Friendly House assistance programs.
Programs from Friendly House are targeted at helping the less fortunate. The non-profit can provide support from the Neighborhood Center, and examples of the resources in Worcester MA include the Summer Food Service, emergency shelter, and referrals to job placement and financial support.
Social service programs
Social service is the name of one of the agencies programs that works with clients in an effort to help them make healthy, positive steps both financially and socially. Friendly House trained social workers help people meet their basic daily needs, and this can be achieved by offering access to free food, shelter and clothing.
In addition to those programs, more intensive services are available such as immigration and naturalization services, advice on creating a resume, conducting job searches, referrals, and holiday baskets or free Christmas toys. Or residents can get advice on form preparation for government benefits such as disability, SNAP food stamps and notary services in Massachusetts. Learn more on, and find Mass food stamps.
An After-School or Teen Program is also for youth from low-income households in Worcester. This places an emphasis on respect for self and others through activities that promote thinking and stimulation for each child. Teachers and staff will coordinate hands-on activities, promote solid decision making and help meet the child’s needs and encourages proper, healthy socialization with peers.
The daily curriculum from the program utilizes a broad range of materials that stimulate and challenge each individual child based on their developmental needs. Cultural awareness and respectful social interactions are also heavily promoted.
Assistance with food year round from Friendly House
There is also a pantry on site. Food services offered from it are as follows, and the center is open a few days per week.
- Thanksgiving meals and food is served.
- Gluten Free food is also available on a one week notice. People need to have a referral from a doctor or nutritionist.
- Free pastries, baby formula and bread are available.
- There items that are part of the Friendly House pantry include the Toys for Tots Program and even gently used furniture.
The Friendly House Summer Food Service Program’s main goal and mission is to ensure that children of all ages and backgrounds are provided with the proper nutritious, free meals during summer vacations. The program is on par with meals and food these children receive during the school year under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. All meals are free to eligible children from Worcester County, and they are served at designated sponsor sites such as a community center or local school.
The Summer Food Service is administered at the state of Massachusetts as well as federal government level by an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture called Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). There are also state education agencies who administer most of these resources.
On a local level, both in Worcester and other counties, these food programs operate through approved sponsors, who in turn receive funding/reimbursement from the USDA via their state agencies. Funding and reimbursement is for the meals provided to students.
There may be free meals for students from low-income families in Worcester County. This is a USDA program to help students who do not have access to free school breakfast or lunch programs. Friendly House as well as other charities in the region can help youth find them, and learn more on free lunches for students during the summer.
Housing programs for families or single people
Housing assistance is from the Friendly House Shelter. The center has been helping homeless individuals and families, including veterans and seniors, by providing temporary emergency shelter. Not only does the program provide short-term transitional housing, it works with families by helping them with searches for low income apartments and offering services to return stability to their lives.
Families with children or expectant parents who are homeless have priority with respect to the shelter program. Funding is provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and eligible participants must receive a direct referral from them. Rooms for homeless participants who do not meet eligibility for the service are also available.
Guests of the program receive other care too. Programs and services that are available to help these participants include Emergency Shelter Services, permanent housing searches, parenting support, case management, life skills training, and advocacy as applicable.
Location and contact information
For more information on the resources available, call 508-755-4362. Or stop by the Friendly House at 36 Wall Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01604.
|
