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Overview of Other AISS Services

Assurance Wireless / Virgin Mobile

Free Lifeline Phone. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Proofs needed:
1) Eligibility (e.g. SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or SSDI);
2) Identity (e.g. state-issued ID or driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate or Medicaid ID;
3) Proof of Address (e.g. driver’s license, state ID, mail, or utility bill showing current address)

Healthcare for the Homeless / Mercy Hospital

Nurses provide triage through Friends of the Homeless Clinic for health and mental health. Assistance with insurance access and coverage issues is available. MassHealth enrollment assistance is available at AISS Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m.

Parenting Group for Men / Children’s Study Home

The “Fathers in Trust” Parenting program, specifically for men, is facilitated by staff certified in a holistic curriculum emphasizing communication skills and family empowerment. Entry points are every other week. Meets Wednesdays, 6 p.m. (pre-screening required).

Parenting Group for Women / Square One

The program includes activities, education and discussion exploring the mother-child bond and effective parenting while balancing multiple roles and priorities in life. Child care with developmentally appropriate activities is provided. Meets Wednesdays, 6 p.m. (pre-screening required).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Weekly one-on-one sessions help clients to complete the application and gain access to food for individual and family needs. Available Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon

Women’s Writing Group / Voices From Inside

Empowering workshops are based on the Amherst Writers and Artists Institute method. As women find their voice, they find their way. Meets Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Anger & Beyond

Specific groups for women (Mondays) and men (Wednesdays) at 3 p.m. offer open enrollment. The cognitive behavioral therapy group assists members to apply what they have learned about anger to their community stabilization efforts.

CHESS (Community Housing that is Earned, Safe, and Supportive)

This highly structured long-term program offers a real pathway to residential stability through clearly identified benchmarks, support and individual accountability.

Grief & Loss Group

Facilitated by a skilled, licensed group facilitator, this program can help you through the toughest of times, when you are ready. Request a screening interview.

Men Stepping Up for Change

This weekly support group offers healthy perspectives and skills toward building violence-free relationships. Members discuss breaking their past domestic abuse patterns. The program invites appropriate minimum security residents prior to release and is voluntary for community clients. Meets Wednesdays, 6 p.m.

Mentorship

The program offers weekly community support through one-on-one and small group mentorship with 50-and-over volunteer mentors. Meets the first three Mondays of the month, 6 p.m.

Resource & Support Group

This program provides a forum for support and information exchange around unique re-entry barriers. Meets Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.

Women’s Support Group

This weekly meeting cultivates networking, fellowship, guidance and a community of recovery. Meets Tuesdays, 6 p.m.