Accessing Services

VINFEN ELIGIBILITY

Vinfen offers programs in many eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut communities.  Services for individuals with mental illness/psychiatric disabilities include: community-based, outreach-oriented and site-based residential, supported housing and assertive community treatment (ACT) services. The vast majority of Vinfen services for people with mental illness are “closed referral” programs, meaning that they are only available to individuals who have been found eligible to receive services from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH). In order to be approved for Department of Mental Health (DMH) continuing care services, an applicant must have a qualifying mental disorder as the primary disorder requiring treatment, and meet functional impairment and illness duration criteria. Read here for more information on the criteria that is evaluated for determining whether an applicant may receive continuing care.

Services for people with Developmental Disabilities include:  site based residential, individual support, family support, emergency respite, day habilitation, community based day, employment training, and family advisory council. Vinfen has several different partners and funders that help people with Developmental Disabilities access services.  These include: Department of Developmental Services, Department of Children and Family, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Department of Education and various cities and towns. The majority of Vinfen’s developmental disabilities services are funded through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).  For information about Vinfen services, please call Amy Kabilian at 617-441-1732.

Department of Mental Health (DMH) ELIGIBILITY

There is an application process that is required for DMH Eligibility, and then once eligible, the referral for services is made by DMH to Vinfen. To get more information about the DMH Eligibility Process you can call the DMH Information and Referral Line at 1-800-221-0053 (Operational Mon-Fri 9-5), or go to the Department of Mental Health Listing on the Mass.gov website, or click here.  To access all DMH applications for submission please click here.

Department of Development Services (DDS) ELIGIBILITY

There is an application process that is required for DDS eligibility.  To learn more about the DDS eligibility process, go to www.mass.gov/dds website or call DDS Central Office at 617-727-5608.  Vinfen receives funding from a number of agencies to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  For more information about eligibility and services, please call Amy Kabilian at 617-441-1732.

To be eligible for DDS Services the adult must: be 18 years or older; and, be domiciled in Massachusetts, which generally means residing and intending to remain in Massachusetts permanently or for an indefinitely period; and, have intellectual disability as defined in DDS regulations. There is an application process that is required for DDS eligibility.  To learn more about the DDS eligibility process, go to the www.mass.gov/dds website or call DDS Central Office at 617-727-5608.  

Crisis, DMH Hotline

Did you know there was a free DMH Information and Referral Line?

The line is Operational Mon-Fri 9-5, and it is staffed by a person named Pamela Mason, who has lived experience of SMI.

Call the hotline toll free at 1-800-221-0053.

Elder Services

Accessing services for elders (age 55+):

You can call: 1-800 AGE INFO. (1-800-243-4636) or go to the searchable database on the internet for Massachusetts Elder Services.

You can also contact Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) – Triple A’s, as they are commonly referred to, are federally designated community non-profit agencies that receive Older Americans’ Act funds to provide health and social services.

Employment Resources

One Stop Career Centers

One-Stop Career Centers are located in all major cities and towns in Massachusetts. There are 32 Centers located throughout the state. To find the Career Center nearest you, go to the:
Career Center Listing on the Workforce Development website. You can also call the Division of Career Services at 617-626-5300 for information.

HIV/AIDS

Vinfen runs three residential programs, located in Jamaica Plain and Roxbury, which provide supported housing services for people with HIV and AIDS. These programs require individuals with HIV to apply and interview for available residential openings. There is often a wait list for these services. For more information, please contact: Steve Ponte, Senior Program Director at 617-232-6120

For additional information on resources and services for people with HIV / AIDS, click here.

Massachusetts Aging and Disabilities Information Locator

The Massachusetts Aging and Disability Information Locator is a public service of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The MADIL is designed to help find information on services and programs that support seniors and people with disabilities in Massachusetts. Click here for access.

Mass 2-1-1

MassResources is an internet website that provides a free online resource for Massachusetts residents in need of housing, food, health care, and other basic services.

Private Pay

In the Developmental Services Division all services are eligible for private pay. Please call Amy Kabilian at 617-441-1732 for more information.

PSYCHIATRIC CLUBHOUSE

Vinfen has a Psychiatric Clubhouse called WEBSTER HOUSE in Brookline Massachusetts, which is a rehabilitation program for some 250 “members for life” who actively engage in running the “clubhouse.” Webster House provides a supportive and lively atmosphere with a special focus on the arts, education, and transitional employment services, and accepts individuals with a psychiatric disability, who live in the local areas of Brookline, Brighton, Allston, Mission Hill, West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. For more information or to apply to the clubhouse, call 617-739-5461.

For information on all Psychiatric Clubhouses in Massachusetts, click here.

Substance Abuse Services

The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline provides free and confidential information and referrals for alcohol and other drug abuse problems and related concerns. The Helpline is committed to linking consumers with comprehensive, accurate, and current information about treatment and prevention services throughout Massachusetts. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Language interpreters are always available.

HELPLINE: 800-327-5050 or visit website here.

Government Resources

GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

Massachusetts Aging and Disabilities Information Locator

The Massachusetts Aging and Disability Information Locator is a public service of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The MADIL is designed to help find information on services and programs that support seniors and people with disabilities in Massachusetts.  Click here for access.