Numerous organizations in the Greater Gardner Area (GGA) offer various types of assistance to individuals and families in need, including food and financial assistance, veterans, home healthcare and pregnancy services and resources. These are not programs offered by Bethany, with one exception, but we provide this information in one location on our website as a service to local community members. We do provide food or gas gift cards on a one-time basis to community members with an emergency need. 

Food Assistance Organizations

Bethany Baptist Church

Bethany Baptist Church offers assistance and support for local residents who need short-term, immediate assistance. An in-person interview with the pastor is needed to receive assistance. We also partner with the local Gardner CAC (see below) and the Templeton Food Pantry (see below). Contact the church office during business hours at  (978) 632-5097. 

Community Action Centers (CACs)

Find the closest CAC agency to your location here or hereMany towns have a local Community Action Center. These are available in the Greater Gardner Area (GGA) and the Pioneer Valley:

Gardner Community Action Center (CAC)

294 Pleasant St. Gardner, MA 01440
978-632-8700
Office Hours: M–TH 8:30–4:30, FRI 8:30–4:00
Food Pantry Hours: M–FRI 9–12
https://gardner-cac.org/

Services: Food distribution, emergency funding, Norther Worcester County (NWC) Help Connection, medical transportation program, short-term emergency housing, holiday programs, clothing closet, fuel assistance program, book program for children, children’s summer camp tuition assistance, food stamp applications, Mass Health applications. Until further notice: The Fellowship Table will provide a hot meal “to go” at the First Congregational Church on Thursdays except during June and September. This will be a “drive-thru.” Signs will be posted on site at 28 Green Street with instructions. The meal will be ready and served at 4:30 PM, while supplies last. The meal is available for anyone in need, no questions asked. Check the CAC website to confirm availability.

Community Action Pioneer Valley

Community Action Pioneer Valley assists people with low incomes to achieve economic stability and security and works to build communities in which all people have the opportunity to thrive.  Offers programs for Head Start, Youth, Family, Community Services, Energy.

393 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 774-2318
www.communityaction.us

Winchendon Community Action Center (CAC)

273 Central St.
Winchendon MA 01475
(978) 297-1667
Food Pantry Hours: Mon. & Thurs: 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tues. & Wed. FRI -3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

New Hope Bible Chapel’s Food Pantry

Templeton Senior Center
(978) 894-2780

16 Senior Dr. (GPS search for 79 Bridge St.)
Baldwinville, MA 01436
www.newhopebiblechapel.org/

The food pantry is run by New Hope Bible Chapel at the Templeton Senior Center. It’s like going to a local grocery store. When you arrive, you fill out a list of the items you need: a volunteer will select them from their large selection of food goods, put them in a basket and in your car. The hours at the Templeton Senior Center are:

  • Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thursday 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Project Bread Food Source Hotline

145 Border Street
East Boston, MA 02128
Hotline: 1-800-645-8333 for local resources
www.projectbread.org

Project Bread is the leading anti-hunger organization in Massachusetts, and is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline® is the only comprehensive statewide information and referral service in Massachusetts for people struggling to put food on the table. Learn more at www.projectbread.org.

Services: Free and low-cost food resources, including food stamps, summer meal sites, school breakfast and lunch, emergency food programs and other low-cost food resources.

Gardner Senior Center

Bean Bag Monthly Tote

95 Pleasant St.
Gardner MA 01440
(978) 630-4067
www.gardner-ma.gov/307/Senior-Center

The Gardner Council on Aging (COA) in partnership with the Gardner CAC is offering the Bean Bag Program (similar to the Elder Brown Bag). Eligible seniors who preregister will receive a reusable tote bag of free groceries once per month. Submit an application by clicking on this link.

Behavioral Health and Family Support Services

Clinical Support Options

Clinical Support Options’ (CSO’s) mission is to provide responsive and effective interventions and therapeutic services to support adults, children and families in their quest for stability, growth and an enhanced quality of life.
They accommodate same-day, walk-in visits for outpatient and crisis services in all our locations. Services include family support programs, mental health & addiction programs, community-based programs, crisis programs, and housing and homelessness programs.

Locations for outpatient behavioral health and family support services:

Worcester County:
205 School Street, Suite 301
Gardner, MA 01440
978-632-9400

North Quabbin:
All Stars
250 South Main Street
Athol, MA 01331
978.709.0410

2033 Main Street
Athol, MA 01331
978.249.9490

Find more locations according to available services here.

Holiday Meals Programs

For seniors or those unable to leave their homes who might be spending Thanksgiving or Christmas alone, there are some local resources available for meals. Home delivery (City of Gardner only) is available for those who have no means to leave their home. However, people are encouraged to congregate at the Elks Club (Thanksgiving) and at the Polish American Citizens Club (Christmas) to enjoy a communal meal in the company of others.

The Gardner Senior Center hosts a dinner on Thanksgiving morning at the Gardner Elks Club, 31 Park St, Gardner, MA 01440. A reservation is needed by the preceding Thursday by calling (978) 630-4067. For a $3 charge, home delivery is available for those unable to leave their home. 

Each Christmas day, Gardner Lions Club members join the Gardner Leo Club and the Gardner Council on Aging/Gardner Senior Center to sponsor a Christmas dinner for our senior citizens and those less fortunate. Dinner will be served at the Polish American Citizens Club (PACC), 171 Kendall Pond Rd, Gardner (located just off Route 2A/West Broadway near the Templeton/Gardner line). This dinner serves the Greater Gardner area. Call the Gardner Senior Center at (978) 630-4067 by the preceding Tuesday to make your reservation. For a $3 charge, home delivery is available for those unable to leave their home.

Gardner Lions Club

Each Christmas day, Lions Club members join the Gardner Leo Club and the Gardner Council on Aging to sponsor a Christmas Dinner for our senior citizens and those less fortunate. Dinners are served at the American Legion, 184 Pearson Blvd, Gardner, MA, 01440, and delivered to those unable to leave their home. Call (978) 410-9220 to reserve a seat.
https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/gardner_ma/

Veterans Services

Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center

268 Central Street, Suite A, Gardner MA 01440
978-632-9601
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Services: Veterans’ benefits resource assistance, transitional and low-income housing alternatives, food pantry, drop-in center, counseling services, medical transportation, outreach, job training.
www.veterans-outreach.org/

Montachussett Opportunity Council, Inc. (MOC)

133 Prichard St., Fitchburg, MA 01420
(978) 342-7040
www.mocinc.org/

Hours: Call for hours when open.

MOC is the designated community action agency for 30 communities in the North Central region of Massachusetts. This office serves the following communities: Ashburnham, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Lancaster, Leominster, Phillipston, Royalston, Sterling, Templeton, Westminster, and Winchendon. MOC delivers a variety of services including child care, education, workforce development, nutrition, health, community services, asset development, energy conservation and housing & homelessness services. MOC carries out those services through three main divisions: Child Care & Head Start; Nutrition & Wellness and Housing & Community Services.

Home Healthcare Services

Gardner Visiting Nurses Association (GVNA)

34 Pearly Lane
Gardner MA 01440
(978) 632-1230 or 1-800-382-7305
www.gvnahealthcare.org

GVNA HealthCare, Inc., is a not-for-profit home healthcare agency dedicated to providing quality care to the community, regardless of their ability to pay. We believe that ALL people have the right to the best healthcare possible, whatever their circumstances, and that they deserve to receive that care in the comfort and security of their homes whenever possible.
Services:  Homecare Services; Hospice; Adult Day Health Services; Private Duty Services; Healthy Families; Home Assisted Living; Lifeline and Medication Management Systems; Telehealth; Public Health Services; Food Pantry; Support Groups.

Montachusett Home Care

680 Mechanic St.
Leominster MA 01453
(978) 537-7411 or 1-800-734-7312
www.montachusetthomecare.org

Services:  MHC  is a not-for-profit home healthcare agency offers that a variety of caregiver and support services for elderly and disabled participants, regardless of their ability to pay. Services fall into three categories: 

  • Home Care Services: A variety of in-home services such as homemaking, personal care assistance, adult day programs, meals on wheels, etc, are used to help elders remain safely at home. Income level determines whether the services are free, partially subsidized, or available at full cost.
  • Caregiver Support: Designed to assist caregivers throughout North Central Massachusetts. This program provides support that will make a difference in successful care at home. A Caregiver Specialist is available to provide assistance to caregivers including scholarships for respite, a support group, referrals for services, counseling and printed resources.
  • Adult Family Care: Matches elders and disabled adults 16 years of age and older with host families who provide a family-like environment, daily meals, and assistance with or supervision of daily personal care. Family members (except spouses) can be paid caregivers.

Pregnancy Resources

CareNet Pregnancy Resource Center of North Central Massachusetts, Inc.

515 Main Street, Suite #1000
Fitchburg, MA 01420
(978) 342-4244
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
www.carenetfitchburg.net/

Clearway Clinic

358 Shrewsbury St.
Worcester, MA 01604
(508) 438-0144
www.clearwayclinic.com

Problem Pregnancy of Worcester, Inc.

95 Pleasant St.
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 507-8378 or 1-888-310-7217
www.problempregnancy.org/