Men's Health Forum
2024-11-16 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)

November First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2024-11-16 09:00 - 14:00
Become a certified first-time homebuyer with Way Finders! Learn from local real estate professionals about the homebuying process.
The course covers finding, financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Participants receive a certificate of completion that is necessary to access several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products.
This is a two-part online workshop:
Saturday, November 16, 9am-2pm
Saturday, November 23, 9am-2pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.
Please register in advance at the link below.

November Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2024-11-16 09:00 - 14:00
November 16 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$119.95

This online workshop includes an overview of basic residential rental property management in Massachusetts that provides an introduction to the Massachusetts laws that govern the rental relationship. Important for all owners of rental properties, including owners of 2-4 family homes.
Topics covered include:

proper tenant screening
relations with tenants
lead paint laws
types of tenancies
State Sanitary Code
fair housing laws
the eviction process
how to deal with drug problems

Trainer: H. John Fisher
Certificates of completion are awarded at the end of the session; this workshop satisfies the course requirement for first-time buyers of multi-family homes.
Registration fee is $119.95 (non-refundable & includes Way Finders’ Property Management Manual, valued at $29.95).

Cooking With Mary-Fresh and Dried Cranberries
2024-11-16 15:00 - 16:30
Saturday, November 16, 2024
3:00 PM 4:30 PM

Enfield Loaves and Fishes23 North Main StreetEnfield, CT 06082 (map)

Brightly colored and flavored cranberries have a rightful place during the holidays. We will be using both fresh and dried cranberries in recipes for Gingered Cranberry Chutney and Baked Brie using the chutney, Cranberry Orange Crunch Muffins, Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cranberry-Pecan Mini Loaves, and Baby Greens Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts.

Car Wash for a Cause
2024-11-21 08:00 - 2024-11-30 17:00 | Gary Rome Hyundai, 150 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
🚗🚙💦Car Wash for a Cause:🚗🚙💦
Support the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium at the Gary Rome Hyundai Car Wash for our Home and Community Connections program.
How Can You Help?
o Buy a car wash at https://wlink.live/2024_consortium
o Invite your family and friends to get a car wash or gift a car wash.
o Spread the Word:
o Repost this message
o Share the fundraiser link
o Share the flyer with the QR code
How to Participate:
You can purchase the car wash for yourself or gift it to someone else. You can also buy it now and wash it later.
Why Participate?
There is a vital need: Every car wash helps the Home and Community Connections Program to support adults with developmental disabilities access assistive technology, advanced learning opportunities, and additional support for community-inclusive activities.
Working together can make a real difference, one car wash at a time!

Holiday Tree Jubilee
2024-11-22 17:00 - 20:00
Our Holiday Tree Jubilee returns for 2025! And we have over 100 trees committed – that is more than the 75 gloriously decorated trees for our inaugural year in 2024.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, Center for Human Development (CHD) division of Adolescent Reentry Services, and the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral are hosting a “Holiday Tree Jubilee” for the under-resourced communities we serve. The event will take place on November 22, 2024, 5pm to 8pm at the Greek Cultural Center at 22 St. George Rd. in Springfield. It is an honor and great privilege to have the ability to give back to our community and host this event for youth and families from the region.

With the support of a variety of community sponsors, the event is entirely FREE to the communities we serve providing barrier free enjoyment for the entire family. The event bring the Holiday Spirit to life with: photos with Santa; carolers; hot chocolate station; dance performances; face painting; cookie decorating: karaoke; letters to Santa; and best of all: a decorated holiday tree raffle free to everyone! All trees are generously donated and decorated in a family-friendly theme, to donate them to go home with the families in attendance. Transportation details to come.

If you have an interest in supporting this event monetarily or with a decorated tree donation, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at (413) 687-9661 or email.

Providing a joyous holiday memory these families will never forget along with over 100 decorated, sparkling holiday trees for the homes of the families we serve will deliver immeasurable cheer and hope in this season of giving.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
2024-11-23 10:00 - 13:00 | All Inclusive Support Services, 736 State St., Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of large and small Survivor Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience.
We invite you to join us in Springfield, MA for a meaningful day filled with breakout groups, lunch, engaging activities, and a powerful AFSP-produced documentary that highlights themes of growth, resilience, and connection. This event is free and is for Survivors of Suicide Loss only.
Springfield Event Information
• 10:00am – 10:15am: Check-in
• 10:15am – 10:20am: Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 10:20am – 10:50am: AFSP Documentary Screening
• 11:00am – 12:15pm: Breakout Sessions
• 12:15pm – 12:55pm: Lunch
• 12:55pm – 1 :00pm: Poem Reading & Closing Remarks

WMDC Fundraising Comedy Show
2024-11-23 18:30 - 22:00

March for the Food Bank
2024-11-25 06:30 - 18:00
15 years ago, Monte Belmonte pushed an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield with the goal of raising $5,000 for the Food Bank. He raised $13,000 that year, and started a movement that has become the three county, 43-mile March for the Food Bank.

Join Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, & Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse as they march from Springfield to Greenfield this November.
Our $500,000 goal for this march will enable the Food Bank to provide the equivalent of 1.5 million meals to the community!

Fuel Up Week!
2024-12-02 08:00 - 22:00

Connect Science: Service-Learning Training Program
2024-12-05 08:00 - 17:00
MSA is excited to announce the return of our Connect Science: Service-Learning Training Program! Join us to learn about Connect Science: a research-based science instruction that integrates social emotional learning, science, and service-learning.

WHAT: Training, materials, and support aligned with upper elementary MA Science and Technology Standards. Participants will receive an evidence-based service-learning/social emotional/science unit of study with all the materials to implement with students.
WHO: Any school district or out-of-school time program
WHEN:

December 5 & 6, 2024
December 12 & 13, 2024
Follow up virtual session determined by participants

WHERE: Massachusetts Service Alliance, 98 N. Washington Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02114

To learn more, read this linked info sheet and attend the upcoming Connect Science Service-Learning Training Info Session on October 4th at 11 am. Register for the Connect Science info session using this link.*
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*If you are not able to attend this session live and you would still like to hear the information, please still register and you will be sent a link to the recording of the session.

Holiday Performance
2024-12-05 12:15 - 13:30
Holiday Performance by Berkshire Hills Music Academy Musicians

December 5 @ 12:15 pm–1:30 pm
|Cost: $4|Cost for Members: FREE

Note: In-person Only

Join us for a live performance of holiday music! Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) students John Libera, Michael Cote, Matt Cloughley, Franklin Nichols, and woodwind instructor Paul Coffill will present a variety of seasonal selections. Together the five represent three different chamber ensembles at BHMA.

Hot Chocolate Run
2024-12-08 08:00 - 12:00
The Hot Chocolate Run is a community celebration of Safe Passage, the Hampshire County organization addressing domestic violence.
Sign up to run, walk, or volunteer on December 8!
Then, share your fundraising page with family and friends to create year-round support for survivors of domestic violence.

Join us for a great time for a great cause!

CHD’s & Cancer House of Hope’s Luminaria 2024
2024-12-09 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for the Cancer House of Hope’s annual Luminaria on Dec 9th, 5 pm to 7 pm at the Town Common in West Springfield, MA.
Honor your loved ones who have passed away or a loved one currently fighting cancer or has survived. You can buy a luminary for $10 each.

Legislators & Cookies
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:30
Close out 2024 with COSA! Join COSA for an in-person December meeting at the Hadley Public Library. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share and learn how nonprofits can effectively engage with state & federal legislative offices. We will hear from legislative offices about the general timeline of events & actions in the new year, how and when to effectively advocate for legislation and budget line items, and get a chance to ask questions of legislators and their staff.

Speakers:

Dan Carey, State Representative, Second Hampshire
Mindy Domb, State Representative, Third Hampshire
Jo Comerford, State Senator, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester
Koby Gardner-Levine, Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 10:00am-11:30 am
Location: Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle Street, Hadley, MA 01035
Light refreshments will be available.

Books and Brew
2024-12-10 17:00 - 18:30
A unique book club designed to bring people together; young professionals, community members and anyone interested in financial empowerment.
Thank you White Lion, Springfield City Library and Liberty Bank

Advocacy 101: How to be the best advocate for your child
2024-12-10 17:00 - 19:30 | Inclusive Community Center, 41 Russell St., Hadley, MA, 01035, United States
This workshop led by Alison Greene will teach you the ins and outs of advocating for your child: How to be more successful by focusing on the most impactful activities that will result in quality supports and services for your child. Learn the processes that turn the wheels of special education, as well as tips for maintaining both a good relationship with the school and high standards for your child.

Community Leadership Connect
2024-12-12 16:00 - 17:00
Welcome to Community Leadership Connect launch! Join us on Thursday, Dec 12. 2024 at 4:00 PM to learn more about this exciting new initiative supporting regional leaders.
The CLC is designed to be a space for convening, collaborating and coordinating community resources that support our regional leaders.
Resource Database:
An inventory of regional leadership development services, including training programs, workshops, and networking events. This free, community access database is a resource guide for leadership development opportunities across the region.
Mentoring Hub:
A centralized mentorship platform that recruits experienced leaders (mentors) and matches them with emerging leaders based on areas of interest, industry, or leadership skills.
Peer Support Circles:
Regular group meetings (virtual or in-person) for shared learning, problem-solving, and emotional support, connecting peers centered on demographic or professional similarities.

Women’s Leadership Circle
New to Leadership
Leading Youth Programs
Board Chairs Circle

Leadership Learnings and Skill Developments:
In collaboration with Human Service Forum and local content experts, training opportunities ranging from multiple day series formats to single session workshops, provide ongoing education to meet the needs of all leaders, wherever they may be in their discovery.

More information

Feel free to share or bring a guest!

On Board Matching Event
2024-12-12 17:00 - 19:00
We are excited to once again host the United Way OnBoard Matching Event, where your skills and expertise can help make a difference in our community! This unique opportunity connects passionate individuals like you with local nonprofits seeking new board members.
At this event, you will:

Meet with nonprofit leaders actively seeking board members
Learn about the missions, challenges, and needs of these organizations
Explore opportunities to leverage your skills in support of meaningful causes
Network with other community leaders and like-minded professionals

Tthis event is a perfect chance to explore different options and find a match that aligns with your passion.
We hope you can join us for an inspiring and rewarding evening! Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ali Maggio at amaggio@uwpv.org.
Free parking for this event is available at the MGM Springfield Garage.
Paid parking is available at the Tower Square Garage.

Santa's Train
2024-12-18 14:00 - 15:00
I
Come meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment, just for you!
In collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Model Railroad Club, The Garden
House at Look Park will be transformed into a mystical wonderland, and
will offer sights and sounds to capture the magic of the season.
Children of all ages will have the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
and explore an enchanted forest of holiday trees and playful miniature
villages with vintage model trains whizzing through the landscape. Bring
your camera to take your holiday photos, and share your images to post
with us after the event if you like!
Before leaving, you can drive through the park and enjoy the rest of the
holiday lights installed throughout the grounds.
Keeping this event sensory-friendly means the concessions, trolley. bar
and market will not be available from 2:00-3:00, during our private event.
Sounds and lights will be turned down low and limited.
The Garden house is wheelchair accessible.
Please contact kansas.brown@pathlightgrouporg with any question

Whole Children and Milestones Winter Classes Registration Open
2024-12-19 08:00 - 17:00
Winter session registration is open for in-person and virtual classes! The session runs from January 6 to March 1, 2025. NEW this winter are Craft Club and Music Exploration. Sign-up now to save your spot: https://wholechildren.org/class-schedule

Father's & Family Network Meeting
2024-12-19 10:00 - 11:30

Dreidel Painting Workshop
2024-12-22 12:00 - 16:00
Grab your family and head to The Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery on Sunday, December 22 from 12-4pm to paint a wooden dreidel!
This FREE, family-friendly activity is perfect for kids of all ages. We will provide brushes, one wooden dreidel per person, and a choice between acrylic or tempura paint. Get ready to spend an enjoyable afternoon making memories at the gallery table with family and new friends! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Please RSVP via the ticket link.
Donations accepted for the Amherst Survival Center.

Winter Holiday Break
2024-12-30 08:00 - 17:00

FREE Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
2024-12-30 11:00 - 14:00
Control your finances before they control you!

Our free Youth Financial Literacy Workshop tells you what you need to know about managing your money, credit cards and more.
This workshop is for Middle School, High School and college-bound youths. December 30, 2024, from 11am-2pm at Way Finders, 1780 Main Street, Springfield, MA.
Everyone who attends gets free lunch and a gift card!
Attendance is limited to 30 – sign up today to reserve your space.

Community Foundation SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION OPENS
2025-01-01 08:00 - 17:00
Obtaining a college education is expensive, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts strives to provide some financial assistance to students living in Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties to help them achieve their goal of graduating from college. We have over 160 different scholarship funds, and each year we give away over 1,000 individual scholarship awards. This equates to approximately $1.4 million in scholarships.

Itty Bitty Basketball
2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:00

I survived Cancer, Now What?
2025-01-06 18:00 - 19:30
Jan 06, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST

Interactive webinar to explore life beyond treatment with practical tools, personal stories, and support. Register today to take the next step in your cancer journey!

First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2025-01-08 17:30 - 20:30
Become a certified first-time homebuyer with Way Finders! Learn from local real estate professionals about the homebuying process.
The course covers finding, financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Participants receive a certificate of completion that is necessary to access several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products.
This is a three-part online workshop:
Wednesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm
January 8, 15 and 22
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.
Please register in advance at the link below.

Know Your Rights: Information for immigrant community members and programs who serve them
2025-01-10 12:00 - 13:00
Information for immigrant community members and programs who serve them.

Join us for an informative webinar, “Know Your Rights: Information for Immigrant Community Members and Programs Who Serve Them.” Speakers include Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of MIRA, MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition and Ilana Steinhauer, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires

Conozca sus derechos: Información para miembros de la comunidad de inmigrantes y programas que los atienden.

Únase a nosotros para un seminario web informativo, “Conozca sus derechos: información para miembros de la comunidad de inmigrantes y programas que les sirven”. Los presentantes incluyen a Elizabeth Sweet, directora ejecutiva de MIRA, MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition e Ilana Steinhauer, directora ejecutiva de Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires
