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Need diapers? SAFE Coalition's Western Massachusetts diaper bank offers free diapers. Request online and pick up in Springfield. < Back to GET SUPPORT < Back to GET INVOLVED Emergency Diaper Bank - Springfield The Springfield diaper bank is temporarily closed and is expected to re-open at the end of October. Please check back then to submit requests. Free diapers for families across Western Massachusetts! Sizes 1–6 available. Fill out the request form , and we'll email you when your order is ready for pickup. Pickup and donation drop-off by appointment. No walk-ins please. Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 43 Homer St. Springfield, MA Sorry, no delivery Looking to support the diaper bank? Schedule diaper donation drop off. Email diaperbank@safecoalitionma.org Purchase through our Amazon wishlist Host a diaper drive (guide ) HOW IT WORKS 1 Fill out the form It takes about two minutes. We ask your name, your town, and your child's age and diaper size. 2 We contact you We email you when your order is ready and schedule a time for pickup. 3 Pick up your diapers Stop by 43 Homer Street during your scheduled pick-up time.

SAFE’s Family Recovery Center is proud to launch a new educational webinar series. This series is designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing. Family Recovery Webinar Series SAFE’s Family Recovery Center is proud to launch a new educational webinar series designed to deepen understanding of addiction, recovery, and the systems that support healing. Up Next Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 (Zoom) This month's session, “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs,” examines how predators exploit young people's trust, online and right here in our own communities. SAFE's Diversion Facilitator Mikaela Weinstein and Detective Jack Flynn of the Franklin Police Department will unpack what we teach young people about trusted adults, how that framework can be twisted into inappropriate and predatory relationships, and how these exchanges play out on online platforms. Drawing on Mikaela's work with Diversion students and data from the Police Department, they'll share what's happening locally and what parents can do about it. You'll come away with: A young adult's perspective on how these relationships form Which online platforms are most often used to target young people Practical tips for internet and social media monitoring and safety Insight into how prevalent this issue is in our area, drawn from police department data This session is especially valuable for parents of adolescents and younger children, and for teens themselves. Register Past Episodes “Safer at SAFE: Harm Reduction 101," presented by Sarah Fleming and Amy Young-Sadler What is harm reduction and why does it matter? In this session, SAFE Coalition's Harm Reduction team breaks down the history, principles, and real-world practices that are saving lives in our communities. “Navigating Court Options for Families in Crisis," Honorable Judge Michelle Kelley L earn about how the court may support treatment, Recovery Court, Section 35, and Section 12. Understanding when and how to use these options—and what to expect—can be critical for families in crisis. Judge Kelley walks through the process and answers questions. “Family Support: Why It Matters," Jim Derick When one person in a family is impacted by substance misuse or mental health challenges, the whole family feels it. This webinar offers families the knowledge, language, and tools to navigate that experience with compassion and clarity. Jim Derick guides attendees through the key pillars of Family Recovery, including how to define it, why it matters, and how families can actively participate in the healing process. “Managing the Holiday Season: Strategies for Self-Care," Karen Bean Does the holiday season feel heavy this year (or every year)? Do you worry about how you will manage all that needs to get done?This webinar covers tips on how to prioritize your needs while also accomplishing necessary tasks and strategies to manage stressors. “The Disease of Addiction: Why Science Matters," Kathryn Branca Gain a deeper understanding of addiction as a chronic, treatable brain disease, learn how science shows us recovery is possible, and discover practical ways to apply the science to support themselves or loved ones in their recovery journey.

See if your employer offers matching gifts, volunteer grants, or payroll giving. Search your company in 30 seconds and double your impact on SAFE Coalition. See if your Employer will Double your Impact Many employers give to nonprofits on behalf of their employees. Most people never find out. It takes about 30 seconds to check. Matching gifts Volunteer grants Payroll giving Matching gifts If you have donated to SAFE Many employers will match a donation you already made, often dollar for dollar. That means your gift can count twice without costing you anything more. Some companies also match gifts from spouses and retirees. Most have a deadline, often the end of the calendar year or a set number of months after your gift. Gifts you made earlier this year may still qualify. Back to top Volunteer Grants If you volunteer with SAFE Some employers donate money based on the hours you volunteer. Your time becomes a gift on top of the help you already gave. Companies may set a minimum number of hours before a grant is issued. We can confirm your hours if your employer asks for verification. Back to top Payroll Giving If you want to give a little at a time Some employers let you give a set amount from each paycheck. It spreads your support across the year, and a few companies add a match on top of what you give. You choose the amount and can change or stop it at any time. Your employer handles the paperwork through your benefits portal. Steady monthly support helps us secure programs further ahead. Back to top

If you already have a donor advised fund (DAF), you can recommend a grant to SAFE Coalition at any time. It only takes a few minutes. EIN 81-0856576. Get started with DAF Direct Select your fund provider. Choose your amount and click Next. Log in and submit. Donor-Advised Funding (DAF) If you already have a DAF, you can recommend a grant to SAFE Coalition at any time. Your gift goes straight to free, compassionate support for individuals and families facing substance use and mental health challenges across our communities. Prefer to contact your provider directly, or don't see yours listed on DAF Direct? Just recommend a grant to SAFE Coalition, EIN 81-0856576. What is a DAF? A donor advised fund , or DAF, works like a charitable savings account. You set money aside for giving with your financial provider, then choose which charities receive grants from your fund, and when. Don't have a DAF? You can still give to SAFE . Questions? Contact Meaghan Peters, Director of Development, at mpeters@safecoalitionma.org or (508) 488-8105.

Ask SAFE Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker will answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, and more. Ask SAFE a Question Submit Past Questions and Answers Can someone recover from substance use disorder without going to rehab? Yes, absolutely! Recovery is unique to each person and shaped by their individual needs and circumstances. Rehab is just one option. Some people benefit from outpatient counseling, peer support groups (like AA or NA), medication-assisted treatment, faith-based programs, or a combination of approaches. What matters most is finding support that works for you! Is it okay to date someone else who is in recovery? Yes, but it’s best to wait until both parties are firmly established in recovery—ideally at least one year. Dating too early can make it difficult to focus on your own recovery if both people are struggling to maintain sobriety. Invest in your own recovery and healing first. You'll be stronger, healthier, and ready to build something meaningful with someone when the time is right. What are the signs of alcohol poisoning? Alcohol poisoning (or overdose) occurs when excessive alcohol in the bloodstream shuts down critical brain functions and could be life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you expect someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning. Symptoms include mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious or inability to wake up, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, and low body temperature. When should I call a crisis hotline? Anytime is the right time to call a crisis hotline—no concern is too big or small. The federal 988 lifeline offers immediate support for issues like depression, suicidal thoughts, intrusive thoughts, substance use, feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, and more. If you’re unsure where to start, 988 is a great resource, and you don’t need to be in “crisis” to reach out. How can I support a loved one who is struggling with their mental health? Compassion, acts of kindness, listening, and patience! Be present and provide a compassionate listening ear when they need to talk something out. You can also suggest activities to do together for some distraction or deliver something to the person that they would enjoy—any way you show the individual you are there for them and willing to sit alongside them through these challenges will make a difference. How can I practice mindfulness in my daily life? Mindfulness means being aware—aware of your body, surroundings, experiences. It’s tough with daily distractions, but you can start small. For example, while walking the dog: notice the color of the sky, the feel of the leash, the sound of your dog’s paw-steps. Tune into your senses and allow yourself to fully exist in every moment How do I know if I'm ready to start recovery? So often we look for specific green lights or red lights to help us with decision making. The time is always right to consider a life of recovery! Recovery is a regaining of control of something that you may feel is controlling you. RECOVERY IS A JOURNEY and for some, sobriety is the destination. Recovery is defined by the individual struggling, whereas sobriety is the absences of substances. Recovery often looks like a decrease in substances, an increase in community supports, or even a change in the style of substances being used. What are some common triggers for relapse and how can I manage them? Relapse triggers are events, situations, or emotions that can lead to a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol again. Triggers differ from person to person—it's important to know what our triggers are so we can develop a plan to avoid or cope with them. Common triggers include increased stress, unwanted or unpleasant feelings, or physical pain. Our social connections (being around people we have used drugs or alcohol with in the past) or lack of social support (loneliness and isolation) can also trigger relapse. The best way to manage triggers is to proactively develop a relapse prevention plan that outlines our recovery goals, triggers, coping skills, supportive people and places, etc., and to share this plan with those who support us in our recovery. How does exercise impact my mental health? Exercise has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and it also can improve our quality of sleep, short-term memory, and attention span. As we engage in physical activity, we can feel less stressed as our brain releases more endorphins and serotonin (which make us feel happier and improve our overall well-being.) Formal exercise programs may also lead to more interpersonal connections, a sense of purpose and achievement, and improved self-esteem. It's helpful to start small! Begin with a short walk outside with a friend or try a beginner's yoga class! What is self-care and what are some easy ways to add it to my daily routine? Self-care is any activity that meets your needs and promotes overall wellness. Self-care can look different for everyone, and each person should identify what that looks like for them. This practice should meet your needs and promote overall wellness physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. One easy way to incorporate this into your daily routine is to make sure that you have some component of movement, mindfulness, creativity, and service to others sprinkled into your day! For example, you could go for a nature walk, try an adult coloring book, cook a nutritious meal, or spend time with friends. I’m a teenager. Is it safer for me to use cannabis rather than drink alcohol? It's impossible to definitively state one substance is safer than another, as both cannabis use and alcohol consumption have inherent risks for individuals across the lifespan and especially for teenagers. The use of alcohol and cannabis both impact brain development, which means our ability to make healthy decisions, to drive a car, and to regulate our thoughts and emotions. Further, cannabis is not federally regulated, and research shows that the potency of THC in cannabis today is three times more concentrated than it was decades ago (whether it is being smoked, vaporized, or consumed as an edible.) Both substances can lead to unintentional consequences when used in large quantities (think blackouts from drinking alcohol excessively, violent or illegal behaviors, or hallucinations from excessive cannabis use.) These effects can be extremely dangerous, scary, and lead to long-term impacts on our brains, our bodies, and our overall futures. How can I be a supportive friend to someone going through recovery? Being a supportive friend to someone in recovery might look different depending on that person's wants, needs, and preferences. You can start by communicating how proud or happy you are for them to be taking steps to improve their well-being. You can also ask them directly how you can be helpful. This might sound like "I know you are early in your recovery journey, and I'm so proud of you for seeking treatment. I want to be supportive. Is there anything specific that I can be helpful with?" You can offer to join them at a meeting or drive them to an appointment with their providers. It will also likely be helpful for you to maintain an environment that is conducive to their sobriety or recovery, for example, by refraining from your own substance use while with them, avoiding people or places that might encourage their misuse, and using language that communicates your encouragement and support. See this article for guidance on language to use: https://tinyurl.com/SUDterms What are harm reduction strategies and why do they matter? Harm reduction refers to strategies that aim to reduce the negative consequences of drug use. The concept of harm reduction is based on the principle that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and that recovery from drug use is most successful when we meet people where they are at. Harm reduction approaches work to address the broader health and social issues of a community through improved policies, programs, and practices by providing people with resources to support their physical, emotional and social well-being. Some examples of harm reduction strategies and techniques include: • Preventing overdose deaths by distributing Narcan • Providing access to clean needles and syringes • Distributing substance test kits, including fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips • Offering access to nicotine cessation therapies • Delivering psychoeducation about substance use as well as referrals to appropriate resources in the community Smoking cannabis helps me sleep, why should I stop using? Quality sleep is so important to our overall health and wellness—it impacts our energy, mood, physical health, among other areas of our life. But using smoking to help sleep can end up being more detrimental than helpful. It's important that we learn how to fall asleep (and stay asleep) without the use of substances. If we become dependent on smoking to fall asleep, it can become really hard to fall asleep on our own, which can lead to addiction. It can take several weeks to develop a healthy sleep hygiene routine, but with time, it can improve our quality and quantity of sleep and also increase our confidence in our ability to develop healthy habits. For optimal sleep, we want to create a cool, dark sleeping environment. Avoid watching TV, playing video games, spending time on our cell phones or other devices for 30–45 minutes before bedtime. Instead try doing some deep breathing, listening to calming music, or reading a book. It's also important to exercise and get outside during daytime hours and be mindful of our caffeine intake. Sometimes I get really down on myself and have a hard time getting myself out of a bad mood. What can I do to feel better? Sometimes we can have negative or unhelpful thoughts that lead to more negative and unhelpful thoughts and feelings. We call this spiraling, and it can be challenging to catch ourselves. Try asking yourself: Would I say this to my best friend? If not, we shouldn't say it to ourselves.

The mission of the Janice T. Knight Memorial Fund is to honor the life and legacy of Janice by supporting mothers and those in a caretaking role through compassion, connection, and community care. Through direct assistance, education, and advocacy, we strive to provide hope, stability, and opportunities for families facing hardship. Janice with her mother and siblings The Janice T. Knight Memorial Fund Honoring the life and legacy of Janice by supporting mothers and those in a caretaking role through compassion, connection, and community care. Donate Who this fund supports Honoring the values of the SAFE Coalition, any Massachusetts mother or person in a caretaking role may access support offered through the Janice T. Knight Memorial Fund. The fund is committed to meeting families where they are with compassion, dignity, and without judgment. Support may include Assistance with basic needs Family stabilization resources Post-partum care Family wellness initiatives Emergency assistance, based on available funding and identified community needs This fund will support programs and community resources. Specific requests for support will be reviewed through SAFE Coalition’s established processes to ensure equitable and responsible distribution of funds while prioritizing the well-being of children and families. Give today in memory of Janice T. Knight Janice and her siblings enjoy Easter Give today in memory of Janice T. Knight Janice (center) with her brother and sister Established with love by the Kelley-Outten Family Trust Years ago, I remember going out to dinner with my parents, my sister Janice and her family, my husband, Ben and my mother-in-law, Nancy. Each party was paying their own bill, and Janice volunteered to collect everyone’s money to be sure we had enough for the bill and tip. My mother-in-law and I watched in awe as we saw Janice count the bills faster than any counting machine. Nancy leaned over to Janice’s husband, Dan and asked, “Does she always move that fast?” “Oh no, he responded. This is her slow speed.” When I think of my sister, I think of action, energy, and movement. One night she couldn’t sleep, so she painted the family room. The endless trips she made to doctors, dentists, grocery stores and everything else she did to support our aging parents for years. The volunteer work she so enjoyed with Meals on Wheels. The care packages she made for her kids when they were away at college. She did all this and so much more with love, care, and attention to every detail. She never did anything halfway. If she was in, she was all in. She saw a need and took action. No procrastination, no indecisiveness, no over analysis. If she saw someone that needed help, she helped. I heard my niece, Jennifer Knight Levine, speak at the recent SAFE gala. She told the story of how, when SAFE first began, Janice would quietly slip her checks for $100. That was my sister, always supportive but never needing to be the center of attention. My sister’s illness was hard in so many ways; for her, her husband and children, and the family and friends who loved her. It first slowed and then stopped her ability to move as she wanted through the world. But her love for her family and her community never wavered. In the end, she took all the energy she could gather for one final family holiday to meet two of her newest grandchildren. Janice smiled, held their hands, and visited with all her beloved family. She truly gave all she had to give with love and care. I’ve thought a lot about how to honor Janice. I knew it needed to be something that reflected her love of family and community, and how she wanted to improve the lives of others, especially mothers and children. It is not surprising then that I thought about SAFE, an organization that exists to support families and communities. This is why the Janice T. Knight Memorial Fund was established, to continue her legacy of love, support, and care. This fund will specifically support programs that offer help to mothers, children, and families. Janice loved to help others, solve problems, and improve lives. I hope you will join me in continuing her long tradition of taking action when help is needed. With love, Susan Kelley-Outten Janice's Sister

< Back 12-Step Beginners Workshop For family members of someone struggling with substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges, this "Beginners Workshop" is designed to give attendees an overview of the 12 steps and how they may be applied to your life. Date: TBD Time: 6:30 pm–8:30 pm Location: SAFE Office, 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038 Details: Registration is required. Register HERE . About the Program: The 12 Steps are commonly used in support programs for family members and loved ones of those impacted by substance misuse and/or mental health challenges (e.g., Al-Anon, Families Anonymous). These 12 Steps provide a guide for healing from patterns of behavior, such as codependency, which are common among family members and loved ones. Codependency often leads to feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, and isolation. If left unaddressed, these emotions can cause major disruptions both for individual family members and the family dynamic as a whole. Meet the Facilitator: Director of Family Recovery | Co-Founder James Derick jderick@safecoalitionma.org READ BIO

Appointment Request - Collaborative Care These appointments are for adults looking for help navigating substance use and mental health care. A Collaborative Care team member will meet with you to understand what's going on, then walk with you from there—finding treatment, understanding your insurance and benefits, signing up for benefits, or connecting to resources after incarceration. What to expect: Everyone who works with Collaborative Care builds a 90-day support plan with our team. Together we'll identify your goals and needs, connect you to the right longer-term resources, and set up regular check-ins to help you stay on track. Maintaining the plan with your team member is part of receiving support through Collaborative Care. Servicios disponibles en español. First name of person receiving support* Last name* Birthday* Month Day Year Town or Zip Code* Preferred language English Español Bilingual services available. Email* Phone* Preferred Contact Method (select all that apply)* Email Phone Call Do you have an emergency contact?* Yes No Do you currently see a therapist or counselor?* Yes No Not sure Briefly tell us what brings you to SAFE* I confirm that I 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. * I verify that I am at least 18 years of age and voluntarily submitting this form for services for myself. * Signature* Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload. Submit

Home > About Us Our Mission SAFE 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. Staffed by trusted, trained professionals and peer support volunteers, SAFE compassionately empowers individuals and their loved ones by breaking down barriers to treatment and emotional support in a way that inspires success on the journey to recovery. About Us Board of Directors Staff Our Approach Blog Location Address 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038 Mailing Address (for donations) PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038 Phone (508) 488-8105 Email info@safecoalitionma.org Newsletters Where We Serve SAFE currently serves 55 communities throughout Massachusetts. We have organized diversion programs in 19 schools and communities, conducted Narcan training sessions in 44 communities (6,000 Narcan doses distributed as of Feb. 27, 2025), and delivered public presentations in 31 communities. Financials Videos In the News Boston News 25 - Pull back the pandemic and there’s teen vaping...again. October 4, 2021. Boston News 25 - Pandemic stress causing students to attend class under the influence, counselors warn. October 11, 2020. Boston News 25 - Study: America an emotional wreck after months of COVID-19. August 17, 2020. Milford Daily News - Marijuana delivery service proposed at new Plainville dispensary. February 24, 2021. Franklin Matters - Community Leaders Recognized At Hockomock Area YMCA Annual Meeting. June 28, 2019. Photo Gallery Pamphlets Everything you need to know about vaping. Marijuana 101 Press Releases Podcasts Our Partners

< Back EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol (often called vapor) produced by an e-cigarette or similar battery-powered device. Download Pamphlet MARIJUANA 101 Today's marijuana is 57-67% more potent than it was in the 1970's/80's. Download Pamphlet

< Back Intern with SAFE Interns are an essential part of SAFE’s mission. By contributing their skills, creativity, and passion, interns help us expand our reach and deepen our impact. SAFE welcomes interns in many areas of our work. We provide both in-person and remote opportunities and tailor roles to align with each student’s academic goals, career interests, and skill development. Details Fall Semester: Apply by July 31 Spring Semester: Apply by October 31 We recommend applying at least one month before the semester begins to allow time for meetings and paperwork. Open to high school and college students over the age of 18. Benefits for Interns Internships are flexible and tailored to student needs, with schedules designed to meet school requirements. Interns gain hands-on nonprofit experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, with the option to earn academic credit. Completed internships strengthen resumes and include letters of recommendation to support future goals. Relevant Fields of Study include: Education Sociology Psychology Human Services Public Health Counseling Social Work Communications & Design Marketing Fundraising & Development Examples of Internship Roles Graphic design & digital media Social media management & content creation Communications, writing, and copy editing Community outreach & event support Assisting with educational programming Research & program evaluation Public health training (e.g., Narcan education, harm reduction awareness) Fundraising & nonprofit development strategies Apply for an Internship