Best Women's Programs in Massachusetts — 17 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts handle divorce, custody, paternity, and child support in each of its 14 counties. The Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Division runs enforcement. Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, and Lowell are the largest cities. Greater Boston Legal Services, Community Legal Aid, Volunteer Lawyers Project, and Jane Doe Inc. (MA DV/SA coalition) serve women.

17 Resources

1. Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women — Free

MCSW at 1 Ashburton Place advises the legislature and governor on policies affecting Massachusetts women, runs the Unsung Heroines awards, and coordinates regional commissions across the state. Mothers can engage by attending public meetings, applying to serve on a regional commission, or submitting testimony on pending legislation. Call 617-626-6520 weekdays 9am-5pm for upcoming meeting schedules.

617-626-6520 · 1 Ashburton Place, Room 103, Boston, MA 02108 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. YWCA of Greater Boston — Free

YW Boston at 140 Clarendon Street runs InIt (girls' leadership for ages 13-18), LeadBoston (workplace racial equity), and InclusionBoston (organizational consulting), plus the Stand Against Racism campaign. The Back Bay campus is one of Boston's oldest women-serving institutions. Call 617-585-5400 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm to inquire about program enrollment or partnerships.

617-585-5400 · 140 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

3. Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts — Free

Women's Fund at 20 Hampton Avenue in Northampton makes grants to organizations advancing women and girls in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties and runs the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact. Especially valuable for Western MA mothers pursuing public-sector leadership. Call 413-529-0087 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to inquire about the next LIPPI cohort.

413-529-0087 · 20 Hampton Ave, Suite 220, Northampton, MA 01060 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. The Second Step — Free

The Second Step in Newton runs transitional housing, community advocacy, and economic stability programs for Massachusetts women and children leaving abusive relationships. Programs typically last 12-24 months and include case management, financial coaching, and legal advocacy. Call 617-965-2122 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to inquire about openings; most placements come via referral from DV shelters across the state.

617-965-2122 · P.O. Box 600213, Newton, MA 02460 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

5. Dress for Success Boston — Free

Dress for Success Boston at 174 Portland Street provides free interview-appropriate clothing, the Going Places Network (peer career coaching), and Professional Women's Group continuing development for Massachusetts women returning to work. Most clients come via referrals from MassHire Career Centers, DTA, or local nonprofits. Call 617-010-2422 weekdays 9am-5pm to coordinate a referral.

617-010-2422 · 174 Portland St, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. On The Rise — Free

On The Rise at 341 Broadway in Cambridge operates as a daytime drop-in community center for women experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Members get meals, showers, mail service, case management, and a safe community space without a shelter intake process. Call 617-497-7968 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; walk-ins are welcome during open hours.

617-497-7968 · 341 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Women's Lunch Place — Free

Women's Lunch Place at 67 Newbury Street in Back Bay serves breakfast and lunch daily to women experiencing homelessness or poverty, with no intake paperwork required. Wellness programs include MassHealth enrollment help, advocacy, mail service, and showers. Call 617-267-0200 Mon-Sat 6:30am-2pm; walk-ins are welcome during open hours.

617-267-0200 · 67 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 · Mon-Sat 6:30am-2pm · Visit Website

8. Wellspring Multi-Service Center — Free

Wellspring at 302 Liberty Street in Springfield runs adult education, job training, ESOL, and youth programs alongside crisis case management for Western MA women and families. The Hungry Hill campus has been operating since 1980. Call 413-736-3257 weekdays 9am-5pm to schedule an intake; many clients access services on a drop-in basis as well.

413-736-3257 · 302 Liberty St, Springfield, MA 01104 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Women's Center of Greater Springfield — Free

YWCA of Western Massachusetts at 1 Clyde Street in Springfield runs the Women's Center programs including counseling, advocacy, financial literacy, and the Girls Empowerment Group. Particularly valuable for Hampden County mothers needing wraparound support. Call 413-732-3121 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Spanish-speaking staff available.

413-732-3121 · 1 Clyde St, Springfield, MA 01104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

AAUW maintains 17 active branches across Massachusetts (Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, the Cape, and more), offering local scholarships, salary negotiation workshops, and advocacy networks for Massachusetts women in higher education and the professions. Free to browse the directory; branch membership has modest dues.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

NOW's Massachusetts chapters in Boston and other regions advocate for reproductive rights, equal pay, and women in politics, and coordinate with Beacon Hill on Massachusetts-specific legislation. Useful for Massachusetts women looking to plug into grassroots organizing. Membership has modest dues; many actions and events are free.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. League of Women Voters — Free

LWV of Massachusetts at 90 Canal Street in Boston runs voter registration drives, candidate forums, and policy studies, with 45+ local leagues from Pittsfield to Provincetown. Particularly valuable for Massachusetts women new to civic life or considering running for school committee or town meeting. Free public events; nominal membership dues.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. YWCA USA — Free

The national YWCA network's three Massachusetts associations — YW Boston, YWCA Central Massachusetts (Worcester), and YWCA Western Massachusetts (Springfield/Holyoke) — operate shelter, child care, housing, and racial justice programs for women across the state. Free locator on the national site.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Women's Funding Network — Free

WFN is the coalition that links the Boston Women's Fund and Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts to a national network of women's foundations sharing grant best practices, research, and joint advocacy. Useful for Massachusetts mothers researching whether their nonprofit might be eligible for a women's-fund grant.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Junior League — Free

The Junior League of Boston (founded 1906) at 117 Newbury Street and the Junior Leagues of Worcester and the North Shore run training in civic leadership, voluntarism, and community grants. Membership is selective and dues-based but the organization's community grants and events are open to the public.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Soroptimist International — Free

Soroptimist clubs in greater Boston, Worcester, the South Shore, and Cape Cod run the Live Your Dream Awards (cash grants for women heads of household pursuing education) and the Dream It Be It career-support program for teen girls. Free for grant applicants; nominal club dues for members.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. Zonta International — Free

Zonta clubs in Boston, Worcester, Quincy, the South Shore, and Cape Cod fund local scholarships for Massachusetts women in business, STEM, and aviation, plus international service campaigns to end violence against women. Modest dues for members; scholarships are free to apply for and award annually.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Massachusetts?
Women's Corner tracks 17 women's programs resources for women in Massachusetts.
Are women's programs resources in Massachusetts free?
17 of the 17 listed women's programs resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Massachusetts have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Boston, Northampton, Newton, Cambridge, Springfield.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Massachusetts?
Featured entries include Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, YWCA of Greater Boston, Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, The Second Step, Dress for Success Boston.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
9 of 17 Massachusetts women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.