every month from (9:00am – 12:00pm); Community legal education provided.

Dorchester Courthouse

410 Washington St. Dorchester, MA

Walk-in clinics on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday every month (9:00am – 12:00pm); Community legal education provided.

Services: GBLS provides free legal representation and legal advice to low-income individuals and families in civil cases. GBLS also engages in systemic litigation, class actions, and legislative advocacy on behalf of clients. GBLS does not handle criminal cases.

Special programs/resources/services:

  • CORI & Reentry Project: GBLS is the only legal services program focused on legal representation of clients in court on CORI issues and legal advice on criminal record sealing, expungement, appeals of denials of CORI sealing petitions, professional licensing problems, CORI barriers and discrimination related to jobs and other opportunities, including EEOC or other CORI law violations.

  • Welfare Unit: Includes obtaining and retaining TAFDC and EAEDC cash benefits, SNAP/Food Stamp benefits, childcare and education/training benefits, and issues related to any of these benefits.

  • Housing Unit: GBLS provides eviction help for tenants, home foreclosure prevention, preservation of affordable housing, access to and preservation of shelter for the homeless, and representation of people with children living in a shelter who are denied priority status or who are denied eligibility because of CORI or tenant suitability.

Harvard Prison Legal Assistance Project

108 Austin Hall, Harvard Law School

Cambridge, MA 02138

(617) 495-3127 (Collect calls accepted)

The Harvard Prison Legal Assistance Project provides direct in-person service to indigent inmates, advocates for prisoners charged with violating prison regulations, represents prisoners at the Parole Board and disciplinary hearings, provides research assistance for domestic post-conviction, reviews civil rights arguments, and offers other services to prisoners. Because this program is university-affiliated, it may not be staffed during transitional periods in the academic schedule.

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

3 Locations: 

Boston Office

1 Ashburton Place, Suite 601

Boston, MA 02108

Phone: 617-994-6000

mcad@mass.gov; www.mass.gov/mcad 

MCAD Springfield Office

436 Dwight Street, Room 220

Springfield, MA 01103 

MCAD Worcester Office

484 Main Street, Room 320 

Worcester, MA 01608 

Services:

  • MCAD investigates and prosecutes Complaints of Discrimination that occur in Employment, Housing, Public Places, Access to Education, Lending, and Credit. 

  • An individual who lives or works in Massachusetts and feels they have been discriminated against can come to one of the MCAD offices and file a complaint. It will then be investigated by staff on their behalf.

  • In-person appointments required for most-non housing related complaints

  • File by mail via attorney 

  • There is no fee to file a complaint with MCAD

  • MCAD cannot accept complaints based on incidents over 300 days old. 

  • Bring all names, contact details, witness names, date of incident, and any relevant paperwork for investigating your claim

    • Employment cases: Bring your employer’s name, address, the approximate number of employees, and the name of the parent company, if applicable.

    • For housing cases: Supply the landlord’s or property manager’s name, the real estate company’s name, or the real estate agent’s name, if appropriate.

    • For public accommodations: Bring the name of the owner or manager of the establishment.

Mass Legal Help

An online clearinghouse of information on all things related to the legal system in Massachusetts. Filled with tons of credible information from legal advocates and lawyers throughout the state. 

https://masslegalhelp.org/

Mass Legal Resources Finder

An online, searchable directory designed to help Massachusetts residents find legal help and information. The programs listed in our directory are non profits that offer free or low cost legal services. Most of these programs can only serve low-income Massachusetts residents.  Some programs can help Massachusetts residents of any income, particularly if you are age 60 or older or a victim of crime or abuse. All information you provide through the screening process is anonymous. Note: You can utilize this online resource to determine if you qualify for legal aid services (free/low-cost legal assistance).

https://masslrf.org/en/home

 

 

Mental Health, Wellness, and Addiction

Community Resources & Services: Alphabetical by County

Multi-County Services

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

800.273.8255

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Samaritans Hotline

877.870.HOPE (4673)

Samaritans provides life saving suicide prevention services throughout Greater Boston, MetroWest, and across Massachusetts. Our services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental.

LGBT Helpline - Fenway Health

Toll Free: 888.340.4528

617.267.9001

Talk to trained volunteers about safer sex, coming out, where to find gay-friendly establishments, HIV and AIDS, depression, suicide, and anti-gay/lesbian harassment and violence. 

Barnstable

Harbor Community Health Center--Hyannis

735 Attucks Lane

Hyannis, MA  02601

(508) 778-5420

https://www.hhsi.us/locations/harbor-community-health-center-hyannis/

  • Assessments
  • Brief interventions
  • Coaching
  • Screenings
  • Follow-up visits during medical appointments
  • Recommendations and referrals to long-term services
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Boston/South Shore

Bay State Community Services

1120 Hancock Street

Quincy, MA 02169

PH: 617-471-8400

info@baystatecs.org; www.baystatecs.org

  • Services: Outpatient counseling; day programming, recovery services (peer support & recovery coaching); child & family home-based services.
  • Locations in Quincy:
    • A New Way Recovery Center: 85 Quincy Avenue, Suite B, (617)302-3287

    • Family Resource Center: 1120 Hancock Street, (617) 481-7227

  • Braintree: 400 Washington Street, (781) 817-6675

  • Plymouth: 

    • Home Based Child & Family Services, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 305, (508) 830-3444

    • Family Resource Center, 430-3 Court Street, (774) 283-6531

  • Walpole: Turning Point Recovery Center, 32 Common Street, (508) 668-3960

Bowdoin Street Health Center

230 Bowdoin Street

Dorchester, MA 02122

PH: 617-754-0100

Bowdoinstreethealth@bidmc.harvard.edu

www.bidmc.org/locations/bowdoin-street-health-center

  • Services: Adult medicine; Family practice & Pediatrics; Family planning; HIV services; Geriatrics; OB/GYN; Eyecare; Physical Therapy; Mental Health & Counseling; Nutrition services; Foot Care; Community Health programs
  • Other locations:

25 Staniford Street

Boston, MA 02114

PH: (617) 626-8000

dmhinfo@state.ma.us; www.mass.gov/service-details/forensic-services

Services:

  • Court-based forensic mental health assessments & consultations for people facing criminal or delinquency charges and civil commitment proceedings.

  • Forensic Transition Team provides re-entry services for DMH clients who are transitioning from prisons, jails, and other detention centers.

  • Jail diversion activities

Catholic Charities South Boston--Laboure Center

376 West 4th Street

South Boston, MA 02127

(617) 464-8500

https://www.ccab.org/basic-needs/counseling-services/

Daniel Driscoll Nesponset Health Center--Dorchester

398 Nesponset Ave.

Dorchester, MA 02122

(617) 282-3200

Website

Fenway Health

Arsin Building, 1340 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215

PH: (617) 267-0900

myfenway@fenwayhealth.org; www.fenwayhealth.org

  • Services: Primary healthcare for adults & children; Behavioral health; Eye care; Dental care; Women’s health; Transgender health.
  • Other locations:

    • Fenway-South End, 142 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02111, (617)457-8140

    • Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center (for young adults 12-29), 75 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 457-8140

Essex County/North Shore

Catholic Charities, Family Counseling and Guidance Center--Salem

280 Washington Street

Salem, MA 01970

(978) 774-6820

https://www.ccab.org/basic-needs/counseling-services/

  • A range of behavioral health options and services
  • Also includes substance abuse counseling

 

More coming soon!

Middlesex County

Cambridge Sharing Circle

PH: (617) 642-1615 OR (617) 876-6883

office@fmcquaker.org

www.fmcquaker.org/community/committees-and-groups

Contact Person: Patricia Wild

Services: Dinner meetings every Wednesday at 6pm for formerly incarcerated individuals and their loved ones to meet, share and enjoy supportive community. If emailing, use “Attn: Patricia Wild” in the subject line.

Catholic Charities--Merrimack Valley

70 Lawrence Street
Lowell, MA 01852
978-452-1421 or 978-454-9946 (food pantry)

https://www.ccab.org/location-merrimack

Services: Basic Needs, Family Support Services, Food Pantry, Parent Support Services

 

Norfolk County

Lamour Clinic Health Institute 

44 Diauto Drive

Randolph, MA 02368

PH: 781-885-7252

info@lamourclinic.org; www.lamourclinic.org

Services: 

  • Community Health Programs for people of all ages. Adult programs include:

    • Recovery/Recovery Coaching

    • Mental/Behavioral Health services

    • Community Support Program: Short-term service that “includes navigating systems related to follow-up regular health maintenance, general assistance with day-to-day activities or helping to reduce problems (medical and behavioral) that may be related to health concerns, helping with transportation to these appointments. Establish and maintain linkages necessary for support ability to live successfully in the communities, jobs, education or other resources.”

Plymouth County

Harbor Health Community Health Center--Plymouth

10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 115

Plymouth, MA  02360

(508)-778-5470

https://www.hhsi.us/locations/harbor-community-health-center-plymouth/

  • Assessments
  • Brief interventions
  • Coaching
  • Screenings
  • Follow-up visits during medical appointments
  • Recommendations and referrals to long-term services
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Community Health Clinics in Essex County

Community clinics in Essex County Massachusetts as well as family health centers provide the low income and uninsured with primary medical care and medicine. Programs and services are offered to people regardless of their ability to pay for their medical bills or medications.

The greater Lawrence, Haverhill, and surrounding communities have access to a number of services. They include family practice, maternal and child health, free dental and medical, education, prescriptions, and health care for the homeless in the region too.

The list below are just some of the several clinics in Essex County that offer medical and dental care to those who have no insurance and those who cannot afford to see a dentist or a medical doctor. Most facilities have variable fees in place that will bill a patient based only on what they can afford to pay towards their bills.

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center – This is arguably the leading community clinic and health center in Essex Massachusetts. A fee scale is in place that will attempt to offer the most affordable health care, at reduced rates, to those can’t afford to pay. If your income is low enough your care may be even offered at no cost. The locations of the health centers are.

  • 150 Park Street
    Lawrence, MA, 01841
    Primary telephone number - (978) 685 - 1770
  • Center address - 34 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA, 01841
    Dial (978) 686-0090
  • 73 D Winthrop Avenue, Plaza 114, Lawrence, MA, 01843
    Main phone number - (978) 686-3017
  • Location - 700 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA, 01841
    Dial (978) 689-2400

Lazarus House Ministries – This location administers St. Luke’s Dental and Medical Program. Both dental care and medical services are provided, such as medications, lab work, physicals, and child care.
Location of clinic - 260 Park Street
Lawrence, MA, 01841
Dial (978) 269 – 5284 for hours or an appointment.

LifeBridge Salem
Location - 56 Margin Street, Salem, MA, 01970
Phone number of facility (978) 744-0500

Lynn Community Health Center
Focuses on helping individuals and families in the Lynn Massachusetts area.
Address of center - 269 Union Street, Lynn, MA, 01905
Telephone - (781) 581-3900

North Shore Community Health, Inc. – Also has several dental clinic locations and regular facilities.

Family Health Center (with Dental Services)
Location - 47 Congress Street, Salem, MA, 01970
Call (978) 744-8388 for information on high quality, and possibly free dental care such as cleanings, extractions, and consultations.

Another health center is at 302 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930
Dial (978) 282-8899

89 Foster Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Call (978) 532-4903

Medical Center of North Shore is a separate facility than the one above.
Location - 47 Congress Street, Salem, MA, 01970
Call (978) 825-1107

A second center is at 89 Foster Street, Peabody, MA, 01960, call (978) 532-4903

Community Health Clinics in Middlesex County

Clinics in Middlesex County Massachusetts and Cambridge can provide free or low cost primary health care for people of all incomes and backgrounds. A number of assistance programs can be offered to qualified people, including prescription expense assistance, family planning, and vision services, among others. In addition, referrals can be made for free or reduced cost specialty care at nearby hospitals in the Cambridge area when necessary.

Many of the leading health and dental centers and clinics Middlesex County Massachusetts are listed below. While in general most community clinics can offer general medical care for adults and children, diabetes care, women's health care, and vision assistance, the services will vary. Therefore if you need help in the form of lower medical or hospital bills you will need to call the facility closest to you in order to get details on the types of care and financial assistance programs offered by the center near you. 

Cambridge Health Alliance--Malden
Address - 195 Canal Street, Malden, Massachusetts, 02148
Phone number - (781) 338-0500. Call for information on ways to get health care that are local to the Cambridge Massachusetts area.

CHA Broadway Health Center
Address: 300 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts, 02145
Telephone: (617) 284-7000

CHA Cambridge Family Health
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02140
Call (617) 575-5570
This is another local clinic that is part of the Cambridge Health Alliance group of hospital and clinics.

Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC) – Call one of the two nearby clinics in the area.

  • 585 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts, 01854. Phone - (978) 937-9700
  • 17 Warren Street, Lowell, MA, 01852.  Phone - (978) 322-8500

CHA East Cambridge Health Center
163 Gore Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141
Dial (617) 665-3000 for information or to get the hours of the clinic. A number of doctors and medical professionals offer services to patients who need help.

CHA Union Square Family Health
Location - 337 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143
Phone - (617) 665-3370

CHA Windsor Street Health Center
119 Windsor Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02239
Phone number - (617) 665-3600

Framingham Community Health Center – There are two centers that are part of health center in Framingham. A sliding fee scale may be offered for low income or uninsured patients, which can possibly help people save money on the medical bills and care. Call them for information or referrals to charity care programs.

  • 19 Concord Street, Framingham, Massachusetts, 01701. Phone - (508) 370-0113
  • 72 Union Street, Framingham, MA, 01702. Phone - (508) 270-5700

Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center - Waltham
Primary health care is provided to selected people in Allston, Brighton, and Waltham areas of Massachusetts.
564 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02452
Phone :(781) 693-3800

Metrowest Free Medical Program – Those who live in the western side of the county may qualify for free health and dental care from this local clinic.

  • 105 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776. Phone:(508) 532-0739
  • 110 Edgell Rd, Framingham, Massachusetts. Phone:(508) 532-8585

The Sharewood Project – Volunteers doctors, nurses, and others administer high quality health care to those in need. Stop by or call The First Church of Malden 184 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, 02148. (781) 324-8991

Windsor Street Health Center
Clinic address is 119 Windsor St., Cambridge, MA, 02139
Main phone number - (617) 665-3600 to ask about charity care or financial aid programs.

North Cambridge Health Center
Another one of the many clinics in the Cambridge area. Call them for referrals or information on medical checkups, prescriptions, immunizations, and any other services they may administer. Some programs may be focused on low income, children, or uninsured using a sliding fee scale.
Address - 266B Rindge Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140
Phone (617) 665-3340

Riverside Health Center
Health center address - 205 Western Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
Telephone number - (617) 575-5620

Community Health Clinics in Norfolk County

Clinics in Norfolk County can provide free or low cost primary health and dental care for people of all incomes and backgrounds. A number of assistance programs can be offered to qualified people, including prescription expense assistance, family planning, and vision services, among others.

American Family Care-- Urgent Care (Low-Cost Clinic)--Deedham

370 Providence Highway

Dedham, MA, 02026

(781) 461-0200

https://www.afcurgentcarededham.com/

Boston Children's/South Shore Hospital--South Weymouth

55 Fogg Road

South Weymouth, 02190

(781) 624-8000

https://www.childrenshospital.org/about-us/locations/south-shore-hospital

Brigham and Women's Harbor Medical Associates, Urgent Care Center--South Weymouth

Stetson Medical Center

541 Main Street

4th Floor, Suite 414

South Weymouth, MA 02190

https://www.brighamandwomens.org/harbor-medical-associates/urgent-care

Carewell Urgent Care--Needham

922 Highland Avenue

Needham Heights, MA  02494

(781) 400-1383

https://www.carewellurgentcare.com/centers/needham/

Manet Community Health Center at Hough's Neck--Quincy

1193 Sea Street

Quincy, MA 02169

(617) 471-8683

http://www.manetchc.org/ 

Manet Community Health Center--North Quincy

110 West Squantum Street 

Quincy, MA 02171

(617) 376-3000

http://www.manetchc.org/

Manet Community Health Center at Snug Harbor--Quincy

9 Bicknell Street

Quincy, MA 02169

(617) 471-4715

http://www.manetchc.org/

Health Imperatives--Weymouth (Sexual and reproductive health, and other medical services)

210 Winter Street

Weymouth, MA 02188 

(781) 335-1404

https://healthimperatives.org/

Community Health Clinics in Plymouth County

The clinics offer a wide variety of public health services such as family planning, immunizations, pediatrics, and prescription drugs. If a center can’t meet your medical or dental needs then they will collaborate with other non-profit community agencies and organizations to ensure you get high quality, yet affordable medical care.

Brockton Neighborhood Health Care
63 Main St.
Brockton MA 02301
(508) 559-6699
A federal government qualified health center. Many programs may be offered for free, depending on the patients income and health insurance status. Vouchers for low cost or free prescriptions may be provided too as needed.
 

Carewell Urgent Care--Norwell

42 Washington Street

Norwell, MA 02061

(617) 804-6293

https://www.carewellurgentcare.com/centers/norwell/

 

Greater New Bedford Community Health Center

135 Marion Rd

Wareham, MA 02571

(508) 992-6553

https://gnbchc.org/

 

Harbor Health Community Community Center--Plymouth (also provides social services, health insurance assistance AND substance abuse counseling)

10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 115

Plymouth, MA 

508-778-5470

https://www.hhsi.us/locations/harbor-community-health-center-plymouth/

 

Manet Community Health Center--Hull
180 George Washington Boulevard
Hull, Massachusetts, 02045
Dial the clinic at (781) 925-4550 for intake

 

Sexual Health Imperatives--3 locations in Plymouth County:

Brockton

111 Torrey Street

Brockton, MA 02301

(508) 586-3800

Plymouth

123-1 Camelot Dr.

Plymouth, MA 02360

(508) 746-8353

Wareham

106 Main Street

Wareham, MA 02571

508-984-5333

https://healthimperatives.org/sexual-and-reproductive-health/#map

Multi-County Services

Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR)

Toll-free/confidential help line: 1-855-491-4567 (Mon-Thur, 9-4, excl holidays)

atr@ahpnet.com; www.ma-atr.org

Provides access to a range of services to adults in the early stages of recovery. 5 types of services:

  • Individualized Recovery Services

  • Basic Needs Purchases (transportation, clothing, hygiene products, Government ID’s/driver’s license, cell phones, gym membership, children’s items, etc.)

  • Career Building Initiative to assist participants explore careers, become more employable, and find employment. Includes job readiness programs and occupational training focused on CORI-friendly jobs. Work-Study benefits available to participants ($10 for each session hour attended).

  • Sober Home Service: Some participants may be eligible for up to 5 months of rental assistance in a MASH certified Sober Home, including access to a Recovery Coach. 

  • Care Coordination through a licensed ATR Coordinator to provide oversight and continuity of services.

  • Locations: 

    • Greater Springfield IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery): 155 Maple Street, Suite 304, Springfield, MA 01105

      • ATR Coordinator: Jackie Segarra (617) 845-6403

      • ATR Coordinator: Paul Alves (413) 237-0049

    • Downtown Boston Office: IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery, 105 Chauncy Street, Suite #602, Boston, MA 02111

      • ATR Coordinator: Patricial Exilus (617) 645-7668

      • ATR Coordinator: Raymond Joyner (617) 999-9055

      • Client Services Coordinator: Stella Stewart (617) 849-6994

    • South Boston Office: Gavin Foundation, 70 Devine Way, South Boston, MA 02127

      • ATR Coordinator:Stephen Steele (857) 496-7339

      • ATR Coordinator: Kathy Curley (857) 496-7343

    • New Bedford: Gavin Foundation, 13 North 6th Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

      • ATR Coordinator: Jenny Baker (508) 742-6640

    • Worcester: Gavin Foundation, 101 Pleasant Street, Suite #101, Worcester, MA 01609

      • ATR Coordinator: John Abbott (508) 459-9645

         

Barnstable

Harbor Community Health Center--Hyannis

735 Attucks Lane

Hyannis, MA  02601

(508) 778-5420

https://www.hhsi.us/locations/harbor-community-health-center-hyannis/

  • Assessments
  • Brief interventions
  • Coaching
  • Screenings
  • Follow-up visits during medical appointments
  • Recommendations and referrals to long-term services
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Boston

Gavin Foundation

70 Devine Way

Boston, MA 02127

PH: 617-268-5000

https://www.gavinfoundation.org/

 

Residential Programs:

  • Charlestown Recovery House, Gavin House, and & Hamilton House: residential treatment programs for adult men seeking to recover from effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
  • Graduate Centers: provide longer term residential support in the recovery process

Collaboration Programs: 

  • “Access to Recovery” (ATR): serves individuals in the Boston area involved with the criminal justice system and affected by substance use.

Community Programs: 

  • Center for Recovery Services offers assessment and individual and group outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with substance use, abuse, and addiction. 

  • Devine Recovery Center offers peer to peer community center for people in recovery. Mission: provide a place of support and recreation for persons in recovery from various types of addiction. 

  • Acute Treatment and Clinical Stabilization Services in Quincy: 64-bed healthcare facility that provides acute treatment services (detox) and Clinical Stabilization services to adults struggling with alcohol and/or drugs, including heroin and prescription drugs.

Essex County

Coming soon!

Middlesex County

CASPAR, Inc. (Cambridge and Somerville Program for Addiction Recovery)

240 Albany Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

PH: 617-661-0600; casparinc.org

Note: Must be current resident of Cambridge or Somerville OR resident prior to incarceration

Services:

  • Emergency Service Center: one of 3 shelters in MA that accept homeless people actively using. Provided: Medical & mental health care, food, personal hygiene supplies, clean clothes, counseling, case management, employment, housing, treatment referrals (open 365 days/yr)

  • Residential Programs: Designed to help people maintain sobriety, while developing skills to transition onward to independence.

Lowell House Addiction Treatment and Recovery

101 Jackson Street

Lowell, MA 01852

https://www.lowellhouseinc.org/

Helpline/Main PH: (978) 459-8656

After Hours/On-call Clinician: (978) 788-4545

Services:

  • Day & Clinical Programs that include 1:1 and group counseling

  • Recovery Cafe: Member-run, peer-support space for compassionate, community support

  • Structured Outpatient Addictions Programs (SOAP): Highly structured outpatient programs (day and evening) for early-stage recovery 

  • Residential Program (in-patient) for intensive recovery services

  • Recovery Coaching

  • Sober Housing

*Insurance/Cost: Most Mass Health plans are accepted, as well as private pay with a sliding scale.

Right Turn 

440 Arsenal Street

Watertown, MA 02472

PH: (781) 646-3800

Intake #: (781) 646-3800 EXT 101

cynthia.wachs@right-turn.org; www.right-turn.net

Services:

  • Partial Hospital Program (PHP)

  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

  • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • Individual Outpatient Therapy

  • Family Services; Family Group–”Family Matters”

  • Artists in Recovery Group

**NOTE: All programs and services are covered by certain Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, and other private insurance carriers. Call for more info.

Norfolk County

Coming soon!

Plymouth County

Harbor Health Community Health Center--Plymouth

10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 115

Plymouth, MA  02360

(508)-778-5470

https://www.hhsi.us/locations/harbor-community-health-center-plymouth/

  • Assessments
  • Brief interventions
  • Coaching
  • Screenings
  • Follow-up visits during medical appointments
  • Recommendations and referrals to long-term services
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Streaming

Written and Narrated by John Davisi. John is a mindfulness life coach, teacher, and speaker.
10 minute guided mindfulness meditation to help deal with cravings and cope with addictions, without music and voice only.

Recommended Reading

Recommended Reading on Substance Use & Recovery

Family & Parenting Resources

Streaming

An intimate look at women's issues in the criminal justice system and the unique experience of studying feminism behind bars. Through a series of captivating class discussions, headed by students from Grinnell College, a small group of female inmates at a maximum women's security prison in Mitchellville, Iowa, share their diverse experiences with motherhood, drug addiction, sexual abuse, murder, and life in prison. The women, along with their teachers, explore the "grey area" that is often invisible within the prison walls and delve into issues of race, class, sexuality and gender. "THE GREY AREA provides an excellent framework for discussing the oft-ignored issues surrounding incarcerated women." - Leigh Kolb, Bitch Flicks Running Time 65 mins Year 2012
Women are the fastest-growing U.S. prison population today. Eighty percent are mothers of school-age children. Jenifer McShane's absorbing documentary gives human dimensions to these rarely reported statistics, taking us inside Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison north of New York City. Shot over four years, MOTHERS OF BEDFORD follows five women - of diverse backgrounds and incarcerated for different reasons- in dual struggles to be engaged in their children's lives and become their better selves. It shows how long-term sentences affect mother-child relationships and how Bedford's innovative Children's Center helps women maintain and improve bonds with children and adult relatives awaiting their return. Whether it be parenting's normal frustrations to celebrating a special day, from both inside and out of the prison walls, this moving film provides unprecedented access to a little known, rarely shown, community of women. Winner of Best Documentary at Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival. Running Time 97 mins Year 2011 Filmmakers Jenifer McShane Languages English
In this video collaboration with The Marshall Project, women talk about struggling to stay in contact with their families while behind bars with U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
When a parent goes to prison the child is left behind to mourn the dream of a different life. With more than 2.7 million children living with a parent in prison Dr. Nicole Ausmer wants to create a space for them to heal and grieve the loss of a parent. Children of incarcerated parents have unique social and emotional needs and they are an after thought in society. It is time to make a change.
Jacqueline Williams, Co-Founder and Development Director of the Michigan Prison Doula Initiative, describes the role of this organization in the network of care for incarcerated pregnant women and reminds us that it doesn’t take much for this to happen to anyone. Co-Founder of Michigan Prison Doula Initiative. Jacqueline has worked with underserved and indigenous populations as a doula, birth planner and birth advocate. Williams focuses on intersectional collaborative efforts with other organizations, and has worked with WICIR, International Indigenous Rights Council, and Planned Parenthood, among others.

DVDs

Stories of Lived Experience: Before, During, & After Life Inside

Recommended Reading

These online publications, produced by the John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity, are available for free downloading. John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity is dedicated to advocacy for returning citizens and community members. 

Dress & Decorate for Less

Consignment & Thrift Stores

More coming soon!

For questions or feedback contact the McQuade Library
Call us: 978-837-5177 | Text us:  978-228-2275 | Email us: mcquade@merrimack.edu