Where can I take English classes?
The Literacy Unlimited Program at the Framingham Public Library.
www.framinghamlibrary.org/literacy/lva.htm 508-532-5570 ext 4574.
Students are matched with a volunteer tutor for weekly meetings on a one-to-one basis. The program is free. Register during the months when the waiting list is open: usually January, May and September. People on the waiting list are usually called within three or four months. Conversation groups are also available for those interested in practicing their English skills. In addition, with a library card, you can borrow from a large collection of books and tapes in the Framingham Public Library to help learn English.
Framingham Adult ESL Plus (FAESL). www.faesl.org 508-626-4282.
This is a free program. Classes begin in September and in January. Classes are offered during the day and evening; various levels are taught. Students are selected by a lottery system. The lottery is held on a designated morning and evening. Those interested need to attend the lottery that is held at the time that they would be available to take classes. GED and Citizenship classes are also offered. Call for class schedules and dates of lotteries.
Framingham Civic League. 508-875-5218.
Classes start several times during the year. The cost is $135.00, including books, for a 6-week session. Classes are held during the day and in the evening.
Keefe Tech Regional High School
(www.keefetech.org) offers ESL classes in the fall and spring. Classes run for 10 weeks, meeting twice weekly. Tuition is $199.
Framingham State College. www.framingham.edu/dgce/esl.htm 508-626-4925.
Framingham State offers various programs. Their Community ESL class runs for 12 weeks, twice weekly, and has a tuition of $270.00. The intensive program runs for 15 weeks, meets daily, and has tuition of between $2,000 and $2,900.
Maynard Adult Learning Center. 978-897-4203.
The center offers free GED, Pre-GED, and three levels of ESL classes to adults. Morning and evening classes are offered. The waiting list is long; hence it may take several months to get called, but students will get called.
How can I get a library card?
Bring a picture identification and proof of current address to the Information Desk at the
Framingham Public Library. Library cards are free.
For details, see the Library Cards &
Policies Page.
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Where can I take GED Classes?
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Literacy Unlimited offers one-on-one tutoring in the
GED, reading, writing and math skills 508-532-5570, ext. 4574.
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Framingham Adult ESL Plus offers free evening classes.
Call 508-626-4282.
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Maynard Adult Learning Center. 978-897-4203.
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Joan Brack Career Center (SMOC). 508-620-2677
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Where can I get computer training and other job skills?
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Future Skills Institute 508-875-0223
Offers computer, resume, and other workshops for young adults aged 16-24 years old. Services are free.
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MetroWest Career Center
(SMOC) www.smoc.org/index.asp?pgid=59 508-620-2677
Provides a wide range of career and employment services. Services are free.
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Employment and Training Resources www.etrcc.com. Marlborough office, 508-786-0982
Provides individual training programs and career services such as resume writing and interviewing skills.
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Where can I get help with housing?
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There are two housing programs for low-income families: Section 8 and subsidized housing. Contact
Framingham Housing Authority, 508-879-7562.
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Where can I get help with immigration issues?
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Catholic Charities 617-482-5440
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Greater Boston Legal Services 617-371-1234
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International Institute of Boston 617-695-9990
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Mayor's Office of New Bostonians 617-635-4000
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What programs are open to immigrants?
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Food Stamps 508-661-6600: legal residents for five years or families with children born in U.S.
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Meals on Wheels 508-872-6570
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Women, Infants and Children (WIC) 508-620-1445
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Head Start 508-820-8380
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MassHealth 888-665-9993: children with family income limits.
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What health insurance can I get if I am not a U.S. citizen?
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All residents of the U.S. may receive some level of coverage. People who aren't documented may apply and receive limited coverage, called Free Care. Children born in the US, regardless of their parent's status, may qualify for Mass Health.
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How do I apply for Commonwealth Care insurance?
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Commonwealth Care (www.mahealthconnector.org;
www.macommonwealthcare.com) is the state's new health insurance program. All residents of Massachusetts are required to have medical coverage as of January 2008. The premiums for this program are based on family size and income. Call 1-877-623-6765 for more information or to enroll.
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Can I get some type of medical care until I am insured?
Yes.
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One option is the Framingham Community Health Center, with locations at 19 Concord Street and 72 Union Avenue. The phone number for both locations is 508-370-0113. Free care and reduced fees are available to the uninsured. Spanish and Portuguese are spoken.
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Metrowest Free Medical Program is located at Beth El Temple at 105 Hudson Rd., Sudbury. The clinic is open on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 pm. It provides general medical care, including physicals required for school admissions. Additionally, dental, dermatology, orthopedic and mental health care are provided on designated days. Patients should arrive close to 6:30 in order to allow for enough time to be seen. Spanish and Portuguese are spoken.
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Open Door Free Medical Program is held on Mondays from 6:00-8:00 pm at 34 Felton St., Hudson. Patients are advised to arrive no later then 6:00 pm. This facility is not handicapped accessible.
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Where can I get help with food?
There are a few resources available. Most have a limit on how often a person can seek help; the limits are designated by the individual food pantries.
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A Place to Turn, Natick. Also offers gently used clothes. Referral from agency is required. 508-655-8868
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MetroWest Harvest: SMOC building (Wednesday and Saturday mornings), 508-788-3663
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Framingham Civic League Meal Program: Saturday Mornings, 508-875-5218
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St. Bridget's Food Pantry: Framingham residents only, 508-875-5959
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Salvation Army, Framingham: Evening meals
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Food Stamps. Contact the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) 508-661-6600.
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Where can I get help with furniture and other household goods?
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Goods Recycle Center, Acton 978-635-1739
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The Society of St Vincent de Paul: contact St. Stephens Church, 508-875-4788.
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How can I meet other new moms?
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Moms and More is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives of mothers through support, education and advocacy. Contact information for local chapter: 1-866-293-9108
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Mom's Club of Ashland: Moms supporting moms. Serves Framingham, Ashland, Natick and Sudbury. Email:
MomsclubofAshland@yahoo.com
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This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library
Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act
as administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.