Strength

Wayside believes in a strength-based approach, focusing on affirmative and inspirational strategies that promote sustainable change.

Hope

We believe in the power of hope as a central factor in providing the motivational resources necessary for change.

Resiliency

We firmly believe all people have the inherent ability to rebound, learn and grow from life’s difficult experiences.

Our Services

Wayside offers a wide array of services for children, young adults and families. To learn about what services are available in your community, please see our services listing, which is organized by region. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 508.879.9800.

Wayside named top workplace in 2024

This award celebrates companies recognized nationwide for creating a better, people-centered workplace and giving employees a voice. The Top Workplaces USA award is based solely on feedback from an employee engagement survey completed by employees of participating workplaces.

We earned Top Workplace in the following categories:

TWP-CE_Purpose-Values_2024
TWP-CE_Leadership_2024
TWP-CE_Innovation_2024
TWP-CE_Compensation_2024

FRAMINGHAM, MA (December 8, 2024) – Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is honored to be named a Boston Globe Top Workplace for 2024, marking the second consecutive year the organization has received this distinction.

Top Places to Work recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state voted on by the people who know them best, their employees.

Wayside’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As part of the agency’s Strategic Goals, Wayside leadership identified a key driver was to “Support our staff capacity to serve by increasing satisfaction, compensation, diversity and career development, as evidenced by increased recruiting and retention.”

Thank you for your interest and participation in our 2024–2025 training season!

Our sessions have officially concluded, but we’re already preparing for what’s next. Stay tuned—our 2025–2026 training schedule will be available soon.

In the meantime, feel free to explore highlights from our past trainings.

Thu, 06 Feb 09:30 AM
Trainer(s) Joyce McNickles Description: Race is a social construct categorizing people by perceived physical traits or ancestry, underpinning systemic racism. This hierarchy privileges white people and marginalizes people of color. While race is assigned externally, racial identity is the personal meaning attached to it. This training covers racial identity development, showing how different groups form beliefs about race and racism. You'll examine case scenarios at various stages and learn strategies for managing tensions between groups at different identity development stages.
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Racial Identity Development Models
Thu, 06 Mar 09:30 AM
This engaging session explores how to provide compassionate, individualized care for people with autism by focusing on their unique goals and community connections rather than traditional expectations of social engagement. Participants will learn how to create supportive environments, balance family expectations with individual needs, and gain insight from the perspective of an adult with autism.
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Providing Quality and Compassionate Care for Individuals with Autism
Thu, 20 Mar 10:00 AM
Join Dr. Mullan for a transformative 3 or 4-hour workshop designed to guide mental health professionals through the process of acknowledging, unlearning, and revitalizing their emotional and decolonial practices. Participants will explore the connections between trauma, structural oppression, and overall well-being while learning practical strategies for integrating these insights into their professional practice.
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Decolonizing Therapy
Thu, 05 Jun 09:30 AM
Trainer(s) Gray Baldwin Description "Music and all of the creative arts have the power to transform emotions & experiences in ways that talking cannot." – G. Baldwin Music, present in most cultures, is a powerful tool for expression and connection. This training focuses on using music as a therapeutic intervention, and you don’t need any musical talent to attend. Learn strategies and interventions to enhance client connection, expression, and shared musical experiences. Affirm equality, equity, and inclusion for all through new healing interventions.
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Music & its Power to Connect & Transform
Racial Identity Development Models
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Trainer(s) Joyce McNickles Description: Race is a social construct categorizing people by perceived physical traits or ancestry, underpinning systemic racism. This hierarchy privileges white people and marginalizes people of color. While race is assigned externally,…
Thu, 06 Feb,  09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Providing Quality and Compassionate Care for Individuals with Autism
favorite_border
This engaging session explores how to provide compassionate, individualized care for people with autism by focusing on their unique goals and community connections rather than traditional expectations of social engagement. Participants will learn how to…
Thu, 06 Mar,  09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Decolonizing Therapy
favorite_border
Join Dr. Mullan for a transformative 3 or 4-hour workshop designed to guide mental health professionals through the process of acknowledging, unlearning, and revitalizing their emotional and decolonial practices. Participants will explore the connections between…
Thu, 20 Mar,  10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Music & its Power to Connect & Transform
favorite_border
Trainer(s) Gray Baldwin Description "Music and all of the creative arts have the power to transform emotions & experiences in ways that talking cannot." – G. Baldwin Music, present in most cultures, is a powerful…
Thu, 05 Jun,  09:30 AM - 12:30 PM

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