SAFE Coalition: Family Recovery Webinar Series available for replay (video)

Did you miss one of our Family Recovery Webinar Series sessions? Good news — you can catch up anytime! Head to our website to watch past episodes covering topics like:

💚 Navigating court options for families in crisis

💚 Why family support matters

💚 Strategies for self-care

💚 The science of addiction

🔗 LINK = https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar

Each webinar is free to watch and packed with practical knowledge for families navigating addiction and recovery. New episodes coming soon!

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SAFE Wins Major Harm Reduction Award

SAFE Coalition's Harm Reduction team won the first-ever Program Achievement Award for their ongoing efforts to serve the MetroWest community with lifesaving care.  

The award was presented by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to recognize the team’s major contributions to the state’s harm reduction services. 

SAFE’s team of three, led by Director of Harm Reduction Sarah Fleming along with Harm Reduction Coordinator Amy Young-Sadler and Harm Reduction Clinician Stephanie Nunes, was chosen for recognition from over 200 harm reduction and post-overdose outreach programs actively operating across Massachusetts. 

Photo, Brittni Riley at DPH along with
Sarah Fleming, Stephanie Nunes,
and Amy Young-Sadler of SAFE Coalition

The team was recognized for their success in migrating their outreach program from Justice Resource Institute to SAFE Coalition in Fall 2025. When their program faced the threat of closure, Fleming and her team worked closely with DPH to secure a move to Franklin-based SAFE without compromising service quality for their clients.  

“We’re fortunate to live and work in a state that supports harm reduction efforts as much as it does,” says Fleming. “What has always uplifted my team is that no matter what the funding landscape looks like, harm reduction always finds a way. We remembered that harm reduction was a practice that started in rebellion and riots, continued underground, and often exists without any funding at all. Fortunately, there are true harm reductionists in our state leadership and in DPH who understand the need on the ground right now, and we are grateful for that support.”

SAFE's harm reduction team currently serves 105 clients from the towns of Framingham, Marlborough, Hudson, and Natick with non-judgmental, stigma-free support, from arranging safe rides to medical and court appointments to wellness checks, court advocacy, housing support, Narcan distribution, syringe exchange and more. Incredibly, the team provides all support by phone and in person, operating entirely in the field.

Harm reduction accepts behavior change as an incremental process rather than a single and instantaneous act. By treating people experiencing addiction with dignity and providing practical, life-saving tools to keep them alive and healthy, harm reduction seeks to minimize the negative physical and social consequences of drug use without requiring abstinence. These measures are proven to save lives and connect people to treatment without increasing drug use or crime.

“Harm reduction works because it meets people where they are, and it treats them with the dignity they deserve, says SAFE CEO Jen Knight-Levine. "When we do this work in MetroWest, it sends a message that no one in our community is invisible. No one needs to go somewhere else to get help.”

For Fleming, the award offers an opportunity to draw attention to the way stigma imposes limits on the way we see people who use drugs. “Harm reduction is a reminder to everyone that people who use drugs can still be incredibly skilled and have much to contribute,” she says. “I never forget that the first responders to an overdose are most often actually people who use drugs. They are far more knowledgeable and capable than the system gives them credit for, and they should always have a seat at the table.”

ABOUT SAFE

SAFE Coalition serves over 50 communities in Massachusetts with substance use and mental health services that close current gaps in care. With programs for teens, support groups for families impacted by substance use, recovery groups, harm reduction education, resources for families in need like a community diaper bank, housing support, and more, SAFE’s services are judgement-free and cost-free to all.

SAFE began in 2015 following a community discussion on the increasing impact of opioid addiction in southeastern Massachusetts. Today, with locations in Franklin and Springfield and mobile services across the state, SAFE works with first responders, local and state politicians, municipalities, schools, other nonprofits, and concerned citizens to offer substance use and mental health prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, and recovery support, wherever it is needed most. 

To learn more about SAFE Coalition, contact us at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org

SAFE Coalition is offering free grief support groups for children and teens - Wednesdays Starting June 17

SAFE Coalition is offering free grief support groups for children and teens this summer in Franklin — a safe, welcoming space for young people to process loss at their own pace through art, play, and connection with peers who understand.

Four groups meet back-to-back on the same evening, divided by age and type of loss:

3:00–3:40 p.m. | Teen Bereavement (ages 14–18) — for teens who have lost someone to death

3:45–4:25 p.m. | Teen Grief & Loss (ages 14–18) — for teens navigating any significant loss

4:30–5:10 p.m. | Children's Bereavement (ages 6–13) — for kids who have lost someone to death

5:15–6:00 p.m. | Children's Grief & Loss (ages 6–13) — for kids navigating any significant loss

Significant losses include divorce, a parent's illness or addiction, major life changes, and more. 

No therapy experience needed, no pressure to participate, and no need to start from the beginning — groups are open enrollment and children and teens can join any session.

When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 26 | 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Dates: June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26

Where: SAFE Coalition | Franklin, MA

Cost: Free

Register online

Reminder: Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens - June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

SAFE is throwing a free prom night celebration for all high school students in Norfolk County.

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens
June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

Night to Remember is a glow-and-neon themed dance party at SAFE's Franklin office, open to all teens (ages 14 to 18). 

The night includes a live DJ, dance floor, mocktail bar with custom drinks, photo booth, games like cornhole and oversized Jenga, glow bracelets, temporary tattoos, and prizes and giveaways.

Prom season is one of the highest-risk times of year for teen substance use, and free, teen-centered weekend events are rare in our area. Night to Remember gives high school students a genuinely fun alternative—a low-pressure way to dress up, celebrate, and have a great time with their friends, while reinforcing the kind of community SAFE is known for building.

Spots are limited and registration closes on Thursday, June 11. If you know a high school student in our community, please share this with them.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EVyVNMRZay

This event is made possible with support from Lawson Charitable Foundation, Community Health Systems Foundation, and Rockland Trust.

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Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens - June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

SAFE is throwing a free prom night celebration for all high school students in Norfolk County.

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens
June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

Night to Remember is a glow-and-neon themed dance party at SAFE's Franklin office, open to all teens (ages 14 to 18). 

The night includes a live DJ, dance floor, mocktail bar with custom drinks, photo booth, games like cornhole and oversized Jenga, glow bracelets, temporary tattoos, and prizes and giveaways.

Prom season is one of the highest-risk times of year for teen substance use, and free, teen-centered weekend events are rare in our area. Night to Remember gives high school students a genuinely fun alternative—a low-pressure way to dress up, celebrate, and have a great time with their friends, while reinforcing the kind of community SAFE is known for building.

Spots are limited and registration closes on Thursday, June 11. If you know a high school student in our community, please share this with them.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EVyVNMRZay

This event is made possible with support from Lawson Charitable Foundation, Community Health Systems Foundation, and Rockland Trust.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18W98BaiL8/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, May 7, 2026 ???

Thursday, May 7

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

6:00pm Annual Memorial Porketta (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

For Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today ***

For Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***    Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, May 7 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2279 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2286 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/593?fileID=9052 

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens - June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

SAFE is throwing a free prom night celebration for all high school students in Norfolk County.

Free Sober Prom for Norfolk County Teens
June 13, 2026 from 8 PM to 11 PM

Night to Remember is a glow-and-neon themed dance party at SAFE's Franklin office, open to all teens (ages 14 to 18). 

The night includes a live DJ, dance floor, mocktail bar with custom drinks, photo booth, games like cornhole and oversized Jenga, glow bracelets, temporary tattoos, and prizes and giveaways.

Prom season is one of the highest-risk times of year for teen substance use, and free, teen-centered weekend events are rare in our area. Night to Remember gives high school students a genuinely fun alternative—a low-pressure way to dress up, celebrate, and have a great time with their friends, while reinforcing the kind of community SAFE is known for building.

Spots are limited and registration closes on Thursday, June 11. If you know a high school student in our community, please share this with them.

Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/EVyVNMRZay

This event is made possible with support from Lawson Charitable Foundation, Community Health Systems Foundation, and Rockland Trust.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18W98BaiL8/

Testimonials recorded at the SAFE Gala - April 17, 2026 (audio)

FM #1730 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1730 in the series. 

This episode shares the testimonials I was able to gather during the SAFE Coalition Gala held on April 17, 2026 at Gillette Stadium. I was fortunate to have an official Press Pass for the evening and am grateful to be able to share these recorded testimonials with the community. 

Testimonials from

• Lucas Giguere, Superintendent Franklin Public Schools

• Jim Derick, co-founder of the SAFE Coalition

• Jeff Roy, Franklin’s State Representative

• Bob Dellorco & Greg Connor

The conversation runs about 15 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1730-testimonials-at-safe-gala-04-17-26/

--------------

SAFE Coalition web page  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

Franklin TV recorded the speaker portion of GALA  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM 

Video testimonial from Mark, a client of SAFE https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/safe-coalition-hear-marks-story-video.html 

Other links of the SAFE Gala  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/safe-coalition-holds-their-10th.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

SAFE Coalition: Hear Mark's Story (video)

"Mark represents everything we stand for at SAFE: compassion, dedication, and meeting people where they are. He reminds us that every person deserves dignity, respect, and to never feel alone—and that’s exactly what we strive to provide to everyone who walks through our doors.

Will you join Mark in investing in people?

Together, we can continue to show up, stand beside those in need,

and turn hope into action."

Donate here - https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safe2026/donate

Additional info on the SAFE Gala held recently

Franklin TV: SAFE, 10th GALA

SAFE Coalition Celebrates at Gillette Stadium

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/12/2026

When the SAFE Coalition began humbly in Wrentham who knew that its growth, and more importantly, its impact across the state would be so incredible? It’s staff and volunteers are amazing. It’s cause runs deep through every heart. When you understand the critical work they do there’s only one response. “How can we help?” 

Now, 10 years on – time to enjoy a moment to celebrate. The evening’s festivities were hosted (and serenaded) by Jim Derick and Jeff Roy. (Standing ovation.)

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,

and staying informed at Franklin●news.

You can watch the Gala  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

SAFE Coalition holds their 10th Anniversary celebration at Gillette Stadium (video)

A sell out gathering of 500 or so folks celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the SAFE Coalition with a GALA event at Gillette Stadium, Friday, April 17, 2026.

You can view the  live streamed event via Franklin TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM

Photo album of the event - https://photos.app.goo.gl/sGEetaQy4eSKFmbg8

SAFE Coalition holds their 10th Anniversary celebration at Gillette Stadium

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, April 17, 2026 ???

Friday, April 17

9:00am Fallen Hero: John J. Kell (Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

5:30pm The SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving (tickets sold out; online auction available)

Senior Center events

For Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

----------

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Drug take back day - Saturday, April 25

Safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s RX disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free and totally anonymous!

Saturday, April 25  from 10 AM to noon 

Locations: 

- Franklin, SAFE Office 

- Medway Town Hall 

- Norfolk Police Department 

- Wrentham Town Hall

- Millis Fire Department 

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications, and even liquids and creams. 

We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes. 

​

Supported by Opioid Abatement Funds from the Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham.

Shared from = https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1liqhkvuI/

Reminder: SAFE Gala online auction open and ready

OUR ONLINE AUCTION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! https://tinyurl.com/bidsafe

You don't have to attend the gala to bid—anyone can participate in our virtual silent auction supporting SAFE Coalition's 10th Anniversary Gala!

Browse 60+ items including tickets to Kimberly Akimbo and Motley Crue, gift cards to local restaurants, custom portraits, self-care packages, and so much more. New items added daily!

How to participate:

• Already have a gala ticket? You're all set—log in with the email on your ticket.
• Want to bid but not attending? Register for FREE by clicking "Buy Tickets" and selecting "Virtual Auction Access" (does NOT include admission to the gala)

All proceeds support SAFE's life-saving prevention, recovery, and mental health services. Happy bidding!

Note: Tickets for the Gala have sold out

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HmLqqk2pm/

SAFE coalition NARCAN training in Norfolk, Medway & North Attleboro this week - Yes, it is free !!

Free Narcan training this week! No registration required and open to all! 

Attendees will:

➡ Learn how to recognize an overdose

➡ Practice administering Narcan

➡ Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

➡ Leave with 2, 4mg doses of Narcan

📆 See all upcoming trainings or request training: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training 

Supported by Towns of Millis, Norfolk, Medway, and North Attleborough Opioid Abatement Funds

🌟MILLIS

 📆 Monday, April 13

🕛 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop in anytime)

📍Millis Public Library

🌟NORFOLK

 📆 Wednesday, April 15

🕛 1:00–2:00 p.m.

📍Norfolk Public Library

🌟MEDWAY

 📆 Wednesday, April 15

🕛 2:30–3:30 p.m.

📍Medway Public Library

🌟NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH

 📆 Saturday, April 18

🕛 1:00–2:00 p.m.

📍N. Attleboro Public Library

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18WdScWeV5/

You Don't Have to Attend the Gala to Bid! The Virtual Auction is OPEN

The online auction for SAFE's 10th Anniversary Gala is officially OPEN and you don't have to attend the gala to participate!   Here's a sneak peek at what's up for grabs across 60+ items: Tickets to Kimberly Akimbo and Motley Crue Gift cards to BJ's Brewhouse, The Rome Restaurant, and more local favorites Vacation planning services, a Day Trip to Mystic Seaport, and a Boston Tourist package Custom portraits, jewelry, and home goods Self-care packages, custom training sessions, and an outdoor fire pit Here's how to get started:   NOT attending the gala but want to bid? Register for free at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safe2026/items/ and select "Virtual Auction Access - NO EVENT ADMISSION." This gives you access to browse and bid online only; it is NOT a ticket or admission to the gala event itself. If you'd like to attend the gala in person, select "Individual Ticket" instead, which also includes virtual auction access.   Already have a gala ticket? You already have access! Use the email address associated with your ticket to log in (please do NOT register for "Virtual Auction Access”). You can also click "Set Up Bidding" in your confirmation email (subject: "Your 2026 SAFE Gala Tickets") to log in and start browsing.  Having trouble? Email our support team at info@safecoalitionma.org All auction proceeds support SAFE Coalition's life-saving prevention, recovery, and mental health programs across southeastern Massachusetts. Happy bidding!     Thank you for your continued support of SAFE's life-saving work! Our Contact Information SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org