Mutual Aid is dedicated to supporting residents of Amherst, MA, by fostering a strong network of community connections aimed at providing direct assistance during challenging times, including the COVID-19 outbreak. Our initiatives encompass a wide range of support services, such as financial aid, emotional support, meal delivery, and transportation assistance. We also offer help in gardening and farming, medical care, translation services, and educational resources to ensure everyone has access to essential services. If you find yourself in need of assistance, please fill out our Request Help form for immediate support. For those who prefer anonymity, our team is ready to assist you through email or phone communication.

At Financial Assistance for Military Families in Amherst, MA, we understand the unique challenges faced by our servicemen and women and their families. We partner with military aid societies to provide reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants in times of hardship, available 24/7 throughout the year. Our mission is to offer crucial support for emergency needs, which can include emergency food, shelter, travel expenses, and even burial costs for loved ones. We assist families through the application process, working closely with military aid societies to determine eligibility and tailor financial assistance packages. If you find yourself in need, we invite you to submit your request online for prompt help during difficult times.

The Nutrition Program in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to empowering the community with essential knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating. Our experienced team offers free workshops that focus on practical topics such as managing diabetes through diet, budget-friendly shopping and cooking, nutritional guidance for seniors, and promoting healthy eating habits for kids and teens. We believe that informed food choices can have a lasting impact on health, which is why we invite everyone to join our engaging events. Stay connected with us to find a variety of upcoming workshops, demos, and tastings designed to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for all.

At SimpliFed, based in Amherst, MA, we are dedicated to empowering pregnant and new parents with essential baby feeding knowledge and support. We offer free classes covering everything from preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy to managing feeding challenges postpartum. Our services include specialized lactation consulting, breast pumping education, and formula feeding support, all designed to meet the unique needs of families. We work with most insurance plans to ensure you receive these services at no cost. For those not covered or seeking additional resources, our free baby feeding education classes are available for all. Join us at SimpliFed to help you confidently navigate your feeding journey.

At Five Loaves & Two Fish Healthy Teaching Kitchen in Amherst, MA, we believe that everyone deserves access to health and wellness education through cooking. Our low-cost cooking classes create a fun and engaging atmosphere where participants can learn valuable culinary skills, exchange ideas, and enhance their understanding of health and nutrition. With offerings including individual and group guided cooking classes, as well as chronic disease management and prevention education, we empower individuals to make healthier choices in their kitchens. Our virtual classes extend the reach of our mission, allowing participants from across the nation to join in, while in-person experiences are available for those in the Central Florida area. Together, we cultivate a community focused on better health through cooking.

Kidney Smart in Amherst, MA offers essential classes that empower individuals to understand kidney health, explore treatment options for kidney failure, and receive valuable nutrition guidance. Our dedicated team aims to support those affected by kidney disease by providing clear, accessible health information and assistance in navigating their journey. Whether through in-person or virtual sessions, we are committed to equipping participants with the knowledge and resources they need to take charge of their health and well-being. Join us to learn more about managing kidney disease effectively and improving your quality of life.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to fostering healthy food habits among low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and young children up to five years old. With a focus on improving nutrition, WIC provides essential services including free healthy food, comprehensive nutrition education, and breastfeeding support, ensuring families have access to vital resources. Additionally, we connect participants with referrals to further services, emphasizing our commitment to enhancing the well-being of mothers and their children in the community.

In Amherst, MA, the Healthy Living Center of Excellence is dedicated to empowering individuals through practical, evidence-based health education workshops available in both English and Spanish. Our programs, rooted in extensive research from leading universities and medical organizations, focus on the prevention and management of chronic diseases and other health-related concerns. We offer a diverse range of workshops designed to address various needs, including A Matter of Balance, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, and the Diabetes Prevention Program, among others. Each workshop is crafted to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their health and well-being. Join us to take proactive steps towards a healthier life; visit us to register for a workshop today.

Harm Reduction Community Outreach in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to providing essential advocacy and legal assistance for individuals navigating the complexities of solicitation charges and other legal issues related to sex work. Our services are designed to empower those recently released or currently facing jail time by offering personalized support in areas such as writing letters to probation officers, providing letters of support for pre-sentencing reports, and facilitating seamless re-entry into the community. Additionally, we assist with record expungement and help connect individuals with qualified lawyers, ensuring that everyone has access to the legal resources they need to move forward with dignity and hope.

Pregnancy Educators in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to supporting women through the transformative journey of pregnancy. Recognizing the mix of joy and uncertainty that comes with this exciting time, our mission is to provide education, immediate answers to your questions, and access to vital resources. As a life-affirming center, we offer compassionate guidance and practical information, empowering women to make informed choices throughout their pregnancy. Whether you're seeking knowledge about prenatal care, childbirth, or parenting, we are here to ensure you feel confident and well-supported every step of the way.

The Living with Type 2 Diabetes Program in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to supporting individuals who have recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This free program spans 12 months and is designed to empower participants with essential knowledge and skills for effective diabetes management. Offering resources in both English and Spanish, participants receive six informative e-booklets covering vital topics, along with a monthly e-newsletter featuring seasonal tips and valuable community event information. Enrollees can also submit their phone numbers to join our monthly 'Ask the Experts' Q&A series, where they have the opportunity to engage directly with ADA specialists, ask important diabetes-related questions, and learn about the critical connection between diabetes and heart health, all while enjoying helpful giveaways. Join us to take an active role in managing your health and thriving with diabetes.

At the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA) in Amherst, MA, we are dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, their families, and care providers through each step of their journey. Our Family Support team is a trusted resource, offering accurate information and comprehensive assistance right from the moment of diagnosis. We are committed to empowering families with essential services, including parent mentoring, nutritional education, behavior management support, and guidance with Medicaid applications, insurance appeals, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For those seeking support, we encourage reaching out through our local PWSA chapter or joining our Facebook Support Groups for a sense of community and shared understanding.

The Farm & Food Systems Fellowship based in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to training and empowering individuals to serve as advocates and educators for a just food system that prioritizes social, environmental, and economic equity. Through a hands-on, immersive experience at the Allegheny Farm in Virginia, selected Fellows receive organic food system education without tuition costs, ensuring accessibility for all. This fellowship enables participants to engage in various community initiatives, such as developing market-style farms, fostering school gardens, and enhancing food literacy within educational settings. Additionally, Fellows will collaborate with nonprofit organizations to support farmers' markets, broaden access to healthy foods, and contribute to the vital work of community food coalitions. This transformative program includes a six-month residency followed by a Community Action Year, allowing Fellows to apply their skills locally, promoting sustainable food practices and community well-being. Applications are accepted until March each year, with the experience typically running from May to October.