Family Services of the Merrimack Valley

12/09/2025

In partnership with the Northeast Regional Coalition for Su***de Prevention (part of the Massachusetts Coalition for Su***de Prevention) and the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention, we recently held our Survivors of Su***de Loss Day gathering. Some were longtime attendees, some were returning for the first time since before COVID, and others were joining us for the very first time. The day was filled with healing, shared stories, quiet reflection, and moments of laughter through tears. Participants connected over their experiences, honored loved ones together, and found comfort in a community that truly understands. We’re grateful to everyone who showed up with such honesty and courage - and to our partners and volunteers who help make this space possible every year.

Learn more, including when support groups meet: https://fsmv.org/programs-overview/mental-health-wellness/samaritans/

12/08/2025

Thank you to Immigration Forms Services for leading this month’s Life Skills Workshop at our Family & Community Resource Center! 🙌 They provide trusted support to our local immigrant community - everything from citizenship and family petitions to green cards, consular processing, and work permits. We're proud to offer resources that empower families and keep our community informed and connected. 💛💙

12/04/2025

Need a little extra help this season? 💙
The Market Basket Gift Card Lottery, offered in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay, is open to families in Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Andover, and North Andover who are facing financial challenges.
📅 Deadline to apply: December 15, 2025
📍 See flyer for details and link below to sign up.

Please share so we can reach as many local families as possible - thank you!

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¿Necesita un poco de ayuda esta temporada? 💙
La Lotería de Tarjetas de Regalo de Market Basket, en colaboración con , está disponible para familias en Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Andover y North Andover que están enfrentando dificultades financieras.
📅 La fecha límite para aplicar es el 15 de diciembre de 2025
📍 Vea el volante para más detalles y el enlace abajo para inscribirse.

Por favor comparta para ayudar a correr la voz. ¡Gracias!

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uGCrd2oMQk2C_oMaJ_xJ-cVp3AtNzSZPh_63rhNS5b9URVBGWjJCNFE4M0lEME9ZWFFWVE43RzhVSyQlQCN0PWcu

12/02/2025

Giving Tuesday is here! 💛 Families in our community are feeling the strain, and your support helps ensure they have the basic needs and mental health services they rely on. To meet the growing need, we’re aiming to raise $110,000 by December 31. Every gift makes a real difference for local families.

👉 Give right now: FSMV.org/donate

📈 Non-cash ways to give:https://fsmv.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/New-Tax-Info-summary.pdf

Thank you for helping families feel supported and hopeful!

11/26/2025

As we head into Thanksgiving, our hearts are full. 🧡 Over the past few weeks, our community has shown incredible generosity - donating food to help local families enjoy a holiday meal and purchasing gifts from our Amazon Wish List to make the season brighter. ✨ Your kindness reminds us why we are so grateful this time of year.

From all of us at Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, thank you for helping our community feel supported, connected, and hopeful. Wishing you a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving.

11/25/2025

Wow! You all are really delivering! In just one week, 30% of the gifts on this wish list have been purchased for kids in need! Can you help us get closer to 100%?!

The holiday season is exciting for some, but stressful for those who struggle to make ends meet. To help our clients, Family Services is hosting a holiday gift drive! Our goal is to collect gifts for 84 kids and their families by Wed, 12/10. Can YOU help us get there?

Purchase gifts via our Amazon Wish List and they will be shipped directly to our office so that we can distribute to our clients before the holidays. OR if you would like to drop off new, unwrapped items personally, you can drop off at our office: 430 N Canal St, Lawrence, MA (M-Th, 8am-4pm).

Shop now👉 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1M0O9T5XV4FOO

Thank YOU for making their holiday magical ✨

11/20/2025

Our Parenting Programs teamed up for a Multi-Cultural Wellness Event where families shared traditions, stories, and perspectives. 💬✨ Clinician Adrianna also led a conversation about Seasonal Affective Disorder and how seasonal changes can affect our mental health.

Participants enjoyed Mexican Bingo and the Telephone Game, with winter-themed prizes for the winners. ❄️🎉 We wrapped up by sharing a meal and building a warm sense of community.

11/18/2025

The holiday season is exciting for some, but stressful for those who struggle to make ends meet. To help our clients, Family Services is hosting a holiday gift drive! Our goal is to collect gifts for 84 kids and their families by Wed, 12/10. Can YOU help us get there?

Purchase gifts via our Amazon Wish List and they will be shipped directly to our office so that we can distribute to our clients before the holidays. OR if you would like to drop off new, unwrapped items personally, you can drop off at our office: 430 N Canal St, Lawrence, MA (M-Th, 8am-4pm).

Shop now👉 https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1M0O9T5XV4FOO

Thank YOU for making their holiday magical ✨

11/17/2025

💛 Reminder 💚 If you’ve lost someone to su***de, you are not alone. Join Family Services’ Samaritans of Merrimack Valley and the Northeast Chapter of the Massachusetts Coalition for Su***de Prevention for a day of healing and hope.

📧 To attend, email: DHelms@fsmv.org

***dePrevention

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm Place: Family Services of the Merrimack Valley, 430 North Canal Street, Lawrence, MA Questions? Contact: Debbie Helms via dhelms@fsmv.org

11/11/2025

This Veterans Day, we remember and honor the sacrifices veterans gave for our country.

Our NAMI Staff and HelpLine volunteers are off to commemorate this day - but support is still here for you. If you are a military service member, contact the Military Helpline. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or visit chat.988lifeline.org

Visit nami.org/homefront to learn about additional resources for veterans and their families.

11/10/2025

If you’ve lost someone to su***de, you are not alone. 💚 Join Family Services’ Samaritans of Merrimack Valley and the Northeast Chapter of the Massachusetts Coalition for Su***de Prevention for a day of healing and hope. Together, we’ll watch a moving documentary from the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention, connect with others who understand this unique grief, and take part in remembrance activities. Breakfast, lunch, and a visit from a service dog included.

📧 To attend, email: DHelms@fsmv.org

***dePrevention

11/03/2025

With recent SNAP benefit delays, many families are facing added stress putting food on the table. We are doing a food drive for the month of November to be distributed to clients at our Family & Community Resource Center. You can make a difference!

🛒 Drop off food donations
🕘 Wednesdays in November, 9am - 4pm
📍 430 N Canal St, Lawrence, MA
❓ E-mail Amy: alacroix@fsmv.org

Most-needed items: canned chicken/tuna/pork, canned peas and beans, dried beans and lentils, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, shelf stable milk, packaged 100% juice, coffee, tea, and baby items. Grocery gift cards are also welcome! Every donation helps a local family in need. 💛