AYFS Services
The mission of Auburn Youth and Family Services, Inc. is to support families through Empowerment and Community Collaboration.
Food Pantry
AYFS, through MEFAP and a partnership with Worcester County Food Bank, operates a food pantry and food distribution program at 21 Pheasant Court.
The mission of our food program is to help alleviate hunger for Auburn’s children and families and to educate families about the importance of good nutrition. The pantry strives to offer a variety of healthy food choices (such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, meats,etc.) while also offering different options to access food items.
The food pantry operates for in-person on Wednesday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, please call 508-832-5707 ext 102.
We also offer delivery on Thursdays (twice a month).
For more information, please call Lisa at 508-832-5707 ext. 102.
Clothing Closet
The AYFS clothing closet is a special resource for all families in Auburn. The closet is filled with clothing for all ages and genders provided by in-kind donations.
Families can “shop” in the closet on Wednesdays during their food pantry appointments.
Volunteers sort clothes, inventory items, and keep the closet organized and tidy for families to shop.
We accept donations of gently used clothing free of wear, rips and stains.
We are currently accepting gently used, seasonal women’s, men’s and children’s clothing in all sizes including infants.
All clothing that will be accepted can be new or gently used with no rips or holes and are clean.
Although we hate to turn away donations, there are some items we simply cannot accept. including:
- Housewares (glassware, kitchen utensils, silverware, etc.)
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Stuffed animals
Keep an eye on our Facebook page to see what items we currently need, or call 508-832-5707 ext 102 if you have any questions.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday between 9am-5pm.
Community Assistance Fund
The Auburn Community Assistance Fund (ACAF) was established in 1980 as a private non-profit fund. The purpose of the fund is to assist Auburn residents in emergency situations, especially heating assistance – oil, propane, gas and/or electric. Contact Sally D’Arcangelo at admin@ayfs.org or call (508) 832-5707 x 10 to get a confidential application
Counseling Services
Outpatient Counseling
Individual and family counseling are offered addressing a wide range of issues including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Family conflict
- Substance abuse
- Grief and loss, etc.
Counselors are trained to provide assessments, intervention and brief treatment. We offer a sliding scale fee schedule for co-pays for those who are financially eligible.
AYFS will not turn away anyone who lives in Auburn and is unable to pay for counseling service.
School-Based Counseling
High School Counseling
AYFS staff and interns provide counseling services at Auburn High School, with students in grades 9-12 being referred by their guidance counselors.
Counseling issues cover such areas as
- Substance abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Divorce
- Academic failure
- Domestic violence
- Dating relationships
- And other family related issues.
These services are performed at the Auburn High School and are offered free to Auburn residents through funds provided through the Town of Auburn.
Middle School Counseling
AYFS staff and interns provide counseling services at Auburn Middle School, with students in grades six through eight referred by their guidance counselors.
Counseling issues cover such areas such as
- Depression (including suicidal ideation and self-harm)
- Disruptive home environments
- Processing loss and transitions
- Academic failure
- Increasing motivation
- And anxiety.
These services are offered free to Auburn residents through funds provided through the Town of Auburn.
Swanson Road Intermediate School (SWIS) Support Groups
AYFS counselors conduct 8 week groups after school at the SWIS, with students being referred through their guidance counselors. Group meetings have focused on emotional regulation, emotion expression and family issues.
