BCL Family Support Center

01/23/2026

Getting ready for SNOW! Adult Paint Night ⛄️

01/22/2026

Empowered Connections supports caregivers in understanding their own parenting journey while also deepening their understanding of their child.

Families often come to us feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to make sense of evaluations, school systems, or conflicting advice. Together, we slow things down, reflect, and build clarity through honoring lived experience, values, and what actually fits your family.

We also offer a growing library of on-demand workshops that caregivers can access on their own time, because insight and support shouldn’t depend on perfect schedules.

It’s all about connection, understanding, and confidence for both caregivers and kids.

👉 Learn more about Empowered Connections or explore our workshop library when it feels right for you.

01/22/2026

Swimming Lessons for Kids

01/22/2026

Healthy relationships are built through learning, reflection, and support.

This group offers a space to talk openly, build skills, and connect with others who are committed to creating healthier relationships in their lives.

🆓 No cost, no insurance needed.
💜 Growth happens in community.
📅 Tuesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM | Starting January 27
📍 In person in New Bedford

Sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/ECfR4EGXvj

01/22/2026

ASK THE INSURANCE GURU:

"Dear Guru,

I am a provider working with a family who could really benefit from your services, but the family does not speak English. Are you able to help families who speak other languages?"

Dear Provider,

Yes, absolutely! We are happy to support families whose first language is not English, and we can assist families of all language backgrounds. We have a Spanish speaking staff member who can work directly with Spanish speaking families. For families who speak other languages, we use a professional language line that gives us access to interpreters in over 240 spoken languages, including video conferencing to accommodate American Sign Language.

We also translate many of our written materials. Our fact sheets on varying insurance topics are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Haitian Creole. These can be a great resource for families and providers. You can find all of our translated fact sheets on our website at https://massairc.org/fact-sheets/ -content.

Language should never be a barrier to getting help. We are committed to meeting families where they are and ensuring they can access the support they need.

Reminder:

I am the Autism Insurance Guru and every week (or as often as I can) I answer your autism insurance related questions here on the AIRC’s page. My advice and wisdom come from years of experience dealing with autism insurance in Massachusetts, but please note anything I share is NOT intended to be legal or medical advice. I will post answers to questions that are submitted.

If you would like your autism insurance related questions answered by the Guru, please send them via email to AIRC@umassmed.edu with the subject line "Insurance Guru".

The Guru is happy to hear from you!

01/22/2026

"Changes in Aggressive Behaviors in Adults with Autism"
Wednesday, February 11th
6:30pm - 7:30pm

The Lurie Center for Autism invites you to join Nicole Simon, EdM, LABA, BCBA, and Susanna Mierau, MD, PhD, for a virtual presentation on understanding and addressing changes in aggressive behaviors in adults with autism. The presentation will include collaborative approaches to identify the source or sources of changes in behavior (e.g., new medical problems) to reduce the risk of harm to self or others.

Register online: https://conta.cc/49SuEFH

01/21/2026

Roll initiative 🐉🎲✨

The South Coast LGBTQ+ Network is launching an 18+ Dungeons & Dragons Club: A welcoming table where imagination, community, and a little magic collide 🌈⚔️

📅 January 26, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 1213 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or brand new to the realm, all identities are welcome and allies are encouraged. Come build characters, tell epic stories, and find your party.

To register:
📧 Email: maureen@sclgbtqnetwork.org
📱 Text: 774-775-2656
🔗 https://tr.ee/cIrFm0

🌈🎲

01/21/2026

No matter how you heat your home, can help eligible households with winter heating costs.

Visit https://paceinfo.org/programs/pace-heap/ to see if you qualify.

01/21/2026

🕒 PACE Food Center Hours Reminder

Need an evening option? We’ve got you covered.

The PACE Community Food Center is open on Thursday evenings, making it easier to visit if daytime hours don’t work for you.

📅 Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri: 10 AM – 2 PM
Thursday: 2 PM – 7 PM

📍 477 Park Street, New Bedford

💙 We look forward to welcoming you.

01/21/2026

Alongside our Drop-In Play Group for younger children (please see our earlier post), we'd like to introduce you to our Drop-In Play Club for kids ages 5-10! This is a great opportunity to meet other families and make some new friends!

Please note that these groups are drop-in, not drop-off: There's no registration required, but adults must stay with their young ones.

01/14/2026

The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine Special Needs Prom is coming up on Friday, February 13, 2026 in Plymouth. Open to ages 14+. Click below to learn more!

https://www.newhopeplymouth.com/nighttoshine?fbclid=IwY2xjawPUuslleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1NVZCbGJvZWpOZDZLUlpBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHusat6G9T3NxToaIjkursX2p4SNzabxPOroWtybInIuPn8qCuU36q9LlafgS_aem_rVrIbWVz6jmAk_v41qbglA

01/14/2026