January 2026 Newsletter
- Mar 13
- 6 min read
SAFE Secures Funding to Expand Mental Health, Recovery Services
Thanks to recent grant funding from CHNA 6 and the Community Foundation for MetroWest, SAFE is expanding our capacity to support individuals and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges across Massachusetts. These grants will allow SAFE to reach hundreds more residents by increasing prevention, recovery, and family support services in communities facing the greatest barriers to care.
A newly hired Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, partially funded by CHNA 6, will provide direct, compassionate support grounded in lived experience, offering peer-led guidance to help community members access the resources they need.
Funding from Community Foundation for MetroWest will also strengthen SAFE's Collaborative Care program and increase the reach of the SAFE Mobile Outreach Van, bringing harm reduction supplies, essentials, and individualized navigation directly into local neighborhoods.
This work wouldn't be possible without the generosity of CHNA 6, the Community Foundation for MetroWest, and the countless individuals and organizations committed to supporting recovery and healing in our communities. THANK YOU!
Board of Directors Announces New Leadership
SAFE is excited to announce changes to its Board of Directors. Dr. Wendy Cohen steps into the role of Board President, Mary Clermont takes on the Vice President position, and Dr. Monika Page assumes the role of Secretary, alongside returning Treasurer Brian Hamlin.
“SAFE is in a period of rapid expansion, with new partnerships and programs launching all the time,” says CEO and co-founder Jennifer Levine. “Our board's combined strengths empower us to rise to the challenge, and I know they will help us keep our community-first values at the heart of everything we do.”
Dr. Wendy Cohen has been a practicing primary care physician in Southeastern New England for 15 years. She has witnessed firsthand the impact of opioid addiction on patients, families, and communities and has been instrumental in helping SAFE lead the charge in increasing Narcan availability and training across Massachusetts.
Mary Clermont brings with her decades of experience serving in Human Resources across multiple industries. Clermont has built her career on fostering inclusive, supportive workplace cultures and connecting employee and community wellbeing. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Bernon Family YMCA.
Dr. Monika Page is a partner at Pediatric Specialists of Foxborough and Wrentham and a longstanding resident of Franklin. Through her medical career, she has gained deep insight into how substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges affect individuals and families.
Upcoming Webinar Explores Systems of Care
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Understanding how to access mental health and substance use services can feel overwhelming. In the next installment of SAFE's Family Recovery Webinar Series, CEO and Co-Founder Jennifer Levine breaks down the interconnected systems that support healing in Massachusetts.
During this session, attendees will explore how judicial, medical, and behavioral health systems work together to coordinate care; learn the practical differences between private- and insurance-based services; and gain guidance for navigating these resources. Whether you're looking for information on bed availability, sober home criteria, or program qualifications, this is your opportunity to get answers directly from an expert.
The Family Recovery Webinar Series is designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing.
Miss our last episode?
“Managing the Holiday Season: Strategies for Self-Care,” presented by Karen Bean, is now available online!
This webinar covers tips on how to prioritize your needs while also accomplishing necessary tasks and strategies to manage stressors.
Up in Smoke Program Helps Teens Build Recovery Plans
SAFE Coalition is accepting referrals for Up in Smoke, a FREE diversion-based alternative to school suspension designed to help teens (ages 14-18) develop personalized recovery plans for nicotine, marijuana, and other controlled substance use.
The program works with small groups of just five teens at a time over three full-day sessions, allowing for meaningful dialogue and individualized support. Using evidence-based curriculum including Why Try and Stanford's Cannabis Toolkit, participants explore not just what they're using, but why—while also learning how substance use affects the brain and body and building tools for stress management. Lunch is provided each day, and SAFE can help with transportation.
Teachers, administrators, counselors, and guardians can refer students directly through SAFE's website.
Local Businesses Help Spread SAFE’s Mission
SAFE has been making the rounds at local businesses, sharing SAFE Coalition's programs and services while building meaningful partnerships throughout Franklin.
"It's been a blast connecting with local businesses and spreading the word about all of the programs and services SAFE has to offer," says Anthony Tuffo, SAFE Narcan Trainer and team member overseeing this initiative. "I was able to do an impromptu Narcan training at Vallee's Fine Jewelers and our window sticker is now visible to anyone that gets their car detailed at Franklin Car Wash!"
These partnerships strengthen SAFE's reach by positioning local businesses as allies in mental health and substance use recovery.
Want resources for your business? Contact Anthony at atuffo@safecoalitionma.org
Groups & Classes - Weekly Schedule
Mondays
Postpartum Support Group, 10:00–11:30 a.m. at North Attleborough YMCA. Registration required
Pop-up SAFE Office, 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Millis Public Library (History Room)
The Ripple Effect sibling support group, 7:00–8:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873
Big Book for Beginners, 7:00–8:00 p.m., at SAFE
Tuesdays
Up in Smoke Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE. Registration required.
Families Anonymous, 6:30–8:00 p.m. at SAFE and online
Wednesdays
WhyTry Teen Prevention One-day Program, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE Registration required.
Up in Smoke Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.
Postpartum Support Group, noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA. Registration required
Big Book Study, 6:30–8:00 p.m., at SAFE
Thursdays
Up in Smoke Teen Diversion class, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at SAFE.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA (2nd & 4th Thursdays only)
Fridays
SAFE Cafe drop-in hours, 8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE
Saturdays
Compass Yoga, 8:30–9:30 a.m. at SAFE Registration required
Receive Free Narcan Training
Join an upcoming SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Free and open to all! No registration required.
Attendees will:
Learn how to recognize an overdose
Practice administering Narcan
Develop confidence in responding to an overdose
Leave with two 4 mg doses of Narcan
Visit with SAFE about support resources
Upcoming Trainings
Millis: Mon, Feb. 2 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop-in anytime) | Millis Public Library
North Attleboro: Sat, Feb. 7 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Richards Memorial Library
Millis: Mon, Feb. 9 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop-in anytime) | Millis Public Library
Wrentham: Sat, Feb. 14 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Fiske Public Library
Franklin: Wed, Feb. 18 | 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Franklin Public Library
Medway: Sat, Feb. 21 | noon–1:00 p.m. | Medway Public Library
Norfolk: Sat, Feb. 21 | 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Norfolk Public Library
Foxborough: Mon, Feb. 23 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | Foxboro Community Center
Millis: Mon, Feb. 23 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop-in anytime) | Millis Public Library
You’re Invited to the 2026 SAFE Gala! |
Friday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m.
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
We're celebrating 10 years—and we want YOU there! Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 SAFE Gala. Join us for an unforgettable evening of hope, community, and celebration featuring:
Gourmet dinner at the iconic Gillette Stadium
Live music performed by those in recovery
Powerful testimonials
Exciting silent and live auctions featuring amazing packages and experiences
Presentation of the Jeffrey N. Roy Excellence in Community Service Award
Over the past decade, SAFE has been a lifeline for individuals and families across southeastern Massachusetts. This milestone gala is our chance to celebrate every barrier broken, every life changed, and every moment of compassion that's defined our work.
Looking for even more excitement? Add a Golden Ticket for $100—one lucky winner gets first pick of ANY travel package from our live auction before bidding begins! Only 100 available.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and community partners looking to make a visible impact.
Help us continue our life-changing work.
Make your gift to SAFE today.
Our Contact Information
SAFE Coalition
31 Hayward St., Suite 2C
Franklin, MA 02038-0434
508-488-8105
