JRI Helpful Links

Find resources for more immediate assistance in your time of need.

Available Support While You Wait

We understand that waiting for critical services can be incredibly challenging and frustrating. Having access to additional resources can be a vital source of support during these times.

Please note that the resources listed below are not programs or services of JRI, but are external supports that may be helpful while you wait.
General Resources and Databases
Mass 21
State-wide database for various service categories
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Attorney General's Elder Hotline (Massachusetts)
Information on services available for elders in Massachusetts
Phone: (888) 243-5337
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Health and Mental Health
Parents Helping Parents Stress Line
24-hour helpline for parents dealing with stress and challenges
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Massachusetts Community Support Line
Supports children with special health needs
Phone: (800) 882-1435
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COMPASS Helpline
Assistance in navigating mental health supports in Massachusetts
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Hand Hold MA
Guides parents through their child's mental health journey
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Massachusetts Child Psychiatric Access Program (MCPAP)
Assists families in locating psychiatrists and other mental health professionals
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William James College Interface Referral Service
Mental health and wellness referrals for children, adults, and families
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Lowell Community Health Center
Free clinic services, including MassHealth applications
Phone: (978) 937-9700
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Lowell House Inc.
Free day programs for substance use and resources for long-term care
Email: [email protected]
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Boston Living Center (BLC)
Wellness center for individuals living with HIV
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AIDS Action (Fenway Health)
Services for people living with HIV/AIDS
Phone: (617) 437-6200
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Better Health Connector
Helps families apply for MassHealth and other health insurance programs
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Psychology Today Therapist Finder
Search for therapists by location, specialization, and insurance coverage
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Massachusetts Behavioral Health Access

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Housing and Homelessness
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)
Resources for housing and community support
Phone: (866) 584-0653
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HomeBASE Program
Financial assistance to help families secure stable housing
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Massachusetts Emergency Family Shelter
Hotline and application assistance for emergency family shelter services
Contact Line: (866) 584-0653 (M-F, 8 am-5 pm)
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Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
Emergency resources for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence
Phone: (781) 595-7570
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RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition)
Financial assistance for families facing eviction, utility shut-off, or relocation
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Massachusetts Utility Assistance Programs
Assistance with utility bills
Phone: (877) 886-5066 or (617) 727-8400
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Division of Rental Assistance
Oversees rental voucher programs in Massachusetts
Phone: (617) 573-1100 ext 4
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U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Resource Locator
Explore affordable housing opportunities by location
Phone: (800) 225-5342
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Housing Navigator
Database of affordable and income-restricted rental options
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Massachusetts Centralized Section 8 Waitlist
Centralized application for Section 8 housing
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HomeStart
Eviction prevention and housing services in Greater Boston
Phone: (857) 415-2900
Eviction Prevention Hotline: (617) 542-0338
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Caritas Communities
Affordable housing in Greater Boston
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PACE Housing Opportunity Center
Fuel and rental assistance for the Greater New Bedford area
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Central Mass Housing Alliance
Housing counseling and assistance with RAFT applications
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Father Bill's & MainSpring (Emergency Shelter in Quincy)
Emergency shelter, supportive services, and permanent housing in Quincy
Phone: (617) 770-3314
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Youth and Young Adult Services
DMH Access Centers
Drop-in centers providing resources for young adults
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DMH Young Adult Resource Guide
Resource guide for transition-age youth (18-24)
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PPAL Youth Move
Advocacy group led by young adults with experience in the care system
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Massability
Employment training and support services for students and youth with disabilities
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NAMI Link Center
Helps transitional-age youth access resources for independent living
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Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Services for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth in Boston, ages 14-24
Phone: (617) 423-9575
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Mill You and LAB (Lowell)
Laundry, shower facilities, and resources for the homeless

Address: 167 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA 01854

Phone: 978-905-7385

Email: [email protected]
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MassHire Career Center (Lowell)
Job training, unemployment services, and career counseling for young adults
Phone: (978) 458-2503
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Link Center
Resources and services for transitional-age youth (14-26) in Massachusetts
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Disability and Special Needs Support
Autism Alliance of Metrowest
Resources and support for families with members on the autism spectrum
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Index for Disability Support
Assists people with disabilities in accessing support services
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Independent Living Centers (Massachusetts)
Services and advocacy for people with disabilities to live independently
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DDS Transition Information
Information and resources for transitioning into adult services
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Autism Speaks Resources and Roadmaps
Resources for transitioning into adulthood for individuals with autism
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Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
Support and referral help for individuals with Asperger's and autism
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Legal and Advocacy Resources
Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
Programs and resources for children with special needs and their families
Website
Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health
Assistance with insurance-related issues for autism and behavioral health care
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Support for parents of children with mental health concerns
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Bradford Education Project
Focuses on the educational rights of children, especially those with disabilities
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Children's Law Center of Massachusetts
Legal assistance on immigration, education, and victims of crime
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Community Legal Aid
Legal services including assistance with housing, education, and elder care
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Ed Law Project
Specializes in legal issues related to special education rights
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Health Law Advocates
Assistance with accessing equitable health care and education-related legal issues
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Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Improving education and quality of life for children with disabilities
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South Coastal Counties Legal Services
Legal assistance to low-income families in the Southeast region of Massachusetts
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Northeast Legal Aid (Lowell)
Free legal services for housing, immigration, education, and more
Phone: 978-458-1465
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Federation for Children with Special Needs Parent Information Center
Trainings, workshops, and resources related to special education law
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Wrights Law
Legal resources and guidance for special education and transitional planning
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Family and Parenting Support
Parenting Journey
Free parenting classes and support in various locations
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Adoption Journeys
Post-adoption support services for families
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Parent Information Network (PIN)
Peer support and advocacy group, particularly for the Southeast region of Massachusetts
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Domestic Violence Support
Casa Myrna Safelink Hotline
24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline
Phone: (877) 785-2020
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Alternative House (Lowell)
Domestic violence hotline and services, including free apartment housing for up to one year 
Hotline: 1-888-291-6228

Email: [email protected]
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Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
Emergency resources for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence
Website
Support Groups and Community Connections
JRI Family Advisory Council Facebook Group
Online forum for families to share resources and support
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Massachusetts Families with Children with Mental Health Issues
Facebook group for families to connect and share experiences
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Massachusetts Transition to Adulthood Facebook Group
Community focused on transitioning to adulthood in Massachusetts
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Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL)

Advocacy and support groups for parents
Facebook Group: PPAL Parents of Transition Age Youth

Website
Don't hesitate to reach out for additional support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.
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Joint Commission International Quality Approval gold seal.
JRI's intensive residential treatment programs, clinics, and community-based services are accredited by the Joint Commission. JRI's residential schools, group homes, day habilitation and Huntington at Symphony are accredited by CARF.
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