Total Achievement Program (TAP) | Justice Resource Institute

Meet JRI's Service Navigator

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.

(508) 468-6042
navigator@jri.org
Rachel Arruda

Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.

JRI Leader in Social Justice
Services

Total Achievement Program (TAP)

TAP, or Total Achievement Programs, are therapeutic after-school programs dedicated to enhancing the social and academic skills of children ages 6-12 with complex emotional and behavioral needs who have been unable to succeed in non-therapeutic community-program settings.

Children learning on tablet
At a Glance
This service is for
Focus: A therapeutic after-school and summer program for latency age children that provides individualized support to the child and his/her family. TAP is time-limited and goal-directed.
Age: 6-12
Gender: male, female, transgender, non-conforming
Capacity: 14
Let's Connect
Tania R. Vitorino, LICSW
Division Director
99 South Main Street
Fall River, MA 02721
(508) 681-9828
(508) 821-3232
Sherry White, LMHC
Program Director, TAP Cape Cod
221 Willow Street
Yarmouthport, MA 02675
508-420-7401
(508) 420-7405
Jodi Aurora, LMHC
Program Director, TAP New Bedford
275 North Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 745-6424
(774) 425-4813
Alicia Lepage, LCSW
Program Director, TAP Fall River
1575 North Main Street
Fall River, MA 02720
(508) 672-4349
(508) 672-5064
Cara Kuczarski, LICSW
Program Director, TAP Norton
33 Pine Street
Norton, MA 02766
(508) 285-4364
(508) 285-4387
Marisa Zucarelli, MS
Program Director - TAP Plymouth
98 Nicks Rock Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-0402
(508) 747-1511
Our Mission

The Total Achievement Program (TAP) provides intensive community-based, therapeutic support for children with mental health challenges to avert psychiatric hospitalization or out-of-home placements. TAP offers individualized goal-setting, support, and services to at-risk children to help them develop the social and adaptive skills necessary to function appropriately at home, at school, and in the community.

Our Programming

The program offers an after-school program, week-long activities during school break, and a comprehensive summer schedule. TAP's consistent and structured schedule includes homework assistance, outside activity, and daily group therapy. This provides the children with a sense of safety and opportunities to develop skills for managing their environment and learning new ways to interact with others. In addition, the staff works closely with parents and collaterals in order to develop a clinically appropriate treatment plan, which is personalized to the child’s needs and strengths. Children typically attend the program for 9 to 15 months, based on the unique needs of each individual child.

Locations

We currently operate 5 sites throughout southeastern Massachusetts:

TAP Norton: 33 Pine Street, Norton, MA 02746

TAP New Bedford: 275 North Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

TAP Fall River: 1575 Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720

TAP Plymouth: 98 Nicks Rock Road, Plymouth, MA 02360

TAP Cape Cod: 221 Willow Street, Yarmouthport, MA  02675

Referrals

TAP operates under a closed referral process, with referrals coming directly from the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and Families. Referrals can be made directly to the site Program Director:

TAP Norton: Cara Kuczarski, LICSW - (508) 285-4364

TAP New Bedford: Jodi Aurora, LMHC - (508) 745-6424

TAP Fall River: Alicia Lepage, LCSW- (508) 386-7657

TAP Plymouth: Marisa Zucarelli, MS - (508) 747-0402

TAP Cape Cod: Sherry White, LMHC - (508) 838-4196

Mother and son
I like that my son learned many new coping skills and met many new staff and kids in a safe and caring environment.
A pleased TAP Parent
Our Clinical Approach

TAP staff facilitate daily group therapy sessions, foster supportive relationships with children, and develop individualized, clinically appropriate treatment plans. Each treatment plan is personalized to the needs and strengths of the child and family. TAP supports development of children in the following areas:

  • Self-regulation
  • Social competency
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills

Since its inception in 1984, TAP has had remarkable success in promoting the emotional well-being and social competency of latency age children who are emotionally and behaviorally at risk.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

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