Western MA Caring Force Rally
2024-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Western MA Caring Force Rally
Tuesday, September 17th at 9 a.m.
Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, Westfield, MA 01085
Join Us at the Western MA Caring Force Rally!
Celebrate Direct Support Professional Week and the invaluable contributions of human services
workers. At this event, you’ll hear firsthand stories from professionals in the field, showcasing
the critical importance of their work and the need for ongoing support. A panel of Western MA
senators will also share their connections to the sector and discuss the crucial role of sustained
funding for these essential services.
Event Highlights:
• Inspiring speeches from human services workers and program participants
• Insightful panel featuring Western MA senators
• Networking opportunities with fellow workers, persons served, and elected officials
• Light breakfast will be provided
This rally is a unique opportunity to unite, share experiences, and strengthen our community as
we advocate for the future of human services in our region. Don’t miss out on this impactful
event!
Register to attend: bit.ly/WesternMARally
Date: Tuesday, September 17th
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Program starts at 10:00 AM)
Location: Scanlon Hall, Westfield State University (715 Western Ave, Westfield, MA)

SUPERVISORY SKILLS CERTIFICATE SERIES
2024-09-17 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | NCYF Building; 203 East St, Easthampton, 203 East St, Easthampton, MA, 01027, United States
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning for 2024-2025.
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 virtually over Zoom.

SERIES TOPICS:

Lead with Influence- 9/10

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

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:

Lunch & Learn: Financial Wellness
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Program Description
Event Details

Spend a lunch break at the Library and get financially fit with Dawn Creighton of Liberty Bank! Join Dawn for a series of engaging lunch-time workshops about budgeting, money management, saving, credit-building, home-buying, and more. Treat yourself to free light refreshments and time to network with other community members interested in financial empowerment.
Registration required, because space is limited. Ages 18+.

Pain & Anxiety Control Sedation for Gynecology Procedures
2024-09-17 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Some gynecologic procedures can be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing and sedation can help. Join Dr. David Kattan, OB/GYN, Medical Director of the GYN Procedure Unit, Baystate Women’s Health OB/GYN, for a discussion about procedures that have sedation options for patient comfort, and how they are performed, such as IUD insertion, miscarriage treatment, colposcopy to follow up abnormal Pap smears, and more.

Coffee & Conversation
2024-09-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | The Western Mass Training Consortium, 187 High St, Holyoke, MA, United States
Join the Consortium for Coffee & Conversation this Wednesday at 10 am at the Wildflower Alliance Bowen Center, 147 Magazine Street, Springfield MA! Learn more about our mission, vision, community impact, and ways to get involved. We hope to see you there!!!

Overdose Prevention & Narcan Trainings
2024-09-19 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)

Party For a Purpose
2024-09-19 17:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York)
Friends on a Mission invites you to the Party for a Purpose to enjoy an incredible night to benefit Square One.
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at the Delaney House

Trailer Trash Benefit Concert
2024-09-20 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York)
Friday, September 20
Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin Street
Ludlow MA
8:00 p.m.
Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Country-rock band Trailer Trash is showing their love again this year for CHD ALL IN, an adaptive sports and recreation program for kids and adults with different mobility, vision, and developmental abilities. Proceeds raised through this concert will help fund equipment, uniforms and ice time for All In’s youth and adult Sled Hockey teams.

Sponsorships
Join the band in their support of adaptive athletes in our community and All In’s programs with an event sponsorship! Incentives include:

Recognition on CHD’s and All In’s social media accounts including Facebook and LinkedIn
Sponsorships are 100% tax-deductible and directly benefit our program needs
Complimentary concert tickets

Click here to view sponsorship opportunities and pay online.
Click here to view a printable sponsorship form.

United Arc Softball Tournament
2024-09-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)

September Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2024-09-21 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
September 21 @ 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).

Will Bike 4 Food
2024-09-22 07:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Will Bike 4 Food (WB4F) is back for its 14th year!This fun cycling event raises funds and awareness for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Cyclists of all levels can pedal towards a hunger-free future by joining us for a Century (100 mile), Half Century (50 mile), Quarter Century (25 mile), or the 10-mile Family Fun Ride. Registered riders can also choose to participate virtually by riding their miles any time in September during Hunger Action Month.

September Credit Success Workshop
2024-09-23 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
September 23 @ 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.

Employment Law
2024-09-24 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
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
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:

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:

Everything you need to know about the new IEP
2024-09-24 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Whole Children, 41 Russell Street, Hadley, MA, United States
Register for this free in-person workshop with educational advocate Alison Green to get the full scoop on the new IEP and your child’s rights in special education. Whether this is your first IEP or your tenth, we will help you unravel the sometimes daunting mysteries of special education. Childcare is provided!
Sign up: https://www.wholechildren.org/iep

Pathlight Adult Family Care Virtual Info Session
2024-09-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
Pathlight Adult Family Care (AFC) allows family members to care and provide for adult family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the privacy and comfort of their home. The Pathlight team supports families in AFC, along with an annual stipend.
Our info session will cover topics like requirements and eligibility, the application process, expectations, and care giver support.
Sign up: https://airtable.com/app75wFydjQ1bCNiH/pag5aeTi7x09163Ke/form

HSF Coffee Hour
2024-09-25 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | NCYF Building; 203 East St, Easthampton, 203 East St, Easthampton, MA, 01027, United States
This session will now be held remotely, please contact Becca at rcoolong@humanserviceforum.org if you haven’t received your link.

Senior staff of HSF members are invited to “Breakfast with Becca”. This is a chance to get together to talk about current challenges and successes. Future sessions may have speakers on relevant topics. This is a member only event. Coffee and bagels will be provided but feel free to bring your own food and drink!

Program Fee
HSF Members only: $15.00

Where
HSF offices locates at
Northeast Center for Youth and Families Building
203 East Street
Easthampton, MA

Annual Sponsors:

September Executive Forum
2024-09-26 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
Thursday, September 26, 2024 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Export to iCalendarEastern Standard Time
Join AIM for the “2025 Economic Outlook” featuring Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz who will share his projections for where our state economy is headed, how the current and next year’s budgets are shaping up and what trends/issues will require focus and attention. Topics discussed will include – revenue projects, health care, insurance and migrant costs, ways to strengthen and take advantage of untapped parts of our workforce, ways to continue to keep the Commonwealth competitive and attract and retain businesses.
8-9am: Coffee and Conversation
9-10am: Economic Outlook

Space is limited. Reserve your seat today!

Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains - Open Enrollment
2024-09-26 | 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.

10th anniversary of the Western MA Health Equity Network
2024-09-26 08:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
We hope you are able to join us for reflection, education, networking and celebration! We have planned this special event to coincide with the !10th anniversary! of the Western MA Health Equity Network which began in Fall 2014 with the first summit that many of you attended. We are excited to recognize all your hard work and successes this past decade and look forward to future work together.

Some more details: We will run the morning like an open house, in case you can not attend the entire event, and we will have time and activities to:

Share advocacy efforts
Reflect on the wins
Discuss policy priorities
Connect with colleagues
Find new data sources
Meet new partners
Find & share inspiration

and…Free and open to all! Refreshments!
Intended for everyone interested in, or doing advocacy work to advance health equity in Western MA—an opportunity ​to highlight your own work and learn about the work of your neighbors, friends and colleagues.

MHA Wellness Classic
2024-09-27 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)

Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum - Book Group & Discussion
2024-09-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online, England, United States
The book documents the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums with surviving records in the US. Madness chronicles the stories of Black families whose mental health suffered as they tried, and sometimes failed, to find safety and dignity.
The initial book group discussion will take place on July 26th, 12-1pm via Zoom and monthly book discussions will occur on the
fourth Friday from 12-1pm.
Feel free to reach out for more information:
Beckyl-resiliency@wmtcinfo.org or Rafael@wmtcinfo.org

Making Food Fun Visits Apex Orchards
2024-09-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
CISA is heading to the beautiful Shelburne hills to join in Gathered Farms, at Apex Orchards, on Sunday, September 29th from 10am-noon for a morning of fun activities for families!

Apex Orchards apples

This Making Food Fun will focus on apples of all varieties, colors, and flavors. CISA will offer an apple taste test featuring Apex Orchards apples, samples of apple cider and cider donuts. Best of all, we’re giving away 100 pick-your-own bags to the first 100 kids to visit our booth! These special, child-sized bags are for this Making Food Fun event at Apex Orchards only. Stop by to see us, sample some delicious food, and get the kids ready to pick some apples.
The Gathered Farms harvest event goes from 10am-3pm, where local farms and artisans come together to celebrate the fall season. Friends from Our Family Farms and Davenport Maple Farm will be on hand sell their amazing local dairy and local maple products.
Admission to Making Food Fun and Gathered Farms is free. We hope to see you there!

Hike for Hunger
2024-10-01
We’re banding together to Give Hunger the Boot! Hike for Hunger is a fun, monthlong opportunity to explore outdoor spaces while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center to ensure our neighbors have access to food. You can make a tangible impact and help raise vital funding by registering to hike or by supporting your favorite hiker with a donation!
Want to join the fun? You can register as an individual or as part of a team and set your personal hiking goal. Once registered, you’ll be able to access your own fundraising page to start collecting donations from family and friends.
Come October, head out on the trails wherever and whenever you’d like – with your family, your friends, or your fur friends – and share your adventures! You can also join one of our optional group hikes! Hike for Hunger runs from Oct 1 – 31. You have four weeks to reach your fundraising goal!
Proceeds from Hike for Hunger go directly to our food and nutrition programs, which last year provided 1.6 million meals – prepared and groceries – to nearly 11,000 neighbors.
Registration is a $25 donation, and folks who register by Oct 1st can receive a complimentary Hike for Hunger t-shirt! There is no fundraising minimum, but it is encouraged and those who fundraise will be eligible to earn great prizes!

HR Virtual Roundtable
2024-10-01 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

Fostering Creativity Youth Art Showcase
2024-10-01 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | New Art Center, 61 Washington Park, Newton, MA, 02460, United States
Join us for an art gallery style event featuring the creative designs, artwork, and messages from youth who have experienced foster care!
Join us at the New Art Center in Newton for a gallery-style event showcasing their inspiring artwork. But that’s not all—you’ll also have the chance to hear directly from these young artists during a youth panel, where they’ll share their personal experiences and insights, offering a deeper understanding of the stories behind their creations.
Why You Can’t Miss This Event:
Experience Inspiring Artwork: Discover the powerful artwork and designs created by youth who have experienced foster care.
Hear Their Stories: Listen to compelling talks from youth speakers as they share the inspiration for their creations.
Support the Cause: Purchase youth-designed products from this year’s featured artists, with proceeds supporting MARE initiatives.
Make a Difference: Learn about the many ways you can support adoption from foster care and help change lives.

Academy for Small Business
2024-10-01 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)

Community Care Package Drive
2024-10-02 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)

A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
2024-10-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
In person at Bernardston Senior Center, Bernardston, MA
Teaches practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and explores medical, behavioral, and environmental risk factors for falls, stressing the importance of developing an exercise plan.
Wednesdays, October 2–November 20, 1–3 p.m.

Hearing Loss and the Alzheimer's Disease Connection
2024-10-02 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Hearing loss may be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Join audiologists Jeanne Coburn, Au.D., CCC-A/S; Lauren Linton, Au.D.. CCC-A; and Kirsten Petrarca, Au.D., CCC-A; Baystate Rehabilitation Care, for a discussion about hearing loss as a risk factor that may impact other thinking and memory systems. Topics also covered will be treating hearing loss with the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Facilitating Racial Equity in the Workplace!
2024-10-02 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
5 WEEK SERIES: Every Wednesday in October from 3:00pm-4:30pm
(10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, & 10/30)

Join us for an insightful event on Facilitating Racial Equity in the Workplace!
Are you looking to create a more inclusive and diverse work environment? This online series is perfect for you! Learn practical strategies and tools to promote racial equity in your workplace.
