Catchafire Day
2024-01-10 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Catchafire Update
HSF in coordination with The Beveridge Foundation, Community Foundation of Western Mass, and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation are excited to be able to offer access to Catchafire for a third year to our members.

HSF members have accessed support and services valued at over $465,000.00 FOR FREE! HSF Executive Director, Becca Coolong, will let you know how HSF has used Catchafire for services ranging from rebranding to creating print materials to data analysis to strategic planning. We know that TIME is the biggest barrier to use so she will update you on how little time it really takes. This event will help programs, and locations in your organization benefit from having access to Catchafire. This is not just a resource for senior leaders, it is a resource for everyone!

Following the informational hour Becca will give technical assistance to start or move forward your projects.

Register Now!

Thank you to our Annual Sponsors

Winter 2024 Supervisory Skills Workshop Series- Single Sessions- Employment Law part 2
2024-01-25 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
This series of workshops is ideal for new supervisors to get the skills and knowledges needed to succeed. A trained supervisory team will improve any organization and lead to higher impact in aiding their communities.
Our popular Supervisory Skills Workshop Series has been updated based on feedback from previous attendees and organizations to meet the changing needs of the modern work enviroment.
The workshop series takes place from 9am to 12:30pm every Thursday for eight weeks from January 11th to February 29th.
Lead with Influence- 1/11/24- Everyone exerts influence, intentional or unintentional. A good leader is aware of how they would prefer to positively impact their team and guides their field in that direction.
Employment Law 101 and 102- 1/18/24, 1/25/24- This 2 part workshop presents the most up to date laws requarding employment is crucial for anyone who oversees employees. Mitigate risk, learn to avoid litigation and retaliation, and fulfill your legal obligations.
Conflict Resolution and Team Building- 2/1/24- 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.
Cyber Security- 2/8/24- Protect your information and that of your organization. Learn what steps to take to discourage hackers and scammers. Learn about the most common forms of attack, and how those attacks are evolving, as well as what the attackers are after and why.
Benefits and Liability- 2/15/24- Insurance can be difficult to understand. In this session, gain a better understanding of what liabilities exist for your organization. Also understand what insurance benefits are available to be to make sure your team is making the most of them.
Assessing D.E.I. as a New Supervisor- 2/22/24- Where does your organization stand on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? Do you understand your organization’s plan and your place in that plan? Learn to build and foster DEI within your team.
Retention: Rewards & Recognition, Accountability & Discipline- 2/29/24- Help build an understanding within your team of their own progress. Be able to have conversations about great performance, and areas of improvement. Build a culture that retains their workforce through active development.

Presented by:
Wilbert Weche; Willful Change
Meaghan Murphy, Esq. and Tim Murphy, Skoler Abbott and Presser
Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Chris Wisneski; Whittlesly

Valerie Francis & Ben Garvey; Hub Insurance Center of New England
Jynai MacDonald; Urban Impact Massachusetts
Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates

Series Sponsor

Annual Sponsors

Community Impact Team, Virtual Open Office Hours
2024-01-26 10:00 - 13:00
Virtual Open Office Hours
The Community Impact Team will have virtual open office hours for nonprofits and other stakeholders on the following dates:

Friday, January 26, 2024, 10AM to 1PM

Clinical Practice in Treatment Systems: A Psychodynamic Systems Approach
2024-01-29 13:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Cathleen Morey, Ph.D., LICSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Clinical practice in treatment systems is complex and challenging. Effective clinical practice is contingent on knowledge and skills that are particular for systems-based work involving multiple mental health practitioners and clients interacting in a relational matrix. Yet, not all clinical theories and constructs that were developed for application in individual, group, and family modalities are directly transferable to the practice setting of a treatment system. In this seminar, Cathleen Morey, Ph.D., LICSW, outlines a conceptual framework that synthesizes contemporary psychodynamic principles with systems theory – referred to as a psychodynamic systems approach – to inform and advance knowledge of systems-based clinical practice. This approach considers the interplay of dynamic processes among the four levels of the socially co-constructed system, as well as patient, staff and organizational factors that uniquely impact clinical processes in systems of care. Five key clinical phenomena are frequently actualized in systems work: transference, countertransference, splitting, projective identification and enactment. Definitions of these phenomena formulated from a dyadic perspective and a contemporary psychodynamic systems approach will be offered, and their similarities and differences will be discussed.
Based on Morey’s empirical research, she will describe the construct of system enactment and its relevance for clinicians practicing in treatment systems. She will outline a four-step framework for engaging system enactments to repair alliance ruptures with patients, restore intra-staff functioning and address problematic organizational dynamics. Throughout the seminar, Morey will highlight social justice and anti-oppressive elements of a psychodynamic systems approach. Case discussions will illustrate the application of concepts in ways that are clinically relevant for participants.

Long COVID-19 & Mental Health: Emerging Research and Implications for Practice
2024-02-02 13:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Ellie Lipton, M.S.W., LCSW, LICSW
February 2, 2024, 1 – 4:15 p.m. ET
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
The CDC estimates that in 2023 19% of adults in the U.S. are experiencing Long COVID-19 symptoms. Long COVID, or post-COVID syndrome, describes a range of symptoms that emerge or persist four weeks after initial infection of SARS-COV-2. Symptoms can impact every organ system in the body, most notably the cognitive, cardiac and respiratory systems. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, changes in mood and post exertional malaise.
Emerging research overwhelmingly points to Long COVID exacerbating pre-existing mental health symptoms and impacting emergent mental health problems. While researchers are unsure of the cause of Long COVID, current theories suggest that the COVID-19 virus causes lasting organ damage, reduces circulating serotonin and/or causes inflammation and autoimmunity.
This course will explore the mental health impacts of Long COVID in adults. The course will provide an overview of Long COVID and discuss emerging research on Long COVID, including Long COVID’s impact on both pre-existing and emergent mental health concerns. This course will include implications for clinical practice and policy creation.

Minimally Invasive, Maximally Effective: New Technologies in the Cardiac Cath Lab
2024-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for an insider’s view of the latest devices and innovations used in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab for procedures such as valve replacement, stroke prevention, and more.
This event is being held on-line as a webinar and also in-person at the Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave, 2nd Entrance, Holyoke, MA.
Please register using the corresponding registration link whether attending virtually or in-person. All other Heart & Vascular Events will be virtual.

Navigating the Menopause Transition
2024-02-05 18:00 - 19:00
The road to menopause can be long and winding, with many women experiencing hot flashes and other bothersome symptoms for 7-10 years or more during the perimenopausal period. After menopause, some symptoms related to hormonal changes may persist for life. Join Vanessa Ross, CNM, Menopause Society Certified Provider, Baystate Midwifery and Women’s Health, for a discussion about what is menopause, what to expect and how to manage your symptoms.

It's Going to Be All Right - Black History Month Event
2024-02-07 16:00 - 19:30 | Holyoke Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join the Consortium’s Anti-Oppression Committee (A.O.C.)., in honor of Black History Month, to discuss the ‘Importance of the Civil Rights Movement, Then and Now’. We will be viewing the film, “Eyes on the Prize II” by Sam Pollard with a discussion facilitated by Professor Heather Z. Caldwell, Associate Professor of Westfield State University.
This free, hybrid event is presented by the Consortium’s Anti-Oppression Committee (A.O.C.).
Please register in advance.

VolunteerConnect Program
2024-02-07 17:00 - 18:30

Medication Tips From the Pharmacist
2024-02-07 18:00 - 19:00
Medications continue to revolutionize medicine. But starting new medications, taking over the counter medications, or managing on-going medications can sometimes be challenging. Join Mark Heelon, Pharm.D., Medication Safety Officer, Baystate Health, for a discussion on helpful medication management tips like what questions to ask your pharmacist, bringing medications to the hospital, properly administering medications to your child, and other helpful medication management tips.

BIG LOVE LITTLE PERFORMANCES
2024-02-08 18:30 - 21:30

Gandara Center celebrates New Family Resource Center in Sprinfield
2024-02-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Gandara Center, 1095 main street i, Springfield, MA, 01104, United States
The Gándara Center will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting celebration at its new Family Resource Center on Friday, February 9th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The new program located at 1095 Main Street in Springfield, provides a number of resources for families in one convenient and accessible location.
The FRC provides parenting programs, support groups, information and referral resources, assessment services, early childhood services and educational programs for families whose children range in age from birth to 18 years old. Families can also get help navigating through housing, education, courts and legal systems as well as health insurance, EBT and behavioral health services.

Black History Month Events: Film Screenings
2024-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Northampton Recovery Center, 25 Armory Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
NORTHAMPTON RECOVERY CENTER
The Northampton Recovery Center has a strong commitment to Social Justice
and the uplifting and honoring of the Black voices in our community; this month
and every month. As a program under the Western Mass Training Consortium,
we are adamant partners in harboring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in
Hampshire county and beyond. We value the great diversity in our community,
and revere the efforts of those who have come before us, those with us now, and
those who will come after.

Navigating Clinical Racial Dynamics as a Multiracial Therapist
2024-02-12 12:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Sarah Yang Mumma, Ph.D., LCSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 1.5
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
This webinar will be recorded.
A vital aspect of clinical social work education and professional development is engaging with literature that explores the clinical experiences of therapists that hold similar social identities to oneself. The therapist’s experiences of clinical process, including as it relates to their social identities, has been the subject of clinical literature. There is empirical research and case studies examining the clinical experiences of white therapists and, to a lesser extent, therapists of color; however, there is limited literature focused on the clinical experiences of multiracial therapists. Having oneself reflected in clinical literature is vital to the professional development of multiracial therapists as they grapple with how their multiracialness emerges and contributes to racial dynamics within the clinical dyad. Careful exploration of countertransference reactions and clinical processes benefit from accessing research on the experiences of other multiracial therapists. For monoracial supervisors supervising multiracial therapists, knowledge of common experiences of multiracial therapists can improve the quality of supervision they provide.
This course draws from empirical research to address common racial dynamics within the multiracial therapist and client dyad. It will explore how multiracial therapists experience, understand, and navigate racial dynamics in psychotherapy with diverse clients. It will provide information on common racial clinical experiences multiracial therapists have including racial coding, countertransference, therapists use of own race and disclosure. The exploration of these themes is not isolated to the clinical room and acknowledges the impact of broader socio-political context. A composite case study drawn from the instructor’s clinical work will be used to deepen exploration and understanding of these themes. Applying this information to clinical supervision will also be addressed.

February 2024 Breakfast- Artificial Intelligence, Human Service
2024-02-13 07:30 - 10:00 | Mount Holyoke College Willits-Hallowell Center, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA, United States
This event is now going to be virtual due to impending storm. Registrants should check their email for the event link. Contact proot@humanserviceforum.org with any questions.
No matter how you feel about artificial intelligence, it is not going away and will be more and more prevalent as time roles forward. Find out more about it, whether or not to use, how, and for what. Delcie Bean, of Tech Foundry and Paragus Strategic IT, shares his vast knowledge over a delicious breakfast.
Networking, thought provoking presentation, and great food on February 13th.
Breakfast Speaker:
Delcie Bean always wanted to create a company where he was excited to come to work every day and where his co-workers felt more like friends and family. This vision has carried Paragus through its growth and transition to employee ownership. His passion for economic development projects in the Valley led him to create Tech Foundry, a technology education nonprofit. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his family, hiking, trail riding and enjoying ice cold grapefruit juice.

HSF Annual Sponsors:

HSF Breakfast Sponsors:

Food Security
2024-02-13 10:00 - 11:00
COSA meets to discuss Food Security on Tue, Feb 13 @ 10am (Zoom)
Speakers will include Koby Gardner-Levine from Congressman Jim McGovern’s Office
and Lev BenEzra from Amherst Survival Center.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Suicide Prevention
2024-02-13 12:00 - 15:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Lindsay Bornheimer, Ph.D., LCSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States and worldwide. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for suicide prevention is an evidence-based intervention that is both valuable and effective in practice with clients. This workshop will provide training for clinicians to learn about the intervention approach and gain skills for delivery, with a specific focus on the adult population (18+). Clinical skills will be broken down into phases of treatment with use of examples and recommended techniques. Importantly, anti-oppressive practice will be discussed in addition to navigating challenges in delivering CBT for suicide prevention.

Persistent Coughing
2024-02-13 18:00 - 19:00
A cough is a natural reflex to help clear and protect the airway. An occasional cough is normal, and typically a cough will go away on its own but what if a cough lingers and lasts for weeks. Join Dr. Sybille Liautaud and Dr. O’Neil Green, Pulmonary Critical Care, Baystate Pulmonary Non-CF Bronchiectasis Clinic, for a discussion about coughs that are the result of damaged airways, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and non-tuberculosis myobacteria. Learn how they are diagnosed and treated.

Guardianship and Alternatives Webinar
2024-02-13 18:00 - 19:30
Coming of Age: Turning 18 in Massachusetts
with Frederick M. Misilo Jr., Esq., Fletcher Tilton PC

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Zoom webinar
Please let us know if you need interpretation no later than February 6.

Join Family Empowerment and Frederick Misilo Jr. of Fletcher Tilton for one of our most popular webinars. This is a topic that affects people with developmental or intellectual disabilities and people in any situation where guardianship might be considered.

Guardianship and Alternatives-Turning 18 in Massachusetts will provide an overview of the legal ramifications of reaching the age of emancipation at 18 in Massachusetts.

The Zoom Webinar will include a description of the range of decision-making options, such as Guardianship, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and more. There will also be an introduction to basic federal and state services and benefits and the transition from educational settings to adult services. Topics covered include basic eligibility criteria, common misconceptions, prioritization for services and supports and appeals.

Frederick M. Misilo is the Chair of the Trust and Estate Department at Fletcher Tilton PC. His practice focuses on all aspects of estate planning including the areas of elder law, special needs estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianship, and adult service advocacy. Attorney Misilo also serves as President of The Arc of the United States, the nation’s largest and oldest community-based civil rights organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Mr. Misilo is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Florida.

Dialogues Across Differences: Critical Skills to Build Equity in All Communities
2024-02-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
When is it possible to build connection and foster social change when we experience tensions across class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and gender expression?
Dealing effectively with differences across social location is often the most challenging aspect of working with families, communities, groups and organizations. We can unintentionally recreate fear based, critical “calling out” cultures instead of fostering and strengthening the changes we seek to make.
We can try another way. Join us February 14, 15, and 16, 11am-3pm EST, via Zoom to learn how.

Dialogues Across Differences
2024-02-14 11:00 - 2024-02-16 15:00

Creating a Savings and Spending Plan
2024-02-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Bank of America, 225 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, 01089, United States
On Thursday, Feb. 15, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a FREE financial seminar for the community.
Sue Zielenski of Bank of America will present the topic: “Creating a Savings and Spending Plan” at the Bank of America Financial Center at 225 Memorial Ave in West Springfield. The class will start at 6pm and end at 7:30pm. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up. Every registered guest is entered for a chance to win the door prize. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/3On4saZ
“With the ease of digital wallets and debit cards, it’s easy to lose track of your spending,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator. “I think it’s really important to have a game plan every month to make sure you’re on the right track towards your financial goals.”
This seminar is the second financial class hosted by Greater Springfield Habitat since the start of the New Year. To keep up-to-date about future Habitat events, visit habitatspringfield.org/upcoming-events
GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home preservation opportunities. Since 1987, Greater Springfield Habitat has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

Arc-a-Palooza
2024-02-17 19:00 - 21:00

Diaper Bank
2024-02-20 09:00 - 12:00
Next month, our Springfield North WIC program will hold our monthly Diaper Bank event for active Tapestry WIC participants on March 4th from 9AM-12PM at our WIC office at 1985 Main St. Springfield.

Dando pañales a participantes activos del Tapestry WIC programa. Si tiene preguntas, llame al 413-737-8868.

As Prescribed: Film Screening & Discussion
2024-02-21 18:00 - 21:00
‘As Prescribed’ is an award winning film by Holly Hardman about the damage being done to so many people across the globe without informed consent.
From the film’s website: Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan – all belong to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos). News and entertainment media portray them in terms of addiction and abuse or as innocuous medications that relax nerves.
As Prescribed documents a strikingly different narrative, following eye-opening stories of invisible illness and disability. Boston-based survivor Geraldine Burns leads a grassroots army of “good patients” that help other victims and advocate tirelessly for benzodiazepine harm awareness. But resistance is strong. Geraldine and her cohorts are opposed by powerful forces that include pharmaceutical giants and a medical culture that has denied the problem for decades.
Online: Wednesday, February 21
6pm Eastern—Watch the film (95 minutes)
8pm Eastern—Panel discussion featuring:
▪ Sonja Styblo
▪ Geraldine Burns
▪ Zoe Savage

▪
Sonja Styblo

▪
Geraldine Burns

▪
Zoe Savage

Moderated by Cindy Hadge
Register and have the option to watch on your own or as a group on the 21st! Free event. Donations encouraged!
Wildflower Alliance

The INSIDE Ride
2024-02-25 11:30 - 15:00
SquareOne is proud to partner with the Ride To Remember in supporting our community’s first responders and their families.
In particular, we honor those who have lost their lives while working to keep our communities safe and healthy.

Please join us in supporting this initiative, which benefits Square One and other community-based organizations, by participating in The INSIDE Ride on
Sunday, February 25.

This event is for everyone — beginners and experienced spinners/cyclists are welcome!

Special thanks to the YMCA of Greater Springfield for graciously hosting the event.

Ozempic, Zepbound, and More: Behavioral Interventions & Weight-Loss Medications For Heart Health
2024-02-25 12:00 - 13:00
With Michele Gortakowski, MD – Endocrinologist and Kathryn Jobbins DO – Internist
Join a discussion about new medications and advances in medically assisted weight-loss as well as behavioral interventions that can improve weight-loss efforts.

De-centering, Disrupting and Deconstructing Whiteness in Social Work Settings
2024-02-26 13:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Shari L. Robinson, M.S.W., ACSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
In this interactive virtual workshop, participants will, first, receive a historical review of the role and formation of whiteness in the social work profession. Next, attendees will be guided through an experience meant to reflect upon the role of whiteness, white norms and white habits in their personal and professional lives and how to de-center, disrupt and deconstruct whiteness. Finally, there will be an exploration of skill-based practices on noticing when whiteness permeates practices and how best to work alongside the systemic challenges of whiteness in clinical settings.
As whiteness permeates all of us, this workshop is not limited to clinicians racialized and/or identified as white. However, this workshop will best be received by clinicians with some introductory understanding and experience around whiteness. So, already have an introductory understanding of whiteness and want to dig deeper? Join us!

Overdose Awareness Group
2024-02-27 15:00 - 16:30
This free group is a collaborative effort to end overdose and is extended to all; people with lived experience, recovery coaches, loss survivors, providers, etc. Light refreshments will be served. Presentation by Kimberly Slade. #endoverdose 💜💜💜

Location: Tapestry Harm Reduction Site
Address: 17 East Silver Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Time: Feb 27th, 2024 3:00-4:30PM
If you’re interested in attending please RSVP.
Call: 413-241-5379
Text: 413-312-8306

Advanced Management Series 2024
2024-02-28 09:00 - 12:30 | Human Service Forum Offices, 203 East Street, East Hampton, MA, 01027, United States
This is presented as a Hybrid event, available both as a Virtual Workshop Series, or In Person at our offices located in Easthampton!
HSF is pleased to announce our ADVANCED MANAGEMENT SKILLS SERIES! This certificate series is designed to invest in and promote leaders from within to secure the future of the human services in Western MA. This program will provide experienced leaders, supervisors, managers, and directors with the high level trainings to gain the skills they need to succeed as they advance in the human service field!
Session Topics include:

The Unique Role of Managing from the Middle
Public Speaking for Large and Small Groups
Financial Management Panel
Networking: Building Internal and External Connections
Advanced Employment Law
Culturally Responsive Supervision

HSF Members: $500 Not Yet Members: $900

This is a 6 part series!
*order of sessions may change

Session 1: THE UNIQUE ROLE OF MANAGING FROM THE MIDDLE
Wednesday February 28th 9am-12:30pm
Supervisors often find themselves in the position of having to relay the needs of their team and clients up while communicating the mission and needs of the organization down. We will address what information you will communicated to you and will need to communicate to stakeholders. Learn what impact you personally can have on your work environment.
Presenter: Will Weche
Session 2: PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR SMALL AND LARGE GROUPS
Wednesday March 6th 9am-12:30pm
Whether you need to lead a morning team meeting, give a presentation to your managers, or speaking to the entire company and investors, speaking in front of others can be nerve-racking. Learn tips and tricks to Public Speaking that can be used in all circumstances.
Presenter: Cathy McNally
Session 3: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PANEL
Wednesday March 13th 9am-12:30pm
Our panel will discuss how money moves through and effects non-profit organizations. Topics to be covered include a nonprofit finance overview, including where the money comes from, budgeting, and internal controls including compliance and audits. The panel will be followed by a question and answer session.
Session 4: NETWORKING: BUILDING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS
Wednesday March 20th 9am-12:30pm
Learning the soft skills of business etiquette and social skills can help build connections that help the success of your organizations. Gain partnership within your organization. Become an organizational ambassador as build collegial relationships in a competitive environment.
Presenters: Janine Fondon and Lucie Lewis
Session 5: ADVANCED EMPLOYMENT LAW
Wednesday March 27th 9am-12:30pm
Protect your organization, yourself and your team from unneeded expensive and time consuming legal issues. This information heavy session takes a deep dive into Employment Law with up to date topics that managers should know.
Presenter: Tim Murphy
Session 6: CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SUPERVISION
Wednesday April 3rd 9am-12:30pm
Gain an understanding of what it means to be Culturally Competent. Understand within group differences on what makes each person unique and respond respectfully to all cultures and identies in a research based management style.
Presenters: Ysabel Garcia
Certificates are given out after the final session to all participants who have attended all sessions.

*NO makeup sessions will be allowed for this program.*

HSF Annual Sponsors:
