Mission Statement

The mission of First Connections is to assist parents, through free or low cost education and support, in developing the skills they need to be involved and effective parents and to connect these parents to each other and to their communities.  

Funders

First Connections receives funding through grant from Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and private donations, including the Community Chests of Concord-Carlisle, Maynard and Stow, the Acton- Boxborough United Way,  in addition to grants and individual donations.  To see a complete list of our funders click here.

Location
First Connections is located in the Community Agencies Building on the grounds of Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA.

First Connections
Community Agencies Building, Emerson Hospital
111 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742

Phone 978-287-0221
Fax 978-371-1463
www.firstconnections.org

Staff
Sadie Simone, MPH Director
Sadie is responsible for fiscal and clinical management of the program and grant, supervision of staff and consultants, responsible for board growth and development, group facilitator, outreach to community groups and agencies.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
ssimone@jri.org

Linda Matthews Ass. Degree
Office Manager
Linda is responsible for outreach to the community through the coordination of the First Connections newsletter, flyers and pamphlets. She compiles program data for ongoing documentation, coordinates seminar scheduling and provides information and resources
Monday - Friday
lmatthews@jri.org

Laura Gerson, LICSW
Family Support Specialist
Laura facilitates 'This Isn't What I Expected', a postpartum adjustment support group, a baby playgroup and offers support and consultation to families coping with a variety of issues related to early parenting.                                    Thursdays                                                                                                                                                             

mailto:lgerson@jri.org

Mary Morgan Beilman, MA ECSE
Family Support Specialist
Mary coordinates and facilitates the First Time Mothers group, as well as provides parent consultations via phone, office, and home visits to new parents. Facilitates First Connections playgroups.
Mondays and Tuesdays
mbeilman@jri.org

Mary Rowlinson R.N.
Adoption Specialist
Mary facilitates the monthly Adoption Play & Learn group for children under three and their parents; coordinates the We Are Family support group for adoptive or foster parents of older children, and provides parent consultation via phone, office and home visits.
Wednesdays and Thursdays
mrowlinson@jri.org