The Family Resource & Development Center (FRDC) is part of a growing network of 30 Family Resource Centers across the state of Massachusetts. The FRDC supports caregivers with children from birth to 18 with services and resources that promote self-sufficiency, strengthen family bonds, and tighten children’s connections with their community.
Open Monday to Friday with extended evening hours and weekends available, the FRDC offers a safe space where caregivers can meet with Family Support Workers, access a vast library of local resources, and utilize tech equipment. The goal of the FRDC is to provide opportunities for parents and their children to thrive and succeed. The staff is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Creole to ensure there are no barriers to receiving services.
The FRDC is funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families.
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Programs & Groups
The FRDC also offers parent education programs, support groups, and workshops for parents and caregivers:
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group - meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 pm.
For grandparents raising a grandchild. Join us to connect with other grandparents. Dinner and limited childcare provided. Learn more
Nurturing Fathers Program - Wednesdays 5:30 - 8 pm
Nurturing Fathers is a 14-week, group-based program that supports men as parents and provides instructions on nurturing behaviors. The group discusses the importance of a father's role with their child/family and touches upon many parenting topics. The group meets twice a year on Wednesdays from 5:30-8 pm. Dinner and limited childcare provided. Learn more
Parent/Caregiver Support Group - 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month from 5:00-6:00 pm.
An ongoing drop-in group for any caregiver of children who are looking for support in their day-to-day parenting of their children, grandchildren, etc. Learn More
Parenting Journey II - Meets Thursdays 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Parenting Journey is a 12-week program, designed for parents and caregivers that have completed Parenting Journey I to take a deeper dive into examining their current life circumstances and actively making plans for the future. Dinner and limited childcare provided. Learn More
PIPELINE (Partnership In Parenting Exchange/ Learn, Interact, Network, Empower) Workshop - meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 pm from August to May.
A monthly workshop for any caregiver of a school-age child that provides support on how to further their child’s academic success. Topics can range from how to organize for school, to learning about Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), to learning about school options in New Bedford. Learn More En Espanol
Youth R.I.S.E. - 1st & 3rd Monday of the month
A youth-driven space where young adults can socialize with their peers and empower themselves and others. For teens 13-18 years old. Learn more
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Hours of Operation
Monday 8:30 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am - 5 pm (5:30 - 8:00 pm Nurturing Fathers Program)
Thursday 8:30 am - 5 pm (5:30 - 7:30 pm Parenting Journey II)
Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm
The FRDC is open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10 am -12 pm
The Family Resource & Development Center is located on the 3rd floor of the DeMello International Center.
Make a Referral
For organizations and agencies looking to make a referral to the FRDC, click here.
Contact
The Family Resource & Development Center can be reached at 508-994-4521.