Supervisory Skills Certificate Series: Spring 2025
2025-05-28 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning for Spring.
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and insurance liability to finding common purpose in a team and how to show faith in those who work for you, and much much more.
Register an individual who is eligible for a certificate, or a space for your agency to send someone different to each session depending on who the topic will benefit most.
This series is presented over Zoom. Series runs 8 consecutive weeks starting May 7th 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $600 for members, $1200 for nonmembers.

Series Dates and Topics:

Leadership Communication Wed May 7th 2025

This session looks at the building blocks of communicating clear messages to others. In a core aspect of leadership that is often taken for granted, those who excel at communicating often excel in supervision. Learn to avoid noise and interference, and how to properly process feedback to fine tune your messages for clearer understanding.
Presented by Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Employment Law Wed May 14th 2025

Avoid missteps that can lead to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Learn from practicing attorneys on the wording of the law, along with how that wording is actually applied. Covering a wide range of subjects to clear up misconceptions and acknowledging pitfalls, this session is packed with useful information that every organization needs.
Presented by Skoler-Abbott

Cyber Security Wed May 21st 2025

With the threat of cyber attacks continuing to rise, with an increased focus on social engineering, no one can afford to hide their heads in the sand and pretend that everything is ok. With a focus on practical, simple, daily steps that one can take, this session seeks to minimize risk to you, your organization, and your clients.
Presented by Chris Wisneski; Whittlesey

Team Building and Conflict Resolution Wed May 28th 2025

Through discussions that will include team activities and individual reflection, forge a shared understanding of team-building and the essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation that facilitate the development of strong, cohesive, effective teams. Make your team stronger than the sum of their parts, drive unity, and be able to address conflict when it does happen.
Presented by Dr. Lucie Lewis and Janine Fondon

Liability and Benefit- Thurs June 5th 2025

Gain a better understanding of Insurance, and how it affects you, your team and your organizations. Understand what coverage you have, and might need, in a variety of situations from daily operations to special fundraising events. Learn the various forms of benefits available to understand what you have and be able to help explain to your team what their options are.
Presented by Ben Garvey and Val Francis; Hub International

Culturally Responsive Supervision- Wed June 11th 2025

Join us as we take a deep look at the many aspects that make up our identities and how they impact our leadership, our organizations and the people we serve. Improve our skills in having conversations about our differences in a way that encourages learning and growth while building intersectional resilience. We will strengthen our ability to have important dialogues, navigate predictable tensions and avoid pitfalls that lead to disconnection. This session helps supervisors cultivate trusting, creative and connected diverse working relationships.
Presented by Regi Wingo and JAC Patriss; Growing a New Heart

Lead with Influence- Wed June 18th 2025

Whether they mean to or not, each person exerts influence over others. With this session learn 10 steps a person could take to add intentionality to that and influence people like a leader. Create a sphere of impact that leaves a lasting positing impression on those you work closely with, leading to them influencing others positively as well.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

Retention: Rewards and Accountability Wed June 25th 2025

People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates
Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Team Building and Conflict Resolution
2025-05-28 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning for Spring.
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and insurance liability to finding common purpose in a team and how to show faith in those who work for you, and much much more.
Register an individual who is eligible for a certificate, or a space for your agency to send someone different to each session depending on who the topic will benefit most.
This series is presented over Zoom and runs 8 consecutive weeks starting May 7th 9am-12:30pm all session.

Series Dates and Topics:

Team Building and Conflict Resolution Wed May 28th 2025

Through discussions that will include team activities and individual reflection, forge a shared understanding of team-building and the essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation that facilitate the development of strong, cohesive, effective teams. Make your team stronger than the sum of their parts, drive unity, and be able to address conflict when it does happen.
Presented by Dr. Lucie Lewis and Janine Fondon

Liability and Benefit- Thurs June 5th 2025

Gain a better understanding of Insurance, and how it affects you, your team and your organizations. Understand what coverage you have, and might need, in a variety of situations from daily operations to special fundraising events. Learn the various forms of benefits available to understand what you have and be able to help explain to your team what their options are.
Presented by Ben Garvey and Val Francis; Hub International

Culturally Responsive Supervision- Wed June 11th 2025

Join us as we take a deep look at the many aspects that make up our identities and how they impact our leadership, our organizations and the people we serve. Improve our skills in having conversations about our differences in a way that encourages learning and growth while building intersectional resilience. We will strengthen our ability to have important dialogues, navigate predictable tensions and avoid pitfalls that lead to disconnection. This session helps supervisors cultivate trusting, creative and connected diverse working relationships.
Presented by Regi Wingo and JAC Patriss; Growing a New Heart

Lead with Influence- Wed June 18th 2025

Whether they mean to or not, each person exerts influence over others. With this session learn 10 steps a person could take to add intentionality to that and influence people like a leader. Create a sphere of impact that leaves a lasting positing impression on those you work closely with, leading to them influencing others positively as well.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

Retention: Rewards and Accountability Wed June 25th 2025

People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates
Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

The Road To Recovery: Advances In Stroke Treatment
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00
Timely intervention can be the key to effective recovery when it comes to stroke. Join Dr. Janhavi Modak, MD, MPH and discover the latest breakthroughs in stroke treatment and how these interventions can significantly improve recovery, reduce long-term disability, and help patients regain their independence and quality of life.

Board Retention & Recruitment: An OnBoard Training Workshop
2025-05-29 08:30 - 10:00
A facilitated workshop co-led by Rebecca Coolong, Human Service Forum, and Sarah Tanner, Financial Development Agency
The leadership role of the Board is not to be taken lightly. In this roundtable discussion, we will explore and share successful approaches toward attracting the right fit of individuals to your organization, and how to keep them engaged and productive. Participants are encouraged to come with specific challenges to discuss and best practices to share with the group.

Combining Qualitative & Quantitative Data to Advance Equity for Immigrants
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:00

Building Strong Credit
2025-05-29 17:00 - 20:00

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness 9th Annual Regional Gathering
2025-05-30 09:30 - 12:00
Bold Leadership in Uncertain Times
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness 9th Annual Regional Gathering

Please join our Network partners, legislative and municipal leaders and community members as we gather in solidarity, in gratitude for our community, and in determination to provide safe and stable housing to our most vulnerable residents across western Massachusetts.
9:30am: refreshments & networking
10–11am: program
11am: more networking!
In-person attendance is full but please click here to register for Zoom access.

Men's Health Forum
2025-05-31 08:00 - 15:30
Welcome to the Men’s Health Forum!
Come join us at the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield for a day focused on men’s health. Our forum will feature informative sessions, interactive workshops, and expert speakers covering a range of topics including physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle choices.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about preventive care, fitness tips, or mental health resources, this event is for you. Connect with other men in the community, ask questions, and gain valuable insights to help you lead a healthier life.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to prioritize your health and well-being. Mark your calendar and join us at the Men’s Health Forum! Bring your dads, husbands, sons, brothers, uncles, nephews, and friends!
Presented by Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) and UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield
In collaboration with UMass Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences Center for Community Health Equity Research and Baystate Health

2025 Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference
2025-05-31 09:00 - 16:00
Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy is elated to invite you to celebrate and reflect with us at our2025 Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference! The event will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel in Springfield, MA.

Self advocacy is an international civil rights movement started by and for people with disabilities. For over 40 years in Western Massachusetts, self advocates have added to the richness of our community by recognizing a need for change and calling for action. The Annual West Region Self Advocacy Conference was created to further these meaningful pursuits by facilitating collaboration and community. For two decades self advocates from across New England have come together at the conference to share knowledge, stories, collaborate to create change, and recognize one another’s efforts and accomplishments.

This year is especially meaningful for our community as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Massachusetts West Region Self Advocacy! This is a powerful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our victories over the past three decades. Every year we select a theme based on the ideals of our movement; this year we are proud to highlight The Legacy of Self Advocacy: Past, Present, and Future. Every day we build on the accomplishments of our past and move forward towards an inclusive and equitable world for everyone.
We must acknowledge that even on the brink of this milestone anniversary, self advocates are actively facing new challenges in today’s world. The conference remains an important time to come together and harness the collective energy, wisdom, and passion of our community. We know that when people work together, revolutionary things happen.

2025-05-31 09:30 - 11:30
Free Community Baby ShowerSaturday, May 31, 9:30-11:30Jackson St. School. 120 Jackson St. Northampton MA, 01060
+ Free Baby Clothes and gear at the Pop-up Free Store from It Takes a Village+ Raffle prizes (free)+ Valuable caregiving resources+ Baby carrier demonstrations+ Car seat safety info
