By Theresa Knapp 

Last year, the Millis Police Department added social workers to the department’s response team.

The town contracted with Community Impact, Inc., in Milford, to work in collaboration with the MPD to provide community outreach to support Millis residents for issues related to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, juvenile/adolescent matters, and victims of sensitive crimes, trauma, elder abuse, and more. 

"Our community has benefited greatly with the addition of our Town Clinicians. In addition to working directly with our department, they are embedded within the community.  They are a phenomenal resource to have available to our department," said MPD Chief Chris Soffayer. "Our clinicians handle a wide range of issues within the community.  They provide support to our residents regarding mental health issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and victims of sensitive crimes.  Our clinicians do a great job following up, ensuring family members get the assistance or guidance they need."

“The first year has been great,” said Amy Leone, director and owner of Community Impact, Inc., who, along with colleague Renee Masiello, provides services to the town. “We have been able to engage with the community, the schools, elder services, Board of Health, Council on Aging, as well as individuals and families in various aspects over the last year…In 2023, we have had 138 initial encounters with individuals in the community. This total does not include the continued follow up with each encounter and others who reach out for support without police encounters.” 

Leone said they also provide critical incident mental health first aid to Millis police, fire, and EMS departments, school personnel and others employed in the Town of Millis to ensure there is a consistent co-response model when responding to calls.

Types of services

The town social workers also provide services and resources related to basic needs; domestic violence; elder abuse; housing/homelessness; insurance; mental health counseling; outpatient counseling in the schools if needed; recovery resources, SBIRT screenings, and Narcan administration training; victims of sensitive crimes and trauma; and case consultations for individuals, families and the schools. 

If you have a need that is not on the list, do not hesitate to contact Leone or Masiello who still might be able to provide assistance.

If you need assistance 

Finally, Leone says, “If anyone is in need of our services, they can reach out to Renee and me by phone through the Millis Police Department or through our personal cell phones (Amy Leone 508-864-6509 and Renee Masiello at 508-488-9885).” They can also be reached through the online referral form www.millispolice.org/townclinicianrefferral.