The Children and Family Services division at Waystone provides families and caregivers with the tools and resources they need to deliver safe, comfortable, well-informed, and nurturing support to their family members in all aspects of home and community life.
For more information, see our booklet.
Target Audience
Children (0-13)
Transition (14-21)
Adulthood
Golden Years
Family Support Center
Supports Merrimack Valley DDS-eligible individuals with a disability and their families.
Supports include:
- Service navigation and guidance
- Information and referral services
- Support groups
- Social and recreational opportunities including group-based art therapy, music therapy, and social skills training
- Workshops and trainings on topics such as ABA, Positive Behavior Support, educational advocacy, financial planning, and government benefits
- Opportunities to connect with others in the community
All services are available in English and Spanish.
Contact Information:
Name: Elizabeth Grady, Senior Program Director, Family Support Center
Email: familysupportcenter@waystonehhs.org
Phone: 978-332-9183
The Family Support Center is located at The Inclusion Connection!
439 S Union St. Suite 107 Lawrence, MA 01843
Intensive Flexible Family Supports (IFFS)
- Supports individuals ages 3-22 and their families, with a DDS referral required from the Northeast region (serving Merrimack Valley, Greater Lowell, Central Middlesex, Metro North, and North Shore DDS offices)
- Supports families experiencing major challenges and instability
- Intensive Behavioral Intervention Specialists work closely with families for approximately 9–18 months, helping them access services and resources that will help their family find stability through intensive case management and administration of limited flexible funding
Contact Information:
Name: Taylor Warren, VP of Children & Families
Email: twarren@waystonehhs.org
Phone: 978-332-9157
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education/Department of Developmental Services (DESE/DDS)
- Supports individuals ages 6-22 with a DDS referral required from the Northeast region (serving Merrimack Valley, Greater Lowell, Central Middlesex, Metro North, and North Shore DDS offices), in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- Provides in-home services and supports for children and young adults who may be at risk of being placed in a residential school
- Supports with service navigation, behavioral/skills training, and accessing additional resources and community supports to promote skill building, independence, and community participation
Contact Information:
Name: Taylor Warren, VP of Children & Families
Email: twarren@waystonehhs.org
Phone: 978-332-9157
Agency With Choice Program
- DDS referral required
- Self-directed, co-employment model of services for adults in which Waystone and the family work together to identify and hire staffing for the individual living at home
Please contact your DDS Service Coordinator for more information.
Medical Support Program
- Merrimack Valley DDS referral required
- Provides support for caregivers with a family member with unique medical needs, with an emphasis on supporting Latino families. Services include translation and assistance with scheduling, follow-up, and transportation to medical appointments
Please contact your DDS Service Coordinator for more information.
In-Home Support (SSQUAL)
- DDS referral required
- Specialized and individualized skills instruction provided directly to the identified adult living at home
Please contact your DDS Service Coordinator for more information.