Human Service Forum

Feed the Hungry Benefit Concert
2026-06-27 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | MA
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, you are invited to gather at Pulaski Park in Northampton for the Feed the Hungry Benefit Concert, an afternoon of live music, inspiring speakers, and community connection dedicated to supporting organizations that provide food and relief to those in need locally and around the world.
The concert will take place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and is presented by Feed the Hungry, an initiative of Light Omega and the Village of Light Ashram.
Centered around the message “May All Be Fed,” the event seeks to expand the understanding of nourishment beyond physical food alone — emphasizing kindness, compassion, human dignity, and the responsibility to care for one another. As expressed in the event materials: “We are being called, today, to learn how to feed each other with goodness, kindness, nurturance and blessing in every conversation, with every person, in every moment.”
The afternoon will feature performances by regional and spiritually inspired musicians including: Russell Brooks, Onatah Love, Matthew Andrews, Música Franklin Youth Chorus, Tony Vacca
In addition to music, the program will include featured speakers and community voices from several organizations working directly in the areas of hunger relief, peace work, and humanitarian outreach, including: The Amherst Survival Center, The New England Peace Pagoda, One Spirit, supporting the Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation
Proceeds and donations connected with the event will support seven domestic and international organizations that distribute food and essential aid, including the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Amherst Survival Center, Water.org, the World Food Program, Hopi Relief, and organizations serving Indigenous communities in the United States and India.

Dine to Donate with Bueno Y Sano
2026-06-29 11:00 - 20:30 | MA
Bueno Y Sano hosts the 12th Annual Bueno Day to Benefit CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. 50% of all sales at Bueno Y Sano locations in Amherst, Northampton, South Deerfield, Springfield, and West Springfield will be donated to CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBSHC). This includes dine-in orders, take-out, and Bueno Y Sano gift cards.

Free Breast Feeding Class
2026-06-29 11:30 | MA

Sounds of Springfield Ribbon Cutting
2026-06-30 10:30 - 11:30 | MA

Summer Nights on the River at Holyoke Rows
2026-07-08 17:30 - 20:00 | MA
Summer on the River is back at Holyoke Rows! Join us for FREE kayaking, fishing, and outdoor fun as part of Mass DCR Summer Nights.
Designed with youth ages 13–17 in mind, and open to families with children and youth of all ages. Youth participate with a parent, guardian, or accompanying adult—this is a family-friendly program (not drop-off or adult-only).
Holyoke Rows | 25 Jones Ferry Rd, Holyoke, MA Mondays & Wednesdays | July + August 5:30–8:00 PM
No registration needed—just show up!
Come paddle, fish, or relax on the beautiful Connecticut River and make the most of summer evenings together.
Questions? Call/text us: (413) 320-3134

First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2026-07-08 17:30 - 20:30 | MA
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:
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
July 8, 15, and 22
Cost of the workshop is $75 per household, nonrefundable.

Weatherization Technician Training Program Info Session
2026-07-09 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
Get certified and begin a career in building sciences with this 5 week paid training. This training leads to employment with partner organizations in the clean energy sector upon completion. Training will be held from August 3rd – September 3rd 2026, Monday – Thursday from 8:30-3PM. Participants will be issued a stipend to cover basic expenses for the duration of the training.

*This training is in person in Greenfield, MA. Participants must be 18+ and eligible to work in the United States*

Register below to learn more!

Choose one:

VIRTUAL – Thursday July 9th, 3-4PM*
VIRTUAL – Wednesday July 15th, 10:30-11:30AM*
VIRTUAL – Monday July 20th, 2-3PM*

*Virtual meeting room by invite only
After attending an info session, you will be able to meet with CAPV’s Energy Workforce Program advisor at Greenfield Community College to complete enrollment and intake materials prior to training.
*Classroom space is limited – submit priority applications by July 10th. Admissions decisions will be made by July 24th*

Compassionate Accountable Conversations
2026-07-13 10:30 - 14:30 | Online via Zoom
Join us on July 13, 14, and 17, 10:30am-2:30pm Eastern Time
Compassionate Accountable Conversations is a three-day training series preparing individuals, communities, organizations, and coalitions that are strengthening their transformative work towards healing and equity-based relationships in divisive times. Sometimes we engage with people who are exhibiting habits of dominance within their interpersonal conflict. We may also notice these habits within our own interventions. When this happens, we need to be prepared to hold Compassionate Accountable Conversations that help interrupt dominance patterns and safely create the conditions where change becomes possible.

Credit Success Workshop
2026-07-14 17:30 - 20:30 | MA
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.
Click the link below create an account and register. This workshop is in person at the Way Finders office in Springfield.
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.

In-Service Training - Veterns Benefits Administration
2026-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
Description: The training will focus on: Providing an overview of the Veteran Benefits
Administration (VBA) benefits available to Veterans and their families. Participants will learn how to assist Veterans, their families, and survivors in understanding the wide range of benefits available to them and how to successfully apply. The session will
highlight how to become eligible for Service-Connected Compensation , Non-Service Connected (NSC) Pension, and Survivors’ Benefits. By the end of the training, participants will have a clear understanding of how VBA can guide individuals through the benefits
process with accuracy, clarity, and care.
Presented by: Patrick Bailey, Legal Administrative Specialist of the Veteran Benefits Administration
Learning Outcomes:
In this training, staff will be able to:
Identify eligibility criteria for compensation and pension from the VA.
Discuss the Claims Process
Apply knowledge and assist consumers in how to file a claim
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please note: Participants are sent a unique join-link sent in their registration confirmation email. This allows direct access to the meeting.

De-escalating Behaviors for Caregivers
2026-07-16 17:30 - 19:00 | MA
Thursday, July 16, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 PM
In-person workshop at:
Family Empowerment
101 Munson Street
Greenfield, MA

This workshop will focus on de-escalating behaviors and preventing crises. Topics will include:
-De-escalation goals
-Pre-de-escalation strategies
-Keys to effective de-escalation
-De-escalation techniques
-De-escalation pitfalls to avoid
-How to de-escalate as a team
-De-escalation safety
This is a training for parents and caregivers. It is not a training for individuals with disabilities.
Brennan Roy is the founder of Crisis Intervention Solutions (2013) in East Longmeadow, MA. He has more than 20 years of experience working primarily with school staff responsible for safety, behavior support, and crisis response.

Please note that registering for the webinar will add you to our lists for future similar events, so you don’t miss out! You can unsubscribe at any time.
Family Empowerment is a Pathlight program of ServiceNet.

BHMA's Five Saxy Guys & the Sax Masterd
2026-07-23 17:30 - 19:00 | MA
July 23 | 5:30pm
Traditional, classical, and jazz selections performed by BHMA’s Five Saxy Guys and musical guest, the Sax Masters, a saxophone quartet introduced by instructor Paul Coffill.

Free parking and suggested donation at the door.

BHMA Presents: Collaborative Saxophone Concert
2026-07-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) welcomes the return of the “Sax Masters” for a special collaborative concert with the participant ensemble “Five Saxy Guys,” spearheaded by BHMA instructor Paul Coffill. Enjoy the rich and varied sound of a saxophone ensemble, featuring all five sizes of saxophone and repertoire spanning contemporary, classical, and jazz styles. Join us for an evening celebrating the versatility, artistry, and joyful spirit of saxophone music.
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Concert will take place at the Bernon Music Center on BHMA’s campus. There is a suggested donation at the door & free parking. Please reach out to Eileen Markland with any questions: emarkland@berkshirehills.org.

Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2026-07-25 09:00 - 13:00 | MA
This virtual 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

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 $90, nonrefundable. Please register in advance

Stuff The Bus
2026-07-29 08:00 - 17:00 | MA
It’s almost time to Stuff the Bus!

Starting July 20th, help us get local kids without stable housing ready for the new school year with backpacks & supplies they need to learn and thrive.

Drop off supplies July 20–31 at UWPV, AAA Northeast, or Western Mass News. Every backpack helps a child start the year feeling prepared and excited.

Full supply list & drop-off details: uwpv.org/stuff-the-bus

Help Us ‘Stuff The Bus’

Celebrity Bartender Night
2026-07-30 17:30 - 19:30 | MA
The Rumbleseat Bar & Grille
482 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA 01013
Raise a glass and have some fun at our Celebrity Bartender event, where local celebrities take over the bar to mix drinks and raise funds for a meaningful cause. From 5:30 – 7:30pm, enjoy an evening of entertainment and support the Officer Angela Santiago Financial Aid Fund. All tips and proceeds benefit the Club, helping provide financial assistance to families in need.

Blooming Backpacks
2026-08-04 08:00 - 17:00 | MA

Information Sessions for Flexible Funding 2027
2026-08-04 10:00 - 14:00 | MA
CFWM Staff will hold virtual information sessions about the Flexible Funding 2027 grant opportunity. Information sessions will include a presentation to review the grant process, the application and criteria. They are as follows:

August 4, 2026 | 10am – 12pm
Register to join
August 17, 2026 | 11am – 12pm
Register to join

Sounds of Springfield Sound Sculptures Community Event
2026-08-05 16:00 - 20:00 | MA
Community Celebration
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Tower Square Park,1477 Main Street, Springfield
Join Springfield Cultural Partnership and community partners for an afternoon of music, creativity, and community connection. The celebration will feature live performances, interactive sound sculpture activations, family-friendly arts activities, community remarks, and opportunities for residents of all ages to experience the installation together.

Nonprofit gatherings STRATEGIC PLAN AND FLEXIBLE FUNDING
2026-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 | MA
Nonprofit Gatherings provide nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations with a space to connect, share, and learn. You’ll hear about the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ Flexible Funding grant opportunity and other resources, while also having time to ask about our new strategic plan, build relationships, and share what would be most helpful to your organization during these times of change.
August 6, 2026 | 10am – 12pm
De La Luz Soundstage
114 Race St, Holyoke, MA
Featuring a special presentation from President & CEO Megan Burke on the Foundation’s Strategic Plan
August 13, 2026 | 3pm – 5pm
Dpict in Eastworks
116 Pleasant St, Studio 255, Easthampton, MA
August 19, 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
Brick House Parents & Family Center
22 3rd Street, Turners Falls, MA
August 24, 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
Community Foundation of Western MA
333 Bridge St., Springfield, MA

Agosto clases para compradores de casa por primera vez de Way Finders
2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00 | MA
Esta es una clase completa dividida en dos días:
8 y 15 de agosto.Horario: 9:00 am – 2:00pm
En persona, en la oficina Library Commons en Holyoke.
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 Homebuyer Workshop
2026-08-08 09:00 - 14:00 | MA
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:
Saturdays, 9am-2pm
August 8 +15
Cost of the workshop is $75 per household, nonrefundable.

Mindful Miles 5K
2026-08-15 08:00 - 12:00 | MA
Mindful Miles 5K is Gándara Center’s annual community run and walk that brings people together to support mental health and recovery services across Massachusetts. The event raises funds for programs serving more than 18,000 children, adults, and families each year. Participants, sponsors, and community partners join the run to strengthen access to culturally responsive care and help ensure support remains available when people need it most.

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This year’s event continues the “On the Road to Our Golden Jubilee” theme as Gándara Center approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027. Every step taken during Mindful Miles helps move mental health forward and sustain programs that support individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth.

In-Service Training -- Death Doula Practices: Presence and Projects
2026-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
Description:
Drawing on her experience as a community doula and hospice volunteer, Francesca Lynn Arnoldy will explore ways to cultivate a centered, calming presence during times of uncertainty and discuss the role of creative projects in supporting meaning-making, remembrance, and connection at the end of life.
Main Topics
• Components of the “DOULA Model of Care,” emphasizing attunement, compassion, and cultivating a supportive presence.
• Life reviews and remembrance gifts, including emotional considerations and practical approaches to creating legacy projects.
This workshop is for friends, family members, community caregivers, end-of-life doulas, hospice volunteers, and other care providers seeking practical tools and greater confidence in supporting individuals and families facing serious illness, impending loss, grief, and other significant life transitions.
Presented by: Francesca Lynn Arnoldy, Community Doula, Educator, and Author
Learning Outcomes:
In this training, staff will be able to:
Describe strategies for maintaining a calm, attentive presence during periods of uncertainty, intensity, and transition.
Discuss the emotional complexities and practical considerations involved in developing meaningful end-of-life projects with clients.
Apply adaptable approaches to informal and formal life reviews and the creation of personalized remembrance gifts.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please note: Participants are sent a unique join-link sent in their registration confirmation email. This allows direct access to the meeting.

Will Bike 4 Food Fundraising Meet Up
2026-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | MA
Aug 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Free

Will Bike 4 Food will be here in less than two months! We’re excited to welcome more early registrants than ever – and there’s still time to sign up. Consider joining this fun-filled cycling event that raises both awareness of food insecurity and funds to provide nutritious food for communities across Western Mass. Check out our upcoming event in August!
WILL BIKE 4 FOOD FUNDRAISING MEET UP
Thursday, August 20
Northampton Bicycle, 319 Pleasant St Northampton, MA
6-8PM
Meet new and returning cyclists and ask questions about the event in person! Leave with excitement and fundraising tips to help meet your fundraising goals.
RSVP form coming soon!

7th Annual Canines Against Cancer Support Walk
2026-08-21 17:00 - 21:00 | MA
The 7th Annual Canines Against Cancer Support Walk is a fun-filled community fundraiser benefiting Each Moment We’re Alive Cancer Support Services. Now in its 7th year, this special event brings together families, friends, cancer survivors, supporters, and their dogs for an evening of walking, food, music, and activities. Every step helps ensure that free support groups, survivorship programs, and resources remain available to cancer survivors and their families as they navigate life during and after treatment.

Beyond Posting: Sustainable Social Media and Outreach Strategies for Community Engagement
2026-08-25 08:30 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Many organizations consistently post on social media, send newsletters, and promote events, yet still struggle with low attendance, poor online engagement, and outreach fatigue. During periods of burnout, staffing shortages, and funding cuts, communication efforts can easily become reactive, inconsistent, or disconnected from the communities organizations hope to reach.
This workshop explores practical social media and communication strategies that help organizations increase visibility, strengthen trust, and improve participation without relying on constant content production or overextending staff and volunteers. Participants will examine common outreach mistakes, audience engagement patterns, messaging strategies, and low-cost promotional approaches that support more sustainable community engagement.
Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify common communication barriers that reduce community participation during periods of burnout, low staffing, and funding cuts
Analyze how messaging, timing, accessibility, and audience targeting influence attendance, trust, and participation
Explore low-capacity social media and outreach strategies that support sustainable engagement without relying on constant content production

This workshop is no cost to HSF Members

Bio
Ysabel Garcia is a communications strategist and public health professional leading outreach campaigns, engagement strategies, and public-facing communications for nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and public health initiatives. She has coordinated multi-channel social media campaigns that generated thousands of views for public education campaigns, increased attendance at large-scale community events, and engaged audiences across the United States and internationally. Her work also includes independently building a mental health communications and education platform that gained national and international recognition, including an invitation to the White House.
Over the last decade, she has facilitated trainings on cultural humility, mental health, and leadership development, including serving as a trainer for the Human Service Forum’s Supervisory Skills Certificate Training Program.
Ysabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Health, grounding her work in human behavior, systems thinking, and social context.

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Taller de Credito
2026-08-25 09:30 - 14:00 | MA
Nuestro Taller de Éxito Crediticio le proporcionará las herramientas que necesita para alcanzar sus metas financieras.
Aprenderá directamente de un consejero certificado de Way Finders a través de actividades interactivas y atractivas. Después de completar su taller, tendrá la oportunidad de reunirse con un consejero de vivienda certificado por HUD para discutir sus objetivos individuales. También tendrá la opción de recibir un informe de crédito tri-merge soft-pull gratuito valorado en $ 39.99 (a través de proveedores en línea).
Este curso es un taller de un día programado para el 12 de Julio 2025 Way Finders 1780 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103.
Habrá señalesra guiarte a nuestro taller. El taller comenzará puntualmente a las 10AM 12 de Julio 2025. Ya sea que desee comprar un automóvil, pagar su deuda de préstamo estudiantil o comprender cómo construir su crédito, Way Finders está aquí para ayudarlo. Nuestro Taller de Éxito Crediticio le proporcionará las herramientas que necesita para alcanzar sus metas financieras. Aprenderá directamente de un consejero certificado de Way Finders a través de actividades interactivas y atractivas

How to be a successful renter
2026-08-27 09:30 - 12:30 | MA
Getting an apartment these days is very competitive. There are many tenants looking for quality rentals, and landlords can be pickier than ever. Learn how to up your game and increase your chances of getting the apartment you desire. In this workshop we will cover:

Understanding your credit score and addressing any credit issues.
How to figure out what you can afford – and what resources can help
Understanding a rental agreement or lease
How to communicate effectively with a landlord

And lots more topics that will help you become a successful tenant. After this workshop, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with our HUD-certified housing counselors to review your free credit report (valued at $39.99). Together you will discuss your individual goals.
This is a FREE one-day workshop held on Thursday, August 27, from 9:30am-12:30pm at Way Finders’ Springfield Housing Center.

Catchafire Day
2026-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
HSF Members have saved almost $2,000,000 by using pro bono support and services through CATCHAFIRE. Will your project push us over?
If you work at a HSF member organization, YOU have access to Catchafire (not just the senior leaders). Not sure how to use it? Join us as HSF Executive Director Becca Cooolong walks through how easy it is to use this time and money saving resource. for everyone!
Following the informational hour Becca will give technical assistance to start or move forward your projects.
Support for Catchafire is thanks to The Beveridge Foundation, Community Foundation of Western Mass, and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation.

HSF Annual Sponsors:
