The Children’s Trust has granted a total of $500,000 to seven family centers across Massachusetts
BOSTON, MA (DECEMBER 30, 2025) – The Children’s Trust, a statewide public-private organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in Massachusetts, announced today that it has awarded $71,428 to Cape Cod Children’s Place to expand parent education workshops, parent-child engagement groups, school readiness bootcamps, and family support services, and to support concrete needs such as baby supplies, food, clothing, and emergency assistance for families. This funding comes as part of the Children’s Trust’s efforts to strengthen family support programs facing challenges because of continued federal funding cuts. In total, the Children’s Trust has provided $500,000 in funding to Family Centers across the Commonwealth.
“Family Centers are a lifeline for families in our communities. They ensure that families have access to the information, resources, and services they need most,” said Jennifer Valenzuela, Executive Director of the Children’s Trust. “These grants ensure that each center has the flexibility to meet the specific needs of their community. These funds are necessary, but they are also just a band-aid. In a state with as many resources as Massachusetts, we must do all we can to fortify and support safety net services for all families so that children stay safe and families thrive.”
The funding comes from the Children’s Trust Massachusetts SAFE Child Communities program. In addition to Cape Cod’s Children’s Place, the Children’s Trust has also provided funding to:
City of Cambridge Center for Families, which will use the funds to assist families with resource navigation, parent leadership development, food access and distribution, and concrete supports.
Family Center of Northern Berkshires and Child Care of the Berkshires, which will implement family assistance support to decrease family stress and strengthen families, concrete support for Family Assistance Fund, and address cost-of-living increases for Family Center staff.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services/Martha’s Vineyard Family Center will expand its hours to provide additional parent/child activities and playgrounds, parent education workshops, and parent support groups; fund meals and snacks for participants; and provide concrete resources to support families’ emergent needs.
Medford Family Network, which will expand community outreach and direct family support services, including help with food assistance, utility and rent payments, and childcare subsidies.
Pioneer Valley Family Center which will address core service funding gaps to support center-based activities including plan and learn groups, support groups, special family events, and staffing for provision of individualized family support. Funds may also be used for food, childcare, and transportation, as needed.
Children’s Trust Family Centers are community hubs where parents go to get support navigating the joys and challenges of parenting. They can tap into community resources, learn new parenting skills, get individualized family support during times of stress, meet other families, and participate in activities and programs that support them in their caregiving role. The Children’s Trust partners with the Cape Cod Children’s Place to support programs that help families thrive. Family Centers are part of the Children’s Trust’s network of programs.
About the Children’s Trust
The Children’s Trust prevents child abuse and neglect by addressing root causes and strengthening the systems that support families — programs, policies, communities, and the workforce. As a public-private organization, the Children’s Trust is in a unique position to bring the day-to-day experiences of families and the family support workforce to life, ensuring policy is data-informed and grounded in the real experiences of families. The Children’s Trust works across sectors and communities to share learnings and resources, and to turn bold ideas into action so every family can thrive. Learn more at childrenstrustma.org.