Mental Health Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Federal agency which serves as a clearinghouse for research, treatment programs, legislation and supports for individuals and families influenced by substance abuse and/or mental illness.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Help for individuals in crisis, and support for those who are worried about someone in crisis.

S.A.F.E. Alternatives
Self-Abuse Finally Ends site for treatment and educational resources.

Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior
Academic and research resources regarding identification and treatment of self-injurious behaviors.

Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Health  
The official state Web site for programs that serve adults, adolescents & children.

National Alliance on Mental Illness - Massachusetts
Local chapter of the national advocacy group which works for increased awareness and family supports.

Developmental Disabilities Resources

DisabilityInfo.gov
Federal agency clearinghouse portal on programs, benefits, human rights, education, employment, housing, etc. for individuals with disabilities.

DisabilityInfo.org
Massachusetts resources for programs, emergency services, physical and mental health.

National ARC
Non-profit org that provides services and supports for individuals and families.

Family Village
Online directory of resources for children and adults with disabilities, their families, and their friends and allies.

Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Retardation
The official state Web site for programs that serve adults, adolescents & children.

Medicaid Reference Desk
A state by state guide about Medicaid for people with intellectual disabilities. 

Community Gateway
Excellent resource for persons and families living with various disabilities in the Central Massachusetts area.

Special Education Resources

MAAPS
The Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools homepage.

PAL & PRN
The Massachusetts Parent/Professional Advocacy League and the Parent Resource Network Hotline .

CMPAC
Central MA Alliance of PACs (Parent Advisory Councils) for Special Education provides local contact information.

Mass. Dept. of Education  
Offers many resources on the Special Education portion of their site.

MassPAC  
Massachusetts Alliance of Parent Advisory Councils provides information on Special Education issues in Massachusetts.

Parents’ Guide to SPED
A publication produced by the Mass. Dept. of Education and the Federation for Children with Special Needs.

GLBTQ Youth Resources

GLBT National Help Center
Peer counseling, resources and information for GLBT individuals and families.

PFLAG
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays is a national network of support with local chapters (including Worcester) where parents & friends meet.

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Local chapter of national advocacy group which provides tools for keeping schools safe for GLBTQ youth.

Fenway Community Health
Massachusetts-based organization of physical and mental health programs and providers geared specifically to the GLBT population.

Homelessness Resources

National Alliance to End Homelessness
Non-profit org dedicated to advocacy, research, networks and support.

HUD's Homeless Information Site
State-by-state information on programs, advocacy, foreclosure prevention and more.

Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance
Local information for individuals requiring assistance and resources.

Disabilities Resources

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
State agency that provides information on comprehensive services to people with disabilities.

Brain Injury Association of America
National organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a traumatic brain injury.