Child & Family Services

Pam Bolarinho is Awarded the Association for Behavioral Health’s Robert Dorwart, M.D. Award for Mental Health

sci-support3 — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:36:12 +0000

ABH Salute to Excellence Awards

This year’s Association for Behavioral Health’s (ABH) Salute to Excellence Award Night was one to remember. Child & Family Services’ (CFS) Vice President of Acute Care Services, Pam Bolarinho, received the Robert Dorwart, M.D. Award for Mental Health. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated a personal long-term commitment to the goals of ABH and who has provided leadership and support to the association, its staff members, and staff around mental health issues.

Pam was nominated due to her inspirational and unwavering support of excellence in behavioral health care- her energy often inspires others to rise to the challenge with her. She was presented with the award by CFS’ Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Botelho, and joined by her colleagues in celebration.

Chief Operating Officer, Chanda Coutinho said “Pam is known to her CFS family for her bold leadership, tireless advocacy, and visionary contributions to the behavioral health crisis response in our community. She is an outside-the-box thinker who never stops asking: ‘How can we do this better for the people we serve?”.

A standout example of Pam’s impact is her creation of the co-response ride-along program with the local police departments in New Bedford, Fall River, and Plymouth. This initiative pairs master’s-level behavioral health clinicians with law enforcement officers, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive skilled, compassionate care on the spot. Pam recently led the development and funding of two mobile crisis vans, which will serve New Bedford, Fall River and Plymouth communities. The vans are another example of Pam’s creative way to make behavioral health more attainable to our community.

Her vision is about reimagining access altogether. She is committed to creating a behavioral health system that is accessible, responsive, and rooted in human connection. She has already begun expanding the co-response model to include EMS ride-a-longs, widening the safety net even further.

During her acceptance speech at the award ceremony, Pam stated “My upbringing shaped who I am and why I fight to be a voice for those who need it most —breaking barriers and showing up for people. I am so proud of my team and grateful for their dedication every single day. Thank you, ABH, for this honor.”

Child & Family Services’ Beyond House Secures Expanded DMH Contract to Serve More Young Adults

sci-support3 — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:01:29 +0000

Child & Family Services’ “Beyond House” Young Adult Access Center has been awarded changes to its contract with the Massachusetts’s Department of Mental Health (DMH). These changes include raising the maximum age served, extending the center’s hours, and expanding its catchment area.

Previously, the Beyond House welcomed young adults up to their 22^nd birthday, but as of October the age has been lifted to up until their 26^th birthday. To support additional groups and activities, the center is now open an extra hour every Thursday. Most importantly, our Beyond House team can now welcome young adults from beyond New Bedford, expanding access to clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

"Our drop-in access center is now serving young adults ages 16–25, we’re open one evening a week until 7:00 PM, and have broadened our reach across the Southeast region which means more opportunities for connection, stability, and growth. These changes ensure that young people navigating critical transitions have a safe space to access resources, build community, and prepare for their future”, says Program Director, Stephanie Telfair.

Last month, the Beyond House was honored by the 2025 Fall National Night Out Committee and the City of New Bedford with a Community Un-Sung Hero Award. This recognition highlighted the team for going above and beyond, and for their loyalty, commitment, and dedication to the greater community. Stephanie proudly accepted the award from representatives of the New Bedford Police Department and The Shannon Project- who hosted the event.

With a fully staffed and motivated team, The Beyond House is prepared to continue this momentum by strengthening its collaborative efforts- partnering closely with organizations across the newly expanded catchment area to broaden support and enhance its impact.

The Beyond House is a program of Child & Family Services and funded by the Department of Mental Health. It is a low barrier, youth-driven safe space that supports young adults’ transition into adulthood. The drop-in center located at 175 William Street in New Bedford, MA is free- with no referral or insurance needed. To contact the Beyond House, call: (508) 962-2960 or email: thebeyondhouse@cfservices.org.

Child & Family Services Proudly Announces its Community Service Agency (CSA) Expansion

sci-support3 — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:18:02 +0000

Child & Family Services’ Community Service Agency (CSA) program is pleased to announce its expansion into Greater Fall River and Greater Plymouth MA. The CSA was established in 2009 as part of the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since 2009, CFS has successfully operated a robust, high-quality CSA program serving the Greater New Bedford region. Throughout this time, the agency has built and sustained the infrastructure necessary to support both existing operations and continued growth.

Building on this strong foundation of experience and service delivery, CFS has been awarded the Fall River Community Service Agency, which will be co-located with the organization’s Fall River Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) and the other Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) programs at 160 Osborn Street The CSA program will continue to draw from community partnerships and internal programs to enhance collaboration for CSA clients and facilitate discussions about natural support for our families.

For nearly two decades, CFS has delivered Intensive Care Coordination (ICC) and Family Support & Training (FS&T) services out of New Bedford as part of the CSA. The agency is proud to expand its continuum of care with the addition of the Family Intensive Treatment (FIT) program to the CSA’s umbrella of services in Greater New Bedford, Greater Fall River and Greater Plymouth alike. FIT offers short-term, team-based support to help youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) stabilize and transition to community-based care within four to six months Within the Community Service Agency (CSA), each team member is guided by the principles of wraparound care, emphasizing “family voice” and “youth choice.” Together, they work to ensure high-quality, individualized care planning and coordination for children and youth with complex needs and their families.

“Our CSA Program remains committed to placing youth and families at the center of our care, delivering an integrated system of behavioral health services tailored to their unique needs. This expansion allows us to provide intensive care coordination with additional clinical support through FIT to even more families across the Commonwealth, with minimal to no wait”, said CEO Wendy Botelho. Integrating this resource within the agency has strengthened the ability to deliver comprehensive coordinated care—giving clients access to a full range of behavioral and mental health services under one roof.

Child & Family Services, Inc. Welcomes New Chief Information Officer

sci-support3 — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:25:14 +0000

CFS Introduces New Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Child & Family Services is pleased to announce the addition of Brandt Swanson as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Brandt comes to the agency with over 30 years of experience in Information Technology within the Healthcare sector, serving in leadership roles at various well-known organizations throughout the region. As he steps into this new role, his initial goal is to assess all the agency’s systems and continue to innovate and advance the technology. He has already begun developing new initiatives to improve both support and reliability for our staff.

Brandt received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and after college began his technical career as an EMR software programmer which led to opportunities with both hospitals and healthcare providers. One of the first major projects he led was implementing a unified pharmacy information system across three distinct hospitals. The project was a great success, resulting in Brandt and his team being honored with the ‘Bridge Builder’ award for fostering collaboration and delivering results.

Mr. Swanson joins a forward-thinking executive leadership team that recognizes the vital role technology plays in supporting and enhancing care delivery. He also hopes to collaborate with other IT leaders outside of the organization to gain insight as to how they address similar technology challenges—and, in turn, share knowledge and solutions from his own experiences. With decades of experience in the technology field, Brandt is motivated by the constant evolution of the industry and the opportunity to continuously learn.

He aims to cultivate an open and transparent environment within his team—one that empowers each member to make decisions and grow through experience. His leadership philosophy centers on the belief that ownership not only builds confidence but also drives innovation and growth. “I’m extremely honored to step into this leadership role and completely committed to advancing the mission of CFS. Although I’m not on the front lines of client care, I’ll be focused on ensuring our teams have the technology, tools and support needed to serve our clients”, says Brandt.

Within CFS, Brandt’s most looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the technical needs across the agency and to start developing innovative new programs to address them. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and their dogs. Together, they love attending Red Sox games, relaxing by the pool, and spending time outdoors. When he’s not doing those things, you can likely find him busy remodeling or fixing something around the house.

CFS Mobile Crisis Vans in the Media

sci-support3 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:32:17 +0000

Child & Family Services' CEO, Wendy Botelho and Pam Bolarinho, VP of Acute Care Services were interviewed by FRCMedia during our most recent Mobile Crisis Van Ribbon Cutting at our Fall River 24/7 Mobile Crisis Intervention Center at 1052 Pleasant St. We're proud to share the final product and article written by Kevin Thibault.

To view the full article, visit: FRCMedia – Child & Family Services Launches Mobile Crisis Van

View Wendy's Video Interview

View Pam's Video Interview

Wendy Botelho (CEO) and Pam Bolarinho (VP of Acute Care Services) hosted a recent episode of Community Conversations on 'The Local Seen' by Plymouth Area Community Television. A special thank you to The Local Seen for having us and allowing us to introduce our brand-new Plymouth-Area MCI Van in a really meaningful way!

View The Episode Here

Child & Family Services was delighted to have Annica Dupre, a representative from The New Bedford Light, join us for our Mobile Crisis Van's Ribbon Cutting Event at our New Bedford Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) at 965 Church St. You'll find direct quotes from Pam (VP of Acute Care Services), Phil Gomez (Director of the Mobile Crisis Intervention program in NB), as well as Matt Oliver (A Licensed Mental Health Clinician currently staffing the MCI Van in the community).

View The Full Article & Featured Photos

New Bedford Cable Network (Government Access Channel 18) also produced an episode surrounding our New Bedford Van's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in July- produced by Karissa Freitas.

View The Show Here

CFS Proudly Announces the Deployment of Our NEW Mobile Crisis Vans into the Community

sci-support3 — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:36:52 +0000

After much planning and preparation, two custom-designed vans are now ready to hit the road. The organization is honored to be not only the first in the Southcoast region, but in all of Massachusetts, to offer this level of support through its Community Behavioral Health Center’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Program (MCI). Child & Family Services (CFS) remains dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals and families by offering innovative, community-based solutions.

The vans will directly elevate CFS’s ability to provide an expert level of care to anyone in the Fall River, New Bedford, Plymouth, and surrounding areas who need rapid behavioral health assistance. The MCI vans are thoughtfully designed to provide a quiet, calming environment for conducting crisis assessments, while ensuring client anonymity and helping to reduce anxiety. Both vehicles are equipped with a desk, a built-in couch, additional bench seating, a robust power system, climate control with heating and air conditioning, and dimmable zonal lighting—all designed to create a comfortable and adaptable environment ideal for therapeutic care. Additionally, the vehicles are ADA-compliant, featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps and generous interior space to ensure ease of movement for everyone who enters.

This one-of-a-kind service is available to people of all ages and backgrounds seeking mental health support, substance use treatment, or crisis stabilization. As an insurance-based service, the vans are available to all community members, including those who are uninsured. Beyond mobile assessments and therapy sessions, they offer immediate access to critical community resources, such as pre-assembled essentials kits for individuals experiencing homelessness. With trained clinicians able to respond quicker and more efficiently to individuals, it limits calls into local police departments, and transports to already overcrowded hospital emergency departments for mental health crises. Following the on-site assessment, CFS staff can develop a personalized care plan to support the individual beyond the immediate crisis, helping to reduce the risk of future episodes.

By delivering services directly to homes, schools, downtown areas, high-traffic events, bus terminals—where the risk of homelessness is often heightened—and other community settings, Child & Family Services strives to reduce barriers to care and ensure that those in need receive timely and appropriate support. “We are thrilled to introduce these vans to the communities we serve,” said Pam Bolarinho, VP of Acute Care Services. “This addition will enhance our ability to meet people where they are, deliver critical support in real-time, and further our mission of strengthening mental health resources across the region.” To access this new mobile service, individuals can call the crisis line at (508) 996-3154. CFS encourages community members to engage with staff if they see an MCI van in their area. Trained professionals are on board and ready to provide immediate support, guidance, and connection to care.

The Acushnet Foundation Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation has awarded CFS with $10,000

sci-support3 — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:42:26 +0000

The SouthCoast Community Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $10,000 to Child & Family Services. The funds will support general operating expenses, helping to meet the organization’s most pressing needs throughout the year. This generous contribution will have a meaningful impact on clients of all ages and demographics who receive vital services from CFS each day, directly fueling efforts to enhance the overall quality of life within our communities.

Child & Family Services is one of the largest mental health providers in the area, offering a wide array of programs at multiple sites throughout the state of Massachusetts. The organization strives to strengthen mental health and family well-being through compassionate, accessible, and comprehensive care. With over 180 years of trusted service, CFS provides a full continuum of support—from emergency mental health intervention to ongoing counseling, therapy, and peer-led support groups. Programs also include mentoring for youth, services tailored for young adults, and dedicated support for parents and families. As a licensed adoption provider, the organization offers both placement services and long-term post-adoption guidance.

Since 1995, the SouthCoast Community Foundation has been a driving force for philanthropic giving, offering vital support to nonprofit organizations across southeastern Massachusetts and staying true to its mission of strengthening the region. “We are filled with gratitude for the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s steadfast support of Child & Family Services. Their generosity has enabled us to continue our mission, remaining committed to serving our community and making a positive impact.” stated Wendy Botelho, CEO of Child & Family Services.

The Carney Family Charitable Foundation Awards $15,000 to the Caring Network Program

sci-support3 — Thu, 01 May 2025 18:46:54 +0000

Thankyou to the carney family charitable foundation

Child & Family Services’ Caring Network Program received a $15,000 grant from the Carney Family Charitable Foundation to support its efforts in helping children who have experienced or witnessed violence in their homes, schools, or communities.

For almost 30 years, the Caring Network has been providing support to children ages 4-14 who have been traumatized by violence. The program offers free weekly psycho-educational groups. These groups are aimed at helping through the initial trauma, teaching how to manage feelings and improve self-image, developing safety plans for potential future violence, and demonstrating healthy ways to resolve conflict and tension.

With the help of local grant funding and other community fundraising efforts, the program has been able to purchase hundreds of individualized care kits which are provided to each child enrolled. Each kit contains a variety of arts and crafts, activity books, fidget toys, and other comforting items designed to engage the children’s minds and bodies during therapy, helping them more effectively process their trauma.

“The Carney Family Charitable Foundation’s generous contribution to the Caring Network Program will greatly enhance our ability to provide this critical service to those in need. The foundation recognizes the deep and lasting impact that exposure to violence can have on individuals and families—especially on our children.” said CEO Wendy Botelho.

Caring Network is partially supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

CFS Welcomes New Chief Human Resource Officer!

sci-support3 — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:49:49 +0000

welcome melissa!

Child & Family Services is thrilled to announce the appointment of Melissa Bering as the new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Joining the Executive Team, Melissa will spearhead the development and implementation of the organization’s HR strategy, policies, and practices to support the agency’s mission and goals. Reporting directly to the CEO, she will oversee all HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, performance and talent management, compensation and benefits, payroll, HR operations, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Melissa is a Southcoast resident who has maintained professional networks in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With over two decades of experience in Human Resources, she has earned certifications in HR leadership and achieved the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation early in her career. In addition to her HR expertise, Melissa brings valuable business experience to CFS, having previously owned and operated her own fitness and nutrition-focused small business.

CEO, Wendy Botelho commented, “Melissa has begun to build relationships and trust across all levels of the organization and her compassionate leadership style and thoughtful approach to problem-solving are sure to enhance our agency. I am genuinely excited about the strengths she brings to our team.”

A lifelong learner, Ms. Bering is passionate about studying holistic wellness, including yoga, meditation, and Reiki. She is also a certified personal trainer, furthering her commitment to promoting well-being. As a busy mother of four children, ranging from ages 7 to 19, Melissa believes that personal growth is the most important aspect of her daily life. It enables her to show up as her best self for her children and to make a positive impact on those around her.

Melissa shared, “As a new leader of CFS, I enter our spaces daily with the intention of being the change I want to see in the world, committed to continually evolving my consciousness to be better. There are so many amazing programs and services available to our communities that are supported by equally amazing staff, and I enjoy learning about the programs, teams, how we have functioned and will operate going forward. I am proud to be part of our strong HR team and part of a function that supports each person’s unique journey within our organization.”

Senator Montigny’s Children’s Fund Awards $11,385 to CFS

sci-support3 — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:53:19 +0000

thankyou
to senator montigny and his children's equality and empowerment fund, for granting critical funds to help improve the lives of youth within our programs!

The Senator Montigny Children’s Fund Holiday Program has recently awarded $11,385 to Child & Family Services (CFS) in order to provide New Bedford children and families within their programs with access to local memberships for educational and recreational activities, therapeutic and fun games, crafting supplies, sporting equipment, warm winter hats, gloves and coats, food cards for families, and many other opportunities to help fill their lives with joy. This support has had a profoundly meaningful impact on countless individuals enrolled in CFS programs, especially during the holiday and winter season.

During Senator Montigny’s tenure as State Senator, he has consistently secured significant funding to help local youth gain access to arts, culture, recreation, and more. Through his Children's Equality & Empowerment Fund, he focuses on and prioritizes underserved youth by awarding access to enriching educational activities and experiences. This generosity and commitment to the well-being of our community’s children, adolescents, and their families is truly inspiring.

"Many of the young people we serve face challenges in meeting basic needs and maintaining stability due to financial hardships," said Wendy Botelho, CEO of Child & Family Services. "This support will not only empower the youth but also bring relief and joy to their families, fostering a ripple effect of positivity and resilience throughout the community." Each CFS program is unique and has specific needs to help each child enhance their wellness, development, and educational success, enabling them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

CFS Receives Mental Health Organization of the Year Award!

sci-support3 — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 18:57:35 +0000

Child & Family Services, Inc. Wins ‘Mental Health Organization of the Year’ Award

from the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association

Child & Family Services is the proud recipient of the MaMHCA’s 2024 ‘Mental Health Organization of the Year’ award. This annual award honors organizations that promote mental health through various methods, including fostering a healthy workplace culture, offering innovative mental health services in Massachusetts, implementing impactful programming, creating positive environments for clinicians, and supporting and recognizing the professionalism of Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC).

Since 1981, MaMHCA has been advocating for the advancement of the highest quality mental health services and the mental health counseling profession through public policy initiatives for both mental health professionals and consumers of mental health services. The association works for the advancement of the mental health counseling profession by promoting licensure, education, legislation, and public policy initiatives for both professionals and consumers.

This prestigious honor stems from a beautifully crafted nomination from a valued CFS staff member, and of course our dedicated staff for inspiring her heart-felt words. Denise Galford-Koeppel, LMHC (Clinical Team Leader & Licensed Play Therapist) wrote: "I have not worked long at this agency, but I have already seen how the employees all have a passion for the support of employee mental health. By caring for its workers at all sites, the agency creates a warm and inviting environment that is often full of laughter. The clients they serve are then the recipients of this warmth and kindness. Child and Family Services provides CBHI, SU support, adoption, outreach and more. Staff appreciation is not just once a year. It happens at staff meetings, on the fly, in supervision and at community events. The agency works to be creative in supporting clients and staff. It provides innovative programs to prevent challenges in our youth. Staff look forward to being here. They arrive early and stay late. Staff check in on one another. Management really cares and call out to staff by name. This agency is about caring for the workers who care for our community in hard times and in celebration of the journey."

CEO Wendy Botelho proudly accepted this award on the agency’s behalf during a formal ceremony on October 4^th at the Courtyard by Marriott in Marlborough, MA. In addition to this award, the MaMHCA provided the agency with three complimentary admission passes to their Annual Conference to be used by our clinical staff members. We’d like to thank the association for their dedicated efforts in the mental health field, particularly for acknowledging organizations like ours that prioritize a supportive workplace for both staff and clients.

The Carney Family Charitable Foundation Awards the Caring Network Program with $10,000

sci-support3 — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:00:55 +0000

Child & Family Services (CFS) has been granted $10,000 from The Carney Family Charitable Foundation to fund our Caring Network Program. This funding will provide much needed financial support to provide free psycho-educational groups to children ages 4-14 who are victims or witness to violence. It will also help to purchase supplies and materials, including therapeutic games and curriculum for groups.

Since 1996, the Caring Network has supported children in recovering from emotional and physical effects caused by exposure to violent situations in their home, school, or community. Program staff offers free psycho-educational groups to all victims, guiding children through initial trauma, creating safety plans for potential future violence, and teaching peaceful conflict resolution strategies.

Founded in 1989, the Carney Family Charitable Foundation serves as a catalyst and resource for organizations to expand and sustain their capacity to build equitable and vibrant communities, with a focus on the Greater New Bedford area. “The Carney Family Charitable Foundation’s contribution to our Caring Network program will greatly enhance our ability to provide critical services to children traumatized by violence in our community,” said Wendy Botelho, CEO of Child & Family Services.