🏥 Family & Emotional Support
Family Services of the Merrimack Valley (Headquartered in Lawrence; serves all listed towns)
• Offers parent education, emotional health services, crisis intervention, home visiting & family resource programs Family Services of the Merrimack Valley
📍430 North Canal St, Lawrence | ☎️ (978) 327‑6600
NAMI Massachusetts – Perinatal & Postpartum Resources
• Comprehensive support and guidance for postpartum mental-health concerns Family Services of the Merrimack Valley
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• Offers free virtual support groups for new and expecting parents merrimackvalleyparent.com
The Mama Circle (North Reading area)
• In-person postpartum support group for healing after birth NAMI Massachusetts
The Baby Mavens
• Offers doula-facilitated support from pregnancy through potty training massfamilyties.org
👶 Early Intervention & Child Development
Family TIES of Massachusetts – EI Programs
• Early Intervention for ages 0–3 in Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, North Andover Wikipedia+8massfamilyties.org+8Wikipedia+8
Community Action, Inc. (CAI)
• Runs Head Start, developmental playgroups, EI home visits, with services in Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Middleton Family Services of the Merrimack Valley+11communityactioninc.org+11Haverhill Public Schools+11
👩👧 Parent & Peer Support Groups
The Baby Mavens – ongoing peer and doula-led parent support
Psychology Today: Parenting Groups (Amesbury region)
• Offers online caregiver groups building behavior-regulation skills for children postpartum.net+9Psychology Today+9communityactioninc.org+9
Baby Mavens & The Mama Circle – support for working moms and postpartum moms
🏫 Childcare Search & Financial Assistance
Child Care Circuit / The Community Group
• Free help locating childcare, financial assistance, quality resources—serving all listed towns The Community Group
📚 Libraries & Early Literacy Resources
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC)
• Shared access to 36 libraries including those in Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Middleton massfamilyties.org+5salemstate.edu+5Wikipedia+5
Tip: Many libraries offer storytime, family workshops, and baby lapsit programs.
🚍 Transportation & Access
Merrimack Valley Transit Authority (MEVA)
• Free local bus service connecting Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen, Middleton
Helpful for reaching childcare, support groups, and clinics.
🗣 Advocacy & Disability Support
Massachusetts DDS Northeast Region
• Family support centers in Lawrence and Haverhill serving all listed towns for developmental disabilities Eventbrite+2The Baby Mavens+2postpartum.net+2Mass.gov
📝 Around-Town & Municipal Resources
Town of Andover – Wellness & Support Services
• Counselling, crisis referrals, mental-health support through local social workers Andover MA+1salemstate.edu+1
✅ Quick Comparison by Town
| Towns | Supports Available |
|---|---|
| All towns | Family Services MV, PSI groups, Baby Mavens, Child Care Circuit, MVLC Libraries, MEVA |
| Andover region | Andover Wellness & Support (counselors) |
| Lawrence/Haverhill | Family Services MV headquarters, DDS & Arc family support centers |
| Boxford/Georgetown/ Groveland/Middleton | CAI (Head Start, EI) |
💡 Tips for New Parents
- Start early with EI if you notice developmental delays—CAI and Family TIES offer home-based assessments.
- Join a support circle: peer groups like PSI or The Baby Mavens connect you with other parents.
- Check your local library: storytimes, early literacy workshops, baby-friendly events.
- Use MEVA buses: convenient and free to get to appointments and groups.
- Explore Family Services MV's programs: including home visiting and family education.
📌 Next Steps
- Call Family Services MV at (978) 327‑6600 to inquire about parent education and emotional health programs.
- Join a support group—PSI virtual groups and local Mama Circle sessions can be excellent emotional support.
- Check EI eligibility through Family TIES or CAI if your child is under 3.
- Visit your local MVLC library to register, attend storytimes, and explore family classes.
- Set up childcare assistance with Child Care Circuit to explore options and payment plans.
If you'd like contact info, help drafting messages, or assistance navigating any program, I'm here to help you every step of the way. Welcome to parenting in the Merrimack Valley!
