Community resources for Methuen
Where to turn for help around the Merrimack Valley, from food pantries and fuel assistance to bus routes, libraries and town halls, along with the state and federal programs residents can apply for. Each listing links to the organization that runs it.
In an emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988. For help finding local services at any hour, dial 2-1-1.
Crisis and help lines
Free, confidential lines you can call, text or chat at any hour.
- Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center
Merrimack Valley
Free, confidential help for adults and children affected by domestic violence, with a 24-hour hotline.
Phone: 978-388-1888
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley
Merrimack Valley
A volunteer crisis helpline, support groups for people who lost someone to suicide, and suicide prevention trainings, run by Family Services of the Merrimack Valley.
Address: 430 North Canal Street, Lawrence
Phone: 978-327-6671
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- YWCA sexual assault program
Merrimack Valley
Help for survivors of sexual assault and their supporters, including a 24-hour confidential hotline, advocacy and support groups.
Phone: 877-509-9922
- Mass 211
Statewide
A free, confidential line, open 24 hours, that connects people with local help for housing, food, utilities, health care, child care and more, with interpreters available.
Phone: 2-1-1
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Statewide
Free help finding mental health and substance use treatment, by phone, text or online chat at any hour. Insurance is not required.
Phone: 833-773-2445
NAMI Massachusetts COMPASS helpline
Statewide
The statewide NAMI organization, which runs the COMPASS mental health resource helpline and free education courses for families.
Phone: 617-580-8541
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
SafeLink domestic violence hotline
Statewide
A statewide 24-hour hotline that connects people experiencing intimate partner violence with shelters and local programs.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Nationwide
Free, confidential support around the clock for anyone in emotional distress or a mental health or substance use crisis. Call or text 988, or chat online. Veterans can press 1.
Phone: 988
Food
Groceries, meals and help applying for food benefits.
Neighbors In Need food pantry and mobile markets
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
Free mobile food markets each week in neighborhoods around Greater Lawrence.
Address: 60 Island Street, Lawrence
Phone: 978-685-8321
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Neighbors In Need
Lawrence and Methuen
A nonprofit that runs weekly food pantries and a diaper pantry at several sites in Lawrence and Methuen.
Phone: 978-685-8321
Christian Church Salvation food pantry
Methuen
A church food pantry open on the first and third Saturday mornings of the month.
Address: 15 Lowell Boulevard, Methuen
Phone: 978-397-5768
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
ECNG Food Pantry
Methuen
A food pantry open every other Thursday.
Address: 12 Baldwin Street, Unit 3, Methuen
Phone: 978-802-6731
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- AgeSpan Mobile Market
Merrimack Valley
Free monthly markets with fresh produce and shelf-stable food. The Lawrence market is open to all ages, and the Haverhill market is for enrolled residents 60 and older or adults with disabilities.
Essex County Pet Pantry
Merrimack Valley
A volunteer-run pantry that gives pet food, litter and basic supplies to Essex County families in financial hardship.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- MSPCA pet food pantry list
Statewide
A list of food pantries around the state that also give out pet food.
- Project Bread FoodSource Hotline
Statewide
A statewide hotline that helps people apply for SNAP and find food pantries, meal programs and free meals for children. Call or text; counselors speak many languages.
Phone: 1-800-645-8333
- SNAP (formerly food stamps)
Statewide
Monthly benefits for buying groceries, run in Massachusetts by the Department of Transitional Assistance. Apply online at DTA Connect, by phone or at a DTA office.
Phone: 877-382-2363
- WIC nutrition program
Statewide
Healthy food, nutrition advice and breastfeeding support for pregnant people, new parents, infants and children under 5.
Phone: 800-942-1007
Housing and shelter
Emergency shelter and help keeping a home.
- Methuen Housing Authority
Methuen
The city page for the Methuen Housing Authority, which oversees public housing and Section 8 vouchers in Methuen.
Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity
Merrimack Valley
Builds affordable homes for first-time buyers with volunteer crews, including a program for veterans.
Address: 60 Island Street, Lawrence
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Mill Cities Community Investments
Merrimack Valley
A community lender that makes loans for homes, small businesses and property development, with education and counseling.
Address: 50 Island Street, Lawrence
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Mission of Deeds
Merrimack Valley
A furniture bank in Reading that gives free beds, furniture and household items to people referred by a helping agency. Clients bring their own transportation.
Address: 6 Chapin Avenue, Reading
Phone: 781-944-9797
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Project Home Again
Merrimack Valley
Gives free furniture, household goods and small appliances to low-income families referred by social workers.
Address: 123 Tewksbury Street, Andover
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- YWCA emergency domestic violence shelter
Merrimack Valley
Confidential emergency shelter for people fleeing domestic violence.
- YWCA OASIS transitional housing
Merrimack Valley
Transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence.
- RAFT emergency housing help
Statewide
State help for renters and homeowners at risk of losing their housing, which can cover back rent, mortgage or utility costs. Income limits apply.
Heating and utilities
Help with heating, electric, phone and internet bills.
- Greater Lawrence Community Action Council
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
The local fuel assistance agency for Lawrence, Methuen, Andover and North Andover, also offering weatherization, heating system repairs and other family programs.
- Home heating assistance (LIHEAP)
Statewide
Help paying winter heating bills for income-eligible homeowners and renters, including when heat is included in the rent. Applying is free and goes through the local agency for your town.
- Mass Save income-eligible programs
Statewide
No-cost home energy assessments, insulation and heating or appliance upgrades for income-eligible households, with discounts for others.
- Lifeline phone and internet discount
Nationwide
A federal monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low incomes or that take part in programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.
Health care
Health insurance and community health centers.
- Lawrence Community Behavioral Health Center
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
The state-designated community behavioral health center for Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover, offering mental health and substance use services.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen
A community health center with sites in Lawrence, Methuen and Haverhill offering primary care, pediatrics and other services, with fees on a sliding scale by income.
- Massachusetts Health Connector
Statewide
The state's health insurance marketplace, where you can compare plans and see whether you qualify for help paying premiums.
Phone: 877-623-6765
- MassHealth
Statewide
Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Massachusetts residents. You can apply at any time of year.
Phone: 800-841-2900
- Syringe service program locator
Statewide
A state map of syringe service programs, which offer free sterile supplies, safe disposal and links to testing and naloxone (Narcan).
- Medicare
Nationwide
The official site for Medicare, the federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities.
Getting around
Buses, trains and the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
- MeVa Transit
Merrimack Valley
The Merrimack Valley's regional bus system (formerly the MVRTA), with routes between the region's cities and towns and Ring & Ride door-to-door service in several towns.
- Registry of Motor Vehicles
Statewide
Driver's licenses, IDs, vehicle registrations and many other RMV services, most of which can be done online.
Jobs, income and benefits
Job search help, training, unemployment and federal benefits.
Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc.
Methuen
Neighborhood youth programs, including an after-school homework center and summer jobs for young people.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Methuen Youth and Community Center
Methuen
A youth and community center with year-round programs and career and learning opportunities for young people.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- International Institute of New England, Lowell
Merrimack Valley
Helps refugees resettle and offers job placement, English classes, case management and citizenship help. It is based in Lowell.
- MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center
Merrimack Valley
Free job search help, workshops, training programs and computers for job seekers, with its main office in Lawrence.
Phone: 978-722-7000
- Northern Essex Community College
Merrimack Valley
Degree and certificate programs, adult education and job training, with campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence.
- Opportunity Works
Merrimack Valley
Day programs, job services and recreation for adults with developmental disabilities, based in Haverhill and Newburyport.
- Unemployment benefits
Statewide
Apply to the Department of Unemployment Assistance if you lost work through no fault of your own.
Phone: 877-626-6800
- Social Security
Nationwide
Retirement, disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Apply and manage benefits online.
- USAGov benefit finder
Nationwide
Answer a few questions to see federal benefits you may qualify for, from food and housing help to disability and survivor benefits.
Older adults
Services for people 60 and older and their caregivers.
- Methuen Senior Activity Center
Methuen
The city senior center, run by the Council on Aging, with exercise and enrichment programs, meals, transportation help and volunteer opportunities.
Phone: 978-983-8825
- AgeSpan
Merrimack Valley
The area agency on aging for the Merrimack Valley and North Shore (formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley): Meals on Wheels, in-home care, caregiver support and advice.
Phone: 800-892-0890
- AgeSpan family caregiver support
Merrimack Valley
Support for people caring for an older relative or someone with dementia, including counseling, support groups, education and help paying for respite care. It also helps grandparents raising grandchildren.
- AgeSpan Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers
Merrimack Valley
Volunteers deliver meals to homebound older adults and people with disabilities and check in on them. Drivers need a car and a background check.
Phone: 978-651-3114
- AgeSpan Mobile Market
Merrimack Valley
Free monthly markets with fresh produce and shelf-stable food. The Lawrence market is open to all ages, and the Haverhill market is for enrolled residents 60 and older or adults with disabilities.
- Northeast Independent Living Program
Merrimack Valley
A center for independent living, run by and for people with disabilities, offering information, advocacy, skills training, peer counseling and help moving out of nursing homes.
Phone: 978-687-4288
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Nationwide
Free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers, focused on people over 50 with low to moderate incomes. AARP membership is not required.
Phone: 1-888-227-7669
Children and families
Child care and help for families with young children.
- Merrimack Valley YMCA
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
A YMCA with branches in Andover and North Andover, Lawrence and Methuen offering child care, after-school programs, swim lessons and camps.
Neighbors In Need diaper pantry
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
Free diapers, formula and infant supplies for families in the Greater Lawrence area.
Address: 60 Island Street, Suite 74B, Lawrence
Phone: 978-685-8321
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Anchor of Hope Diaper Bank
Merrimack Valley
Collects diapers and gives them to families through partner nonprofits and social service agencies.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Community Giving Tree
Merrimack Valley
Collects children's clothing, baby equipment, diapers and other essentials and passes them to families through social workers at partner agencies. It is not open to walk-ins.
Address: 572B Main Street, West Boxford; 60 Island Street, Lawrence
Phone: 978-769-5056
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Essex Children's Advocacy Center
Merrimack Valley
Coordinates the response to reports of child abuse in Essex County and connects children and families with services.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Pregnancy Care Center of the Merrimack Valley
Merrimack Valley
A pregnancy center that an older listing says gave out maternity and baby clothing, diapers, toiletries and baby furniture.
Address: 107 Merrimack Street, Haverhill
Phone: 978-373-5700
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- YWCA child advocacy program
Merrimack Valley
Advocacy and crisis help for children affected by abuse and their families, reached through a 24-hour line.
Phone: 877-509-9922
- Child care financial assistance
Statewide
State help paying for child care and after-school programs for income-eligible families, through one statewide waitlist.
Veterans
Benefits and local help for veterans and their families.
- Methuen Veterans Services
Methuen
The city office that helps Methuen veterans and their families with benefits and services.
Phone: 978-983-8585
- Find your local Veterans Service Officer
Statewide
Every Massachusetts city and town has a veterans' service officer who helps veterans and their families apply for state and federal benefits, including financial help.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Nationwide
Federal benefits for veterans, including health care, disability compensation, education and home loans.
Legal help
Free civil legal help.
- Northeast Legal Aid
Merrimack Valley
Free civil legal help with housing, family, benefits and other cases for low-income residents and people 60 and older in Essex County and northern Middlesex County.
Phone: 978-458-1465
City and town halls
Official websites for each community's government and services.
- City of Methuen
Methuen
The official city website: departments, meeting agendas, permits and local services.
Public libraries
Free library cards, books, computers and programs.
- Nevins Memorial Library
Methuen
Methuen's public library: books, digital media, programs, computers and Wi-Fi.
- Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
Merrimack Valley
The network of more than 35 area public libraries that share one catalog, so a card from your town's library works across the region.
Schools
Public school districts serving each community.
- Methuen Public Schools
Methuen
The city's public school district, with four pre-K through grade 8 schools, Methuen High School and early childhood and adult learning programs.
Phone: 978-722-6000
Parks and recreation
Town recreation programs, parks, fields and permits.
- Methuen Recreation Department
Methuen
Year-round recreation programs, the Forest Lake town beach and permits for city athletic fields.
Phone: 978-983-8590
Trash and recycling
Trash pickup, recycling and transfer stations.
- Methuen trash and recycling
Methuen
City information on curbside trash and recycling, overflow bags, mattress recycling and the transfer station.
Clothing, furniture and baby supplies
Free clothing, household goods, diapers and baby gear.
Neighbors In Need diaper pantry
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
Free diapers, formula and infant supplies for families in the Greater Lawrence area.
Address: 60 Island Street, Suite 74B, Lawrence
Phone: 978-685-8321
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Anchor of Hope Diaper Bank
Merrimack Valley
Collects diapers and gives them to families through partner nonprofits and social service agencies.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Community Giving Tree
Merrimack Valley
Collects children's clothing, baby equipment, diapers and other essentials and passes them to families through social workers at partner agencies. It is not open to walk-ins.
Address: 572B Main Street, West Boxford; 60 Island Street, Lawrence
Phone: 978-769-5056
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Mission of Deeds
Merrimack Valley
A furniture bank in Reading that gives free beds, furniture and household items to people referred by a helping agency. Clients bring their own transportation.
Address: 6 Chapin Avenue, Reading
Phone: 781-944-9797
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Pregnancy Care Center of the Merrimack Valley
Merrimack Valley
A pregnancy center that an older listing says gave out maternity and baby clothing, diapers, toiletries and baby furniture.
Address: 107 Merrimack Street, Haverhill
Phone: 978-373-5700
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Project Home Again
Merrimack Valley
Gives free furniture, household goods and small appliances to low-income families referred by social workers.
Address: 123 Tewksbury Street, Andover
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Ruth's House
Merrimack Valley
A Haverhill thrift store whose sales fund free clothing for people referred by local agencies, including winter coats for older adults.
Phone: 978-521-5575
Thrift stores
Low-cost secondhand shops, including some just over the New Hampshire line.
Cobweb Consignment & Gifts
Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, North Andover and West Newbury
A consignment shop in Salem, N.H., about 4 miles from Methuen, listed as selling furniture, lighting and collectibles.
Address: 385 South Broadway, Suite C, Salem, N.H.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Elaine David Thrift Shop
Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, North Andover and West Newbury
A volunteer-run shop in Hampstead, N.H., about 9 miles from Haverhill, selling low-priced used clothing and household items to support the Hampstead Public Library.
- Goodwill Salem, N.H.
Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, North Andover and West Newbury
A Goodwill thrift store and donation center in Salem, N.H., about 4 miles from Methuen. Sales support Goodwill's job-training programs.
Phone: 603-898-3800
- Goodwill stores in Seabrook and Hudson, N.H.
Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, Newburyport, Salisbury and West Newbury
Goodwill thrift stores with donation drop-off in Seabrook, N.H., about 4 miles from Salisbury, and Hudson, N.H., about 13 miles from Methuen. The Hudson store also has an outlet that sells goods by the pound.
New Beginnings Furniture Consignment
Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, North Andover and West Newbury
A furniture consignment store in Salem, N.H., about 4 miles from Methuen.
Address: 282 Main Street, Salem, N.H.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Salvation Army Thrift Store, Salem, N.H.
Amesbury, Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Merrimac, Methuen, North Andover and West Newbury
A Salvation Army thrift store and donation center on Cluff Road in Salem, N.H., about 4 miles from Methuen.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Kerry's Closet & Used Furniture
Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
A consignment and used furniture store in Pelham, N.H., about 7 miles from Methuen, that also takes clothing seasonally.
Address: 95 Bridge Street, Pelham, N.H.
Phone: 603-932-4780
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Pelham Community Thrift Store
Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
A community thrift store in Pelham, N.H., about 7 miles from Methuen, run by volunteers from the Pelham Council on Aging.
Phone: 603-635-3800
- G's Resale Therapy
Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen
A consignment shop in Derry, N.H., about 13 miles from Methuen, selling clothing for all ages, furniture and household items.
Phone: 603-437-7283
Marion Gerrish Community Center Thrift Shop
Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen
A thrift shop in Derry, N.H., about 13 miles from Methuen, selling clothing, housewares, small furniture, books and children's items to support the community center.
Address: 39 West Broadway, Derry, N.H.
Phone: 603-434-8866
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Purrfect Thrift
Lawrence and Methuen
A for-profit thrift store in Hudson, N.H., about 13 miles from Methuen, that gives part of its proceeds to Happy Tails Pet Rescue.
Address: 30 Lowell Road, Hudson, N.H.
Phone: 603-402-1296
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Grey Nuns Thrift Shop
Methuen
A thrift shop run by St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, N.H., about 14 miles from Methuen. It also gives free goods to people referred by partner agencies.
Phone: 603-883-2850
Lucky Dog Thrift Shop
Methuen
A nonprofit resale shop in Nashua, N.H., about 14 miles from Methuen, whose proceeds support animal care and humane education.
Phone: 603-882-3647
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Mother & Child Clothing & Gifts
Methuen
A new and consignment clothing store for babies, children and adults in Nashua, N.H., about 14 miles from Methuen.
Address: 650 Amherst Street, Unit 16, Nashua, N.H.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
My Kids Closet
Methuen
A children's consignment store selling clothing, shoes, bedding and toys in Nashua, N.H., about 14 miles from Methuen.
Address: 427 Amherst Street, Nashua, N.H.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Pickers Discount & Thrift
Methuen
A discount secondhand store in Londonderry, N.H., about 13 miles from Methuen, selling furniture, clothing, tools and home decor.
Address: 2 Commercial Lane, Suite 1, Londonderry, N.H.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Savers Nashua
Methuen
A large for-profit thrift store in Nashua, N.H., about 14 miles from Methuen. Donations made there benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New England.
Phone: 603-888-0409
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Lawrence
Merrimack Valley
A home-goods resale store run by Essex County Habitat for Humanity, with sales supporting its housing work. Volunteers help in the store.
Address: 647 Andover Street, Lawrence
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Main Street Vintage
Merrimack Valley
A vintage shop with several dealers in Atkinson, N.H., about 6 miles from Haverhill.
Address: 3 Main Street, Unit 2B, Atkinson, N.H.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Ruth's House
Merrimack Valley
A Haverhill thrift store whose sales fund free clothing for people referred by local agencies, including winter coats for older adults.
Phone: 978-521-5575
- Savers Plaistow
Merrimack Valley
A large for-profit thrift store in Plaistow, N.H., about 4 miles from Haverhill. Donations made there benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of New England.
Phone: 603-378-0368
Time Capsule Antiques & More
Merrimack Valley
An antiques and collectibles shop with several dealers in Plaistow, N.H., about 4 miles from Haverhill.
Address: 23 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, N.H.
Phone: 603-974-7126
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Domestic violence and sexual assault
Confidential hotlines, shelter, advocacy and support for survivors.
Essex Children's Advocacy Center
Merrimack Valley
Coordinates the response to reports of child abuse in Essex County and connects children and families with services.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Essex County CASA
Merrimack Valley
Court-appointed volunteer advocates for children in foster care, run by Family Services of the Merrimack Valley.
Phone: 978-327-6600
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center
Merrimack Valley
Free, confidential help for adults and children affected by domestic violence, with a 24-hour hotline.
Phone: 978-388-1888
- YWCA child advocacy program
Merrimack Valley
Advocacy and crisis help for children affected by abuse and their families, reached through a 24-hour line.
Phone: 877-509-9922
- YWCA emergency domestic violence shelter
Merrimack Valley
Confidential emergency shelter for people fleeing domestic violence.
- YWCA OASIS transitional housing
Merrimack Valley
Transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence.
- YWCA sexual assault program
Merrimack Valley
Help for survivors of sexual assault and their supporters, including a 24-hour confidential hotline, advocacy and support groups.
Phone: 877-509-9922
SafeLink domestic violence hotline
Statewide
A statewide 24-hour hotline that connects people experiencing intimate partner violence with shelters and local programs.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Recovery and mental health
Peer recovery centers, support groups and prevention programs.
- NAMI Northeast Essex
Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Methuen, Newburyport, North Andover and Salisbury
Free online support groups for people living with mental health conditions and, separately, for their family and friends.
Phone: 978-361-3922
- Lawrence Community Behavioral Health Center
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
The state-designated community behavioral health center for Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover, offering mental health and substance use services.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
NAMI Greater Lowell
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
The local NAMI affiliate for its area, offering mental health support and education for individuals and families.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
NAMI Greater North Shore
Andover, Lawrence and Methuen
The local NAMI affiliate for its area, offering mental health support and education.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Care Dimensions grief support
Merrimack Valley
Free grief support groups and workshops, including groups for bereaved parents and for children and teens.
Phone: 855-774-5100
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Merrimack Valley Hospice grief support groups
Merrimack Valley
Free grief support groups open to the public, including groups for people who lost a spouse or partner.
Phone: 978-552-4510
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project
Merrimack Valley
A substance use prevention group that has held community meetings at Greater Lawrence Technical School.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Northeast Recovery Learning Community
Merrimack Valley
Peer support, support groups and trainings for people recovering from mental health challenges, addiction or trauma. Most groups are free and need no registration.
Phone: 978-687-4288
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley
Merrimack Valley
A volunteer crisis helpline, support groups for people who lost someone to suicide, and suicide prevention trainings, run by Family Services of the Merrimack Valley.
Address: 430 North Canal Street, Lawrence
Phone: 978-327-6671
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
NAMI Massachusetts COMPASS helpline
Statewide
The statewide NAMI organization, which runs the COMPASS mental health resource helpline and free education courses for families.
Phone: 617-580-8541
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Syringe service program locator
Statewide
A state map of syringe service programs, which offer free sterile supplies, safe disposal and links to testing and naloxone (Narcan).
Disability services
Support, advocacy and programs for people with disabilities and their families.
- Greater Lawrence Technical School Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
A council of parents of students with disabilities that advises the technical school on special education, meeting monthly from September through June.
Phone: 978-686-0194
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- AgeSpan family caregiver support
Merrimack Valley
Support for people caring for an older relative or someone with dementia, including counseling, support groups, education and help paying for respite care. It also helps grandparents raising grandchildren.
- AgeSpan Mobile Market
Merrimack Valley
Free monthly markets with fresh produce and shelf-stable food. The Lawrence market is open to all ages, and the Haverhill market is for enrolled residents 60 and older or adults with disabilities.
- DEAF, Inc. Lawrence office
Merrimack Valley
Independent living services for Deaf, late-deafened and hard of hearing adults, including skills training, peer mentoring and advocacy.
Phone: 617-505-4823
- Ironstone Farm therapeutic riding
Merrimack Valley
Therapeutic horseback riding in Andover for children and adults with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities, with scholarships available.
Phone: 978-475-4056
- Lowell Association for the Blind
Merrimack Valley
Programs for blind and visually impaired children, teens and adults, including social groups, braille lessons, assistive technology training and a radio reading service. It is based in Lowell.
Phone: 978-454-5704
- Northeast Arc Autism Support Center
Merrimack Valley
Connects families of people with autism to services and runs parent support groups and family events. It is part of Northeast Arc in Danvers.
- Northeast Arc profound autism parent support group
Merrimack Valley
A monthly support group, led by a parent, for parents of children with profound autism. Childcare is available if requested when registering.
- Northeast Independent Living Program
Merrimack Valley
A center for independent living, run by and for people with disabilities, offering information, advocacy, skills training, peer counseling and help moving out of nursing homes.
Phone: 978-687-4288
- Opportunity Works
Merrimack Valley
Day programs, job services and recreation for adults with developmental disabilities, based in Haverhill and Newburyport.
- The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport
Merrimack Valley
Advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, including referrals, support groups, workshops and recreation.
Phone: 978-373-0552
Immigrants and adult education
English classes, high school equivalency, citizenship help and adult learning.
- Literacy Volunteers of Methuen
Methuen
Free one-on-one tutoring at the Nevins Library or online for adults improving their English reading, writing and conversation.
Phone: 978-686-4080
- Methuen Adult Learning Center
Methuen
Adult classes in English, math and digital skills, run by Methuen Public Schools.
Phone: 978-722-6066
- International Institute of New England, Lowell
Merrimack Valley
Helps refugees resettle and offers job placement, English classes, case management and citizenship help. It is based in Lowell.
Tax and money help
Free tax preparation, emergency financial help and financial coaching.
Mill Cities Community Investments
Merrimack Valley
A community lender that makes loans for homes, small businesses and property development, with education and counseling.
Address: 50 Island Street, Lawrence
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Free tax site lookup (MASSCAP)
Statewide
A statewide list of free tax preparation sites run by Community Action agencies.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Nationwide
Free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers, focused on people over 50 with low to moderate incomes. AARP membership is not required.
Phone: 1-888-227-7669
Youth programs
After-school programs, mentoring, arts, scouting and youth jobs.
- Merrimack Valley YMCA
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
A YMCA with branches in Andover and North Andover, Lawrence and Methuen offering child care, after-school programs, swim lessons and camps.
Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc.
Methuen
Neighborhood youth programs, including an after-school homework center and summer jobs for young people.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Methuen Youth and Community Center
Methuen
A youth and community center with year-round programs and career and learning opportunities for young people.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Merrimack Valley
One-to-one mentoring that matches young people with adult volunteers.
- Big Friends Little Friends
Merrimack Valley
A mentoring program from Family Services of the Merrimack Valley that pairs children ages 6 to 14 with adult volunteers for at least a year.
Care Dimensions grief support
Merrimack Valley
Free grief support groups and workshops, including groups for bereaved parents and for children and teens.
Phone: 855-774-5100
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Merrimack Valley
The regional Girl Scout council, which helps families find a local troop. Financial help with fees is available.
Phone: 844-306-4736
- Lowell Association for the Blind
Merrimack Valley
Programs for blind and visually impaired children, teens and adults, including social groups, braille lessons, assistive technology training and a radio reading service. It is based in Lowell.
Phone: 978-454-5704
- Spirit of Adventure Council, Scouting America
Merrimack Valley
The regional Scouting America council for Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops and other youth groups.
Pets
Low-cost spay and neuter, pet food help, shelters and rescues.
Purrfect Thrift
Lawrence and Methuen
A for-profit thrift store in Hudson, N.H., about 13 miles from Methuen, that gives part of its proceeds to Happy Tails Pet Rescue.
Address: 30 Lowell Road, Hudson, N.H.
Phone: 603-402-1296
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Lucky Dog Thrift Shop
Methuen
A nonprofit resale shop in Nashua, N.H., about 14 miles from Methuen, whose proceeds support animal care and humane education.
Phone: 603-882-3647
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley
Merrimack Valley
An animal rescue group named on a list of Merrimack Valley rescues.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Essex County Pet Pantry
Merrimack Valley
A volunteer-run pantry that gives pet food, litter and basic supplies to Essex County families in financial hardship.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Great Dog Rescue New England
Merrimack Valley
A volunteer-run dog rescue that keeps dogs in foster homes until they are adopted. Adoption fees apply.
- Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Merrimack Valley
A no-kill cat shelter and adoption center in Salisbury that also runs foster care and helps with vet bills.
- Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society Catmobile
Merrimack Valley
A low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinic for cats, with vaccines and a microchip included. Financial help is available for those who qualify.
- MSPCA Nevins Farm adoption center
Merrimack Valley
An animal shelter and adoption center in Methuen for pets and farm animals, including horses.
- MSPCA Nevins Farm low-cost spay and neuter
Merrimack Valley
Reduced-cost spay and neuter surgery for dogs and cats of owners with low incomes. People enrolled in programs such as SNAP, WIC or fuel assistance qualify automatically.
PAWS New England
Merrimack Valley
A volunteer-run dog rescue that places dogs from high-kill shelters with foster homes and adopters in New England.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
Rescue Inc
Merrimack Valley
A licensed dog rescue that takes in local dogs and dogs from the South, cares for them and finds them homes.
Phone: 978-325-0131
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- MSPCA pet food pantry list
Statewide
A list of food pantries around the state that also give out pet food.
Volunteering and giving
Ways to volunteer and give locally.
- Greater Lawrence Kiwanis Club
Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover
A service club that sponsors high school Key Clubs, gives scholarships and raises money for local children.
Kiwanis Clubs of Methuen and Haverhill
Haverhill and Methuen
Local Kiwanis service clubs that do community service and fundraising.
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- AgeSpan Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers
Merrimack Valley
Volunteers deliver meals to homebound older adults and people with disabilities and check in on them. Drivers need a car and a background check.
Phone: 978-651-3114
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Merrimack Valley
One-to-one mentoring that matches young people with adult volunteers.
- Big Friends Little Friends
Merrimack Valley
A mentoring program from Family Services of the Merrimack Valley that pairs children ages 6 to 14 with adult volunteers for at least a year.
Essex County CASA
Merrimack Valley
Court-appointed volunteer advocates for children in foster care, run by Family Services of the Merrimack Valley.
Phone: 978-327-6600
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Essex County Community Foundation
Merrimack Valley
A community foundation that gives grants to Essex County nonprofits and helps people set up charitable funds.
- Essex County Greenbelt volunteers
Merrimack Valley
A land trust that protects open space across Essex County. Volunteers monitor properties, maintain trails and help with stewardship projects.
Phone: 978-768-7241
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Lawrence
Merrimack Valley
A home-goods resale store run by Essex County Habitat for Humanity, with sales supporting its housing work. Volunteers help in the store.
Address: 647 Andover Street, Lawrence
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- Merrimack River Watershed Council
Merrimack Valley
A watershed group that organizes volunteer cleanups along the Merrimack River and its tributaries.
Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity
Merrimack Valley
Builds affordable homes for first-time buyers with volunteer crews, including a program for veterans.
Address: 60 Island Street, Lawrence
Found in news reports or directories and not yet confirmed with the organization. Call or check before you go.
- United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
Merrimack Valley
Raises money for local nonprofits and matches individuals, teens and company teams with volunteer work.
Programs, hours and eligibility change, so check with each organization before you go. Know a resource that belongs here, or found a link that no longer works? Let us know.