We help Island families and youth navigate life’s challenges, regain self-empowerment through information and resources available in the community and/or off-island.
Location: MVCS Main Campus 111 Edgartown Road Building D in Oak Bluffs
Hours of operation: M, Tu, W, Th, F: 8:30am-4:30pm, additional hours and weekend hours are offered for programming and by request
The Island Wide Youth Collaborative (IWYC) provides services for families, young people, and community members. All services are free and confidential. IWYC houses three distinct programs:
- Martha’s Vineyard Family Resource Center (MVFRC) assists families with children ages 0-18 with the goal to support them in strengthening their bonds, potentializing their well-being, and engaging with their community.
- Youth and Young Adult Homelessness Prevention Services (YYA) provides case management and resources for unaccompanied young adults, ages 14-24 years old, who are facing a housing crisis
- Transportation Access Program (TAP) provides Martha’s Vineyard full-time residents of all ages with financial assistance to travel off-island for medical or dental appointments. Now with SSA gift cards available for future appointments only.
If you are seeking our services or would like to refer someone to our services, please use the following referral forms:
How does it work?
- Fill out a referral form for yourself or a loved one
- A staff member will reach out to schedule an initial intake appointment within two weeks. In case of a resource urgency, please contact the office during operating hours for immediate assistance.
- After your intake appointment, our team will work with you to develop a plan to help you or the person you are referring to meet their goals and get connected to supportive resources and services in our community.
Reasons families seek out MV Family Resource Center support:
- Food insecurity
- Parenting challenges
- Eviction or utility shut off
- Financial challenges
- Involvement with Department of Children & Families (DCF)
- Involvement with Child Requiring Assistance/Juvenile Court
- School-related concerns
- Mental health and/or substance use concerns
- Feeling disconnected from your community
- After-school activities
- Support navigating your parenting journey
- LGBTQ+ resources
- And more
MV Family Resource Center Services:
Our Family Support Workers and Family Partners work directly with families to help them meet their goals. We are knowledgeable on local, regional, and statewide resources, helping to connect families to opportunities available to them.
Our School Liaison is versed in special education basics, bullying prevention, and other school-related issues. They attend school meetings with clients and connect regularly with school guidance counselors and staff to provide wrap-around services and discuss students’ needs.
Our Clinician supports families with children who are experiencing behavioral challenges such as: truancy, running away, offenses in school, and behavioral challenges at home. They provide a Family Strengths Needs Assessment and subsequent Family Support Plan to help address their concerns and, if possible, prevent involvement with the Juvenile courts.
We provide numerous programs and events to support our clients, such as support groups, parenting education classes, youth activities, life skills, playgroups, and free clinics with partner organizations.
For more information on current programming, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, join our newsletter, or reach out to the office (508-693-7900 x406).
We embrace a community-centered approach, supporting annual community building events across the island, such as Oak Bluffs PRIDE, Brazil Fest, Back-To-School Giveaways, and Community Baby Shower.
Youth and Young Adult Homelessness Prevention Services
Our Youth Workers provide case management to youth and young adults experiencing unstable housing. We provide resources, referrals, and concrete financial support.
Eligibility:
- An individual ages 14-24 years old, who:
- Is not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian AND
- Lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence*
* “Fixed” refers to a residence that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change. “Regular” means a dwelling at which a person resides on a regular basis (i.e., nightly). “Adequate” means that the dwelling provides safe shelter, meeting both the physical and psychological needs of the youth.
MVYradio Interviews:
Meet the Team:
Ayana Chang (she/hers), speaks English
achang@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 x503
Tainá Paizante Chaves (she/hers), speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish
tchaves@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 x401
Vacant
Victoria Rolanti (she/hers), speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish
vrolanti@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 ext. 402
Danielle Middleton (she/hers), speaks English and conversational Spanish
dmiddleton@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 x403
Pedro Oliveira (he/him), speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish
poliveira@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 x406
Ali Geroche (she/hers), speaks English
ageroche@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 x398
Leah Littlefield (all pronouns), speaks English and conversational French
llittlefield@mvcommunityservices.org 508-693-7900 x412
IWYC was formed in 2013 as a partnership between MV Community Services, The MV Youth Task Force, YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard, Martha’s Vineyard schools and the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. In 2015, IWYC became a Massachusetts Family Resource Center, through funding from the Department of Children and Families.