Connect with other parents navigating special education. Get practical strategies, emotional support, and resources tailored to your family's needs. IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group Connect with other parents navigating special education. Get practical strategies, emotional support, and resources tailored to your family's needs. Register 6-Week Series Thursdays April 30 through June 4 Time 6:00–7:30 p.m. Location SAFE Coalition Franklin Who this group is for This group is for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and caregivers of children who have: An IEP (Individualized Education Program) A 504 plan Learning differences or developmental needs Or Health-related diagnoses affecting school Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school—and whether you're brand new to special education or years into the journey—you're welcome here! Benefits of Joining Connection with people who get it Meet other caregivers facing the same challenges—no need to explain what an IEP meeting feels like or why you're exhausted. Practical advocacy strategies Learn how to communicate effectively with schools, understand your rights, and prepare for meetings with confidence. Resources you can actually use Get curated tools for organizing documentation, tracking goals, and navigating school systems—not a generic brochure. A space to breathe Caregiving is hard. This is a judgment-free space to share what's working, what's not, and feel supported along the way. What to Expect Each week, we'll gather for 90 minutes of guided discussion, skill-building, and peer support. Topics are shaped by what the group needs most—you're not sitting through a lecture. This is a conversation. You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Some weeks you might need to vent; other weeks you might just want to listen. Both are welcome. Karen has spent her career supporting children and families, including 11 years as a foster parent, work as a Family Liaison with MSPCC, and co-facilitating foster parent licensing training. She holds a master's in social work and has provided in-home therapy and behavioral health services to individuals and families. She brings warmth, lived experience, and deep expertise to every group she facilitates. Meet the Facilitator Karen Bean Registration Form Form not loading? Open in a new browser.

The SAFE Coalition is a judgement free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns across southeastern Massachusetts. Welcome! We're happy you're here. SAFE is a nonprofit dedicated to compassionate, judgment-free support for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and related concerns. How can we help you? I need support for myself or a loved one I want to get involved to help others UPCOMING EVENTS Calendar of Programs & Events March 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +1 more 11 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +3 more 12 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +1 more 13 8:30 AM SAFE Café 14 8:30 AM Compass Yoga 15 16 10:00 AM Postpartum Support Group - North Attleboro +2 more 17 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +2 more 18 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +4 more 19 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program 20 8:30 AM SAFE Café 21 8:30 AM Compass Yoga 22 23 10:00 AM Postpartum Support Group - North Attleboro +2 more 24 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +2 more 25 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +2 more 26 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +2 more 27 8:30 AM SAFE Café 28 8:30 AM Compass Yoga 29 30 10:00 AM Postpartum Support Group - North Attleboro +2 more 31 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +1 more 1 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +2 more 2 9:00 AM Up In Smoke: Substance Use Diversion Program +1 more 3 8:30 AM SAFE Café 4 8:30 AM Compass Yoga 5 Stay informed! Receive the latest news from SAFE. SIGN UP

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< Back Press Releases: PATRIOTS #27 MARCELLAS DIAL CHOOSES SAFE COALITION FOR NFL’S ‘MY CAUSE MY CLEATS’ INITIATIVE FRANKLIN, MA – SAFE Coalition was recently chosen to participate in the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” program, with their logo featured on... SAFE Coalition Jan 27, 2025 SAFE COALITION DELIVERS HOUSING SUPPORT TO DOZENS OF FRANKLIN RESIDENTS OVER HOLIDAYS FRANKLIN, MA – Local nonprofit SAFE Coalition has helped more than 30 Franklin residents, many of whom parents and children, find safe... SAFE Coalition Jan 27, 2025 Senator Ed Markey visits SAFE Coalition, discusses substance use crisis and response FRANKLIN, MA – On Oct. 27, Senator Ed Markey stopped by SAFE Coalition to discuss the state of substance use and mental health crises in... SAFE Coalition Nov 19, 2024

< Back Sign up to Volunteer with SAFE Volunteers are key to SAFE’s mission. Their time, skills, and kindness help us support more people and make a bigger impact. Every volunteer helps create positive change in our community. Ways to Volunteer SAFE welcomes volunteers in all areas of our work. We offer both in-person and remote opportunities, tailoring roles to match each volunteer’s interests and goals. You can choose how much time to give—some help at a single event, while others commit to a set schedule (e.g., 2 hours/week). We’ll work with your availability! Some roles include, but are not limited to: Graphic design Social media content creation Front desk coverage Writing and copy editing Working SAFE info booth at community events Leading/assisting with educational presentations Providing Narcan and other harm reduction training Fundraising strategy assistance Hosting diaper drives Volunteer sign-up process Complete volunteer sign-up form (bottom of this page) Meet w/ SAFE staff to discuss volunteer opportunities and expectations (15–20-minute video meeting) Complete background check Receive training Begin volunteering!

Home > Get Involved We work with neighbors, local businesses, and schools across Massachusetts to conceive, develop, and deliver our programming. Get Involved Make a Donation SAFE relies on the generosity of donors like you. Thanks to your support, we can continue our vital work assisting those impacted by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference in their lives, and we couldn’t achieve our mission without you. Thank you for your ongoing support! Subscribe to our Newsletter Join the Safety Net Society Did you know that monthly giving is one of the most important ways to sustain our programs throughout the year? It’s also a convenient way to make a lasting impact. We invite you to join our monthly giving club, the Safety Net Society, where your gift has the power to create meaningful change. Host a Fundraiser Community members who step up to host their own fundraisers are essential to SAFE's mission. These grassroots events help raise awareness about SAFE’s work in mental health and substance use prevention, while generating funds that directly support local individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult times in their lives. Your commitment makes it possible for SAFE to continue providing compassionate, judgment-free support and critical resources across our community. Whether you're hosting a lemonade stand, running a road race, or having a backyard cornhole tournament, you have the power to make a difference. Email info@safecoalitionma.org (info@safecoalitionma.org)or call (508) 488-8105 for more information. Get Narcan Training Save a Life. Carry Narcan. Narcan is a nasal spray used to revive someone experiencing an overdose from opioid pain medications like oxycodone and Fentanyl, as well as street drugs like heroin. Taking a high dose or combining opioids with other substances can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Join an upcoming 20-minute SAFE Narcan training to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. The training is open to the public, and no registration is 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 https://youtu.be/_9fI1rUzd_4 Donate to our Diaper Bank Managed by SAFE, the diaper bank relies on community donations to provide baby supplies for families in need. Volunteer with SAFE Contribute to the Tree of Life The Tree of Life will memorialize loved ones we have lost while celebrating those who seek recovery. Your contribution to this piece of artwork will serve as a lasting reminder of our mission. Purchasing a leaf will help provide vital support for individuals and families facing substance misuse and mental health challenges. Be a part of this special fundraiser and share in the celebration of life. Become an Advocate Everything you need to know about vaping.(https://ff16bd3c-a9dc-4010-b10e-245e5d68f54b.filesusr.com/ugd/bb33cc_4fe4c73dcaca4650a110359a320f77ef.pdf) Marijuana 101.(https://ff16bd3c-a9dc-4010-b10e-245e5d68f54b.filesusr.com/ugd/bb33cc_28be670bec3746c88d3a68984bb56d3d.pdf) Follow us on Social Media Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma) Instagram(https://www.instagram.com/safecoalition/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/safecoalition/)

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We want to hear from you! Our mission at SAFE is to support the needs of the community related to mental health and substance use. Your feedback helps us provide direct and local support to our community members at no cost. Community Survey: Addressing Substance Use/Misuse We want to hear from you! Our mission at SAFE is to support the needs of the community related to mental health and substance use. Your feedback helps inform us on the needs of the community and enables us to provide direct and local support to our community members at no cost. Identifying information provided to SAFE from this survey is confidential.

Free clinical mental health and substance use recovery support for Massachusetts adults. Available for residents of Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, Medway, Medfield, and Millis Counseling Services Free clinical mental health and substance use recovery support for adults. Available for residents of Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, Medway, Medfield, and Millis. Request an Appointment Free Clinical Care Confidential meeting(s) with a licensed clinical social worker Personalized Support Plan Solution-focused counseling using a 90-day support plan Assessment Initial assessment to gather more information & discuss your concerns Referrals Referral to appropriate treatment services and specialized care This free resource was made possible with support from Town Opioid Abatement Funds from Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. Request an Appointment First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Birthdate* Month Day Year Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Language spoken at home Emergency Contact Full Name* Relationship to Emergency Contact* Emergency Contact Phone Number* By submitting this form, you understand that these services are not for emergencies. SAFE does not offer 24/7 care or have a clinician on-call. If you are having an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency center.* Yes, I understand. Submit

Join SAFE Coalition Saturday, June 7, for a free concert featuring the incredible Zajac Brothers Band—a 6-piece powerhouse known for their modern vintage sound and high-energy performances. From soulful jams to reimagined classics, these guys know how to light up the stage! Event Postponed! Subscribe to our mailing list to hear first when we announce the new date.

< Back Oomiya Kawas Graduate Intern info@safecoalitionma.org Oomiya received their bachelors degree from UMASS Amherst in Community Health Education. They have 15 years of experience in the fields of education, healthcare, and community based mental health/ substance use prevention services. Oomiya specializes in developing culturally conscious, trauma informed, equity centered programming that speaks to the emergent needs of the community. Oomiya's workshops deepen connections and stregthen communities through vulnerable and courageous conversations about gender and sexuality. Oomiya believes in the power of authenticity in our ability to thrive as individuals and as a community. She is a life long learner, and loves to try new experiences and meet new people.