Municipal and Specialized Organizations

These municipal and specialized resources are geared toward various groups and include advocacy, service, and educational organizations. The organizations often provide a variety of programs and services for individuals and their caregivers.

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that helps people 50 and older improve the quality of their lives. AARP offers information on health insurance and other benefits, health, caregiving and job resources.

The ALS Association 

The ALS Association is dedicated to empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families through compassionate care and support.

Alzheimer’s Association

Alzheimer’s Association works to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The Alzheimer’s Association offers peer and professional led group for caregivers and others dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Find a support group in your community.

The ARC Massachusetts

The ARC Massachusetts is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy of supports and services based in the community, education and other resources.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is run by and for Autistic people. ASAN seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN provides public policy advocacy, the development of autistic cultural activities and leadership training for Autistic self-advocates.

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts is a private, nonprofit organization that provides Support & Resources to brain injury survivors and their families, prevention programs to educate the public on the impact of brain injuries, education & training for brain injury survivors, caregivers and professionals and legislative advocacy for improved community services and safety laws (seat belts, helmets).

Councils on Aging (COA)

Councils on Aging (COA) are the community focal point for social and support services to older adults, families, and caregivers in 350 cities and towns in Massachusetts. COAs offer many programs including congregate and home-delivered meals. See the Massachusetts COA directory to find your local COA.

Cyber-Seniors

Cyber-Seniors provides FREE technology support and training for older adults.

Easter Seals Massachusetts

Easter Seals Massachusetts provides services to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play. Easter Seals services include assistive technology, autism services, recreation activities, and employment and training.

FirstStop MV (Martha's Vineyard)

FirstStop MV is an Island-wide, community driven initiative to support the health and wellness of our community by connecting people to information and critical resources for Island seniors. Search the online database by keyword or topic in order to locate a service provider or other resource that may be able to help you or your loved ones. 

Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP)

Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) is a statewide association of the 23 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) operating in Massachusetts. CAAs are human service and advocacy organizations that are dedicated to fighting poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.

 Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council

Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to enhance independence, productivity, and inclusion.

Massachusetts State Association for the Deaf 

Massachusetts State Association for the Deaf is an organization dedicated to advocacy and protection for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind people in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to allow for full participation in civic, educational, social, cultural, and economic aspects of daily life.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is dedicated to finding treatment and cures to various neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MDA also provides health care services and support to MDA families nationwide. Go the following link to find a local MDA support group: http://www.mda.org/services/finding-support

National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts

National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts is a state resource for individuals and families facing the challenges of mental illness, providing free mental health family-based education, family and peer support and grassroots advocacy.

National Federation of the Blind Massachusetts

National Federation of the Blind Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the lives of blind people all over the Commonwealth through events, support and resources.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society 

National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers MS self-help groups to bring people together who share common life experiences for support, education and mutual aid.

Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO)

VSOs are located in 351 municipalities across Massachusetts to help veterans and families connect with benefits. VSOs are available to anyone seeking information or assistance in the area of veterans’ benefits and services, including family members of veterans. VSOs interview applicants, determine eligibility, and administer veterans benefits. VSOs can be reached at City/Town Halls, by using the VSO directory, or the VSO locator at Mass Vets Advisor.