Medford Family Network

The MFN  recognizes that parents who share in a specific need or challenge can be well served by a confidential, caring community of parents in a support group format.  Such programs  are facilitated by an experienced leader;  we often host Guest Speakers who present professional and specialized information on a topic that is of interest to the participants.  Examples of our Support Groups include:  New Parents; Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Fathering;  Single Parents and Grandparents.  We encourage parents to offer suggestions for additional support groups.

The MFN offers a variety of Play and Learn Groups that are held at the Family Center and other sites throughout the City.  They are held weekdays, early evenings, and weekends.  Some are designed for parents and caregivers of children from age 8 months  to five years old: Creepin’ Crawlers (8-16 months); Waddlin Toddlin’ (17-24 months); Yahoo Crew (25-36 months); Kiddie Glee (37-53 months); Fun Galore (54-62 months).  Siblings are welcome.  These Play and Learn  Groups are facilitated by a Play and Learn Group Leader and foster parent/child and peer-to-peer interaction through play; social connections for parents; and provide information on child development and community resources.  Registration is required for all structured Play and Learn Groups.

Other Play and Learn Group options include Early Intervention; Spanish; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and are held on weekdays and Saturdays.  This affords parents who work outside of the home on weekdays, as well as all parents, an opportunity to engage in relaxed playtime together.  Registration is required for Saturday playgroups.

We take the family fun outside all year long!  Join us for physical activity along with an exploration of the environment with programs  such as Nature Explorations; The Children's Garden; Traveling Playgroups in the Park; Nature Walks; Art in the Park; Outdoor Play Miss Cindy’s Way; Clean Up! Clean Up!, and Stroller Walks.  We are always adding new ways to enjoy the outside!

MFN offers Drop-In Playtime at the Family Center at the Medford High School - “the Purple Door”.   The Family Center is equipped with activity areas such as blocks, books/puzzles, open art, everyday living area; imaginative play, puppets, and math manipulatives; sand box; play-doh; a gated infant space; bathroom with changing table; lending library, parenting and family support information display areas and welcoming staff to answer questions and/or take registrations for other programs.  Registration is not required, but all participants must sign in and out at the Center.

The front foyer, the “Freebie Foyer”, of the Family Center holds a variety of gently-used and new items such as children’s and adult’s clothing, books, formula, and baby equipment. Families are welcome to bring their items to the MFN Office for our volunteers to sort, organize and display for families  to  take as needed.  Large scale Swap Days are held on a quarterly basis on weekends and require registration.  Supermarket and retail store  gift certificates are  distributed to families in need upon request. There is an annual Thanksgiving Basket and Holiday Gift drive that MFN conducts with local schools, student organizations, and places of worship to distribute food and gifts to local families.   We offer Food Bags on a monthly basis, and have an ongoing  Diaper and Wipe Bank.

MFN is a hub of information to both families and community partners.  We offer individual consultation regarding any information that families are interested in learning more about.  We assist families to secure additional support that would most benefit their families such as Women Infant and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Mental Health Services, Early Education and Care Programs, Early Intervention, Recreation and Sports.  All inquiries are confidential.

MFN hosts special events throughout the year that include: the Character  Literacy Breakfast, Summer Family Concerts,  Self-guided Storybook Walks, and the Teddy Bear Picnics.  MFN collaborates with local organizations offering events such as Diversity Day, Tufts Community Day, Circle the Square,  Harvest Your Energy Festival and Mystic River Celebration to name a few.

MFN continually seeks out and encourages leadership roles for our parents and caregivers.

• MFN Advisory Board (AB); AB Committees: Program, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Publicity/Marketing and Parent Ambassador
• Volunteer Support: Play and Learn Group leaders; presenters/workshop leaders; office support; food and concrete supports delivery system.

Medford Family Resource Coalition Council (MFRC) 

The mission of the Medford Family Resource Coalition (MFRC) Council is to create a partnership that brings together families, social service agencies, the public school system, businesses and medical providers, early education and care providers, an institution of higher learning,  faith-based organizations, businesses and city agencies to plan, develop, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive and high quality services to children, youth and families in the city of Medford.

The MFRC Council promotes the unique development of children, youth and families through school and community programs that are designed to emphasize prevention; encourage education, family involvement and leadership; and enhance the physical and social emotional health and self-confidence of residents in the community.

Friends of the Medford Family Network (FNFM)

Friends of the Medford Family Network (FMFN) is a 501(c)3 and the fundraising arm of the MFN. It includes leadership opportunities in the areas of event planning; marketing; donation building and fundraising activities such as major Galas; Trivia Nights; Golf Tournament; Valentine Ice Cream Social; employee matches; Amazon Smile; grant writing and individual donations.