April 2025 – Parent/Caregiver Newsletter
Hopkinton Youth & Family Services
April 2025 – Parent/Caregiver Newsletter
Clinical Staff
Dawn Alcott-Miller, LICSW Director 508 497-9700 x1449
Dawn oversees all operations of the HYFS department, including staff and intern supervision, contracts, grants, budget management, and strategic planning. She is deeply invested in all HYFS services and provides support through information and referrals, short-term counseling, parent consultation/coaching, case management, grant management, and educational and supportive programming.
Colleen Souza, LICSW Social Worker/Case Manager 508 497-9700 x1450
Colleen provides information and referrals, case management services for residents having difficulty navigating resources, and short-term counseling. She also co-leads the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention Youth Coalition.
Holly Morand, MSW, DBH Resource Counselor/Case Manager 508 497-9700 x1451
Holly provides outreach and case management services to enhance equity for residents, particularly those for whom traditional services have yet to be a good fit. She also provides outreach to special populations and those furthest from opportunity.
Prevention Staff
Lauren Mayer, MACP Regional Prevention Coordinator – MassCALL3B Grant 508 497-9700 x1456
Lauren leads a regional cluster of towns working through a strategic model to identify risk and protective factors for youth substance use reduction. Through member engagement, she provides coordination support to the HOP coalition.
Erin Bartolini, MSCHPM Program Coordinator Drug-Free Communities Grant 508 497-9700 x1456
Erin is the Drug-Free Communities grant coordinator and supports the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) coalition in reducing youth substance use in the community. And oversees the HOP Youth Interns and HOP Youth Coalition.
Neha Ninan (HHS Junior), Anna Noroian (HHS Junior), Emily Evans (HHS Sophomore), HOP Interns
Three youth interns support the Drug-Free Communities grant program’s efforts to reduce youth substance use and promote mental health in the Hopkinton community.
We are hiring!
- A Full-time Social Worker/Program Coordinator
- Contact the director to learn more.
| April – News You Can Use! |
April is Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a significant concern in the United States, impacting nearly half of the population (49%), a considerable increase over the past 20 years. Workplace stress is exceptionally high, with about 83% of U.S. workers affected. Additionally, 65% have identified work as a key stress source from 2019 to 2021. Generation Z reports the highest stress levels, with 91% experiencing physical or emotional symptoms, according to a 2018 survey.
Stress is also linked to mental health issues, with 19.1% of U.S. adults experiencing anxiety disorders in the past year, notably higher among females (23.4%) compared to males (14.3%). These statistics highlight the urgency for effective stress management and mental health support.
The body’s response to stress involves hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which increase heart rate and energy levels. While this acute response can be beneficial, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems, such as weakened immunity and chronic diseases, including heart disease and anxiety disorders. This emphasizes the need for effective stress management techniques to support overall health.
♥️ April is Volunteer Month ♥️
Volunteering provides significant mental and physical health benefits. Fostering social connections and a sense of purpose can lower stress, anxiety, and depression. Helping others often increases happiness and life satisfaction, known as the “helper’s high.” Physically, it may improve health outcomes, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of chronic diseases, especially in older adults. Overall, volunteering enhances emotional and physical health while promoting longevity and cognitive resilience.
3 Health benefits of volunteering – Mayo Clinic
How Volunteering Improves Mental Health | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
♥️
Interested in volunteering locally? Check out Hopkinton Cares, a site created by the Hopkinton Youth Commission in collaboration with HCAM that enables local organizations to post their volunteer needs for folks looking to give back to the community.
| Resources of the Month National Alcohol Awareness Month |
April is Alcohol Awareness Month – Know the Risks, Take Action
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to highlight the risks of alcohol misuse and its impact on individuals and communities. Excessive drinking can harm health, relationships, and daily life, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and even certain cancers. By recognizing warning signs and promoting prevention, we can reduce alcohol-related harm and support those in need.
Signs of excessive drinking include drinking more than intended, needing more alcohol to feel the same effects, struggling to cut back, spending a lot of time thinking about alcohol, and hearing concerns from loved ones.
Find help and support here and visit the HYFS Resource Center.
Prevention starts with conversation.
Youth who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder later in life, while those who begin before age 18 are twice as likely. Early and open conversations with your children play a key role in prevention, but many don’t know where to begin. SAMHSA’s “Talk-They-Hear-You” campaign can help.
Prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. The Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention Coalition (HOP) supports the community through education, resources, and prevention efforts. Learn more about HOP.
| Coming Programs |
For more opportunities, including support group information, behavioral health screens, how to support local nonprofits, and more, check out our coming events by
Bookmarking this page or visiting our website.
HYFS & local partner’s upcoming events are updated & change frequently.
Please check back often!
| Check out our Community Partners |
| Families for Depression AwarenessDid you know that you have access to a host of webinars that help those with depression manage their illness and caregivers supporting those they love (adults of all ages and teens)? Check out their offerings! Project ABCA grant-funded program managed by YMCA-Metrowest offers local playgroups and caregiver consultation for preschool-age children and their caregivers. Read about the Project and its many FREE activities here! Hopkinton Senior CenterThe Hopkinton Council on Aging seeks to enhance and enrich the quality of life for adults aged 60 and older in the Town of Hopkinton by providing activities and services that encourage independence, healthy living, and continued participation in the community. Learn more here. | Hopkinton Public LibraryThe library hosts educational, therapeutic, and skill-building programs exploring current issues for all ages. Check out its offerings! Hopkinton Park & RecreationHopkinton Parks and Recreation provides recreational opportunities for you and your family. Learn more. Hopkinton Public HealthHopkinton Health Department & Nursing Services ensures that healthy outcomes & lifestyles are accessible & achievable for all who live, work, & visit the town. Our mission is to promote public health through education, advocacy, & provision of high-quality healthcare services. Learn more here. 💚 |
Some Important Numbers to Know:
| Department | Contact | Location |
| Hopkinton Department of Public Works | (508) 497-9740 kreed@hopkintonma.gov | 83 Wood St. |
| Hopkinton Fire Department | Non-emergency: (508) 497-2323 | Fire Station – 73 Main St. |
| Hopkinton Health Department | (508) 497-9725 SMcAuliffe@hopkintonma.gov | Town Hall – Third Floor |
| Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention | (508) 497-9781 ebartolini@hopkintonma.gov lmayer@hopkintonma.gov | Town Hall – Basement |
| Hopkinton Parks & Recreation | (508) 497-9750parksandrec@hopkintonma.gov | 6 Walcott St. |
| Hopkinton Police Department | Non-emergency: (508) 497-3401 | 74 Main St. |
| Hopkinton Public Library | (508) 497-9777hopkintonlibrary@hopkintonma.gov | 13 Main St. |
| Hopkinton Public Schools | (508) 417-9360 | 89 Hayden Rowe St. |
| Hopkinton Senior Center | 508-497-9730abeck@hopkintonma.gov | 28 Mayhew St. |
| Hopkinton Youth & Family Services | (508) 497-9781contacthyfs@hopkintonma.gov | Town Hall – Second Floor |
| HYFS provides programs & services that promote behavioral health Call us to learn more at 508-497-9781 | |
| INTERFACE Referral ServiceAll Hopkinton residents can access free and confidential help finding an outpatient mental health provider in as little as two weeks that best matches their needs in terms of location, the specialty of the provider, insurance or fee requirement, and availability. 1-888-244-6843 Mindwise Behavioral Health ScreeningTwelve free, anonymous, scientifically validated screenings are available to assess topics ranging from general well-being to mood, anxiety, and substance use. Take one today to gain insight and access resources. | Hopkinton Organizing for PreventionThe mission of Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) is to prevent youth substance use by providing resources, education, and support to promote well-being and resilience for all Hopkinton residents. Adults and youth can always get involved. Contact us to find out how, and visit us on Instagram and Facebook! Additional resourcesHYFS has a user-friendly landing page for many resource needs! Check it out for yourself or someone else. |
| About UsMissionTo provide access to comprehensive social services for youth and families and to enhance behavioral health for the entire Hopkinton community.VisionHopkinton will be a town in which all people are valued, where behavioral health is a high priority, and residents have a place to turn when they need help.For any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Dawn Alcott-Miller, Director, at dalcott@hopkintonma.gov or 508-497-9781 Visit us on our Website, HOP’s Website & Facebook & Instagram! | |
