Press Release  The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Opens New Fall River Office in Partnership with Department of Transitional Assistance

FALL RIVER — The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) today announced the opening of a new hybrid office in Fall River, established in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). This new location, at 1567 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720, expands access to MCAD services across the South Coast and strengthens the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting residents from unlawful discrimination.

The Fall River office features a dedicated MCAD space located within the DTA facility, allowing individuals to file discrimination complaints and connect directly with MCAD staff in a secure, private room. Using a hybrid approach ensures that residents can receive personalized guidance and support from an MCAD team member. 

“This new office represents a critical step in restoring access to civil rights protections for South Coast communities,” said MCAD Chair Sunila Thomas George. “After the closure of the MCAD’s New Bedford during the pandemic and the relocation mandate to move the MCAD’s presence to Fall River, many residents and local legal aid partners were concerned with the barriers of reporting discrimination for our southernmost communities. By partnering with DTA in Fall River, we are meeting people where they are and making it easier to seek justice.”

Michael Memmolo, Executive Director of the MCAD, emphasized the innovative and cost-effective nature of the new location. “This partnership is about accessibility and smart stewardship of public resources. By co-locating within a trusted, well-utilized DTA office, we are able to bring MCAD services directly into the community without the cost of opening and operating a standalone Commission office. This model saves taxpayer dollars while still delivering vital civil rights services.

“We are pleased that by opening our doors, we can create space that will support improved access to the MCAD,” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “Not only are we glad to support MCAD’s mission but having this kiosk at our Southcoast office can better help us serve our people well and meet their needs where they are.”

The co-location with DTA provides added benefits for residents, who can access a range of wraparound services already available at the site. These include assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), as well as employment and training resources, case management, and connections to housing, medical, and childcare supports. Together, these essential services help address the broader needs of individuals and families while now ensuring equitable access to civil rights protections as well. 

The new MCAD presence in Fall River underscores the agency’s commitment to making its resources available to all MA residents and strengthening community partnerships. By leveraging technology and existing service infrastructure, the MCAD is enhancing its ability to deliver resources and intake discrimination complaints more efficiently.

Beginning Monday, June 8, individuals can visit the Fall River office at 1567 North Main Street during regular business hours to utilize the MCAD's self-service kiosk to file a complaint of discrimination. For more information about the MCAD, please visit www.mass.gov/MCAD or call 617-994-6000. For more information about the DTA, please visit www.mass.gov/DTA.

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