Hopkinton Youth and Family Services

Hopkinton Youth and Family Services is available for ALL Hopkinton residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, immigration status, religion, or disability.

SNAP is an acronym for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, maybe better known as "food stamps." SNAP is an essential program for our community, as it provides supplemental funding for families to stay healthy. Additionally, SNAP provides families financial incentives for purchasing fresh fruits and veggies, utility discounts, direct eligibility for Head Start Childcare, nutrition classes, and discounted admissions to many Commonwealth museums and cultural institutions.

It is likely, based on public data, that only 70% of eligible families apply for SNAP. This is relevant because if more eligible families apply for SNAP, the town of Hopkinton has access to additional resources for our families. HYFS is always looking for new resources to support the community, and is committed to helping all eligible families apply for SNAP.

The eligibility criteria for SNAP is as follows:

• Income Limits: Most households must meet net and gross income tests. For example, in FY 2026, a 3-person household generally needs a gross monthly income of $2,888 or less.
• Asset Limits: Countable assets (cash, bank accounts) must be below $2750 for most, or $4500 for households with elderly (60+) or disabled members.
• Work Rules: Adults aged 16–59 must register for work, take a job if offered, and not quit voluntarily. Able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18-64 are limited to 3 months of benefits in 3 years unless working 20+ hours a week.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens are eligible.
• Expedited Benefits: You may get benefits within 7 days if your income is very low ( monthly) or if your expenses exceed your resources.

If you're interested in learning more about SNAP or finding out if you are eligible, you can reach out to the HYFS office or check out the SNAP website on Mass.gov, including an eligibility checker.

In a chaotic world, spending time in nature is a simple but effective way to boost mental health. Research shows even brief outdoor visits improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance well-being.

Nature's calming effect lowers cortisol, as a 2019 *Frontiers in Psychology* study found that 20–30 minutes of outdoor time led to significant cortisol drops. The American Psychological Association states that natural settings relax the nervous system and lower heart rate. Time in green spaces lifts mood and cuts depression risk.

Stanford research shows walking in nature reduces brain activity linked to rumination, a depression factor. A 2021 Environmental Research review links access to green space with lower depression and greater satisfaction. Nature also restores attention and reduces mental exhaustion. *PNAS* (2019) found that children with more green exposure are less likely to develop psychiatric issues. Even short outdoor activities can improve focus and emotional health.

(FYI for folks with mobility difficulties: The Hopkinton Public Library has a GRIT Freedom Chair - designed to navigate outdoor terrain and minimize the risks of tipping over on uneven surfaces - for folks to reserve. For more information, check out their Library of Things page.)

Some free Hopkinton trails and parks to try:

• Center Trail (2 Commonwealth Ave.): Hiking, Biking - 1.1 miles one way.
• Center School (Main trailhead at parking lot behind Center School @ 11 Ash St): Hiking, Biking - 4 miles including Elmwood Farm Trails.
• Fruit St. (entrance near 103 Fruit St): Biking, Easy Walking, Hiking/Walking, Vernal Pool, Woods Trail - 5 + miles for all trails.
• Hopkinton Meadows (17 Washington Ln.): Biking, Hiking/Walking, Vernal Pool, Woods Trail - 1.7 miles round-trip.
• Rockwood Meadows (135 School St.): Biking, Easy Walking, Hiking/Walking, Sightseeing, Woods Trail - 1.2 miles to the summit of Peppercorn Hill.
• Whitehall State Park (300 Wood St.): Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Sailing).

Staff from HYFS have been conducting Mental Health Essentials After High School trainings in Senior English classes at the high school from March 12th to April 6th. At the conclusion of this project, HYFS staff will have trained nearly 300 seniors to grow their knowledge and skills to address their mental health.

Students will have access to behavioral health resources to support them as they transition into young adulthood. A special focus of the training included the emotions commonly associated with life transitions and coping strategies such as self-care, social connection, healthy relationships, building balance, and experiencing both joy and grief through the process (not just for them, but for the friends and loved ones with them on this new chapter of life’s journey).

As of this writing, over 97% of seniors have reported gaining knowledge, a more positive attitude toward mental health, and the intention to reduce stigma through the language they use about mental health and utilize resources if needed in the future. A special thanks to Police Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Youth Services Supervisor Amanda Landry, who were trained and remained available as alternate trainers.

HYFS Staff were honored to attend Community Reading Day held on March 18 at Hopkins Elementary. HYFS was joined by other town officials, police and fire, and some of the construction workers working on expanding Hopkins! Every attendee read The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts by Trudy Ludwig, a beautiful book about the huge impact kindness can have on everyone in the community.

The 2026 Upstream Prevention Award recognizes youth groups working to address root causes of health inequities, including tobacco use and racism. It also acknowledges their leadership in youth nicotine prevention and mental health promotion.

Upstream prevention means preventing youth substance use before it begins by addressing their root causes. That means creating healthy environments at home, in school, and in the community through education, fostering community connections, and educating about policy change. Just like you prevent a pot of water from boiling by turning down the heat, we work to reduce the risk factors that can lead to substance use—and provide support early when we see signs that things are starting to heat up.

Nicotine Prevention & Youth Advocacy

• HOP Youth played a key role in supporting the adoption of a Nicotine-Free Generation policy and a ban on nicotine oral pouches in Hopkinton.
  
  

• Youth advocacy efforts included writing letters, collecting signatures, creating posters, and speaking during the public hearing before the Hopkinton Board of Health.
  
  

• Their testimony and leadership were noted as a powerful influence in the policy’s adoption and have attracted attention from other towns looking to adopt an NFG policy in their community.
  
  

Peer Vaping Prevention Program

• HOP Youth expanded their Peer Vaping Prevention Program from an idea into a presentation embedded in the wellness curriculum for all 7th-grade students at Hopkinton Middle School.
  
  

• Youth presenters educate peers on the harms of vaping, youth-targeted marketing tactics, strategies to resist peer pressure, and include an interactive “What’s in a Vape” BINGO game.
  
  

Mental Health & Substance Use Prevention

• HOP Youth has broadened its focus to explore the connection between mental health and substance use, with particular attention to academic stress, a leading concern among local youth.
  
  

• Youth launched the Green Bandana Project, a peer-based suicide prevention initiative.

Substance-Free Youth Activities

• HOP Youth continues to promote positive, substance-free social opportunities for middle and high school students, including events such as a pickleball tournament and an art therapy class.

HOP Youth, both past and present, are truly impressive young people leading real change in Hopkinton. What a well-deserved recognition for all their hard work!

"One of the most powerful aspects of this work is empowering young people to lead meaningful change in Hopkinton. Their voices are incredibly impactful, and we saw that firsthand when they testified before the Board of Health in support of the Nicotine-Free Generation policy. They are deeply committed to protecting the next generation, whether that’s educating peers in 7th-grade wellness classes or raising awareness about mental health, recognizing that it is inextricably linked to substance use."

For more opportunities, including family events, support group information, educational events, and how to support local nonprofits, check out our coming events: Bookmark this page or visit our website.

HYFS & local partners’ upcoming events are updated & change frequently. Please check back often!

Families for Depression Awareness

Did you know that you have access to a host of webinars that help those with depression manage their illness and caregivers supporting those they love (adults of all ages and teens)? Check out their offerings!

Hopkinton Park & Recreation

Hopkinton Parks and Recreation offers a range of recreational opportunities for you and your family.

Hopkinton Public Health

The Hopkinton Health Department and Nursing Services ensure that healthy outcomes and lifestyles are accessible and achievable for all who live, work, and visit the town. Our mission is to promote public health through education, advocacy, & provision of high-quality healthcare services.

Hopkinton Public Library

The library hosts educational, therapeutic, and skill-building programs exploring current issues for all ages.

Hopkinton Senior Center

The Hopkinton Council on Aging aims to enhance and enrich the quality of life for adults aged 60 and older in the Town of Hopkinton by offering activities and services that promote independence, healthy living, and ongoing community engagement.

Project ABC

A grant-funded program, managed by YMCA-Metrowest, offers local playgroups and caregiver consultations for preschool-age children and their caregivers.

Mission - To provide access to comprehensive social services for youth and families and to enhance behavioral health for the entire Hopkinton community.

Vision - Hopkinton will be a town in which all people are valued, where behavioral health is a high priority, and residents have a place to turn when they need help.

For any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Dawn Alcott-Miller, Director, at dalcott@hopkintonma.gov or 508-497-9781

Visit us on our Website, HOP’s Website & Facebook & Instagram!