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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, May 25, 2023
LAUNCHING! Family Support Center by SAFE Coalition
Thursday, April 27, 2023
SAFE Family Support Center is open now and ready to help
Monday, January 2, 2023
Reminder: A new Support Group for Parents forming at St John's
Love Parenting is a 6-week series created by Collette Potts, who also created the Love First children's curriculum that St John's uses.
For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org
Friday, December 16, 2022
St John's forms New Support Group for Parents
Love Parenting is a 6-week series created by Collette Potts, who also created the Love First children's curriculum that St John's uses.
For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
ECDC looking to hire to 2 ESP for this school year
"We are hiring! Looking for 2 ESPs to join our team! School year, 8:45 to 3:30, M-F! Find the listing on Schoolspring, or reach out to me for more information! Kelleyk@franklinps.net"
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1554131428912365570
ECDC looking to hire to 2 ESP for this school year |
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022
"The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline activates their new Mental Health Emergency Line tomorrow. If you or someone you know is suicidal or struggling with a mental health crisis, you can dial 988 to be connected to immediate support. There is Hope.
Just call or text 988"
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1548091265941614597
Call 988 - Mental Health Emergency Line activates on July 16, 2022 |
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Community Support Night for the Gaspar Family - May 2, 2022
Join our @Franklin_Lax program as we support Nick & his family on comm5/2/22!
Pack the stands with Carolina Blue!! #nickstrong #noonefightsalone
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSlax_boosters/status/1516414244207607808
Community Support Night for the Gaspar Family - May 2, 2022 |
Friday, February 25, 2022
Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio)
FM #739 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 739 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert. They came together as part of the Franklin Neighborhood Support Team to provide support for an Afghan family now living here. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Feb 22, 2022.
We talk about the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for March 19, 2022 on the Franklin High School track, the organization of the Neighborhood Support Team and their fundraising effort.
The recording runs about 17 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jerika and Adam. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-739-shamrock-walk-for-refugees-02-22-22
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Register or donate to the Shamrock Walk For Refugees -> https://walkforrefugees.org/
For more about Acentria, the New England based non-profit providing some of the infrastructure for the Neighborhood Support Teams -> https://www.ascentria.org/
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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
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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio) |
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Ariel Doggett on Supportive Day Care at the Senior Center - 12/20/22 (audio)
FM #696 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 696 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett. Ariel is currently the Supportive Day Coordinator for the Franklin Senior Center. Ariel and I recorded this in her office at the Senior Center.
We talk about the Respite and Supportive Day program returned in person in September and is looking to expand by a couple of more members for now.
The recording runs about 17 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ariel.
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Franklin Senior Center https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Senior Center Connections newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter
Supportive Day program “The Sunshine Club”
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/sunshine-club
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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
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"
Ariel Doggett on Supportive Day Care at the Senior Center |
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Strive to Thrive: a program for "siblings of family members with mental health needs"
The Survive to Thrive Sibling Support Group is offered for youth who have siblings with mental health and behavioral health challenges living in the home. Ben Speaks’ knows the wide-ranging impact that mental health issues can have on families, and looks to serve as a resource to youth that are impacted by the stigma, volatilities, and demands placed on families.
Siblings of family members with mental health needs may experience challenges and disruptions in their own emotional growth and development. This group will provide these youth with a nurturing environment to share their unique experiences of having a sibling with mental health needs, engage in empowering and fun expressive activities, and develop their own skills and resources, so that they may thrive in face of the challenges that they and their families encounter.
What is the Sibling Support Group?
• Group is open to youth ages 11-14 years old, living in MetroWest Massachusetts, who have siblings that struggle with mental health and behavioral health issues living in the home.
• Group sessions will include opportunities for both open and themed discussions, expressive art activities, age appropriate learning about mental health challenges and their impacts on families, and empowerment skills to enhance emotion regulation and effective communication.
• This program will be conducted virtually via ZOOM meetings. A reliable internet connection will be required. We will send all virtual meeting links and information via email after registration.
• 10 weeks - 1.5 hours each week (No group will be held September 16 due to Yom Kippur)
• Facilitated by Bretton Torkelson, Psy.D., Judy Giovangelo, Michael Giovangelo and Penny Young; Members of the Ben Speaks’ Board of Directors.
• Cost: This program made possible through grants and sponsors. Thank you to Rockland Trust, ADM Cleaning Services, Penny Young, Judy Giovangelo, Jim McCusker & Nicole Kittredge.
Visit https://www.benspeaks.org/survivetothrive for more information & to sign up.
Download flyer as reminder to follow up or share with someone -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4s3N2HfQzB9D5oFmHe8rzbmjRm1Dy5q/view?usp=sharing
Strive to Thrive: a program for "siblings of family members with mental health needs"
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Open House Job Fair - Aug 23
Please consider attending the FPS Open House Job Fair. August 23rd from 4pm-6pm. We are seeking Educational Support Professionals at various school locations, assisting our students in the classroom environment. https://t.co/apB4b9f64Q
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Open House Job Fair - Aug 23 |
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse
"New Support group added: starting MARCH 15th, 18+ sibling support group for anyone with a loved one grappling with substance use disorder💜 "Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten"
What is the SAFE Coalition?
"SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County (serving Franklin, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, Wrentham and surrounding towns) who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can’t, we can."
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SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse |
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
HMEA is hiring Direct Support staff for its Residential Division
Looking for a rewarding job? HMEA is currently hiring Direct Support staff for its Residential division in the Franklin Area
Full & part time available, visit www.hmea.org or email a resume to jobs@hmea.org for more information
What is Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA)? Listen to the interview with HMEA President Michael Moloney. We talk about
- How HMEA is adapting their service delivery to the pandemic
- What services they provide to more than 4,000 people in over 100 communities
- How Cloud 4 Causes is helping non-profits with their technology needs
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses
As part of its Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses campaign, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is distributing these signs to local businesses. Please look for these signs on businesses doors or windows and support our local establishments!
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Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses |
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2020/10/look-for-keep-it-local-signs.html
Note: Franklin Matters/Steve Sherlock is a individual member of the partnership and proud supporter
#ThinkFranklinFirst
Sunday, October 4, 2020
SAFE Coalition reminds the community it is here to provide support
Dear Community,
Charles Dickens opened a Tale of Two Cities with these memorable lines:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
In the past few months, I have felt these words in my soul.
Some of us have rejoiced in this new time spent with family, the opportunity to get ahead of those fall clean outs, and the ability to practice a work from home life. Others have experienced financial and academic changes, mental and medical heath concerns, and most deeply a lost sense of hope and recovery.
It is during these times that we must reckon with our own lines of need.
The SAFE Coalition has seen an incredible increase in calls – which we welcome and it’s why we are here.
The calls have been from individuals asking for support, parents seeking information for their children’s health, school systems looking for structure in treatment, and local prescribers and first responders interested in collaborating. On top of that, we have received inquiries on ways to support the larger community.
We often speak about Vaping, Heroin, Alcohol, mental health, expectations vs. reality and domestic violence. In listening, we take the time to recognize how stigma, past care, and the reality of the world are impacting each caller. We, work together, to create a recovery oriented support plan for the family as a whole.
We recognize that you and those you love are worthy of support. We know that the quiet voice whispering in the dark of night, the reminders of vulnerability, the questions of, “am I doing enough?”, does not need to hold a place within you forever. And we believe the fears you have about your child’s substance use is not a failure of your parenting, but an opportunity to gain more insight into their needs.
Healing only happens when it is shared within a supportive community.
With a warm (socially distant) embrace, the SAFE Coalition offers pathways for support, education, treatment options and healing opportunities. We are here and we are ready.
Warmly,
Jennifer Knight-Levine
Executive Director, co-founder
SAFE Coalition https://www.safecoalitionma.org/
SAFE Coalition reminds the community it is here to provide support
Friday, August 28, 2020
FHS Chromebook support request form
Link to access form https://t.co/HecBngoKYQ https://t.co/kaqinBxOC2
FHS Chromebook support request form |
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Veteran Employment And Housing Virtual Walk-In Clinic
- Employment Assistance
- Education & Training Resources
- Housing Programs
- Support Services
*** Visit from any Device***
Join Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97525135152?pwd=VnpGRGE0Wmd6dmFEUDAxSnkwSWJyQT09
Meeting ID: 975 2513 5152
Password: 819142
Or Call: (929) 205 - 6099
Join Weekly: Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 PM – 2 PM
Hosted by Volunteers of America
Download a copy of the flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yTojlNlDrwHRgg34HhtzbpwwvpTXVCnd/view?usp=sharing
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Veteran Employment And Housing Virtual Walk-In Clinic |
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Franklin Downtown Partnership: Offers Free Promotional Resource To All Franklin Businesses
Businesses should contact the FDP at Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com so they can get their updated business information listed on the Partnership website. Businesses do not need to be an FDP member to be listed.
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Franklin Downtown Partnership |
The FDP's goal is to provide Franklin residents with one place they can visit for all updated information on local businesses as well as one website that lists all the small businesses in Franklin that sell gift cards.
“During this time of social distancing, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is committed to helping our businesses weather this storm,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “The FDP is currently working on a recovery plan for the months ahead to help our small businesses.”
Franklin business owners who would like to receive the monthly FDP newsletter should contact the FDP office to be added to the distribution list. The newsletter provides updates on local businesses, town news and information that affects local businesses. The FDP also provides lots of information through social media - follow the FDP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 280 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.
Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information
Monday, February 24, 2020
FM #209 - Housing and Transitional Assistance Discussion
This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 209 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
At the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Feb 12, 2020, there was an extended discussion on housing and social services related to it.
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONSSeveral others stepped up to comment during the course of the two presentations. They introduced themselves as they began talking (per Town Council public meeting protocol)
a. Housing Authority - Lisa Audette, Executive Director, Franklin Housing Authority
b. Transitional Assistance Discussion - Franklin Senior Center
Karen Alves, Senior Center Director
Erin Rogers, Social Services Coordinator
The show notes include the link to the Senior Center document so you can follow along. The Housing Authority portion did not include a public document.
Social service presentation
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/transitional-assistance
My Live Reporting notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html
The recording runs about an hour and 20 minutes. So without further ado, here is the recording of the discussion on housing and social services from the Town Council meeting of Feb 12
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcdPW36X
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"
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Some of the units managed by the Franklin Housing Authority |
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More of the units managed by the Franklin Housing Authority |
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Franklin SEPAC: January 2019 Newsletter
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Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy. | |










