Community Education and Outreach
Wayside Multi-Service Center, Watertown
About Wayside Multi-Service Center
The Multi-Service Center provides prevention, outreach, and counseling services to the diverse populations of Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, and surrounding communities. Using a racial and gender equity and social justice lens, we focus on developing and enhancing resiliency skills to help youth and adults effectively respond to personal and community issues.
Our programming is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control, the City of Watertown, the Watertown Community Foundation, and various other local organizations. Most programs are free to participants, and we primarily accept Mass Health for mental health counseling services.
How do we help young people learn to make healthy decisions?
Our Multi-Service Center in Watertown promotes mental and emotional health by providing opportunities for youth to develop strong, positive relationships with caring adults. Youth with support are less likely to smoke, vape, use alcohol and other drugs, or engage in unsafe sex.
Our Core Values:
- Advocate for and promote inclusivity, racial and gender equity, and social justice
- Support a vibrant culture of mental health and wellness, free from substance misuse
Programs and Services:
Counseling, Resource Support and Outreach
Social Service Resource Specialist (SSRS):
As a program of the City of Watertown, the SSRS provides Watertown residents, ages 18-59, and their families with a central access point for social service resources, including fuel, food, housing assistance, counseling information, and referrals. For appointments, call 617-744-9585.
Navigating to Emotional Wellness:
Watertown and Waltham residents, ages 6-22, and their families who have experienced a traumatic event are connected to counseling and support services. Services are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages as needed.
Community Innovations:
An early intervention program partnering with Watertown Schools, Watertown Housing Authority, and others to identify 6th-12th grade youth most susceptible to substance misuse. Participants join age-appropriate groups to learn positive coping strategies.
Counseling:
Wayside Clinicians provide outpatient services for young people and their families dealing with various mental health needs. For appointments, call 781-966-5665.
Prevention and Health Promotion programs
Watertown Youth Coalition & Belmont Wellness Coalition:
Community coalitions dedicated to empowering youth and families by supporting the overall wellness of young people while fostering a safe and equitable environment. watertownyouthcoalition.org, belmontwellness.org
Watertown Peer Leadership & Belmont Student Ambassadors Programs:
As part of the local Coalitions, youth participate in school and city-wide projects that emphasize physical and mental wellness, reduce substance misuse, and teach positive coping strategies.
Youth, Adult, and Teen Mental Health First Aid Trainings:
Workshop participants learn how to assist youth and adults experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Trainings are available for school personnel, higher education faculty and students, veterans, parents, first responders, and others.
Youth Development Outreach:
Children and teens, ages 6-16, who live in Watertown’s public housing developments participate in weekly after-school enrichment activities, including creative arts, cooking, and community service projects.
Parent-Peer Partnership program
Funded by the Department of Mental Health
We offer guidance, resources, and support to parents of children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, learning differences or mental health needs.
Contact/Referrals
Caregiver Support:
Email:
parentsupport@waysideyouth.org
Young Adult Support:
Email:
peersupport@waysideyouth.org
Referral Number
(508) 270-1313
Caregiver Support
The staff in this component of the Parent-Peer Partnership Program are parents, caregivers and guardians who have firsthand experience raising a child with mental health challenges and navigating service systems.
The Family Support Specialists on our staff provide compassionate support and help families gain confidence to advocate for services and supports for their child.
“Caregiver Connections” Groups
Do you have a child with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges? Are you puzzled by your child’s behavior and how to access appropriate services? Are you feeling alone and isolated? Free supportive groups are facilitated by the lived experience staff and are held both in person and virtually. Email parentsupport@waysideyouth.org to receive a current copy of our calendar of offers. Join us at a Caregiver Connections group and meet other parents/caregivers in a confidential atmosphere of mutual support.
Educational Workshops
Raising a child with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming at times. We offer several both in person and virtual monthly workshops on relevant topics such as Understanding Neuropsychological Evaluations, Managing a Mental Health Crisis, IEPs and Special Education Rights, and more. Email parentsupport@waysideyouth.org to get on our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming events.
General Support
- Provide support, information and resources
- Coach families in developing advocacy and negotiation skills
- Assist families in identifying their needs
- Empower families to understand and exercise their rights
- Provide families with information on ways to navigate educational, legal, health care systems, and state agencies.
Young Adult Support
The staff in this component of the Parent-Peer Partnership Program have firsthand experience living with mental health challenges, navigating service systems, and gaining independence.
The Peer Support Specialists on our staff provide support and resources to those young adults ages 16-25 who are on their mental health recovery journey and seeking independence.
Young Adult “Meet-Ups”
Our mentors host fun Meet-Ups every month such as Game Night, Art Meet-Up, LGBTQ+, Adulting 101, and varying monthly theme nights such as Cooking, Make-Your-Own Tumbler, Friendsgiving Dinner, Movie Night, and more. Email peersupport@waysideyouth.org to join our mailing list to always stay updated on what we are offering!
Young Adult Peer Mentoring
Each of our Peer Support Specialists mentors young adults on a 1:1 basis. These young adults in our program are referred to our program by the Department of Mental Health. The Peers meet weekly with these young adults to help them identify and achieve goals in their transition to adulthood.
