Skip Navigation Link

MassResources.org Newsletters

Information on this web site is provided by Community Resources Information, Inc., an independent non-profit organization not affiliated with any government agency or program.

 
 
 
  MassResources.org
   Keeping you informed about web site news, updates, and new content
 
   
July 2012
Cash Assistance Health Care Programs - Specialized Food Programs Employment Programs Housing Programs Senior Resources
FOCUS ON SUMMER

Summer means out-of-school activities and summer meals for kids, the return of farmers' markets, and hot -- sometimes dangerously hot -- weather. MassResources.org can help you and your family have fun, eat well, and stay safe in the summertime.

girl swimmingSummer Programs Guide: If you're looking for free or low-cost summer activities for kids, our Summer Programs Guide can help. The Guide lists a wide variety of youth programs offered by public schools, recreation departments, libraries, museums, local colleges, community organizations, and other nonprofit groups.
 
For more information, see Youth Summer Programs Guide
 
You may also be interested in Science and Nature Centers, Parks and Recreation Programs, and Accessible Recreation Programs.


girl eating lunchSummer Meals for Kids: Kids can get free meals at summer meal sites throughout Massachusetts. Summer meal sites include parks, pools, schools, churches, community centers, and other participating locations.
 
No registration is required for free summer meals. Kids can just show up at a site for breakfast, lunch, and/or an afternoon snack (meals vary by site).
 
To find a Summer Meals site, see How do I sign up for the Summer Food Program?

 
Farmers' Markets: Farmers' Markets are open throughout Massachusetts, selling fresh locally grown produce. Many farmers' markets now accept SNAP food stamp EBT cards. In addition, low-income seniors and WIC women and children can get free coupons to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at Massachusetts farmers' markets.
 
To find farmers' markets that accept SNAP/EBT, see Which stores accept SNAP EBT?
 
For information about WIC farmers' market coupons, see WIC benefits.

 
Man at outdoor water fountain during extreme heatExtreme Heat: Temperatures in the 90's or above, especially when combined with high humidity, can put people's health and safety at risk. Young children, the elderly, and the homeless are especially vulnerable. 
 
Some of the resources that you may find helpful during extreme heat include cooling centers, helplines for heat-related problems, safety alerts and tips, air conditioner rebates, warnings about electric fans, and ways to help the homeless.

NEW CONTENT

We frequently add new content to MassResources.org to help keep you informed about benefit programs and other types of assistance that you may find useful.
 
Recently added content on MassResources.org:

 

adult day careAdult day care programs include Adult Day Health, Supportive / Social Day Care, and Dementia Day Programs for adults who need supervision and care in a structured day program. MassHealth Adult Day Health services are free for MassHealth members who meet clinical eligibility requirements and have a MassHealth coverage type that includes ADH services.

 

Alzheimer's programs and assistance in Massachusetts include help from the Alzheimer's Association and other agencies, a wide range of care options, financial assistance programs, creative arts programs, safety systems, and caregiver support.

Integrated Care Organizations (ICOs) are a new health care option for Massachusetts adults, age 21-64, who are eligible for both MassHealth and Medicare (dual eligibles). ICOs offer a broad range of medical and behavioral health services, as well as long-term services and supports (LTSS), all in a single individualized program. Enrollment is scheduled to begin in January 2013 for coverage effective April 1.

 

college studentCollege financial aid for Massachusetts college students includes scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers; government and private student loans; and work-study programs.
 
MEFA college savings plans include the Massachusetts U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Plan that offers protection against rising college costs; and the U.Fund 529 Plan that offers tax savings when investments grow.
 
Public colleges and universities offer in-state tuition to Massachusetts residents, resulting in considerable savings over out-of-state rates. Massachusetts college students who take part in the New England Regional Student Program also get a tuition break.

 

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM OUR RSS FEED
Our RSS feed includes news and updates about the MassResources.org web site and about the assistance programs and topics we describe on the site.
07-06-2012 19:54:42 PM
Open enrollment for Commonwealth Choice health plans is July 1 - Aug 15.
 
06-28-2012 16:49:52 PM
Tufts at Tech now offers low cost veterinary care to Greater Worcester residents who meet financial guidelines. See Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic for details.
 
06-28-2012 16:13:37 PM
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) issued an updated Income Eligibility Table for determining family eligibility for EEC Financial Assistance, effective July 1.
 
School Meals income guidelines for the 2012-2013 school year increased July 1 based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for free meals, and 185% FPG for reduced price meals.
 
06-28-2012 16:04:30 PM
Commonwealth Care updates to monthly premiums, benefits, and copays went into effect July 1 for the new benefit year (July 1 - June 30).
 
06-28-2012 15:32:45 PM
Massachusetts WIC income eligibility guidelines increased based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
 
05-03-2012 10:30:43 AM
You can now view a copy of your Social Security earnings and benefits statement online.
 
04-27-2012 14:14:55 PM
Massachusetts CORI reforms went into full effect May 4, 2012, including reduced waiting periods for sealing records. A new online iCORI system is available.
 
 
 

If you like what we do (and for more news and updates):

  • Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Twitter
  • Like us on Facebook Like us on Facebook
  • Subscribe to our RSS feed Subscribe to our RSS feed

 

TOP HEALTH CARE TOPICS
Health care has been a major focus of the news recently, fueled by the Supreme Court ruling regarding the federal Affordable Care Act. Some of the health care topics of most interest to MassResources.org visitors during the past month include:

 

 
BROCHURES
MassResources.org brochure
Help us spread the word about MassResources.org by giving copies of our brochure to your co-workers and clients.
 
Our brochure lists the types of assistance programs covered on our web site, and also describes special features such as the Benefit Screener and Eligibility Checks.
 
To request copies, send us an e-mail using this link: Request Brochures. Please include your name, organization, mailing address, and the number of brochures you need.

 

You can also download and print copies of the brochure in PDF format from our Brochure page.
ABOUT US

MassResources.org is an online resource for Massachusetts residents in need of housing, food, health care, and other basic services. The primary purpose of the web site is to make it easier for people to find out where to go for help, who is eligible for benefits, and how to apply. MassResources.org makes this information available to anyone who needs it, all in one place.

 

MassResources.org is a web site of Community Resources Information, Inc. (CRI), a small independent non-profit organization. CRI is not affiliated with the Massachusetts state government or any other government program or social service agency. 

DONATE TO MASSRESOURCES.ORG
donate now
We at Community Resources Information, Inc. rely solely on private donations to run MassResources.org.

If you use this web site and find the information helpful, will you lend us a hand? We appreciate whatever support you can give. Thanks!
 
MassResources.org
P.O. Box 2067
Natick, Massachusetts 01760