NPS Pandemic Support
[Last updated 9/22/22]
Here you’ll find a directory of local resources—technology, food, childcare, housing, cash, and other support, and contact information for your school’s leadership—that we hope can help meet your needs during COVID-19 and beyond. Please contact us with any feedback, including corrections and additions to the list. To translate this page and the rest of the website, click the “…” to select your preferred language.
Technology Support
The Center for New Americans offers ESL classes that enhance computer literacy and are free for participants. Connect through their online form or by phone at 413-587-0084.
Food Support
As detailed on the Nutrition Program for Northampton Public Schools page of the district website, breakfast and lunch are free for all students for the 2022-2023 school year.
The federal Pandemic-Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program was created in spring 2020 to help families buy food while schools were closed due to COVID-19, and benefits continue to be offered. Learn more on the website and call 877-382-2363 with any questions.
The Northampton Survival Center (265 Prospect Street) is open for drive-through food distribution every Monday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday/Friday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. For people living in senior or low-income housing in Northampton who can’t pick up directly from the Survival Center, weekly doorstep delivery of shelf-stable groceries and fresh produce is available during the pandemic through a partnership with Grow Food Northampton, Northampton Survival Center, Northampton Housing Authority, and Way Finders. Read more on the website or contact the center at 413-586-6564 to find out about delivery options.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help families cover food costs. To qualify for SNAP, you must be low-income and a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen. Learn more and apply on the website, or call 877-382-2363 for assistance.
Childcare Support
Community Action Pioneer Valley offers Head Start and early learning programs for kids ages 0–5 from lower-income families. Their five full-day, full-year sites are open for on-site services, with COVID-19 precautions observed. Learn more on the website or contact the enrollment office at 413-475-1420.
Seven Hills Child Care Resources helps families locate high-quality, affordable childcare that works for them, through its database of licensed childcare providers throughout Massachusetts. While responsibility for selection remains with the parents, counselors help assess needs, review available options, and provide childcare referrals that are tailored specifically to a family’s needs, at no cost. Please contact Sue Hamlett (shamlett@sevenhills.org, 508-796-0283), Lauren Chavin (lchavin@sevenhills.org, 508-796-0291), or Martha Orton (morton@sevenhills.org, 508-796-0297) for assistance.
Housing Support
Way Finders offers financial assistance through programs such as Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA), available to renters and homeowners of all household sizes. Support can help with overdue rent, mortgages, utilities, moving costs, and more, and a single application determines eligibility for all programs. Complete the application online or by calling 413-233-1600.
Mental Health Support
The Gándara Center provides mental health, substance abuse, and preventive services for children, adults, and families in the Pioneer Valley. Learn more on the website and request support through their online form.
Clinical & Support Options emphasizes open-access, trauma-informed care. Even if you aren’t sure what specific support services you or your family might need, you can get in touch and they’ll help you figure it out. Learn more on the website or call 413-773-1314.
ServiceNet works with people who are living with mental illness, developmental disability or autism, brain injury, substance use or addiction issues, or homelessness. Learn more on the website or call 413-584-6855.
Cash Support
Need money to help cover your family’s Comcast bill, kids’ learning supplies, or basic needs? Reach out to your school’s PTO or principal (see contact info below) or a teacher or counselor to request help. Confidentiality will be honored, and all requests will be considered based on funds available and with fairness and equity in mind.
Community Action Pioneer Valley has a COVID-19 emergency fund that can help families with rent, utilities, and other needs. Call a community resource advocate at 413-774-2318 to learn more and get support.
Other Support
Community Action Pioneer Valley offers community members a broad range of support, including guidance for accessing financial assistance, heating system repairs and replacements, assistance with WIC, and youth and workforce development programs. The Community Action hotline (413-774-2318) is staffed by folks who have the latest information on available resources, eligibility requirements, and more.
Look4Help, a program of Community Action Pioneer Valley, is a free online directory of ~1,000 agencies, programs, and services in the area. Look4Help lists the offerings of nonprofits, government agencies, health and human services, medical and mental health providers, and more.
The Pioneer Valley Workers Center offers direct support to community members experiencing workplace abuse, raids and threats of deportation, and hate crimes. Legal support, know-your-rights trainings, and court accompaniment are also available. Reach out via their online form or by calling 413-570-3060.
The office of MA Representative Lindsay Sabadosa is a good place to turn for community members who aren’t getting the support they need with unemployment benefits/claims. Reach out via the online form or by calling 413-270-1166.
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You can always reach out to your school’s principal, teachers, counselors, and PTO with questions about available support. If they don’t have answers, they can direct you to someone who does.
Bridge Street School
Interim Principal Carol Ruyffelaert: 413-587-1460, cruyffelaert@northampton-k12.us
PTO lead: president@bsspto.org
Jackson Street School
Principal Lauren Brown: 413-587-1510, lbrown@northampton-k12.us
PTO lead: jacksonstreetpto@gmail.com
Leeds Elementary School
Principal Chris Wenz: 413-587-1532, cwenz@northampton-k12.us
PTO lead: info@leedspto.org
RK Finn Ryan Road School
Principal Karen Albano: 413-587-1561, kalbano@northampton-k12.us
PTO lead: ryanroadpto@gmail.com
JFK Middle School
Interim Principal Lauren Marien: 413-587-1489, lmarien@northampton-k12.us
PTO lead: jfkmspto@gmail.com
Northampton High School
Associate Principal Meghan Harrison: 413-587-1348, mharrison@northampton-k12.us
Associate Principal Diane Zamer: 413-587-1348, dzamer@northampton-k-12.us
PTO lead: nohopto@gmail.com
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