LUK Gains Grant for Central MA Child Trauma
Five-year federal and private funding will expand trauma services for children and families in Central Massachusetts.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Toddlers
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LUK, Inc., based in Fitchburg, received a five-year financial assistance award for its Developing Resilience and Well-being project, supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding will let LUK serve families who have experienced trauma, not only those already involved with its services.
Why it matters
The award expands access to trauma care for young children and their caregivers in Central Massachusetts. It allows LUK to reach families who have not previously received its services.
The award provides $500,000 per year from HHS and $50,000 per year from non-government sources over five years. Parent-Child Interactive Therapy is available for children ages 2-7, and services cover children under age 12.
The players
LUK, Inc.
LUK, Inc. is a Fitchburg-based human services organization that operates behavioral health and family programs across Central Massachusetts.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that funds behavioral health programs nationwide.
The details
LUK's Behavioral Health Clinic Services division hosts the Central MA Child Trauma Center. Services include care coordination, specialized clinical treatment, therapy groups, skill-building sessions for parents, parent groups, informative workshops, and early childhood consultations.
Timeline
The five-year award period is in effect following the grant announcement.
LUK Central Referral team is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for questions.
Health Landscape
Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, a live-coaching model developed for children ages 2-7, is being extended here to families who have not previously received services. The grant places LUK's program within a wider push to treat early childhood trauma through caregiver-involved therapy.
Parents of children ages 2-7 may be able to access Parent-Child Interactive Therapy, which teaches caregivers to manage behavior in real time with a clinician guiding their response. Families can contact LUK's Central Referral team Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to ask about eligibility.
The takeaway
Early support for caregivers can change how young children respond to stress and behavior challenges. Families who suspect a child has experienced trauma can ask LUK about referral options.
Further reading
Explore more on Toddlers for related family and early childhood coverage across Massachusetts.
More information
Families can start a request through the LUK trauma services referral form on the organization's website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sentinel and Enterprise.
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