The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. is now accepting applications for food and rental assistance programs and is enrolling parents in two support groups. In addition, GLCAC will launch a new monthly show on Facebook Live to feature the services it offers and to answer viewer questions.
Sign Up for SNAP at GLCAC
The public is invited to seek help from GLCAC staff to sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Residents who qualify for MassHealth may also qualify for assistance paying for groceries.
GLCAC clients who qualify for SNAP may also qualify for free job training programs.
To apply for SNAP, contact Jessica Ramirez at jramirez@glcac.org or 978-620-4753. For more information about SNAP, visit www.DTAconnect.com.
Rent Assistance for Lawrence Residents
GLCAC is now taking applications for the COVID-10 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CERAP). This program is for Lawrence residents who are behind on rent due to a loss of employment caused by the pandemic and meet income guidelines.
CERAP is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the City of Lawrence, and administered by GLCAC’s Housing Assistance Program.
For more information, contact Krystina Kodinski at 978-620-4653 or kkodinski@glcac.org.
Parental Resiliency Classes Now Enrolling
The Michael B. Christensen Community and Family Support Center is hosting a free parental resiliency group. This program is designed to help parents develop their resiliency by identifying stressors and coming up with healthy ways to manage them.
This program is geared toward parents who are looking for ways to cope with every-day life, improve their interpersonal relationships and practice self-care.
This six-week program begins Thursday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will be held over Zoom. Registration is required.
To register, contact Jessica Ramirez at jramirez@glcac.org or 978-620-4753.
Dedicated and Determined Dads Support Group
Are you a dedicated and determined dad looking for some support?
The Michael B. Christensen Community and Family Support Center is hosting a free support group just for dads.
This program is designed to help dads who have challenges co-parenting, communicating with their children or are interested in pursuing education or job training to improve their employment opportunities.
This six-week program begins Thursday, Oct. 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. and will be held over Zoom. Registration is required.
To register, contact Jessica Ramirez at jramirez@glcac.org or 978-620-4753.
Facebook Live ‘Empowerment Hour’ Show Launches Oct. 12th.
GLCAC is launching a new monthly Facebook Live series on Oct. 12 to educate the community about its services and connect directly with clients in English and Spanish. GLCAC’s “Empowerment Hour’’ will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m.
Hosts Eunice Lopez and Annmary Connor will feature a different GLCAC program each session. Viewers will be able to post questions while the event is taking place. The show video will also be available on GLCAC’s Facebook page for those unable to watch live.
Connor is the director of social service for GLCAC; Lopez, who speaks Spanish, is GLCAC’s housing manager.
The first “Empowerment Hour” will highlight GLCAC’s Help Desk, which is located outside of 305 Essex St. in Lawrence. GLCAC opened the Help Desk last year as a way for clients and staff to safely interact during the pandemic. The Help Desk is a place where clients can get information or applications for any GLCAC program.
Also, during the first “Empowerment Hour,” Connor and Lopez will introduce Kesia Moreta, who oversees GLCAC’s Health Care Navigator Program. The Navigator program educates residents and small businesses about health and dental insurance options and helps them renew or sign up for coverage.
Open Enrollment for coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector begins Nov. 1st.
For more information about the Navigator program, call the office at 978-620-4784 or Moreta at 978-566-0137.
GLCAC is a multi-faceted social services agency that assists nearly 33,000 individuals each year through a range of programs including early childhood education, fuel assistance, WIC nutrition assistance, immigration services, lead poisoning prevention, child abuse prevention, English-language lessons, and consumer protection. ◊