NFI – Family Resource Center – FRC

NFI Family Resource Center – FRC was founded in 1974 to provide rehabilitation and reformation resources for youth involved in the justice system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Located in Lowell, Massachusetts, they serve the communities in Essex and Middlesex counties, focused on solutions for the most vulnerable members of these communities.

The Family Resource Center (FRC) uses trauma informed best practices to provide a comprehensive level of services within a nurturing environment. The Nurturing Families Through Recovery program provides a structured group-based parenting curriculum that’s designed to support families who are navigating the challenges associated with substance use disorders.

The framework addresses the impact substance abuse has on family dynamics and parenting practices. The program consists of 20 sessions and 17 core topics. Three sessions are tailored specifically for men and fathers to acknowledge the unique experience they have in parenting. The sessions are designed to be interactive with an aim to strengthen parents’ capacity to understand and effectively respond to their children.

By fostering self-awareness and empathy, the program encourages parents to understand the factors that influence their family, such as the effects of substance abuse. They provide further support to families of youth, including a program for Nurturing Fathers, Active Parenting and Attachment Self Regulation and Competency (ARC).

The My Life My Choice CSEC curriculum is an evidence-based program that empowers adolescent girls with the skills necessary to protect themselves from commercial sexual exploitation. Staff serve as advocates in the community and partner with stakeholders, including the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.