The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) manages the mental healthcare of more than 500,000 MassHealth members in the Commonwealth. As the state's leader in mental health services, MBHP provides it’s members with the highest quality of behavioral healthcare. They have been working in collaboration with the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC) on the Dual Recovery Project since 1999; this contract initiates peer-run Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) meetings in Clubhouses throughout the state and has been extended to include the Recovery Connection Centers and other state funded programs. MBHP is dedicated to serving adults in recovery not only from mental health challenges but addictions as well and they are committed to helping Clubhouse members reach their fullest potential.  For more information, click here.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) ensures that all Americans with or without an employment history are insured. In the face of tremendous challenges, many individuals who struggle with their mental health are unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and rely on federal insurance benefits for their livelihood. The Federal Government manage two programs that provide benefits based on disability, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program; both provide participants with work incentives that include a fixed cap on earned income in order to maintain these benefits. Clubhouse services take these programs into account when facilitating employment opportunities for members and offer specialized supports such as informational sessions, meetings with program representatives, and aid with the mandatory reporting of earned income. For more information on these programs and to apply, click here.

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) is both a state and federally funded program that has been operating the national Public Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program in Massachusetts since 1956. They serve 23 offices throughout Massachusetts helping individuals with disabilities to live and work independently in the community. The MRC collaborates with Clubhouses across the Commonwealth to offer coordinated opportunities to members in: Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Living, and Disability Determination. They promote equality, empowerment, and independence of individuals with disabilities. For more information and to connect with the MRC, click here.

In the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low and no-income people. The amount of SNAP benefits received by a household depends on the household's size, income, and expenses. For those who qualify, SNAP benefits are directly deposited into the household's EBT card each month, which may be used to pay for food at supermarkets, convenience stores, and other food retailers, including certain farmers' markets. For more information and to see if you qualify, click here.

Federal Student Aid (FSA) is an office of the U.S. Department of Education and is the largest provider of student financial aid in the United States. Each year Federal Student Aid staff processes approximately 22 million student loan applications and provides student financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, and work-study funds to their applicants. Additionally, FSA manages the Total and Permanent Disability discharge of federal loans for suitable applicants. Individuals who qualify for disability insurance may also be approved for a Total and Permanent Disability discharge of their federal student loans. For more information, check out the FSA website as well as Nelnet, Inc.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots movement that started in 1979 to meet the needs of anyone faced with mental illness. It is a nationwide organization dedicated to improving the lives of all who are touched by mental illness, including family members, loved ones, friends, and supporters. The Massachusetts chapter was founded in 1982 and runs peer support groups, community events, mental health programming, online resources, and a helpline for the local community. They operate as a clearinghouse of information as well as a provider of resources for mental health recovery across the Commonwealth. For more information on NAMI Massachusetts, click here.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was established in 1992 in an effort to better coordinate quality treatment and rehabilitative services on the federal level. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American communities. It’s funding includes such programs as The New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) who have collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) to provide quality trainings for local residents and providers across the Commonwealth.

The mission of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is to eradicate homelessness from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ensure that everyone has a place to call home. They were founded in 1981 and organize a series of initiatives that include advocating with and for people experiencing homelessness as well as those at risk. Their website provides a list of homeless shelters throughout Massachusetts with opportunities to volunteer for the Coalition and help impact policy change. For more information, visit their website: https://mahomeless.org/.

The mission of the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) is to encourage the production and preservation of affordable housing to low and moderate income families and individuals. They are a Massachusetts-based, non-profit organization that was founded in 1967 and they help to create laws and programs for housing in the state. CHAPA fosters diverse and sustainable housing opportunities through policy, planning, and community development. For more information, click here.

Household Goods became a formal non-profit in 1999 after almost a decade of service to the community. Their mission is to help those in need with free furniture and household items. They are located in Acton, Massachusetts and serve anyone in need including: the recently homeless, veterans, individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, children, youth or elderly in need of services, anyone living with a disability or illiness, victims of fire, and families trying to get by on minimum wage. For more information about how to receive or donate items visit their website: https://householdgoods.org/.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) is a statewide organization advocating for improved access to mental health services for children, youth, and their families. As part of their services, they offer support groups, nurture parent leaders, and work for systems change. PPAL is the only Massachusetts organization whose work focuses solely on the interests of families whose children have mental health needs. Founded in 1991, PPAL continues to work on behalf of children, youth, and families as a critical voice shaping policy and practice.  For more information, click here.