You can sign up for SAFE flag planting for International Overdose Awareness Day

On August 31, communities around the world mark International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those we've lost to overdose and working to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.

This year, SAFE will work with community members to place memorial flags across the county. Sign up to help: tinyurl.com/safeoad

• Place flags: Saturday, August 29, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Remove flags: Tuesday, September 1, 9 to 10 a.m.

Anyone can help, and all are welcome!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbY49FIDxGy/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 ???

Wednesday, July 29

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

12:00pm SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Summer Drop-In Hours (SAFE Coalition)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

??     David French Music Training Night to benefit Franklin Music Boosters

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

*** NO Town Meetings today ***

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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

Parmenter Foundation highlights the SAFE Coalition as a new grantee

"The Parmenter Foundation is proud to highlight the @safecoalition as one of our new 2026 grantees.

SAFE is a nonprofit dedicated to compassionate, judgment-free support for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and related concerns.

Through our grant, SAFE is able to provide wraparound services for those who have experienced a death, including supporting the complicated grief from substance use and suicide loss.

We encourage you to learn more about SAFE at their link - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/"

For more about the Parmenter Foundation  https://parmenterfoundation.org/mission-and-values/

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbIuSUIxYNA/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 ???

Wednesday, July 22

12:00pm SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Summer Drop-In Hours (SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward Street)

6:00pm    Once Upon a Town (audience opportunity)   (Franklin TV & Radio Studio)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***   Town Meetings today ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting - No Meeting

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2397 

Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2420 

Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 5:15 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2423 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, July 22 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 

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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

Boston Globe: "High schoolers are placing sports bets online. Experts warn of growing risks of addiction."

"At Fenway High, Angel Benitez even tried to document the use among classmates. For a humanities project last spring, Benitez and his friends surveyed their classmates about wagering on sports and whether their friends outside of school were also betting.

They spoke to 90 teens and found that 82 of them – more than 90 percent — were gambling on sports.

“I was like, whoa. I didn’t know that many people at our school were gambling,” said Benitez, who graduated and this fall is attending Northeastern University. “Not only is it at our school, but kids our age everywhere are gambling.”

That does not surprise Jennifer Knight-Levine, cofounder of the SAFE Coalition, a nonprofit that supports young people facing mental health and substance abuse challenges.

“Youth gambling on online platforms in school is absolutely happening across the Commonwealth,” Knight-Levine said."

Shared from - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/10/metro/underage-gambling-risks-sports-betting-in-teens/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

The Within Project partners with SAFE Coalition

(L-R) Jen Levine & Janya Varsani

"The Within Project is excited to announce our partnership with Safe Coalition!!

A massive thank you to jlknight1717 for reaching out to connect and support my mission. We have amazing things in the works, including an upcoming art showcase to highlight all of the kids incredible creations! 

I am also looking forward to hosting this year’s workshops there.

Thank you, Jen and the SAFE Coalition team for collaborating with The Within Project."

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What is the Within Project?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-within-project-2-art-workshops-for.html

Register here: https://forms.gle/rGM1iPkZHt1GZDU56

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/191MHTJxWF/

SAFE Q&A: Q: What if recovery changes my personality?

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more. 👇Check out this week’s Q&A! 

Q: What if recovery changes my personality? 

A: Being in recovery may change your personality as much as any other major life change will. Take some time to reflect on what you're worried about changing and then make active efforts to nurture those pieces of your personality. 

Life in recovery might be different, but you can still live authentically to your values and identity. If you are nervous that being sober means losing friends, focus on planning activities with them that don’t center on drugs and alcohol. You can still be social without compromising your sobriety goals. 

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe 

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DalfbGLiedV/

SAFE Coalition schedules teen drop in hours on Wednesdays beginning July 1

Teens: discover your new summer hangout! tinyurl.com/su26awc

SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Center is a welcoming, low-key space to hang out, meet new people, express yourself, and grow, and our summer drop-in hours are a great chance to check it out for yourself.

FREE • Teens 13–18 • Wednesdays • noon–3 p.m. (drop in anytime) • Starts July 1 • Franklin, MA

Summer can be difficult for many young people who lose the structure and community provided by school. These drop-in sessions provide a safe, healthy space for teens to just BE this summer.

Questions? Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org or (508) 488-8105

The AskSAFE question of the week answered !!!

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more.

Check out this week’s Q&A!

Q: How do I balance staying safe and having fun in the summer?

A: Summer is full of celebrations: graduation parties, concerts, beach vacations, and more! These tips can help you mind your health and safety while enjoying these events:

Drink lots of water, apply sunscreen regularly, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Some medications can affect how your body handles heat or sun, so be aware of any added risks.

When around water (pool, lake, ocean), have a designated Water Watcher. This sober, responsible adult supervises the people in and around the water—no phone or other distractions.

Be sure to know the exact address of where you are, so if you have to call 911, first responders can arrive as soon as possible.

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe

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!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZqUNCgmVVi/

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.

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

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 

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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/

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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 

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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!

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