Department of Prevention & Human Services

The Department of Human Services is an interdisciplinary team comprised of culturally compassionate and enthusiastic professionals available to serve the versatile needs of our town.  We are here for residents of any age, from a myriad of ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic positions.  We are accessible to assist vulnerable, middle income and affluent populations. 


This interdisciplinary team is comprised of:


  • Courtney Loughlin, MSW LCSW (Case Manager)

The Department of Human Services is available to aid in times of crisis, here to serve as a source of support and case management.  We are here to help navigate the various health care, criminal justice and service provider systems.  Additionally, our department offers assistance in accessing resources, monetary or emotional in nature.  We provide assessments and make referrals to appropriate programs and providers as needed.


Programs offered through the Department of Human Services include:


  • Fuel Assistance applications
  • Memory Café
  • Youth Diversion
  • The Holiday Program
  • Thanksgiving Meals
  • Emergency Fund Screening

The Department of Human Services combines an effort in partnership with a variety of working groups.  We serve on the Hoarding Task Force (a town-wide effort to assist those struggling with hoarding behaviors.  We are represented in the Dementia Friendly Committee (comprised of a group of community members dedicated to leading the Town of Ashland to a nationally recognized dementia friendly status, identified as a place where residents living with dementia are supported in living a high quality of life with meaning, purpose and value).  


Our department, in collaboration with the Ashland Police Department, facilitates Ashland's post overdose response through our Substance Abuse Response and Support Team, which is available to any resident during any stage in recovery or active in substance use or misuse.  In unity with the Director of Preventions and Outreach, we function as an active member of our local MOAPC chapter (Massachusetts Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative).  We serve as an active member of project ABC through the YMCA (a variety of community partners coming together to provide support that strengthens families with children ages 0-8 in the Ashland, Holliston and Hopkinton communities).


In order to provide the best service to our community, in addition to working with other Ashland municipal and Public Safety departments, the Department of Human Services works in collaboration with the following entities:


  • Ashland Public Schools
  • Decisions at Every Turn coalition
  • Local hospitals
  • The regional crisis team
  • Ashland Emergency Fund
  • Baypath Elder Services
  • Jail Diversion Program
  • Veteran's Services
  • Red Cross