Family Resources
Sometimes it does indeed take a village. The organizations listed below may be able to help address many of your needs and concerns regarding raising your children.
If you have a resource (it does not need to be a website) that you believe would be helpful to others, please submit it to the webmaster at webmaster@maynardfam.org. Please note that the Maynard Family Association is providing this information simply as a guide and does not endorse or vouch for any of these groups nor do we guarantee the quality of service for these organizations.
- First Connections
First Connections is a Massachusetts Family Network funded by the Mass. Department of Education. It is located in Concord and designs and delivers low or no cost programs to 11 area towns including Maynard, primarily to families with children birth through age three. The MFA sends two representatives to participate on the Parent Association Committee. First Connections feels that the parent associations grassroots builds a strong community and helps many families to network and feel more connected to family activities in their towns. If you would like to be added to the First Connections Parenting Newsletter, please email the MFA's First Connections Liaison at firstconnections@maynardfam.org.
Other Local Parent Groups
- Acton Family Network: www.actonfamily.org
- Concord Family Network: www.concordfamilynetwork.org
- Harvard Family Association: webpages.charter.net/hfa/hfa.htm
- Littleton Parents Association: www.littletonparents.org
- Stow Area Parents Network: www.sapn.org
- Sudbury Family Network: sudburyfamilynetwork.org
- Minute Man ARC for Human Services
Minute Man ARC offers a variety of programs for families in the area. It administers the local Early Intervention programs. For more information, please visit their web site: http://www.minutemanarc.org/welcome.html.
New and Expectant Mothers
- Emerson Hospital Birthing Center: www.emersonhospital.org/medical/birthing_center
- Massachusetts La Leche League Chapters: www.lllusa.org/MARIVT/Massachusetts.html
- Stow La Leche League Chapter: www.evtika.net/LLLStow
- MOMFitters pre and postnatal exercise classes: www.momfitters.com
Parenting
- Infancy to Independence, Acton Branch
I to I is a cooperative, educational support program for parents with children ages 1-4. We meet for 2 1/2 hours once a week for 16 weeks. The cost is $100 for one child, and $20 for each additional child over 12 months. We are located in Acton, and welcome families in the area to join us. To learn more, contact actonadmissions@itoi-ma.org.
- Child Care Search: www.comteam.org/childcare_search.htm
- Massachusetts Directory of Licensed Daycare Providers: www.eec.state.ma.us
- Massachusetts Childcare Resource and Referral Network: www.masschildcare.org
- Parents Helping Parents: www.parentshelpingparents.org
Offers free, confidential, ongoing weekly mutual-help support groups where parents can get together and share experiences, skills, resources and support and to help strengthen and guide one another through the challenges of parenting. Free childcare is also available. Local groups include Acton and Marlboro.
- Jewish Family and Children's Services: www.jfcsboston.org/fcs/index.cfm
Jewish Family & Children's Services is a non-denominational charity which offers a comprehensive group of programs designed to strengthen families and support individuals through challenging times.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter: www.asthmaandallergies.org/
Provides information and support for people with allergies and their families. Offers educational seminars and support groups in Lexington, Westford, and Framingham.
Maynard Resources
- Town of Maynard: http://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov
- Maynard Public Schools: http://www.maynardschools.org/
- Maynard Library: http://web.maynard.ma.us/library/
- Coolidge Community Park Project: http://www.coolidgepark.org
- Maynard Community Chest: http://www.maynardchest.org/
- Maynard Food Pantry: http://web.maynard.ma.us/civic/pantry/