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Resources
We’ve compiled a variety of resources to support sound minds, bodies, and spirits.
Community & Online Resources
Kiva Centers and affiliated organizations have committed to developing, sharing, and curating resources and alternative methods to support the physical and emotional needs of citizens of Central Massachusetts during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Please check our site often for updates.
Questions? Contact us at (508) 751-9600 for information relating to program schedules.
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) – Peer Support Resource Guide During COVID-19 Emergency – Download the pdf
Click on a category below to jump to that section.
Online & Phone Resources
PHONE SUPPORT
Join our Kiva Centers virtual peer support groups:
https://kivagroups.carrd.co/
RACIAL JUSTICE
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice – https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
Campaign Zero – We can end police violence in America – https://www.joincampaignzero.org/
Ways you can support the Black Community and the fight to combat racism, discrimination, and police brutality – Glaad.org https://www.glaad.org/blog/here-are-ways-you-can-support-black-community-and-fight-combat-racism-discrimination
ONLINE SUPPORT
Youth & Young Adult Support:
Thrive March Meetup Online Monday March 23 6:00 – 7:00 Thrive is a community of women with disabilities and anyone who feels they would benefit from being a part of this community – Email dforte@eastersealsma.org for login information
BAGLY Trans/Nonbinary Meeting via Zoom every Friday from 5-6pm for all Trans and Nonbinary Youth ages 22 and under: https://zoom.us/j/457216941
BAGLY’s LGBTQ+ POC Identity Meeting via Zoom every Thursday from 5-6pm for all LGBTQ+ youth of color ages 22 and under: https://zoom.us/j/193133567
Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) Self-Care and Resilience in Times of Stress Group – Open to youth with disabilities ages 14-22, Wednesday, March 25th at 12pm via zoom – email kcoppala@bostoncil.org or dharris@bostoncil.org for the zoom link
NAMI Connections support groups: https://namimass.org/nami-connection-recovery-support-groups/
Choice Recovery Coaching is offering free telephone recovery/wellness support during the Covid-19 emergency: call/text (413) 272-8520 Recovery@choicerecoverycoaching.org
STEPS has launched an online platform providing free mental health services to the public, including:
- 1:1 peer support via Microsoft TEAMS or Google Voice
- Online support groups through Microsoft TEAMS and Instagram LIVE (instructions on how to join are located in the newsletter)
If you, or anyone would benefit from Virtual STEPS, please:
- Your email address to steps@waysideyouth.org so they can send the Microsoft TEAMS group invitations. ***email invitations will ONLY go out to active members and any additional email addresses provided with, so this step is important!
- Share the calendar, newsletter, and STEPS mobile number (508-233-8228)
- Follow us on Instagram here to stay tuned to our events and join our Instagram LIVE groups! (IG handle: @stepsyoungadults)
Substance/Use/Misuse Supports:
- Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) Through the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition Community:
- https://www.massclubs.org/dra-overview
- https://www.massclubs.org/dra-virtual-meetings
- Recovery Dharma
- Refuge Recovery
https://www.refugerecovery.org/
https://refugerecoverymeetings.org/meetings
- Smart Recovery
https://www.smartrecovery.org/about-us/
https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/?coordinates=50&location=worcester+ma
- AA, Alcoholics Anonymous
- NA, Narcotics Anonymous
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
- MA Substance Use Helpline
www.HelplineMA.org / 800.327.5050
Clearinghouse: https://massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/category/ALCH.html
- SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Asian Women for Health
Asian Women for Health is offering a variety of weekly check-in groups through Zoom including:
- LGBTQ+ group on Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/91904339756?pwd=Y0J2M3RHMjdGV3RmVFVaenFWMVpWQT09
- Mom’s group on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/99111587316?pwd=M05tZVlzUXZ5NFJZTzAyTGNWQXQ2QT09&mc_cid=2e3ac4c908&mc_eid=03c591ac41
- Adult women’s group (age 30 and over) on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/99111587316?pwd=M05tZVlzUXZ5NFJZTzAyTGNWQXQ2QT09&mc_cid=2e3ac4c908&mc_eid=03c591ac41
- Young women’s group (under age 30) on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. https://harvard.zoom.us/j/97359871530?mc_cid=2e3ac4c908&mc_eid=03c591ac41
- Singles on Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/95289735964?pwd=R24rWVplZFFWVmoycnV4aUNrSnhUUT09&mc_cid=2e3ac4c908&mc_eid=03c591ac41
- Cancer survivors & patients group – Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. https://harvard.zoom.us/j/97424698425?mc_cid=2e3ac4c908&mc_eid=03c591ac41
Western Mass RLC Online and Phone support resource listings
Note: This is a very extensive list and despite the URL name, it currently lists April resources.
Coping Resources
COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub
A first-of-its-kind collaboration between various mental health advocacy groups, the largest national healthcare payors, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many resources on supporting your own or others’ mental health during the current health crisis: https://psychhub.com/covid-19/
A newly-released video, COVID-19: Mental Health Issues and Coping, on the elevated mental health challenges presented by the novel coronavirus pandemic and ways in which to develop coping strategies can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVvGvoMRUhk
The NAN Project
Resources guide for dealing with the COVID-19 emergency suggested by the Nan Project
For Young Adults: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k6qMO9gm3qQmMcNFLsy6w5F1JAKCw0UlPfWAAvb9Ed4/edit
For Caregivers, teachers and staff: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iF_rhJYA0v0pikWbtnQtLt0T_qAQy6PqjJ4dQiwIXIk/edit
SELF-CARE & WELLNESS
Y360 – a new initiative led by several YMCAs across the country provides a foundational set of at=home group exercise classes. Y360 is free to everyone for a limited time. Includes yoga, barre, workouts, bootcamp, and more. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOGt_IpceP_xQhhCMCrut_A
Live Yoga Classes – Salt Power Yoga is offering daily Instagram Live classes. Visit them on Instagram at @saltpower yoga to see the schedule of classes and to tune in live
Trauma Sensitive Yoga: https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/online-tctsy.html
5 Minute Meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inpok4MKVLM&fbclid=IwAR1M77jIv3KeE2TmIJONAc06LIBMvTfQlqoKjJZxHiI46O4jLqnG44cSXsM
How to Meditate for Beginners:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JslvBcIVtDg&fbclid=IwAR28Xl3nmHSEVzEqMVM5wT98TMsfkKT8rOugWAPI2qxpN7joCH47VI8rRkc
Yoga Class for Beginners:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYO8w7GCY_c&fbclid=IwAR3G4C3USEUxzCYsQKkE9oHNcJuv1urTMJVJUfyaOBJ3TE3HCDFr6mxeqGw
Cultural Fabric Evening Meditation Virtual Meet Up: https://www.culturalfab.com/event-info/going-within-evening-cultural-fabric-meditation-virtual-meet-up?fbclid=IwAR3c9uaA4vHmAJHt3ELQ-Yavw-0FPtDdJPrtCksP4q-jkuCpDTF7QEa55YY
Chair Yoga Instructional Video: https://youtu.be/Afhjrk3YS1g
Planet Fitness is offering free online workouts on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness/
#KeepDancing – Free Live Dance Classes: http://www.clistudios.com/keepdancing
MindText is a free text therapy resource for young people ages 13-24: https://www.mindright.io
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
To file a new Unemployment Insurance claim or reopen an established claim online:
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Visit www.mass.gov/dua/uionline
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Select Log in to UI Online for Claimants.
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Create an UI Online account or log in to an existing account.
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Complete all information requested and submit application.
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Be sure to include phone number and email address to make it easier for connections, in case DUA has questions about application.
UI Online is available 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. The call center phone line is 877-626-6800.
MA unemployment benefits:
https://www.mass.gov/…/check-eligibility-for-unemployment-b…
Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/597
MA Public Assistance:
https://www.mass.gov/economic-assistance-cash-benefits
VIRTUAL EVENTS & TOURS
Museum of disABILITY History: https://www.museumofdisability.org/virtual-museum/?fbclid=IwAR1XbINPE-FKqEBJ9gK1tTkJ8Ua4tlpu6VlOD48obCxKkt_cGrMweVv8F5I
National Museum of Natural History:
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour?fbclid=IwAR1MgOTRFvH4TRs9HS39kPaI1pPKrViv0QNxaA-bIlXxEYT3nK-KwdYQZDE
National Aquarium in Baltimore:
http://samuraivirtualtours.com/example/nab/index.html?fbclid=IwAR3G4C3USEUxzCYsQKkE9oHNcJuv1urTMJVJUfyaOBJ3TE3HCDFr6mxeqGw
Virtual Tour of Buckingham Palace:
https://www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace?fbclid=IwAR0j2VLSP6oS4FoA8AyPTnWo3wV9cLEp_0Iv7PU1JGHU-fb57kPmgOEdt48
Videos from the Natural History Museum: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/video.html?fbclid=IwAR0_0e983DfWTZgcgegzBfRR00hRwOCb0hffz7fl1ISC9E26OT5yAOr0Jwo
Seven Wonders of the World: Visit the new seven wonders of the world like you never experienced before. This collection contains unique aerial views of the new seven wonders of the world. https://poly.google.com/view/8v-I0wldO1r?fbclid=IwAR2p2iUHP6vmI-lqgzOTK8rMNWXXYqwzC074P7hPyikNdPKTJ2_tzOkw9hQ
Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China: https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china?fbclid=IwAR1MgOTRFvH4TRs9HS39kPaI1pPKrViv0QNxaA-bIlXxEYT3nK-KwdYQZDE
Louvre Online Tour: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne?fbclid=IwAR3G4C3USEUxzCYsQKkE9oHNcJuv1urTMJVJUfyaOBJ3TE3HCDFr6mxeqGw
Virtual Field Trips: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/preview?fbclid=IwAR0TaIITOhjstz9MXyZcoHIGjoMVeAKEGSMf8t7521te-hD3N_PPho5jLcM&pru=AAABcQjSgyg*6sX7GHoIqGcaPOwOjyKYkg
Cincinnati Zoo – Daily Home Safari via Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/
LIVE WEBCAMS:
Smithsonian’s National Zoo: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams?fbclid=IwAR24rl0omI3tQswnNMN_hFT49sesHR-GroUBMe1u_K-3EOrGWUK1BlmOAzc
National Park Service: Nine webcams—one live-streaming and eight static—provide views of the current conditions around the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs, Mount Washburn, the West Entrance, and the Upper Geyser Basin: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm?sf174893829=1&fbclid=IwAR2e-RtSXAfs1PBdr-84QJQrY7zlL_d5fiwyD-j0MzPUEHKqdSXDO6y1qV0
LIVE-STREAMED EVENTS:
“Reel Abilities Film Festival” will be streaming all of their film screenings online for free through March and April: http://www.bostonjfilm.org/reelabilities/?fbclid=IwAR3eZAVhI4fNCsqB2zAAN1qE_ui06ZeK94KamxiqfHLPWG8ruX3mLWaWViQ
Nightly Met Opera Streams, The Metropolitan Opera:
https://www.metopera.org/about/press-releases/met-to-launch-nightly-met-opera-streams-a-free-series-of-encore-live-in-hd-presentations-streamed-on-the-company-website-during-the-coronavirus-closure/
Easterseals MA – Tuesday March 24 4:00 – 4:30 Accessible Martial Arts Online (Learn some stretching and exercise techniques from home.) – Facebook live https://www.facebook.com/EastersealsYouth/
Live Stream Local – Live streaming of Musicians in Worcester, MA. https://actionbydesign.co/live-stream-local
The Social Distancing Festival is an online artist’s community made to celebrate and showcase the work of the many artists around the world who have been affected by the need for social distancing that has come about due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.socialdistancingfestival.com
SPIRITUAL SERVICES
Old South Church, Boston, Live streaming services: https://livestream.com/oldsouth
Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center Live Stream: https://isbcc.org
Temple Israel of Boston: https://www.tisrael.org/levi-auditorium-live-stream-on-demand/?fbclid=IwAR2c3yUN-y_4GFwuPBeG6sEZbgUD9hIp0_Qi2vr02F-AfPQukOv0a-XMYXw
Temple Emanuel Sinai, Worcester: https://emanuelsinai.org/live-streams/
South Church, Andover: http://southchurch.com/sermons?fbclid=IwAR1KZFPHd1qzGp3zfWF5UXj9cB99FF8QNzr2h5RGs499H7jA5itKsYhnBKw
St. Joseph’s Church, services in English and Spanish: www.saintjosephlynn.org
EDUCATIONAL TOOLS AND ACTIVITIES
Scholastic Learning at Home: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html?promo_code=6294&eml=CM%2Fsmd%2F20200312%2F%2Ftxtl%2Ffacebook%2Fed&linkId=84223338&fbclid=IwAR08mNtRsJ2WJj2nnvaW98KbDdkkGzMYhOJPD7S8J_AV5TT2J86jyEfd6wo
“Amazing Educational Resources” – a list of education companies offering free subscruptions due to school closings: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/?fbclid=IwAR1pJv6F19u1x5Ehxvyq9oqNHV7goZKFsrtjWhV07R_U_FQGP3SGgSaPMOY
GCflearnfree has LifeSkills and transition-based games which are a ton of fun for students (and teachers…check out grill safety now that the weather is getting warmer!) There are simulations of using the ATM, microwave, grocery shopping, counting money, submitting a timecard, etc. Games need flash player to work and may only work on computer or certain web browsers. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/edlall/
Duolingo – start learning a language for free! https://www.duolingo.com/?fbclid=IwAR2tdKW7x_30CY-ikzUtaCuQxB8p-BVejryrPSMCRiw3neP5Br9rKKI7jRw
Career One Stop has some great short videos on any type of job that you could want to learn about! https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/CareerVideos/career-videos.aspx
Online History Lessons for preteens to adults: https://school.bighistoryproject.com/bhplive
Chalk Academy – Learning Chinese lessons and activities: https://chalkacademy.com
Breakout EDU – fun educational games for K-12: https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome
Code Academy – Learn to Code! https://www.codecademy.com
35 Must Watch TED Talks for Kids and Teens: https://www.weareteachers.com/ted-talks-students/
Chrome Extensions for Struggling Students and Students with Disabilities: https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2016/10/special-needs-extensions.html
ARTS & CRAFTS
5 Minute Mindful Art Activities – https://www.workshopmuse.com/the-workshop?fbclid=IwAR2nqAprCpCAY7yBXhvHpuGs2-I5A943dGzOTX5WEqpuQA3OIhTM1PTAPfU
5 Minute Creative Drawing Exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G2q5RPGI0s&fbclid=IwAR2KSnUM9WDPVZIeyiIx36Cfb56LB8CuFr9nKAmCqL_shQE_bhvCOlxPTqc
Doodle with Mo – Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. https://www.facebook.com/events/2544781839094130/?event_time_id=2544781875760793
LIBRARIES
OverDrive App – borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. OverDrive also has the Libby App to access your local library: https://app.overdrive.com
Kanopy – Stream thousands of classic cinema, Indie films, and documentaries with your library card https://www.kanopy.com
GENERAL ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES
Boston Globe general and COVID-19 information and help resource guide: https://www.boston.com/culture/local-news/2020/03/17/how-to-find-help-access-resources-impacted-by-coronavirus
Free internet for Low-Income Subscribers
Comcast is offering 60 days of free Internet access to low-income subscribers via their Internet Essentials program, which normally is available to low-income families for $9.95 per month. They have also increased Internet speeds for all existing and new subscribers to the program to 25/3 Mbps. New customers receive a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem with a Wi-Fi router. There is no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee.
To apply to sign up:
Call 1-855-846-8376 (or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish)
Disclaimer
PLEASE NOTE: These resources and any others within the Kiva Centers website are not intended as a recommendation of any of the websites or services listed, but are provided for informational purposes only. These resource listings intentionally focus more on alternatives to medical model approaches and ways of thinking, not because we are against more familiar and medical perspectives and approaches but because we are aware that many people aren’t provided the opportunity to explore alternatives. Often, information on less standard approaches can be very difficult to find. Ultimately, we support people in their efforts to be fully informed and to choose the path that is best for them.