Connected Families Program
Free smartphones and affordable mobile service to keep families connected.
The Connected Families Program by New City Family Services helps families stay connected to work, school, healthcare, and emergency services by providing access to reliable mobile technology.
Eligible participants
receive:
This program exists to reduce the digital divide and ensure families are not cut off from critical communication tools due to financial hardship.
Why This Program Matters
In today’s world, a phone is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. Families rely on mobile access to:
The Connected Families Program ensures families can remain reachable, informed, and supported without the burden of high upfront or monthly costs.
Free Smartphone
Participants receive a modern smartphone at no cost, with an estimated retail value of $500.
Devices are capable of calling and texting wifi and Internet access with apps for work, school, and healthcare.
The Phone
6.5 inch screen, it provides a clear and immersive viewing experience. The phone comes in a sleek black color
Affordable Monthly Service
Participants may enroll in a discounted mobile service plan starting at $25 per month, offering reliable nationwide coverage and consistent connectivity.
There are no long-term contracts required, and families can choose whether to continue service month-to-month.
Built With Kids’ Safety in Mind
Supporting Healthy, Responsible Connectivity
The Connected Families Program helps children stay reachable, supported, and safe—while empowering families to build healthy digital habits together.
Supporting Healthy, Responsible Connectivity
The Connected Families Program is designed to help children stay connected while supporting safe, age-appropriate phone use. Access to a reliable smartphone can increase independence—when paired with guidance, boundaries, and smart habits.
Reliable communication with trusted adults
Children can easily reach parents, caregivers, teachers, or emergency contacts when they need help, reassurance, or coordination.
Encourages balanced screen habits
By prioritizing Wi-Fi use at home and school, families naturally support healthier routines that reduce unnecessary screen time while keeping essential communication available.
Supports learning and school engagement
Smartphones help kids stay connected to school platforms, homework tools, calendars, and learning apps—especially when Wi-Fi is available in educational or community spaces.
Peace of mind for parents and caregivers
Knowing your child has a working phone for calls and messages provides confidence without encouraging constant, unrestricted usage.
Teaches responsible digital habits early
Children learn how to connect intentionally—using their phone as a tool for communication, learning, and safety rather than distraction.
Designed for growing independence
As kids move between home, school, and activities, the program supports safe communication without overwhelming them—or families—with unnecessary complexity.
Stay Connected, Smarter
Best Practices for Everyday Use
Support, guidance, and digital literacy are always part of the Connected Families Program.
Best Practices for Everyday Use
Your Connected Families smartphone is designed to keep you reliably connected for what matters most—calls, texts, school communication, work updates, healthcare access, and essential apps.
To get the best experience, we encourage a few simple best-practice habits used by families everywhere:
Connect to Wi-Fi whenever it’s available
Home Wi-Fi, school networks, libraries, community centers, and public hotspots help you stay connected while conserving mobile data for when you truly need it.
Use mobile data while on the move
Your data allotment is ideal for staying connected between Wi-Fi locations—whether you’re commuting, running errands, or traveling between appointments.
Optimize your phone for efficiency
Keeping apps updated, limiting background usage, and using Wi-Fi-friendly features like messaging, video calls, and learning platforms helps your phone perform smoothly day-to-day.
Designed for real life
This approach ensures families have dependable access where it matters most—at home, at school, and in the community—without interruptions.
If you ever need help setting up Wi-Fi, managing settings, or understanding how to optimize your phone, our team is here to help.
About New City Family Services
New City Family Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and communities through access to essential resources, education, and supportive initiatives. Our work focuses on long-term well-being, stability, and empowerment for individuals and families.
