Our Navigator personally answers questions and talks with you about resources that may be available in the community to meet your individualized needs. If you have any questions about our programs or services, or aren't sure what you need, contact our Service Navigator, Rachel Arruda, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
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.
At a Glance
This service is for
Families with children birth to age 8 in the communities of Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford.
Professionals working with families with young children in those towns.
Age: Birth - 8
Gender: all
Let's Connect
Mary Beilman, MA ECSE, CLC
Program Director, CFCE Coordinator
179 Great Road, Suite 104A
Acton, MA 01720
Acton, MA 01720
(978) 429-8284 x201
mbeilman@jri.org
Linda Jensen, LSWA
Office Manager
179 Great Road, Suite 104A
Acton, MA 01720
Acton, MA 01720
(978) 429-8284 x202
(978) 429-8690
lmatthews@jri.org
Supporting First Connections
We are able to offer our programs free to families, thanks to funding from a Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant, the Community Chests of Concord-Carlisle and Maynard, the Acton-Boxborough United Way, CHNA15, the Staples Foundation, the Sudbury Foundation, Digital Credit Union for Kids, Mass. Cultural Council programs, and individual donations. Thank you for your support!
Resources
Acton-Boxborough Family Network: www.abfamily.org
Bedford Family Connection: www.bfctoday.com
Carlisle Family Connection: www.facebook.com/groups/Carlisle
Concord Family Network: www.concordfamilynetwork.org
Harvard Family Association: www.harvardfamilyassociation.com
Lincoln Family Association: www.lincfam.org
Littleton Parent Association: www.littletonparents.org
Maynard Family Association: www.maynardfam.org
Sudbury Family Network: www.sudburyfamilynetwork.org
Concord-Carlisle Neighbors Club
http://www.concordcarlislenewcomers.org
Westford Young Child Network https://www.facebook.com/groups/westfordyoungchildnetwork
Nashoba Valley Neighbors
(Acton-Boxboro, Harvard, Littleton, Maynard, Westford)
http://nashobavalleyneighbors.org
Military Family Support Group
milfamilysg@gmail.com
First Year of Life
For a new parent, there many changes, many questions, and often a feeling of isolation. First Connections offers a wide variety of supports to parents of infants.
New Dads Group
Usually the Second Tuesday of the month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at First Connections in Acton.
Expectant fathers and dads with a baby under 12 months are invited to come to their own group to make connections with other fathers, ask questions, exchange tips, and share their own unique experiences of adjusting to the changes that parenthood has brought to their lives. Fathers are welcome to attend with or without babies. Facilitated by Heather O'Brien, LICSW. Summer Dates: August 8
Location moves to Maynard Public Library for Fall dates: 9/12, 10/10, 11/14. 12/5
Registration required; please email Heather at hobrien@jri.org
6-Week First-time Moms Group
Mondays, 1:00-2:30 a.m. at Reuben Hoar Library, Couper Room, Littleton
This group is facilitated by certified lactation counselor Mary Beilman. This group strives to be educational, supportive, and the ideal format for new mothers to share ideas and experiences. Especially helpful for those who have just left the working world or whose family is not nearby. During the six weeks we focus on adjusting to your new role as a mother, infant-care concerns (feeding, crying, sleeping), infant development, making the return-to-paid-work or stay-at-home-mom decision, and changes in your relationships with your spouse, family, and friends. Moms who attend this program can also participate in a Motor Development in the First 12 Months of Life presentation by pediatric physical therapist Mary Evans from Emerson Specialty Services in Westford. Summer group begins August 21
Registration required; please email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org
New Mothers Group
Wednesdays, 1:30-3:00 p.m., held at Emerson Health & Wellness Center, 310 Baker Avenue, Concord, in the yoga studio.
WILL NOT MEET ON AUGUST 9 DUE TO FACILITATOR SCHEDULES. LOCATION MOVES TO 300 BAKER AVENUE, CONFERENCE ROOM A BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 6 (email lmatthews@jri.org for directions)
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.
Emotional Well-Being After Baby Group
Held every Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. at First Connections in Acton.
WILL NOT MEET ON AUGUST 24 DUE TO FACILITATOR'S SCHEDULE
Emotional challenges are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, yet mothers often feel isolated and ashamed if they are struggling. Mothers 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 and learn from each other.
Before attending for the first time, please contact the facilitator, Heather O'Brien, LICSW at hobrien@jri.org
Home Visiting
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.
Please contact mbeilman@jri.org. Funding for this service has been provided through a donation from Emerson Hospital's Pediatric Intervention Team.
Parent and Child Playgroups
Space is limited in all groups and pre-registration before attending is required by emailing lmatthews@jri.org. All groups are free of charge. Each child may register for one group. To receive our newsletter four times a year with playgroup descriptions and registration dates, email your name, child's name and age, and town you live in to lmatthews@jri.org.
See attachment above for current Summer playgroup openings.
Parenting Seminars and Workshops
"Thank you so much for these helpful resources! This information is so hard to find on your own, I really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction. It will be great to have opportunities to meet new moms in the area."
Caitlin, June 2017
Additional Resources
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