The Family Resource & Development Center (FRDC) is part of a growing network of 30 Family Resource Centers across the state of Massachusetts. The FRDC supports caregivers with children from birth to 18 with services and resources that promote self-sufficiency, strengthen family bonds, and tighten children’s connections with their community.

Open Monday to Friday with extended evening hours and weekends available, the FRDC offers a safe space where caregivers can meet with Family Support Workers, access a vast library of local resources, and utilize tech equipment. The goal of the FRDC is to provide opportunities for parents and their children to thrive and succeed. The staff is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole to ensure there are no barriers to receiving services.

https://unitedwayofgnb.org/family-resource-development-center

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission: CPSC works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the unreasonable risk of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products and fulfilling its vision to be the recognized global leader in consumer product safety. www.cpsc.gov 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health. For more than 70 years, we’ve put science into action to help children stay healthy so they can grow and learn; to help families, businesses, and communities fight disease and stay strong; and to protect the public’s health. www.cdc.gov

American Academy of Pediatrics: An organization of 67,000 pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.​ www.aap.org

MA Department of Children and Families: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. In most cases, DCF is able to provide support and services to keep children safe with parents or family members. When necessary, DCF provides foster care or finds new permanent families for children through kinship, guardianship or adoption. www.mass.gov/DCF

•  Child at Risk hotline: 800-792-5200 

MA Department of Public Health: DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong. We promote the health and well-being of all residents by ensuring access to high-quality public health and health care services, focusing on prevention and wellness, and health equity for all. www.mass.gov/DPH

New Bedford Free Public Libraries "Funbrary"

PACE Health Access 

Provides outreach and application assistance to any person who would like to apply for MassHealth, ConnectorCare plan or would like assistance in applying for or managing Medicare supplemental programs such as Medicaid, and retiree medical insurance. https://paceinfo.org/programs/health-access/   

TAFDC (Temporary Assistance for Families with Dependent Children) 

Must be low-income and US citizen and have a dependent child or child due within 4 months. Program provides cash assistance payments.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/check-tafdc-eligibility-and-how-to-apply

MASSCAP Free Tax Preparation Assistance

Must generally make $67,000 or less. Includes persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. The 2024 Federal and MA tax deadline is April 15th, 2025. 

https://www.masscap.org/freetaxprep/ 

VITA Free Tax Help Program

Must generally make $64,000 or less. Includes persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Tax preparation appointments available Tuesdays and Thursdays until mid-April. 

https://paceinfo.org/programs/vita-tax-preparation/ 

MDCS Grant Programs

Grant programs managed by MassHire Department of Career Services

There are various grant programs administered by MassHire Career Centers.  There are federal grants and also local grants.  Each grant program has its own amount of funding, what that funding can be used for (training, assessment, etc.) and set of eligibility criteria.  Below are some of the various grants you may want to ask a Career Coach about depending on your action plan for obtaining employment. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mdcs-grant-programs 

MASSHIRE JobQuest

MassHire creates trust and reliability by connecting jobseekers across the Commonwealth to quality education, skills training, and employment opportunities. https://jobquest.dcs.eol.mass.gov/jobquest/LandingPage.aspx 

MASSHIRE Training Programs

MassHire offers multiple special training programs for job positions such as Medical Assistant, Boat Technician, Industrial Robotics, and more. Programs vary, visit the link below for the programs currently available with their details and requirements.

https://masshiregreaternewbedford.com/masshire-gnb-career-center-home/cc-job-seekers/training-programs/ 

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development Programs

• MA Rental Voucher Program

Applicant cannot make more than 50% of federally determined area median  income (AMI) https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-rental-voucher 

• State Public Housing 

Applicant usually cannot make more than 80% of AMI

 https://www.mass.gov/guides/how-to-apply-for-public-housing 

• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Family income must be below 30% of AMI. Usually a last resort recommendation as the waiting list is at least 3 years long in most MA municipalities.

 https://www.mass.gov/service-details/section-8-housing-choice-voucher-program-hcvp

PACE Housing Opportunity Center

Provides guidance to apply for local and state programs to prevent losing a home or being evicted from an apartment. https://paceinfo.org/programs/housing-opportunity-center/ 

Catholic Social Services

A non-profit HUD approved housing counseling agency which provides free, confidential counseling. Provides pre-purchase homebuyer counseling, foreclosure prevention counseling, first time homebuyer classes, post-purchase homebuyer classes, and financial literacy.

https://www.ccfrdioc.org/services/ 

Pace Fuel Assistance

PACE’s Fuel Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible homeowners and renters in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester with their home heating bills during the winter months. Applications may be completed by mail, fax, and secure e-mail starting October. 

*Note that Eversource has stated they are discontinuing shutoffs during this time.

Phone: 508-525-4271       Walk-ins welcome at 255 Union St., New Bedford Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM!

https://paceinfo.org/programs/pace-heap/

Comcast Xfinity Essentials Program

Comcast offers an internet essentials program that allows qualifying customers to purchase a plan for just $9.95 per month. This program is designed to help students, seniors, and low-income families. It offers internet speeds up to 25 Mbps and free in-home Wi-Fi, and it doesn't require a credit check. 

https://internetessentials.com/

Mass 211: Need Help & Don't Know Where To Turn?

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277)

Every day, someone somewhere in Massachusetts needs to find essential community services. Many face these challenges, but don't always know where to turn for help. The solution is to dial 2-1-1. Mass 211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Always a confidential call, Mass 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies. Mass 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. If you prefer to search for information on your own, Mass211.org has the resources that you are looking for.