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1. What Services Do You Offer?

We offer a wide variety of social services for the community including:  

• Referrals for Mental Health Counseling, including counseling offered right in the Youth and Family Services Office 
• Help with Food Insecurity such as accessing the Bedford Food Bank, signing up for SNAP and WIC, and providing direct relief for urgent situations.
• Assisting with accessing Housing and Utility resources such as Winter Fuel Fuel Assistance, RAFT rental relief, Salvation Army Good Neighbor Fund, CHAMP public housing applications, and programs through the Regional Housing Authority.
• Providing diapers, baby wipes, feminine care products, children's clothing and winter coats 
• Referrals, Resources and Services for Bedford Community members facing substance addiction, domestic violence, transportation issues, low-income barriers, and insurance issues (Masshealth).   
• Education and presentations to the community

2. How do I access counseling services for myself or my child?

Counseling through Eliot Community Human Services is open to all Bedford Community Members.  There is no co-payment for counseling and lack of insurance is not a barrier to starting therapy.  To get on the wait list for therapy please call the Youth and Family Services Office at 781-275-7727.  For the referral you will need to provide the following: 

• Name
• DOB
• Address
• Phone Number
• Insurance Carrier and Policy Number
• Email 
• Goals for Therapy / What are you looking to work on?  

3. How much does counseling cost?

The counseling services provided through BYFS are free of charge to Bedford residents through a contract the Town has with Eliot Community Human Services in Concord. If you have health insurance with a mental health benefit, Eliot will bill your insurance though you will not be charged a co-payment.

4. I received an eviction letter, what do I do?

Social Workers are available to help you navigate a potential eviction process and can help to access rental assistance programs such as RAFT.  Please contact the Youth and Family Services Dept. at 781-275-7727 to be connected to a Social Worker who can assist.

For more detailed information on the eviction process and resources you can visit Massachusetts Tenant Guide to Eviction. 

5. What if I need help paying my heating bills – can you help?

You may be eligible for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fuel Assistance. Contact our office to find out if you are eligible for fuel assistance. We help Bedford residents under age 60 with the application process. Call the COA if you are age 60 or older.

You may apply for fuel assistance any time during the heating season, from November 1st through the end of March. You must reapply for fuel assistance each year. After the first year, you will get an application in the mail, and all you need to do is update the information on it.

6. Let's say my teenager might be drinking or using drugs – what can I do?

Part of our Prevention Services includes a substance abuse education program that provides youth with information about making good decisions about alcohol and substance use. Focus of the program is educational and includes information about specific substances as well as peer pressure, stress reduction, decision-making, and goal setting. .