Resources

Natick Resources:
The Veterans Services program within the Natick Community Services Department can provide assistance in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, including finding resources for treatment and recovery from substance use disorder close. Paul Carew, the Director of Veterans Services and ADA Coordinator, can be reached out pcarew@natickma.org or 508-647-6545.
The Natick community is also fortunate to have two SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) support group meetings for veterans and their family members.
“Kids Serve Too” Program
Calling All Military Kids
Kids Serve Too is a new after school club in Natick designed for elementary and middle school kids who have an intimate family member in the military or retired family members.
- Who: Kids Serve Too is for kindergarteners through 8th graders. Older people are welcome to help out!
- Where: Wilson Middle School
- When: October/November to the end of the school year
- Why: To help create a bond between Natick and military children. We will have a range of different activities, guest speakers, and enlighten the Natick community about what it’s like to be a military kid.
With more questions or interest, please email both Grace Hartigan gracehartigan@gmail.com and Kim Waldron kwaldron@natickps.org. More information in the flyer below:


Massachusetts Resources:
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services advocates on behalf of all the Commonwealth’s veterans and provide them with quality support services and to direct an emergency financial assistance program for those veterans and their dependents who are in need.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Red Sox Foundation have developed a program called Home Base. Home Base assists post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families through clinical care, wellness, education and research. Their focus is on “invisible wounds”, such as PTSD, TBI, other mental health concerns, co-occurring substance use disorders, military sexual trauma, family relationship concerns, and other issues related to a veteran’s military service.

National Resources:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a brief, confidential substance use screening tool that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of a SUD. The site also offers other resources, such as finding programs and services, that may be helpful to you or a loved one. It can also help to check out the VA’s list of common challenges and solutions or the MilitaryOneSource database of websites offering assistance with the transition to civilian life.