DRAFT

Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: 413-549-5548

Fax: 413-549-6087

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: -Crisis Intervention: Family Outreach responds to an immediate crisis that an Amherst FAmily may be having. A Family Outreach case owrker will help a family through a housing, parenting, medical or mental health crisis to ensure that the family gets the help they need.

-Referrals: Family Outreach responds to calls from families seeking help in finding resources within our community. A case worker assesses the caller's needs and then makes referrals to appropriate community agencies. -

Case Management: Family Outreach case workers provide ongoing weekly support to families struggling with isolation, mental health isues, substance abuse and domestic violence.

Services include identifying, accessing and securing financial benefits, transportation to doctor's visits and appointments, life skills counseling, housing advocacy. parenting support, and accessing proper health care. -

Advocacy: Famliy Outreach provides short term assistance on specific issues such as mediation with a landlord or utility companies, help assessing childcare and assisting with health emergencies.

PROGRAMS: -Home Visiting: advocacy, case management, and crisis intervention. -Juvenile Court Diversion: Serves first time juvenile offenders offering them mentors, parent counseling, support groups and a supervised community service project. -Voices for Change: Community organizing project recruits area low-income families and provides professional and technical support to help them address issues in the community that they feel affect their lives. -Domestic Violence Response: DVRP offers a prompt response to families struggling with domestic violence. After the Amherst Police Deptatment responds to a domestic violence disturbance, the family involved is referred to Family Outreach