Behavioral Health Network to Open Family Resource Center in Ware
SPRINGFIELD — Behavioral Health Network (BHN) announced the opening on Aug. 1 of a new Family Resource Center (FRC) at its Ware location. The BHN Family Resource Center provides free support and access to community resources for families and their children from birth to age 18. Located in each of the 14 Massachusetts counties, the statewide network of FRCs are funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families.
The BHN Family Resource Center provides families and children in Hampden and Hampshire counties with a variety of supports and services. “We offer everything from playgroups and fun family events to connecting families with services and opportunities — no one is turned away, and everything is free of charge,” said program Director Linda Blouin-Roy. “Our goal is to emotionally support families, strengthen their bonds, and help them engage with the community.”
The FRC offers an array of services through its experienced staff. School liaisons help families work with school systems to ensure their children are receiving the support and resources they need, family support workers help connect families with community resources, and clinicians and family partners work with families to develop a support plan that best meets their needs. Children and families that need additional supports or are at risk of court involvement can be assessed by FRC clinicians to develop a family support plan.
“This program is an exciting addition to our service offering,” BHN President and CEO Steve Winn said. “The Family Resource Center is a great example of how BHN is collaborating with community partners to provide a support network for families. In these pandemic times, when families are experiencing more isolation and stress, resources like this become even more essential.”
The BHN Family Resource Center is located at 78-80 Main St. in Ware. It is currently open by appointment only due to COVID-19. Telephone support and virtual offerings, such as story time and caregiver support groups, are available. For more information, contact the BHN Family Resource Center at (413) 277-6601 or visit bhnfrc@bhninc.org.