Ashland Prevention & Human Services

10/07/2026

Join us tonight for a conversation with The Second Step as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Learn more about recognizing signs of abuse, understanding how domestic violence can show up, and how to approach conversations with care and respect.

Flyer below for event details.

Free and open to everyone. We hope you’ll join us at the Ashland Community Center from 5-6:30pm! 💜

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — an opportunity to learn, listen, and better understand the experiences of people impacted by domestic violence.

Domestic violence can take many forms and isn’t always easy to recognize. Join us for a conversation with The Second Step focused on understanding how abuse can show up, recognizing the signs, and learning how to start a conversation with care and respect.

The Second Step will guide the conversation and share practical tools for recognizing signs of abuse and approaching conversations thoughtfully.

Free and open to everyone. Check out the flyer below for more information.

10/05/2026

The holiday season is a time for connection, generosity, and giving back, but it can also bring added stress for families facing financial, housing, and food insecurities.

Through the Town of Ashland’s Holiday Program, we invite you to help make the season a little brighter for children and families in our community. Whether you choose to sponsor a child, provide additional gift items, or contribute gift cards, your generosity helps bring joy and support to local families during the holiday season.

To become a sponsor fill out this form :https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevj8qtPhmJDKk3rVneYwh7o4CluCSqCaWJkktlsvz_sR8qgQ/viewform

If you have any questions about the Holiday Sponsor Program or need assistance completing this form, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected]

09/30/2026

🏫 ASHLAND SCHOOLS HALF-DAY FUN DAY! ⚽

Looking for something fun to do on the upcoming school half-day? Join AREA, in partnership with the Town of Ashland, for an afternoon of activities, community connections, and fun!

📅 Friday, October 9
⏰ 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM

We’ll be kicking things off at Stone Park at 11:45 AM with a kickball game featuring members of the Ashland Police Department! 🚓🔴 We’re ready to play — the question is, can you beat us? 😎

After the game, stop by the AREA and DAET tables, visit some of our local businesses, and enjoy the afternoon with friends and neighbors.

Come out, have some fun, and spend your half-day with us!

LET’S PLAY. CONNECT. HAVE FUN! 💙

09/23/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — an opportunity to learn, listen, and better understand the experiences of people impacted by domestic violence.

Domestic violence can take many forms and isn’t always easy to recognize. Join us for a conversation with The Second Step focused on understanding how abuse can show up, recognizing the signs, and learning how to start a conversation with care and respect.

The Second Step will guide the conversation and share practical tools for recognizing signs of abuse and approaching conversations thoughtfully.

Free and open to everyone. Check out the flyer below for more information.

09/17/2026

Last Chance to Share Your Feedback!

Share Your Voice: Opioid Needs Assessment Community Survey

The Town of Ashland is gathering community input to better understand local needs, challenges, and resources related to substance use, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Your feedback will help inform future planning and help guide how opioid settlement funds can support programs and services that meet the needs of our community.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts using the link below:

https://advocatesforhuman.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0GOpskj2zh1fqRM?fbclid=IwY2xjawUYtRZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMW9sbGV1NWhxVTc5RG9TejZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEepJlkPTVknZDvjOMIzFzOziFNVwqGMgsTahHCh9fL8g9BChTluuDtUcm4kCo_aem_lzxgEMSe0X5IRW56z_fy3g

Thank you to everyone who has already participated!

09/12/2026

It’s that time of year again!

Our Annual Ashland Holiday Program is underway, and we’re looking for community members who would like to help provide holiday gifts to children and families in Ashland.

There are several ways to participate:
Sponsor a child or family
Provide filler gifts
Donate gift cards

To sign up, please use the link below. The attached flyer includes the application deadline and QR code.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevj8qtPhmJDKk3rVneYwh7o4CluCSqCaWJkktlsvz_sR8qgQ/viewform?usp=header

Thank you for helping us spread a little extra holiday cheer throughout Ashland!

09/04/2026

The Ashland Food Pantry is looking for volunteers!

We’re looking for community members who are interested in helping support our pantry operations and serve members of our community.

Interested in getting involved? Apply to volunteer here: https://www.ashlandmass.com/440/Ashland-Food-Pantry

Please share with anyone who may be interested in helping!

09/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our International Overdose Awareness Day event. 💜

It was meaningful to come together as a community to remember and honor those we have lost to overdose, support one another, and recognize the importance of prevention, recovery, and connection.

Thank you to everyone who attended, as well as our speakers and community partners who helped make this event possible. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to join us and be part of such a meaningful day. 💜

06/10/2026

Please help us spread the word!

The MetroWest Shared Public Health Service is hosting a Community Baby Shower on June 30 from 5–7 PM at The Corner Spot for expecting parents and new families. Attendees can connect with local resources, visit the Free Baby Boutique, enjoy family activities, and enter raffles for prizes.

Registration is encouraged but not required. See the flyer below for details and registration information.