Community Resources to Reduce Loneliness
Community Resources for Building Social Connection
Libraries
https://librarytechnology.org/libraries/public.pl?State=Massachusetts
Most town libraries offer a variety of programs for adults and children, including book groups, arts and crafts programs, movies, adult walking and conversation groups, grief groups, and homebound delivery of library materials. Most programs are open to both residents and non-residents.
Council On Aging
https://mcoaonline.org/coa-directory/
Every town has a Council on Aging to provide services and resources for older adults and their caregivers.
Volunteer opportunities
https://emersonhealth.org/support/volunteer/
Many local organizations have volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Recreation Departments
Many Town recreation departments offer numerous low-cost programs for youth and adults, and adult sports leagues. Check with your town or surrounding town websites.
Meetup.com
Meetup is a social networking platform that facilitates in-person gatherings and events based on shared interests. It allows users to find and join groups centered around hobbies, activities, or professional fields, and then participate in events organized by those groups. Meetup is free to join and explore groups; some events may have a fee.
Community Organizations and Gathering Spaces
19 Carter Community Center, Berlin
Website: https://19carter.org/
Email: info@19carter.org
Nashoba Valley Neighbors, Acton and surrounding towns
Nashoba Valley Neighbors has helped thousands of newcomers and established residents feel at home and make new friends, recognizing that many established people in our wider range of communities were also looking for new interests — all are welcome!
Website: https://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org/
Email: info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org
Parish Center for the Arts, Westford
https://parisharts.square.site/
(978)692-6333
Roudenbush Community Center, Westford
Offers programming for adults and children including arts and music, language and physical activity and wellness, as well as free community events open to all.
978 496-1707
Arts Organizations
Art for All, Concord
https://www.artforallconcord.org
Email: hello@artforallconcord.org
Maynard Community Band, Maynard
A non-professional musical ensemble comprised of woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists from Maynard and the surrounding communities. Open to musicians of all skill levels—from students to lifelong players—the MCB fosters a welcoming, non-stressful atmosphere that emphasizes passion and collaboration.
Website: https://maynardcommunityband.com/
Nashoba Valley Chorale
Nashoba Valley Chorale is a community choir whose aim is to promote the practice, performance and enjoyment of high-quality choral music.
Website: https://www.nvcsings.org
Telephone: (978) 540-0088
Email: Info@NVCSings.org
Nashoba Symphonic Band
The Nashoba Symphonic Band welcomes new players at the beginning of each season and at rehearsals immediately following each concert. There are no auditions but players should be comfortable working on advanced level music.
https://nashobamusic.wordpress.com/nashoba-symphonic-band/
Open Door Theater, Acton
Website: https://www.opendoortheater.org/
Email: info@opendoortheater.org
Sounds of Stow Chorus
Membership in Sounds of Stow is open to anyone from any town who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. No audition required. Artistic Director Barbara Jones promotes principles of good singing and serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, and always fun.
978) 707-9887
Educational Organizations
Acton-Boxborough Community Education
ceregistrar@abschools.org
978-266-2525
Assabet Community Education
info@assabetace.org
508-263-9651
Concord Carlisle Adult Community Education
https://concordcarlisleace.org/about-ayp/
978-318-1432
Lexington Community Education
https://lexingtoncommunityed.org/
LCE@lexingtonma.org
781 862 8043
Lincoln-Sudbury Adult Education
adult.ed@lsrhs.net
978-443-9961 x3326
New Parents and Families
Bedford Family Connection, Bedford
Provides support and connection for families with children age five and under
bfcdirectors@gmail.com
Concord Family Network, Concord
Volunteer-run group that works to unite, inform, and engage local families with young children age birth-6 years.
http://www.concordfamilynetwork.org/
concordfamilynetwork@gmail.com
Danny’s Place, Acton
Provides programming for children of all ages, from young children ages 3-5 through teens. Programming focuses on social-emotional learning, mental health and wellness.
978-264-9754
First Connections, offers programs in multiple towns
Equips parents with tools, practical strategies, and connections to other families and their communities to foster healthy parenting and guide them through the first years of the parenting journey. Free programs and services include: Children’s Playgroups, New Parent Groups, Post Partum Depression Support and Parent Education Programs
https://jri.org/services/foster-adoption-ecs/first-connections
Groton-Dunstable Parent Connection, Facebook group
Opportunities to make connections with other parents of young and/or school-age children in the Groton-Dunstable community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1377895902471363
Littleton Parents Association, Littleton and surrounding towns
A non-profit group of families with young children living in Littleton, MA and surrounding towns, providing resources and fostering connections within the membership and the community. The LPA is also open to families in the surrounding communities who do not currently have parents associations (Groton, Westford, and Ayer).
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/littletonparents
Maynard Family Network, Facebook group
Nonprofit, volunteer-run organization working to provide social support and resources to families with small children.
https://www.facebook.com/MaynardFamilyNetwork
maynardfamilynetwork@gmail.com
For Veterans
Clear Path for Veterans New England, Devens, MA
Website: https://www.clearpathne.org/
email: info@clearpathne.org