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FAQs

Stacks of green and yellow frisbees displaying the Be Well Northborough logo.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Be Well Northborough? 

The Be Well Northborough Working Group was formed with the goal of collaborating across town departments to offer new programming and raise awareness of existing resources available that will help our community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and address issues such as social isolation, mental health, substance use, and overall wellness.  The Be Well Northborough Working Group includes department heads from Police, Fire, Recreation, Family and Youth Services, Northborough Senior Center/Council on Aging, Health, Library, and Schools, as well as Becca Meekins (Assistant Town Administrator and Diversity and Inclusion Committee staff liaison).  On March 14, $100,000 in funding for the Be Well Northborough initiative was approved at the Board of Selectmen meeting.   

Why a new “Be Well Northborough” program, as opposed to individually funding existing departments? 

Be Well is not a new program- it is a collaboration of department heads that together, serve a wide range of the town’s health, wellness, and safety needs.  The goal of the initiative is to collaborate more effectively and develop coordinated programs to help residents recover from the pandemic.   

How will Be Well Northborough help local businesses? 

The health and wellness programs offered through Be Well Northborough are not solely for town residents.  Anyone working or living in the town of Northborough is welcome to take advantage of the programs and resources offered through this initiative.  Town boards, committees, and departments welcome input and ideas for health and wellness programs that would benefit small businesses and their staff through our input form.  

How will Be Well Northborough help address mental health concerns in elementary and middle school children? 

Be Well Northborough brings together representatives from multiple departments that interact regularly with elementary and middle school students, including the schools, Family & Youth Services, Recreation, and the Library.  This increased collaboration allows for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to the unique needs of children in our community.    

What is Be Well Northborough doing to address the social and emotional needs of residents as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Be Well Northborough’s resource guide will make it easier for residents to connect with support services when they need them.  New collaborative programming from multiple departments is being developed to address topics such as: 

  • Social isolation 
  • Grief due to the loss of family members, friends, and neighbors 
  • Substance use disorder  
  • Housing and income insecurity 
  • Emotional wellbeing and coping skills 
  • Stress management 

How will Be Well Northborough address the needs of our senior population? 

Additional programming through Be Well Northborough for older residents means the ability to offer new and varied programs, attracting different audiences.  Our senior residents are a diverse population with complex needs. The ability to offer more programs will put staff in contact with more of our older residents and encourage new friendships between older residents. 

Be Well Northborough’s expanded community resource guide will help bring awareness to the extensive services already being offered in town, including, but not limited to: 

What can Be Well Northborough do to address secondary problems created by the pandemic, such as housing, food, or income insecurities? 

Be Well Northborough is working on securing funding from a local foundation grant to provide hygiene care kits free of charge for any resident who has use for these items.  Kits will be available at the Library, Board of Health office, Senior Center and other easily accessible places. We are also working with the Food Pantry to identify specific and ongoing needs and will help put out calls for donations when specific needs arise.  Donations for the Food Pantry will be accepted whenever feasible at Be Well Northborough events. 

The Be Well Northborough web site and resource guide will be any resident’s first stop when looking for services related to income loss, food assistance, and housing insecurity.  By pulling information about existing services together under one umbrella, residents will be able to find needed services, thus saving time, stress, and anxiety. 

What about addressing our town’s infrastructure and capital projects? 

Be Well Northborough is only one project being funded through the town’s ARPA monies. The Board of Selectmen is planning to schedule an ARPA Input Session for the general public in early June.  The exact date and location has not yet been determined but will be widely circulated as soon as it is known. 

What events have already been funded by Be Well Northborough? 

So far, the Be Well Northborough initiative has committed funding to the following projects:

  • Outdoor Yoga
  • Empowered Living During a Pandemic
  • Mindful Living During Uncertain Times
  • Northborough Hiking Club
  • Go Out Doors Art Exhibit
  • Be Well Northborough Summer Kick-off