Human Service Forum

May First-Time Homebuyer Webinar Series
2024-05-07 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
In this Zoom webinar presented by Valley Community Development:
Get the facts from real estate professionals, including attorneys, loan officers, realtors, home inspectors & housing counselors
Learn tips about how to improve your credit.
Ask questions to help you proceed & protect your own interests as you approach this life decision.
A certified course recognized by MHP & MassHousing, this workshop helps you qualify for special mortgage products.
$50 for two adults in the same household.* Registration is nonrefundable & attendance is required at all three sessions.
May sessions are scheduled:
Tuesday, May 7
Wednesday, May 8
Tuesday, May 14
All from 6pm-9pm on Zoom.
Please reach out if you need reasonable accommodation due to disability or lack of technology access.
If your income is at or below the posted incomes below, and you live in Amherst, Easthampton, or Northampton, MA, you may be eligible to attend this class for free. Contact Donna Cabana 413-586-5855 ext. 180 to schedule a budgeting session prior to the webinar. You will need to complete a household budget, provide pay stubs, bank statements, and participate in budget counseling. Residents of other towns are not eligible.
Household size and maximum income:
1 – $52,750, 2-$60,250, 3-$67,800, 4-$75,300, 5- $81,350

United Way of Pioneer Valley – OnBoard Board Basics Series
2024-05-08 08:00 - 09:30 | 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.

First Time Homebuyer Workshop
2024-05-08 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 virtual workshop:
Wednesday, May 8, 5:30-8:30pmWednesday, May 15, 5:30-8:30pmWednesday, May 22, 5:30-8:30pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Create a Way Finders account at www.wayfinders.org/login to register.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.

Tapestry's Annual Auction. An Evening Under the Stars
2024-05-09 17:30 - 19:30
Silent Auction | Local talents | Delicious appetizers

Thursday, May 9, 2024,
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

at

The Penthouse 650
at Tower Square

1500 Main St Suite 650, Springfield, MA 01115

Become part of a vibrant community, making a difference in community health.

Lighthouse Open House
2024-05-10 12:00 - 16:00

Springfield Neighborhood WALK/RUN FOR ADOPTION
2024-05-11 09:30 - 13:00
Help us spread awareness about adoption
from foster care across the state. For the first
time in the Walk for Adoption’s 15-year-history,
we’re excited to host a local walk in Springfield!
Whether you participate at one of our
Neighborhood Walks or join us at our main
event on May 19th at Jordan’s Furniture
in Taunton, your participation and any
fundraising you do helps to support MARE’s
work to find permanent adoptive homes for
children and teens in foster care.
To register:
• Go to walk.mareinc.org
• You can choose to join a team, start your
own team, or register as an individual
• As part of your registration, you’ll be
prompted to select your Walk Location.
Registration Fees: $35 per adult / $15 per child
Please be sure to register by May 1st to ensure
that we’ll have a Walk/Run shirt for you on the
day of the event!

Springfield Symphony Chorus “Sing, Praise, Light II”
2024-05-11 16:00 - 18:00

Credit Success Workshop
2024-05-13 17:30 - 20:30
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.
In-person workshop. Registration required.
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.

Human Services Discussion
2024-05-14 10:00 - 11:30
We are thrilled to announce that our final in-person COSA meeting of the year is scheduled for May 14th from 10am to 11:30am. Mark your calendars and join us for an engaging session where we will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of local nonprofit leaders. They will be sharing their insights on the challenges and successes they have experienced while navigating the evolving landscape of human services over the past few years. This promises to be a valuable and enlightening discussion that you won’t want to miss. See you there!

Tuesday, May 14

10am-11:30am

Haskell Building, 1 Prince Street, Northampton, MA – DIRECTIONS & PARKING

Light refreshments will be available.

Thank you to RSVP of the Pioneer Valley for sharing their space with COSA this month!

Introduction to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
2024-05-14 12:00 - 15:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Alexandra Klein Rafaeli, Psy.D.
Level: Intermediate
May 14 and 15, 2024, noon – 3:15 p.m. ET
CEs: 6
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
This is a multiple-day session. In order to receive CEs, you must attend both days.
The purpose of this seminar is to provide an introduction and orientation to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). We will study the foundations of IPT through its history, its theory, and its research milestones; learn about recent adaptations and discuss how IPT integrates multicultural and diversity perspectives. The seminar will also include examples of the approach through case presentations and videotape segments, and participants will have the chance to participate in experiential exercises to deepen their understanding of the approach. By the end of this course, participants will have wider knowledge of IPT, including its theoretical roots and treatment phases. They will also gain experience in using core IPT techniques, particularly those focused on communication skills, recognition and regulation of affect and self-advocacy.
Although IPT was originally developed and tested in a Western culture, its concepts and techniques have also been adapted to non-Western and low-resource communities. This seminar will also look briefly at ways in which IPT can address and help in understanding the experience of illnesses such as depression through the lenses of family, community and culture.

The Heirloom Classic 5k
2024-05-18 09:00 - 11:00
The Heirloom Collective is proud to present our THIRD annual “The Heirloom Classic 5K” – a charity run and walk to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. All proceeds raised from registration fees, donations, and sponsorships will be directly donated to The Food Bank. The course is a challenging but rewarding out-and-back that departs from Crumpin Fox Golf Course and traverses via Purple Meadow Road to the crest of the hill and back. Hydration aid stations will be set up along the way. All fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to join. Run, or walk, just come out and join us for a morning of fresh air for a good cause! Click the link above to register and visit The Heirloom Classic 5K website to learn more about The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and it’s impact on the local community. Sign in begins at 8AM and the race begins at 9AM. Saturday May 18, 2023. We look forward to seeing you out there!

Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2024-05-18 09:00 - 14:00
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).
Hours of workshop are 9am-2pm.

Northampton Community Baby Shower
2024-05-18 09:30 - 11:30
Get ready for baby and learn about prenatal and postpartum resources!
FREE BABY GEAR FROM THE VILLAGE CLOSET, Sizes NB-2TFREE RAFFLE PRIZES: Drawing at 11:15
Saturday, May 189:30am-11:30amJackson Street School, 120 Jackson Street, Northampton, MA

Shooting For Success
2024-05-18 10:00 - 17:00
Join us for an exciting two-day event to inspire and educate youth through sports and career exploration! Day one ignites with a unique “media day” at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This special event includes professional photos and launches a focused career readiness component for our young participants. Before diving into the 3v3 basketball tournament, boys and girls in grades 7-12 will engage in a dynamic career exploration event. This jam-packed experience offers networking opportunities, learning sessions, and professional growth opportunities—all essential components to be completed before tournament entry.
The excitement continues with the top four teams from the initial rounds on day two. Beyond the games, students will explore various industries through community partners, collecting stamps from each. Day two will also include an electrifying 3-point contest and enlightening talks from inspiring guest speakers.
Scholarship prizes, alternative prizes, and partnerships with Spalding to feature FMS-themed basketballs will excite the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for two days of sports, education, and valuable insights, promising inspiration and growth!

Outrun Hunger
2024-05-19 09:00 - 13:00
Join Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts to outrun hunger! This year’s 5K race and 1-mile fun walk helps us to race to fill the bowls of those in need! Funds go directly to programs that feed people in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties. Those programs include 760,000+ pounds of food annually donated and delivered, purchased and gleaned, and our Growing Gardens program, where we mentor and support those most directly impacted by food insecurity to grow their own culturally meaningful and desired food!!! Our goal: Nourish Western MA – one delivery, one glean, one garden at a time.

Immigrant Voices 2024
2024-05-19 19:00 - 21:00
Immigrant Voices: A Celebration of the Arts, our artistic showcase featuring our immigrant students, alumni, and allies returns this year to the Shea Theater in Turners Falls!

This year, Immigrant Voices will feature performers from Haiti, Ukraine, Belarus, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Colombia, El Salvador, and Argentina. Performances include music, dance, and poetry.

May 2024 Breakfast- Strategic Planning Needs a Redo
2024-05-21 07:30 - 10:00 | Mount Holyoke College Willits-Hallowell Center, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA, United States
Many people dread the strategic planning process for good reasons. Strategic plans are intended to help organizations improve, and yet we use very little of what we know about change management and sustainable improvement in the strategic planning process. This results in a less engaging, more time-consuming, and less effective process. It doesn’t have to be this way.
This session will introduce participants to a more inclusive approach to starting their strategic planning. Jeff Wetherhold is a change management expert who has helped hundreds of teams make and sustain changes to improve client outcomes. Jeff will discuss how the strategic planning process changes when we approach it with a mindset of change management and improvement, and he will share practical ways to improve existing strategic plans that he finds most organizations ignore.

About the Presenter:

Jeff Wetherhold, M.Ed., advises mission-driven organizations who need to see change. He is a trainer and coach with 15+ years of experience supporting hundreds of teams in making and sustaining changes to improve client outcomes. Jeff’s work focuses on the disciplines of strategic planning, motivational interviewing, and process improvement.
Jeff is a firm believer that it is not enough to walk clients through a change process. They deserve to learn from it, and to build skills that they can continue to use throughout their careers.
Jeff has supported a broad range of change initiatives in the health care, education, community services, and private sectors over the course of his career. As the Co-founder and Principal at Ohia Advisors, Jeff partners with organizations seeking to advance the health and well-being of their staff, clients, and communities through process improvement and strategic planning. This includes clients with national, regional, and local scopes of service.
Most recently, Jeff has founded MI for Health to provide accessible and skills-focused training and coaching in applying Motivational Interviewing to improve conversations about change with patients, clients, and staff.
Jeff is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and a faculty member with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, where he supports health care facilities in adopting evidence-based safety practices using improvement methods. He is based on Boston, Massachusetts.
HSF Annual Sponsors:

HSF Breakfast Sponsors:

Teen COPER Group
2024-05-21 16:30 - 17:30
Facilitated by Danielle Jones LCSW, The COPER Teen group is for teens who are struggling with eating disorders, anxiety or with other areas of mental health. This group centers around FLIHH’s COPER model which emphasizes the importance of Connection, Optomissiom, Play, Empowerment, and Resilience. This group takes place via Zoom every 4:30pm to 5:20 pm on Tuesdays. Fee for groups is $200 for 6 sessions. Sliding scale and payment plans may be available.
To Register Please contact info@flihh.com

WORKPLACE EQUITY SERIES 2024
2024-05-22 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
FOR ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTED TO OPENING THEIR EYES, EARS, & HEARTS
This is a multisession series for organizations ready to take action in creating/enhancing their internal culture of equity. HSF is bringing a multitude of voices to the table with a variety of engaging speakers.
With new topics for 2024 to engage those who have been working on their culture of equity, as well as being accessible to those just beginning their journey.

Session 1: The Legislative Impact on Equity
Wednesday May 22nd
Presenter: Tanisha Arena- Arise for Social Justice
Session 2: Equity in Mental Health
Wednesday May 29th
Presenter: Ysabel Garcia- Estoy Aqui, LLC
Session 3: Examining a Gender Inclusive Workplace
Wednesday June 5th
Presenter: Think Again Training
Session 4: The Future of Equity
Wednesday June 12th
Presenter: NCCJ
Session 5: Cohort Plan Creation
Wednesday June 26th
Presenters: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Session 6: CLOSING PANEL- Where Do We Go From Here?
Wednesday July 3rd
Moderators: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Thank You to Our Series Sponsors:

Thank you Annual Sponsors:

The Legislative Impact on Equity- WORKPLACE EQUITY SERIES 2024- INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION
2024-05-22 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
FOR ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTED TO OPENING THEIR EYES, EARS, & HEARTS

Join us when the eye-opening presenter, Tanisha Arena, presents on the legislative impact on equity.
How does legislature effect individual communities? Who benefits from the wording of the laws of the way they are enforced? Let’s find out together.

The Workplace Equity Series,for organizations ready to take action in creating/enhancing their internal culture of equity, is now open for individual registration.
HSF is bringing a multitude of voices to the table with a variety of engaging speakers.
With new topics for 2024 to engage those who have been working on their culture of equity, as well as being accessible to those just beginning their journey.
Mix and Match from the Topics Below:

Session 1: The Legislative Impact on Equity
Wednesday May 22nd
Presenter: Tanisha Arena- Arise for Social Justice
Session 2: Equity in Mental Health
Wednesday May 29th
Presenter: Ysabel Garcia- Estoy Aqui, LLC
Session 3: Examining a Gender Inclusive Workplace
Wednesday June 5th
Presenter: TBA
Session 4: The Future of Equity
Wednesday June 12th
Presenter: NCCJ
Session 5: Cohort Plan Creation
Wednesday June 26th
Presenters: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Session 6: CLOSING PANEL- Where Do We Go From Here?
Wednesday July 3rd
Moderators: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Thank You to Our Series Sponsors:

Thank you Annual Sponsors:

New Bedford Hiring Event - Gándara Center
2024-05-22 10:00 - 14:00 | 376 Nash Rd, New Bedford, MA, 376 Nash Rd, New Bedford, 02740, United States
We’re hiring! Join us Wednesday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in New Bedford. Come meet us, learn about the roles we have to offer like the opportunity to be a Youth Mentor or Clinician, and make a difference in our community.

The Journey Home
2024-05-22 12:00 - 15:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: James Cavitt, M.S.W. and Kristopher McLucas, LCSW, MPH
Level: Intermediate
Reentry and Trauma Informed Approaches: May 22nd, 2024, 12 – 3:15 PM
Reentry and Community Connection: May 29th, 2024 12 – 3:15 PM
CEs: Up to 6 CEs, 3 CEs earned per session
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
More and more of our incarcerated community members are returning home; however, high rates of recidivism continue to impact our families and communities. Therefore as mental health professionals, we must be equipped to provide social justice-oriented care to our returning citizens that addresses the key factors that contribute to recidivism.
This two part series will educate and empower mental health professionals on how to successfully serve the formerly incarcerated community through a social justice lens. The series is facilitated by James Cavitt, M.S.W., and Kristopher McLucas, LCSW, MPH who have extensive experience working with the reentry population in the greater Los Angeles community. This training series will incorporate perspectives from professional experience, research, theory and lived experience to highlight the best practices to successfully work with the reentry community. It is designed for mental health professionals, program administrators and advocates that want to increase their capacity to better serve the reentry community.

Housing Search Workshop
2024-05-23 13:00 - 15:30
Make your housing search as successful as possible! This FREE workshop is open to unhoused people seeking apartments, currently housed people looking to move, and anyone interested in housing search tips and tricks. Topics covered include:
BudgetingTown preferencesSubsidized vs. market rate housingHow to fill out an applicationBackground checksTenant responsibilities
And much more!
Workshops are in-person at the Way Finders 1780 Main Street, Springfield.
Thursday, May 23, 1pm-3:30pm

Equity in Mental Health
2024-05-29 09:00 - 12:30
How do systems of inequality and oppression affect mental health, and treatment to that health? What can we do to provide a supportive community where all individuals can find solace, understanding and validation.
Presenter Ysabel Garcia, from Estoy Aqui LLC, has first hand experience, and uses that along with extensive training and education, to discuss this large topic.
REGISTER NOW

This session is part of our 2024 Workplace Equity Series.
Session 3: Examining a Gender Inclusive Workplace
Wednesday June 5th
Presenter: Think Again Training
Session 4: The Future of Equity
Wednesday June 12th
Presenter: NCCJ
Session 5: Cohort Plan Creation
Wednesday June 26th
Presenters: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Session 6: CLOSING PANEL- Where Do We Go From Here?
Wednesday July 3rd
Moderators: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Thank You to Our Series Sponsors:

Thank you Annual Sponsors:

Team Building and Conflict Resolution
2024-05-30 09:00 - 12:30
Team Building and Conflict Resolution- Build your team up, making the whole stronger than the sum of their parts. Learn tips and tactics to help drive unity. Be able to address when conflict does happen, leading back to making your team work in harmony.

Creating the Roadmap for Effective Clinical Supervision
2024-05-30 12:00 - 15:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Amie R. Bryant, LCSW, CAS
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
In this workshop, participants will explore the administrative tasks of getting ready to provide clinical supervision. The roles and responsibilities of clinical supervision and how to structure the supervisory session will also be discussed. Designed to be experiential in nature, participants will be expected to engage and participate in relevant dialog and small group discussions. Participants will walk away with tangible and concrete steps to prepare for starting the journey of clinical supervision.

Capacity Building Grant 2024 For Individual Artists Application Opens
2024-05-31 08:00 - 17:00
ATTENTION MASSACHUSETTS ARTISTS!! Are you new to #ValleyCreates and live or have studio space in Hampden, Hampshire, or Franklin County? Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for a Capacity-Building Grant opening THIS FRIDAY, May 31st.

Funded by the Community Foundation’s ValleyCreates program and administered by MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists (A4A) program, Capacity-Building Grants provide selected artists:

A $2,500 grant

Business/career planning resources

Personal financial literacy resources

Two individual one-hour coaching sessions

Access to Assets for Artists’ professional development workshops

Community-building with fellow artists, and more!

Learn more and apply starting May 31st at: https://communityfoundation.org/…/capacity-grant-2023/

8th Annual Regional Gathering
2024-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Western Mass Network to End Homelessness
Please join us at the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development for the Network’s 8th Annual Gathering of state legislators, local officials and partners from across from our four western counties to acknowledge the extraordinary work to prevent and end homelessness in our region, and the vision for going forward.
Special guests and agenda coming soon. Please mark your calendar now!

Community Foundation of Western MA Virtual Open Office Hours
2024-05-31 11:00 - 13:00
The Community Impact Team will have virtual open office hours for nonprofits and other stakeholders

Barbie Dream House of Horrors
2024-05-31 19:00 - 21:00
It’s time to start the show! Tickets go on sale TODAY! Get your tickets now for Barbie’s Dream House of Horrors at pathlight.life/BarbieDreamHouseofHorrors for Friday 5/31 at 7 p.m. or Saturday 6/1 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $15. For $25 you can buy the Dream Ticket which includes your ticket PLUS a show poster AND a sticker!

All sales support Whole Children and Milestones programming. You won’t want to miss out on this mash up. Tickets sell out every year, so PLEASE don’t wait to buy yours.

Take it from actor, Lucie Pasche, “It’s going to be weird, too weird, but I can’t wait for the theater production. I’m so excited!”
