Do you have a question about JRI services?
Our mission at First Connections is to equip parents with tools, practical strategies, and connections to other families and their communities to foster healthy parenting and guide them through the first years of the parenting journey.
Services include:
Children's Playgroups
New Parent Groups
Post Partum Depression Support
Parent Education Programs
Quarterly Newsletter
Free/Low Cost Family Program Information
Local Childcare & Early Education Information
Extensive Resource & Referral Guidance
Click here for our Newsletter with current programs.
Click here to visit the First Connections blog.

Acton, MA 01720
Acton, MA 01720
First Connections is a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) program with primary funding from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. With additional support from generous individuals and organizations, First Connections' wide range of family services are offered at no charge. In order to maintain these services, however, we need your support! Please consider First Connections in your charitable giving!
We would like to acknowledge our 2021 organizational donors (listed alphabetically): Acton-Boxborough United Way, Acton Congregational Church, CHNA15, Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, Emerson Hospital Community Benefits, Eversource, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Maynard Community Chest, Nordblum Family Foundation, Sage Therapeutics, and Trinitarian Congregational Church. Thank you for your support!
New Format! New Dads Group - Zoom Group
April 12, May 10, June 14, 2022
Dads who have already attended this group will receive the link automatically.
We are excited to announce that our New Dads group will now be a peer-led group, facilitated by two experienced dads. This group allows dads to make connections, ask questions, learn about child development, and share their experiences of parenthood. Adjusting to a new identity as a parent along with the changes in relationships with friends, family and partners can sometimes be a challenge. Fathers are welcome to attend with/without babies and continue to attend the group for as long as it is helpful. This group is geared toward fathers with babies 0-12 months. We are LGBTQ+ friendly and welcome any person who identifies as a father. Please email hobrien@jri.org before attending to receive the connecting link for this currently-virtual group.
New Mothers Group-Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30
This group is currently meeting via Zoom. Email Mary at: mbeilman@jri.org for the link and password if it's your first group, then you will automatically receive it each week.
Mary will be available on Wednesdays for phone check-ins before and after Moms group, 978-429-8284, ext. 201.
Any mother with a pre-crawling baby is welcome to attend this weekly support group. Open-discussion format is a forum for you to share experiences and resources, connect with other new mothers, and seek guidance about any concerns you might have. No registration required. Facilitated by a certified lactation counselor or consultant, however parents using bottles for feeding are welcome!
Emotional Well-Being After Baby Group - Every Thursday
EWAB is currently meeting via Zoom every Thursday, 9:30-11AM. Email Heather for the link and password if you're attending for the first time. You will then receive the link automatically each week.
Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet parents often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Parents experiencing anxiety or depression, or who are feeling overwhelmed in the postpartum year, can come together for this supportive, nonjudgmental, confidential group to share stories, learn from each other, and receive coping skills strategies. This is an ongoing group for parents of babies 0-12 months.
Before attending for the first time, or to obtain more info on connecting to the group please contact the facilitator, Heather O'Brien, LICSW at hobrien@jri.org
Home Visiting - temporarily suspended due to COVID19. Zoom visits available.
We visit Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Hanscom Air Force Base, Littleton, Lincoln, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford
First Connections can provide home visits in our service area for parents who have questions or concerns about postpartum adjustment, infant development, breastfeeding, or sibling-adjustment issues.
Spring Playgroups will begin April 4th. Look for a newsletter on March 26 to see what's being offered!
Acton-Boxborough Family Network: www.abfamily.org
Acton Boxborough Community Resources page
Bedford Family Connection: https://bfctoday.org/
Carlisle Family Connection: https://www.carlislema.gov/683/Carlisle-Family-Connection-CFC
or carlislefamilyconnection@gmail.com
Concord Family Network: www.concordfamilynetwork.org
Harvard Family Association: www.harvardfamilyassociation.com
Lincoln Family Association: www.lincfam.org
Littleton Parents Association: www.facebook.com/littletonparents
Maynard Family Network: www.maynardfamilynetwork.org
Sudbury Family Network: https://www.sudburyfamilynetwork.com/
Westford Young Child Network
https://www.facebook.com/groups/westfordyoungchildnetwork/ or kjlutz05@gmail.com
