Family Wellness News & Resources

The districts continue to partner with Care Solace to assist families in accessing mental health or substance use provders in the community. This care match service is free and confidential. Families may call direct to (888)515-0595, or use QR code for your school district on flyer below. Please note that after you conplete the initial screening form, Care Companions will contact you from the same number during the care coordination process.

What to Expect

September Suicide Prevention Month focuses on raising awareness, instilling hope, and sharing resources to seek help. Suicide can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or position in life. Having open conversations about mental health can reduce stigma, increase help-seeking, and prevent suicide.

• Suicide is the 2nd highest cause of death for youth aged 10-14, and the third leading cause for those aged 15-24. (National Alliance for Mental Illness, 2024)
• Suicide Warning Signs

Suicide is preventable and help is available. 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7/365. Call or text 988. Chat online at 988Lifeline.org.

Or Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

School meals continue to be offered at no cost to all Massachusetts students.

The value of school meals goes beyond the cafeteria. Did you know they improve:

• Productivity: help students focus, and leads to higher attendance rates.
• Health: stops hunger and provides the nutrition and fuel necessary to learn and thrive.
• Mornings: one less thing to worry about before school - and it's free!

Free and Reduced Cost Meals Application

Please note that even though school meals are free for all students, it is important for families to continue to complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2024-2025 school year. This allows districts to establish eligibility for SNAP--EBT benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and other school programs. Families eligible for Free and Reduced Meals in the past must apply again for 2024-2025. Please know that the application is confidential with only the Director of Food Services and administrators having access. All students receive the same meals. National School Lunch Program

Free and Reduced Meals Application 2024-2025

FY25 Application Instructions

For more information on the School Meals Program in each district, please visit the food services page on the districts' websites.

King Philip Norfolk Plainville Wrentham

Access to food is a challenge for many families. Below are some local resources and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) information.

Norfolk Food Pantry

Emmanuel Baptist Church, 63 Rockwood Road, Norflk

Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 (Proof of residency required)

Plainville Living Bread Food Pantry

16 East Bacon Street, Plainville

Wednesdays, beginning at 6:00 pm (Proof of residency required)

Wrentham Food Pantry

Original Congregational Church, 1 East Street, Wrentham

Saturdays, 10:00 am - noon (Proof of residency required)

Hockomock YMCA Food Bag Distribution

Every Wednesday, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm( at the Hockomock Area YMCA branches.

Foxboro: 67 Mechanic Street, Franklin: 45 Forge Hill Road, North Attleboro: 300 Elmwood Street (5-5:30 option in NA Site only)

Visit hockymca.org/food-access or call 508 643-5277 for information. Intake form required.

Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative

Food & Friends Free Meals

Pick Up at sites in Attleboro, Foxboro, Mansfield, North Attleboro and Norton.

For days, times and location: https://attleboroareainterfaithcollaborative.org/hunger/

Please visit the Family Wellness Website for resources related to nutrition, food access, basic needs assistance, mental health, counseling support, referral resources and other wellness topics. There are ongoing updates and additions to the site to support families from all four districts.

Family Wellness Resources

Dot Pearl

Regional Director of Wellness

Email: pearld@kingphilip.org or dpearl@norfolk.k12.ma.us

dpearl@plainville.k12.ma.us pearld@wrenthamschools.org

Website: Family Wellness Resources
Location: 18 King Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: 508 520-7991, ext. 2312