Human Service Forum

The Mediterranean Diet Eating for Longevity and Vitality
2024-07-31 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | MA
A Healthier Way of Eating Series
Discover the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and kickstart your wellness journey. Join Dina Dugan, RD, clinical dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital, for a discussion that delves into what is a Mediterranean diet, practical meal plans and embracing a wholesome way of eating.
If you are interested in attending other virtual events, join our free Loyalty Programs, Senior Class and Baystate Health Every Woman for updates on events and articles.

Grandparent Connect: A Summit of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren from Western Mass
2024-08-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | MA

Agosto clases para compradores de casa por primera vez de way finders
2024-08-03 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
August 3 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$50

Esta es una clase completa dividida en dos días:
3 y 10 de agosto.Horario: 9:00am a 2pm
La clase cubre todos los aspectos de la compra de una casa. Diseñado específicamente para compradores de vivienda por primera vez, la clase está certificada por CHAPA, HUD y MassHousing. Se requiere completar la clase para calificar para ciertos productos de asistencia financiera de la ciudad y algunos préstamos hipotecarios.

First Time Home Buyers Workshop
2024-08-03 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join us for our First Home Buyer Workshop!
We look forward to helping you achieve your credit and savings goals!
We hope you can make it!
*You must attend both sessions to receive credit*

HR Virtual Roundtable
2024-08-06 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Online via Zoom
HSF is pleased to host roundtable forums around topics important to non-profit HR and fiscal management. Roundtables are led by senior leaders from HSF member organizations.
HSF Roundtable Benefits include:

Facilitated discussions with colleagues across the human service industry on up to date trending topics.
Presentations from industry experts
Networking and sharing of best practices

For more information on attending the HR roundtable contact Rebecca Coolong at rcoolong@humanserviceforum.org
Thank you to our Annual Sponsors

Sunshine Village Annual Golf Tournament
2024-08-07 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join us for the
35th Annual Sunshine Village Golf Tournament!
Wednesday August 7, 2024, at the Chicopee Country Club
9:00 am Shotgun Start
SPONSORS register today! (using the form below)
THANK YOU TO OUR TOURNAMENT SPONSORS!
2024 SSV Closed Roster Golf Brochure
Any questions? Please e-mail Corinne Dumont at cdumont@sunshine.us or call her at 413/592-6142 X1113

60th Anniversary Kickoff Event
2024-08-07 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | MA
We look forward to kicking off our 60th anniversary with a celebration and presentation of our 2024 scholarship award recipients.This event will be held at the UMass Amherst Center at Tower Square in Springfield on August 7th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.We hope you can join us to celebrate our six decades of success in our Springfield community, as well as wishing the best of luck to our scholarship recipients who are certain to have bright futures ahead!

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR FLEXIBLE FUNDING 2024
2024-08-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Flexible Funding aims to provide unrestricted financial support to sustain day-to-day operations of organizations, enabling you to focus on your mission. At CFWM, equity is central to all our efforts. We especially welcome applications from smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have not yet received substantial institutional philanthropy. We also prioritize organizations deeply rooted in their communities.
This year, we are excited to announce a partnership with the MassMutual Foundation, offering an expansion of Flexible Funding grants specifically for Springfield-serving organizations. Additionally, we have expanded funding available in Franklin County. With a single application, organizations can apply for funding; our staff will decide which of the criteria your organization best meets.
CFWM Staff will hold virtual information sessions about the Flexible Funding 2024 grant opportunity. Information sessions will review the grant process, the application and criteria. They are as follows:
August 7, 2024: 2pm – 3pm (general)
August 13, 2024: 10am – 11am (support for submitting your budget)
August 23, 2024: 9am – 10am (general)
August 23, 2024: 10am – 11am (for fiscally sponsored organizations)

50th Online Auction Bidding Opens
2024-08-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA
We’re thrilled to celebrate five decades of dedicated service to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their incredible caregivers. Your participation in this exciting auction not only promises a treasure trove of fantastic items but also helps us continue our mission of providing essential programs and support.
Get ready to bid, win, and make a meaningful impact! Let’s come together, have some fun, and ensure that everyone in our community can age with dignity and independence. Happy bidding!

HomeFront Strong Connects & Storytelling Volunteer Training
2024-08-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
HomeFront Strong Connects & Storytelling volunteer training will prepare you to provide community peer support to service members, veterans, and their families, through regular check-ins and the storytelling process
Check-ins are conducted at the convenience of the volunteer and matched individual
Ongoing support is provided to volunteers by HomeFront Strong staff
For more information on the program and to become a volunteer, visit: https://homefrontstrongus.org/about/volunteer/

Annual Backpack & School Supply Distribution
2024-08-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | MA

MHA Grand Opening
2024-08-13 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 350 Memorial Drive , Chicopee, MA

August Credit Success Workshop
2024-08-13 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | MA
August 13 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
$10

Whether you want to buy a house or a car, pay off your student loan debt, or understand how to build your credit, Way Finders is here to help.
Our Credit Success Workshop provides the tools you need to reach your financial goals. Learn directly from a Way Finders’ certified counselor through interactive and engaging activities. After you complete your workshop, you will have the opportunity to meet with a HUD-certified housing counselor to discuss your individual goals.
There is a $10 fee to reserve your seat for the workshop. This fee will be refunded upon workshop completion.
Way Finders is dedicated to assisting low-to-moderate income clients achieve financial stability and success. You will not be turned away for inability to pay.
To request a one-time time waiver please contact our support department at homeownership@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1621.

United Way of Pioneer Valley – OnBoard Board Basics Series
2024-08-14 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | TD Bank Center
This session, facilitated by nonprofit leader and consultant, Shannon Mumblo, will present the top 5 things potential board members should consider before joining a board.
More than a single event, OnBoard is a programmatic resource designed to support the health and viability of our community’s nonprofit leadership–the Board.
Hosted by UWPV, OnBoard has expanded its offerings with a series of instructional webinars, networking opportunities, and community engagement activities to prepare anyone for Board service.
We invite anyone interested in serving on a Board, or just interested in learning about the integral role of the Board, to start your journey with OnBoard.

Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains - Open Enrollment
2024-08-15 | The Western Mass Training Consortium, 187 High St, Holyoke, MA, United States
ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN for the Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains. This 6-week, in-person, certificate-only training program will serve as a foundation for Individuals, Support Care Specialists, and Caregivers to provide and engage in the spiritual care needs of the individuals with disabilities they support. Inter-faith spiritual care skills gained will help to support individual(s) with disabilities in a holistic way, by honoring the whole person.
Training Program Dates:
The training will take place every Thursday from 9 am-2 pm starting on October 3, 2024, until November 7, 2024.
Program Requirements:
• The student must be a non-chaplain.
• Students must work in the Human Services field.
• Students must submit a Letter of Recommendation from their Supervisor or Manager along with the enrollment application.
• Student must participate in all six (6) weeks of class to receive certificate**
The Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains is limited to 10 students per session and will be honored on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have applied to the training program, and the program is full, you will receive a notification to be added to our waitlist for a future session.
For more information or to enroll, visit https://homecommunityconnections.org/spiritual-care
Questions? Please contact Social Justice and Spiritual Care Director, Reverend Gregory Jones @gjones@wmtcinfo.org.

August First-time Homebuyer Workshop (English)
2024-08-17 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
August 17 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$50

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 in-person workshop:
Saturday, August 17, 9am-2pm
Saturday, August 24, 9am-2pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.

BackPack Giveaway
2024-08-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join the Ware Family Resource Center for our Backpack Giveaway on August 17th! Free backpacks will be available for the first 100 youth! Please note that youth must be present to receive a backpack. Have questions? Call (413) 277-6601 or email bhnfrc@bhninc.org.

Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Run/Walk
2024-08-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA

How to Use Free Tools to Boost Your Non-Profits’s Online Visibility
2024-08-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Online Event, MA, United States
Tuesday, August 20th 9am -10am
Free for HSF Members
Most non-profit leaders agree that having a strong online presence is crucial for their organizations to engage with supporters, attract donors, and raise awareness for their cause. However, challenges such as limited budgets, broad target audiences, and reliance on volunteers sometimes make marketing seem like an insurmountable mountain to climb.
This workshop is tailored to address these challenges and provide you with a practical framework and launchpad to help you leverage free tools to boost your non-profit’s visibility.
What You’ll Learn

Key Components of Online Visibility Understand the essential elements of a strong online presence, including website optimization, social media engagement, search engine optimization, and content marketing.
Top Free Tools for Digital Marketing We will then go through some of the top free tools online to help you nail the above-mentioned components of online visibility.
How to ask the right questions No need to be confused by marketing jargon. We’ll talk about the main things you need to know when you’re bringing in someone to help with your digital marketing and how to ask the right questions so you can keep your finger on the pulse. (This year, all non-profits in Western Mass can get volunteer help with their digital marketing at no cost through the Catchafire program so this is a great place to start).

Why Attend?

Gain valuable insights and practical tips from a digital marketing expert who has worked with many non-profits.
Get clarity. Know what you need to focus on to get results.
Learn how to find free tools, leverage specials for non-profits

Presenter:
The workshop will be presented by Fungai Tichawangana, founder of Artist Dynamix, a digital marketing agency based in Amherst MA. Fungai has built an impressive career at the intersection of journalism and digital marketing, focusing on how creatives and non-profits can best leverage the power of the Internet. In 2015, he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard. Since moving to Western Massachusetts in 2018, he has done work for The Community Foundation of Western MA, The ArtsHub of Western MA, and the WriteAngles Conference, among others.

Thank you to our Training Sponsors

HSF Annual Sponsors

Voices in Food Equity: Nourishing Tomorrow's Leaders
2024-08-21 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join us for Voices in Food Equity: Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders on Wednesday, August 21st at Berkshire Community College from 5:00-7:30 PM. This crucial event will address childhood hunger as well as its impact on students through college in Western Massachusetts. We’re excited to learn about community-driven solutions and the importance of legislative action together as a community. Register using the link below!
This event is completely free however space is limited. So, secure your seat now and join us for incredible discussions and delicious hors d’oeuvres!

Focus on Your Future
2024-08-21 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-08-22 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Get ready to learn the basics of making a budget, how to read a credit report, and what can be done to correct errors that may negatively affect your credit rating. Led by HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach Amy Hoerle, the workshop will also cover your rights as a consumer and how to make the most of them. The workshop is free to attendees, but registration is required.​
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The same course will be offered on back-to-back days. Which day works better for your schedule?

Overdose Prevention & Narcan Trainings
2024-08-22 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | MA

Overdose Awareness Vigil
2024-08-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | MA

Stone Soul Parade & Festival
2024-08-31 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join Baystate Health & Health New England colleagues, family, and friends at the Stone Soul Parade & Festival.
The parade route is about two miles. It starts at Rebecca Johnson Elementary School, goes left on State Street, down to Gaucher Street, left on Roosevelt Avenue, and then left on Blunt Park Road.
Join us at Blunt Park after the parade for New England’s largest African American festival.
This 3-day festival is for all ages. It includes:

Live music
Cultural Foods
Dancing
Games
Floats
Food from local vendors
A health fair
Giveaways

Stars and Stripes Day
2024-09-05 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA

Rooted Flowers Farm Tour
2024-09-07 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join us on Saturday, September 7th for a delightful tour of Rooted Flowers Farm!
You’ll discover the art and science behind growing a diverse array of flower varieties from seed to harvest, as owner Becky Sadlowski shares her journey of operating a successful flower farm business.

Activities include:

Guided tours of the Rooted Flower Farm and gardens
Purchase a flowers to craft your own bouquet at the Flower Bar!
Face painting for kids

Autumn Mist Farm food truck be on site serving hotdogs, hamburgers, and their own kielbasa. Enjoy a free Crooked Stick pop at the end to complete your tour.
Tours begin at 10 am, 11 am, and noon. Choose your tour time upon registration.
Tickets: kids 3+ $10; Adults $25; Family of four $60. Ages 3 and under are free

MLK JR Family Services Family Reunion
2024-09-07 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Family-Fun Day!
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11am – 5pm
A brief program will inspire & kick us off followed by backyard games, tournaments and food and snacks.
Did we mention cotton candy, karaoke, face painting, family fun relay games, DJ – and maybe a visit from our favorite area mascots!
AND….WTCC Radio will be joining us to offer opportunities to record YOUR MLKFS story of impact. Don’t miss it!

Fellowship & Worship
Sunday, September 8, 2024, 4pm
There is no MLKFS without the vision of Project Mustard Seed—we will gather in that spirit and tradition with a special worship service under the leadership The Reverend Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery, Pastor of the MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church as we welcome Project Mustard Seed Visionary Leader The Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Peters to bless us with his message and call to action.
We are overjoyed that this celebration will feature a MLK Community Choir under the direction of Elder Terrence Haynes, accompanied by Terrence Schider. Prepare to be blessed!

Getting excited? ALL must pre-register for the event.

Community Engagement & Listening Sessions
2024-09-09 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Upcoming Listening Sessions
In May 2024, Baystate Health announced exciting plans to build a new comprehensive community health center in the heart of Springfield, made possible by the generous support of MassMutual. We are pleased that this announcement has been met with great enthusiasm and support.
As part of the early planning and development of the new community health center, Baystate Health is holding a series of listening sessions for the community. We invite you to attend so that we may hear the diverse voices of our community.

Sept 9 Session 1: Boys & Girls Club Family Center
Location: 100 Acorn Street Springfield, MA 01109
9 am – 11 am In-Person

Sept 10 Session 2: Virtual
Spanish interpreter available
11:30 am – 1 pm Remote

Sept 16 Session 3: St. John’s Congregational Church
Location: 45 Hancock Street, Springfield MA 01109
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm In-Person

Sept 19 Session 4: Springfield City Library, Mason Square Branch
Location: 765 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109
11:30 am – 1:30 pm In-Person

Sept 23 Session 5: South End Community Center
Location: 00 Marble Street, Springfield MA 01105
9 am – 11 am In-Person

Sept 23 Session 6: Educare
Location: 100 Hickory Street, Springfield MA 01109
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm In-Person

Sept 25 Session 7: Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center
Location: 1476 Roosevelt Ave, Springfield MA 01109
11:30 am – 1 pm In-Person

Sept 25 Session 8: Virtual
Spanish interpreter available
5:30 pm – 7 pm Remote

Lead With Influence
2024-09-10 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
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
This session is part of our Supervisory Skills Series, available for individual registration. About the Series:
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.

OTHER SESSIONS IN THE SERIES:

Employment Law- 9/24

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

Culturally Responsive Supervision- 10/1

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

Team Building and Conflict Resolution- 10/8

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 Benefits- 10/15

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

Cyber Security- 10/22

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

Leadership Communication- 10/29

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

Retention: Rewards and Accountability-11/5

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:
