What We Offer

Growing Together: Programs that Support Every Family’s Journey.

What We Offer

Parenting Education Workshops

Parent Education Workshops are designed to encourage participants to try new strategies, build on personal strengths and values, and incorporate new learning into their parenting skills. We offer 2- 4- and 6-part series and single standing programs.  In-person, Zoom, and hybrid options are available. Registration is required for all Workshops. Learn more.

Support Groups

The MFN recognizes that parents who share in a specific need or challenge can be well served by a confidential, caring community of parents in a support group format.  Such programs  are facilitated by an experienced leader;  we often host Guest Speakers who present professional and specialized information on a topic that is of interest to the participants.  Examples of our Support Groups include:  New Parents; Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Fathering;  Single Parents and Grandparents.  We encourage parents to offer suggestions for additional support groups. Learn more.

Outdoor Play and Learn Groups

We take the family fun outside all year long!  Join us for physical activity along with an exploration of the environment with programs such as Nature Explorations; The Children's Garden; Traveling Playgroups in the Park; Nature Walks; Outdoor Play Miss Cindy’s Way, and Stroller Walks.  We are always adding new ways to enjoy the outside! Learn More.

Drop-In Playtimes

MFN offers Drop-In Playtime at the Family Center at the Medford High School - “the Purple Door” and at the Medford Recreation Center (located below the Chevalier Theater).   The Family Center is equipped with activity areas such as blocks, books/puzzles, open art, everyday living area; imaginative play, puppets, and math manipulatives; play-doh; a gated infant space; bathroom with changing table; lending library, parenting and family support information display areas and welcoming staff to answer questions and/or take registrations for other programs.  Registration is not required, but all participants must sign in upon arrival.  Learn More.

Concrete Supports

The front foyer, the “Freebie Foyer”, of the Family Center holds a variety of gently-used and new items such as children’s and adult’s clothing, books, formula, and small toys. Families are welcome to bring their items to the MFN Office for our volunteers to sort, organize and display for families  to  take as needed. Large scale Swap Days are held on a quarterly basis on weekends and require registration.  There is an annual Thanksgiving Basket and Holiday Gift drive that MFN conducts with local schools, student organizations, and places of worship to distribute food and gifts to local families. We offer Food Bags on a monthly basis, and have an ongoing Diaper and Wipe Bank. Learn More.

Special Events

MFN hosts special events throughout the year that include: the Character  Literacy Breakfast, Summer Family Concerts,  Self-guided Storybook Walks, and the Teddy Bear Picnics.  MFN collaborates with local organizations offering events such as Tufts Community Day, Circle the Square,  Harvest Your Energy Festival and Mystic River Celebration to name a few. See our calendar for upcoming events.

Parent Leadership

MFN continually seeks out and encourages leadership roles for our parents and caregivers.

  • MFN Advisory Board (AB); AB Committees: Program, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Publicity/Marketing and Parent Ambassador
  • Volunteer Support:  Presenters/workshop leaders; community event support, office support; food and concrete supports delivery system.

Medford Family Resource Coalition Council (MFRC) 

The mission of the Medford Family Resource Coalition (MFRC) Council is to create a partnership that brings together families, social service agencies, the public school system, businesses and medical providers, early education and care providers, an institution of higher learning,  faith-based organizations, businesses and city agencies to plan, develop, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive and high quality services to children, youth and families in the city of Medford.

The MFRC Council promotes the unique development of children, youth and families through school and community programs that are designed to emphasize prevention; encourage education, family involvement and leadership; and enhance the physical and social emotional health and self-confidence of residents in the community.

Friends of the Medford Family Network (FMFN)

Friends of the Medford Family Network (FMFN) is a 501(c)3 and the fundraising arm of the MFN. It includes leadership opportunities in the areas of event planning; marketing; donation building and fundraising activities such as major Galas; Trivia Nights; Golf Tournament; Valentine Ice Cream Social; employee matches; grant writing and individual donations. Learn more.