Human Service Forum

In-Service Training - Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Your Community
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will offer an overview on kinship families and the various caregiving dynamics we see in our communities and lead a discussion that will allow attendees to consider the diverse perspectives and needs of caregivers from the unique perspective of grandparents and other relatives. This training will also dive into the resources and supports available to assist you in better serving these community members!
Presented by: Colleen Pritoni, Director of The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Learning Outcomes:
In this training, staff will be able to:
Recognize the prevalence of substance use disorder in older adults
Name two risk factors for the development of substance use disorder in older adults
Understand the differences in presentation of withdrawal in older adults
Explore evidence-based approaches for treatment in older adults with substance use disorder

Paninis for Our Pantry
2025-11-20 11:30 - 13:30
We’re excited to invite you to a meaningful lunch on Thursday, November 20th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This month’s Guest Chef is our own Shannon M. Rudder, President & CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, serving her mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Panini! Of course, all other menu items will be available too.

For each order placed during lunch, LugNutz will contribute **$2** to MLKFS’ Emergency Food Pantry. With a staggering increase in demand—over 30%—and so much uncertainty surrounding food security, our pantry is committed to providing essential nourishment and heartfelt support. Every dollar of support helps maintain the dignity of those we serve
.

Come savor delicious food while making a positive impact! We look forward to seeing you there.

Much gratitude for the Marcotte Ford team for hosting us and for their continued support of our mission.

BHMA Jazz Ensemble
2025-11-20 16:00 - 19:00
Jazz is in the air! Catch the Jazz Ensemble this November at these events coming up!

Berkshire Mini March
2025-11-22 09:30 - 14:00
Saturday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Join Monte Belmonte and Food Bank supporters in downtown Pittsfield for the Berkshire Mini-March, a 3-mile walk beginning and ending at Hot Plate Brewing. Stay at Hot Plate from 12 – 2 p.m. for an after-party with beverages, lunch, and live music.
Along the way, participants will visit local Food Bank member pantries, including Mercado De Vida and the Berkshire Dream Center. The final stop is the Pittsfield Community Pantry, where marchers can choose to roll up their sleeves and volunteer by assembling Thanksgiving Angels packages for local families.
The Berkshire Mini-March is part of the 16th Annual March for the Food Bank, a 42-mile journey from Springfield to Greenfield happening over two days on Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th that raises critical funds to provide nourishing food to individuals across all four counties. With a goal of $650,000, we invite you to join us in Pittsfield and take steps to end hunger in Western Massachusetts.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
2025-11-22 10:00 - 13:00
This event is free and is for Survivors of Suicide Loss only.
Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of large and small Survivor Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience.
We invite you to join us in Springfield, MA for a meaningful day filled with breakout groups, lunch, engaging activities, and a powerful AFSP-produced documentary that highlights themes of growth, resilience, and connection.
*Parking and the entrance are located behind the building. For GPS directions, use 36 Buckingham Street, Springfield, MA
Springfield Event Schedule:
• 10:00am – 10:15am: Check-in• 10:15am – 10:20am: Welcome & Opening Remarks• 10:20am – 10:50am: AFSP Documentary Screening• 11:00am – 12:15pm: Breakout Sessions• 12:15pm – 12:55pm: Lunch• 12:55pm – 1 :00pm: Poem Reading & Closing Remarks

Panel Discussion on Why HBCUs Matter
2025-11-22 11:00 - 14:00
This engaging event will feature a lineup of HBCU graduates sharing their unique experiences and insights about attending HBCU’s.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Community Center, 3 Rutland Street, Springfield, MA 01109 – FREE to attend

In addition to the personal stories from our panelists, we will discuss the 2026 HBCU Tour itinerary and upcoming workshops designed to empower and inform prospective students.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the rich history and vibrant culture of HBCUs, and how they can shape your educational journey.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, don’t miss this chance to connect and engage with our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall Season Celebratory 5K
2025-11-23 10:30 - 17:00
5K Celebration
Confidence through
Accomplishment

Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement.

16th Annual March for the Food Bank
2025-11-24 06:00 - 17:00
Every year the Food Bank and Monte Belmonte lead a march against hunger for 43-miles from Springfield to Greenfield. Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse, and marchers fundraise to support the mission of the Food Bank and spread awareness about how hunger effects people throughout the region.
For the 16th Annual March for the Food Bank, our goal is to raise $650,000 – the equivalent of 1,300,000 meals!

The community is encouraged to make donations by phone or online while Monte and the marchers make their way across three counties. Both WRSI – The River and New England Public Media will be airing special programming about food insecurity and hunger leading up to and during the days of the March.
Can’t make it out to the March? You can also support our efforts by donating to the March or purchasing a Monte’s Mixed Bag. Each of the 100 exclusive bags is filled with a unique combination of goodies and gift cards, and will become available at State Street Market and Coopers Corner October 28th for a donation of $100.

DYS Holiday Tree Jubilee
2025-11-25 17:00 - 20:00

Lux Deluxe: A Benefit for Food Bank of Western MA
2025-11-28 18:00 - 22:00
LuxDeluxeat The Iron HorseFriday, November 28th
Pre-Show Bar/Event Queue: 5:00pmEvent Doors: 6:00pmShow: 7:00pm
Tickets Starting At: $21.60includes all fees
Come out for a night of rock & roll and support your neighbors while you’re at it. A year after releasing their self-titled album, Northampton rockers LuxDeluxe are teaming up with the Food Bank of Western Mass to throw a benefit show that helps feed the members of our community that need it, especially during the holiday season.
50% of the show’s ticket profits will go to the food bank. If you are able, bring a nonperishable food item to donate! Money donations (cash or digital) will also be accepted the day of!
The first thing you’ll notice about LuxDeluxe is the singer, Ned King. He might be high-kicking, rolling on the floor, or squeezed up alongside drummer Jake Edwards with his own set of sticks in hand. Bassist Jacob Rosazza and rhythm guitarist Jake Manzi lean into their mics as Ned does, and 3-part Eagles-esque harmonies roll out. Then the energy shifts to stage left, where lead guitarist Caleb Rosazza has started soloing, and you know you’re in for a good night.
LuxDeluxe began in a poster-plastered basement in Northampton, Massachusetts in 2009. Three young cousins and two friends got together to play rock & roll, surrounded by stacks of records that included NRBQ, JJ Cale, and Tom Petty. The band rapidly gained recognition for their high-octane shows that left audiences sweaty and earned them the opportunity to share stages with Deer Tick, White Denim, Reptar, Lake Street Dive, Rubblebucket, J Mascis, NRBQ, and Big Al Anderson.
After a decade of writing, recording, and touring, a founding member of the band moved to LA to pursue film work. The pandemic closely followed. Like many bands during the events of 2020, LuxDeluxe went through a quiet period, during which they slowly built up a recording studio in an old warehouse building, and amassed a hoard of vintage guitars, keyboards, and amps. As guitarist Caleb Rosazza built up his inventory of recording gear, the rest of the band dug into honing their own skills, playing with other Western Mass bands, co-writing, and recording for other projects.
In 2022, the band re-convened to write and record over 100 songs, working and re-working to find their sound and identity again. And when they found themselves on stage for 2 sold-out New Year’s shows with NRBQ in 2023, something fell into place.
Their first new music in 7 years will be released in Fall 2024. This will be the band’s 6th release and 4th full-length album in the 15 years they have been together. The joy is still there. Evidence of time passing is, too. These aren’t the songs of kids barely out of high school any more. These songs bind the past to the present: the music may have evolved, but the heart and guts that make a LuxDeluxe record what it is shine through.

Springfield Public Forum: Fareed Zakaria
2025-12-01 18:00 - 20:00
We’ll be back to no tickets required when we welcome CNN’s Fareed Zakaria to Springfield Symphony Hall on a NEW DATE- 12/1!
The CNN host and best-selling author will discuss the revolutions―past and present―that define the polarized and unstable age in which we live.
Populist rage, ideological fracture, economic and technological shocks, war, and an international system studded with catastrophic risk―the early decades of the twenty-first century may be the most revolutionary period in modern history. But it is not the first. Humans have lived, and thrived, through more than one great realignment.
Zakaria will discuss four present-day revolutions: globalization, technology, identity, and geopolitics. As we find ourselves at the nexus of these seismic revolutions, we can easily imagine a dark future. But Zakaria will show that pessimism is premature.

WIC Toy & Diaper Drive
2025-12-03 08:00 - 17:00
WIC Toy & Diaper Drive
Our WIC program is conducting a toy and diaper drive this season to benefit Springfield North WIC infants and children. We are accepting toys through December 16th!
You can drop off items here:
East Forest Park Library
136 Surrey Rd, Springfield
West Springfield Town Hall
26 Central St
Or drop off items at our 3 WIC sites:
1985 Main St, Springfield
281 Cottage St, Springfield
425 Union St., Level D, West Springfield

Basics of Navigating the Internet
2025-12-05 13:00 - 17:00
NEW! Our Assistive Technology team is providing free trainings and refreshers for older adults (65+) on basic technology every first friday of the month.

Our first session in the series will be over Internet Basics held at our admin office on December 5th from 1pm – 3pm.

There is a limit of 10 individuals per session but more sessions can be arranged for larger groups.

Registration is required. Please contact us at 413 – 442 – 1562 ext. 112 or email scortis@ucpwma.org to reserve your spot or inquire more.

Future sessions in the series will include
– Email Basics
– Cybersecurity Basics
– Android Mobile Devices Basics
– iOS Mobile Devices Basics

One-on-one office hours coming soon!

Please share this with anyone that might benefit from these classes! Technology is for everyone!

Teddy Bear Toss
2025-12-05 17:40 - 18:40
Anna Maria College will be hosting a toy drive at their girl’s ice hockey game on December 5th.
All toys donated will be given to Gandara’s ICC program to distribute to families in need.

Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation Fundraiser
2025-12-06 16:00 - 20:00
The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation is embracing the holiday spirit and supporting survivors with their Holiday Fundraiser. Donations assist area domestic violence agencies, including Alianza.

Hot Chocolate Run
2025-12-07 08:00 - 12:00
Sign up to run, walk, or volunteer on December 7th! Then, share your fundraising page with family and friends to create year-round support for survivors of domestic violence.

Join us for a great time for a great cause!

Woodwind Ensemble
2025-12-07 10:00 - 11:15
December 7th: BHMA Woodwind Ensemble at St. Paul’s Unitarian Universalist Church in Palmer 10:00-11:15am.

Shop Small Give Big
2025-12-08 16:40 - 19:30
Not sure what to gift? Is it difficult to find local products to gift this holiday season?
We’ve got your solution! Download Your FREE holiday gift guide by Feel Good Shop Local and get inspired with all the amazing locally made and curated gift ideas for loved ones, friends, coworkers and more!

Use code EMWA10 at checkout and 10% donation comes to Each Moment We’re Alive

Shop ONLINE or Join IN PERSON
for the Annual Holiday SIP & SHOP
Monday, December 8 4:40 – 7:30 PM
Mercedes-Benz of Springfield

CHD Cancer House of Hope Luminaria
2025-12-08 17:00 - 19:00
This holiday season, we invite you to join us for a special evening of remembrance, celebration, and hope, as we honor loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer—whether they are being remembered, currently in treatment, or in remission and recovery.
Join us on December 8 as 1,000 luminaries are lit in their honor, creating a beautiful, glowing tribute that reflects the love, strength, and resilience of our community.
Luminaria will be open to the public and on display from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Event parking is available at the Senior Center located at 128 Park Street, West Springfield.
December 8, 2025

5:00 p.m. – Lighting Ceremony
West Springfield Town Common

Be part of this meaningful tradition and help shine a light for those affected by cancer.
*Inclement weather date will be December 9.
Buy Your Luminaries
Luminaries can be purchased with a personalized dedication to your loved one(s) for $10. Click here to purchase luminaries.

The deadline to purchase luminaries online is Thursday, December 4 at midnight.
Click here to download the Luminary Order Form. The deadline for sending us the order form and check is Friday, December 5.
You will be able to purchase luminaries on the day of the event.

By participating on December 8, you are making a significant impact in the lives of people right here in our community receive free cancer support services including counseling, support groups, relaxation, and wellness therapies, including oncology-certified massage, Reiki, yoga, art therapy, a wig boutique, and post-mastectomy bra fittings – all from a place where they are offered friendship, connection, and support, at no cost to them.

Legislators & Cookies
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:30
It’s the perfect winter bake-ation!

Tuesday, December 9th | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM IN PERSON: Hadley Public Library
Wrap up 2025 with a sweet and strategic COSA meeting!
Join us in person at the Hadley Public Library for an informative session on nonprofit legislative advocacy. This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of effectively engaging with state and federal legislative offices.

What you’ll gain:

A peek into the general timeline and key actions for the legislative year.

Expert advice on how and when to advocate for essential legislation and budget line items.

A direct Q&A opportunity with legislators and/or their staff.

Time to network and catch up with your nonprofit and social service colleagues from all across the Valley.

Sweeten the Deal: Please bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share! Light refreshments will also be provided.

Confirmed presenters include:

State Senator Jo Comerford – Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester District

State Representative Homar Gómez – 2nd Hampshire District

State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa – 1st Hampshire District

Lily Stowe-Alekman, Staff Director for the Office of State Representative Mindy Domb – 3rd Hampshire District

Mindful Holidays: Navigating the Season
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:30
Mindful Holidays Navigating the Season: Prioritizing Your Well-Being During the Holidays

Tue, Dec 09
Navigating the Season: Prioritizing Your Well-Being During the Holidays A supportive and insightful event designed to help you embrace the joy of the holidays while protecting your health and peace of mind.

Toy Drive to Benefit SquareOne
2025-12-10 08:00 - 17:00
FITNESS FIRST CALLING ALL TOYS!!!!!!!! There is no better way to work your heart muscle than giving to others! Be sure to donate a toy Now – December 17 by our Christmas Tree (near the front desk). Each year our goal is to donate over 200+ toys to Square One! We have a long way to go, and we need your help! Donate. Donate. Donate. Donate. Every child deserves a special toy during the holiday season!

Winter Session Registration Open
2025-12-10 08:00 - 17:00
Registration for our winter session is officially open! Classes start Jan. 6 and run until Feb. 28. View the full class catalog and register: https://hubs.la/Q03VsSwQ0

These social and recreational classes are open to people of ALL abilities, from age 3 through adulthood, with a focus on making them inclusive and accessible for everyone. Classes include interests like performing arts, gaming, movement, and more. All age ranges are suggestions.

Winter membership also gets you FREE entry to our special event nights. This session we have a Holiday Party, Movie Night, and Pal-entine’s Karaoke Party (all are open to the public/non-members for $10 each).

Pioneer Valley Habitat For Humanity - 2025 Gingerbread Build - build at home!
2025-12-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Online Event, MA, United States
Welcome to the 13th annual Gingerbread Build, a week-long build-at-home event with a public award ceremony! By building small (gingerbread) homes from the comfort of YOUR home, you’re supporting the construction of real homes with low income families in Hampshire & Franklin counties.
There are also two fundraising awards for the team that raises the most money and the team with the greatest number of donors. Generous donors will match all team fundraising dollars 1:1 up to $6,000. Last year, teams and matching dollars totaled over $10,000; you and your team can help grow that number this year!
Other important event details:
– For a donation of $100, register your team by Thursday December 4th.
– Gingerbread kits will be available on distribution day, Saturday December 6th. We will supply the six gingerbread house walls and roof pieces and a bag of frosting mortar, you add any other building materials you wish.
– You must use all six pieces of gingerbread we supply to be entered in the contest. Your team’s collective imagination is the only limit when it comes to decorating your masterpiece.
– Submit 3 photos to gingerbread@pvhabitat.org by midnight Thursday December 11th. Include your team name in the submission photos but no personal information (photos will be posted on Facebook).
– There will be a public zoom award ceremony on Saturday December 13th – RSVP today! Esteemed celebrity judges will host and award prizes in each of the categories listed above

Public Policy Forum - Elizabeth LaMontagne
2025-12-11 14:00 - 15:00
Please join MNN to hear from Elizabeth LaMontagne, Chief Operating Officer of MassHealth within the Executive Office of Health & Human Services, to learn about the new federal work requirements for Medicaid, particularly as they relate to working with nonprofits, as well as other changes to MassHealth resulting from H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”.

Elizabeth LaMontagne oversees Medicaid eligibility policy and implementation, daily enrollment operations, and the rollout of major system initiatives and policy changes. MassHealth, the state’s combined Medicaid and CHIP program, provides health coverage to approximately two million Massachusetts residents.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

2:00-3:00 PM
Online

Cost: FREE to MNN Members, $20 for Nonmembers (learn more about MNN membership here)

You will receive a link to the Zoom meeting before the event. A recording will be shared after the program.

Catchafire and Resource Sharing
2025-12-16 09:00 - 11:00
We’re thrilled to share that The Beveridge Foundation, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation are continuing to make Catchafire available to HSF members—at no cost! Together, our members have already unlocked more than $1.59 million worth of support and services—absolutely free.
HSF Executive Director Becca Coolong will show you just how easy it is to tap into this incredible resource. Catchafire isn’t just for senior leaders—it’s designed to empower everyone in our community.
After the Catchafire hour, Becca will highlight some of the most useful resources we’ve discovered, and we invite you to share the tools and supports that have been most valuable to you. Let’s learn from one another and keep building stronger connections!

This is a virtual event
Attend 1 or both sessions
Catchafire hour 9:00am – 10:00am
Resource Sharing Hour 10:00am – 11:00am

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Classical Ensemble
2025-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
December 18th: Classical Ensemble at the Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge MA 1:00pm

Meeting People Where They Are to Prevent Overdose
2025-12-18 14:30 - 15:30
Join us for a lively conversation about The Archway Program or TAP. Funded in September 2025, this one-year effort is designed to prevent fatal overdoses among those who are unhoused through mobile outreach efforts in rural Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Moderated by Kristen Cuddy-Pease, Program Associate and TAP Program Manager of the Opioid Task Force, TAP partners such as the Community Health Center of Franklin County, the North Quabbin Community Coalition/North Quabbin Recovery Center, Tapestry, and the Wildflower Alliance, will share information about their activities to serve those living in the rough. This is part of the 2025-2026 CONNECT Education & Training Series. For more information, please contact Nicole St. Hilaire, Outreach Manager for CONNECT, Opioid Task Force at nicole@opioidtaskforce.org.

Winter Solstice Celebration
2025-12-20 18:00 - 21:00

South End Community Center Holiday Programming
2025-12-22 08:00 - 17:00
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