Human Service Forum

UCLA Memory Training
2024-10-31 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | MA
UCLA Memory Training
In person at Northfield Senior Center

For people with mild age-related memory challenges, Memory Training teaches memory-enhancing techniques and practical strategies to boost memory functioning.
Thursdays, October 31–November 21, 2–4 p.m.

30 Poems in November
2024-11-01 08:00 - 17:00 | MA
30 Poems in November! is a literary fundraiser to support Center for New Americans’ free English classes for immigrants, refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers. Writers write a poem each day in November and encourage family and friends to sponsor them.
Our annual “Poem-a-thon,” the literary equivalent of a charity road race, raises awareness of immigrants in our community and valuable support for our free English classes. Writing poetry has become a fall tradition. Participating writers are inspired by daily prompts from our Event Chair, Sarah Sullivan. Several of our English teachers also write and raise while infusing poetry into our English classes.
We celebrate our success and honor our writers with an annual Reading & Celebration and publication of an anthology featuring their new poems.

Interest-Free Student Loan Program Applications Open
2024-11-01 08:00 - 17:00 | MA
Community Foundation Resumes Interest-Free Student Loan Program After Temporary Pause
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is pleased to announce the resumption of its student loan program, designed to support post-secondary education students needing financial assistance. After a temporary pause was initiated in July 2024 to assess the program’s impact on students, the Foundation has reinstated the program while continuing ongoing research and dialogue.
The pause was part of a larger initiative to evaluate how the loan program fits into the broader conversation of student loan debt, affordability, equity, and long-term financial health for students.
“We took some time to carefully consider whether our loan program was helping students achieve their educational goals without leading to unmanageable debt after graduation,” said Megan Burke, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “While the conversation around student loan debt is ongoing, we remain committed to supporting students, and we are confident that resuming the program this Fall is the right step as we continue to consider what the best strategies may be for our approach.”
While research on the program’s impact continues, the Foundation has adjusted its timeline to ensure the program remains accessible and beneficial to students. Applications will open on November 1 and close on November 15, with awards expected to arrive to students in January 2025 in time to offer support for the Spring semester of the academic year.
“We have listened carefully to our community of experts to ensure that our loan program is a bridge, not a barrier, to success,” added Denise Hurst, Vice President for Community Impact and Partnerships. “By resuming the program, we’re taking action to help students today while working on improvements for the future.” As the program moves forward, the Community Foundation will continue to engage with stakeholders and students to find ways to make educational financing more equitable and sustainable. For more information about the loan program,

Social Media & Our Youth
2024-11-01 12:00 - 13:15 | MA

Bingo Night
2024-11-01 18:00 - 20:30 | MA
About the Event

Come join us on Friday, November 1st from 6:00-8:30 PM for a fun-filled evening of bingo, all while enjoying food, drink and fun prizes in a lively atmosphere at Raymour & Flanigan Outlet in West Springfield. Grab your friends and get ready for a night of excitement and fun.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event supporting families served by Way Finders!
Ticket price includes food, drink, as well as one bingo card to be used for eight games.
If you’d like, you can purchase multiple cards.

Candlelight Concert: A Night at the Cinema
2024-11-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Esther B. Griswold Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1000 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
An Enchanting Musical Journey through Iconic Movie Melodies with Billboard Charting Crossover Vocalist & Violinist of Boston String Quartet
Join us for an unforgettable evening as award-winning classical crossover artists Giorgia Fumanti and Blue Violin lead you on a musical journey through some of the most iconic movie melodies. Be prepared for an intimate experience that will touch your heart and soul.
Let the flickering of over 500 candles transport you to a magical world where some of the most recognizable film songs come to life. Usher in the holiday season with the mesmerizing sounds of Giorgia Fumanti and Blue Violin as they share their passion for movie melodies in an enchanting performance that is perfect for the whole family.
Giorgia Fumanti, a classical crossover star and internationally acclaimed singer, has been making headlines worldwide with her stunning voice and impressive collaborations. From performing with classical icon Jose Carreras to pop legend Michael Bolton, Giorgia’s talent has been praised by audiences and critics alike.
Blue Violin, founder of the Boston String Quartet, brings a multimedia experience to his performances, blending original music with covers using a single violin. His virtuosity and production style have been compared to the likes of Lindsey Stirling, David Garrett, and 2CELLOS. With recent sold out shows across Europe and North America, Blue Violin has performed with renowned artists such as John Mayer, Paul Simon, and members of Celtic Woman and Riverdance, and even Sesame Street!
Candlelight Concert: A Night at the Cinema will feature a mesmerizing repertoire, including themes from modern movie classics such as “What Was I Made For” (Barbie), “A Million Dreams” (Greatest Showman), and “Pure Imagination” (Wonka); as well as classic movie melodies including themes from “Schindler’s List”, “Footloose”, and the Wizard of Oz (Over the Rainbow).
Witness the transformation of iconic tunes like “Con te Partiro” and “Happy” through the unique lens of both Giorgia and Fumanti and Blue Violin, promising an evening filled with innovation and musical surprises.
Take part in an extraordinary night of music, where Giorgia and Fumanti and Blue Violin take center stage, weaving a tapestry of emotions that will linger in your hearts long after the last note has faded. Join us for Candlelight Concert: A Night at the Cinema – an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving you with cherished memories of a night filled with love and musical brilliance.
It’s more fun with the whole family, and when you buy a family pass, we’ll give you an extra ticket for FREE!
The show will be one hour 30 minutes with no intermission. Children are encouraged to attend.
If you would like more information please email contact@blue-violin.com
“One of the most beautiful voices in the world” Lang Lang,
“What an amazing talent and voice, a beautiful discovery” Michael Bolton,
“Giorgia has a clear and beautiful voice, and it was a joy performing with her in Asian and London” Jose Carreras,
“Explores different ways of sparking musical interest” Boston Globe,
“Mature depth and musical prowess” Tower Records,
“Combining contemporary and classical styles” Miami Herald,
“A once in a lifetime experience” Peoria Journal Star,
“Sheer artistry” Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier,
“Groundbreaking and innovative” I Am Modern,
“Electrifying violinist” Boston Ballet

Shaped by Service Art Show
2024-11-02 13:00 - 17:00 | MA
Storytelling can take many forms, oral or visual, and at t HomeFront Strong, we believe in using artistic expression to tell stories of service.
We would like to invite service members, veterans, and their family members to take part in a photo emulsion class. Using a variety of different size Gelli printing plates, brayers, and Acrylic colors, students will use magazine clippings, patterns, and photographs to create a series of prints that capture their military history through art.
Finished pieces will be showcased in the Shaped by Service Art Show in November. Those who have participated in the HFS Storytelling program are encouraged to sign up!
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Show Dates and Times: Saturday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 10th
Saturdays & Sundays | 1 to 5 pm
Closing Reception: Sunday, November 10th | 3 to 5 pm

Building Resilience from Within
2024-11-06 11:00 - 11:45 | Zoom
A 6-week self-care series for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Learn simple techniques to build core resilience, balance the nervous system and deepen a healthy connection to your body. Each week we will gather online to practice shifting habituated patterns of holding stress and tune into your innate body’s wisdom. Some practices include mindfulness, gentle movement and release, brain and body balancing, guided visualization and boosting the immune system.
All ages are welcome, and all exercises can be done seated or standing. No experience required.
The program is free and open to the public. Drop-ins welcome. Registration is required.

Building Dreams
2024-11-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Twin Hills Country Club, Longmeadow, MA, United States
For more than 30 years, our community partners have played a critical role in helping local families gain strength, stability, and self-reliance through our homeownership and home preservation programs. Building Dreams provides a wonderful opportunity for you and our attendees to hear about our projects, meet our partner families, connect with colleagues and friends, and support our efforts throughout the Greater Springfield area while enjoying delicious food samplings from area restaurants and the chance to bid on fabulous prizes.

Empowering Older Adults Through Supportive Conversations
2024-11-08 13:00 - 16:30 | MA

November Virtual Post-Purchase Workshop
2024-11-09 09:00 - 14:00 | MA
November 9 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Free

Get paid to attend this workshop – everyone who participates gets a $50 gift card, and one lucky attendee will win a $250 gift card at the end of the workshop!

If you’ve already purchased your home, join our virtual Post-Purchase workshop for a fun-filled workshop of interactive learning and home care demonstrations from our partnering presenters.
Our workshop also includes information on:

Construction rehabilitation loans,
Seasonal home maintenance and home repair,
Being green in and around your home,
Weatherization,
And much more!

This meets the MHP Post-Purchase workshop requirement.

Volunteer Orientation
2024-11-11 18:00 - 19:00 | MA
New Volunteer Orientation at our Springfield Housing Center
Monday, 11/11, 6-7 pm
Learn more about our mission and programs, and how you can get involved in making a difference in our community. Light bites will be served.
Learn more about our mission and programs, and how you can get involved in making a difference in our community. Light bites will be served.

HSF BREAKFAST: Ethical Uses of A.I.: Asking the Hard Questions
2024-11-12 07:30 - 10:00 | Mount Holyoke College Willits-Hallowell Center, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA, United States
Tuesday November 12th 7:30am- 10:00pm
Willits Hallowell Center, South Hadley
HSF is happy to welcome Ankit Virimani, international expert in the field of ethical uses of generative AI. Ankit will be giving a brief keynote discussing advances in AI technology for use in the non-profit field and on the issues and challenges being discussed on a broad scale. You are being invited to join in a conversation to presenting him with the hard challenging questions that are your personal hesitations/stumbling blocks/fears to see if we can address them together.
Join us for breakfast, insightful conversation, and networking. Email jtingley@humanserviceforum.org for diet restrictions or other accommodations.
$45 for HSF Members $65 for Not Yet Members

Thank you to Our Breakfast Sponsors

Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors

COSA Housing Panel
2024-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
Join us for the November COSA members meeting to network with your colleagues, share announcements from your organization, and hear from our speakers panel on the topic of housing in Western Massachusetts. Our panelists will be Shaundell Diaz, Program Director at Three County Continuum of Care, Community Action; Jodi Smith, Senior Vice President of Housing Education at Way Finders, and Keleigh BenEzra, Director of Shelter and Housing at Clinical and Support Options.

Tuesday, November 12th from 10am-11:30am
Hadley Library
Light refreshments will be available

November In-Person Credit Success Workshop
2024-11-12 12:30 - 15:30 | MA
November 12 @ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
$10

Whether you want to buy a house or a car, pay off your student loan debt, or understand how to build your credit, Way Finders is here to help.
Our Credit Success Workshop provides the tools you need to reach your financial goals. Learn directly from a Way Finders’ certified counselor through interactive and engaging activities. After you complete your workshop, you will have the opportunity to meet with a HUD-certified housing counselor to discuss your individual goals.
There is a $10 fee to reserve your seat for the workshop. This fee will be refunded upon workshop completion.
Way Finders is dedicated to assisting low-to-moderate income clients achieve financial stability and success. You will not be turned away for inability to pay.
To request a one-time time waiver please contact our support department at homeownership@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1621.

November VIRTUAL Credit Success Workshop
2024-11-12 17:30 - 20:30 | MA
November 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
$10

Whether you want to buy a house or a car, pay off your student loan debt, or understand how to build your credit, Way Finders is here to help.
Our Credit Success Workshop provides the tools you need to reach your financial goals. Learn directly from a Way Finders’ certified counselor through interactive and engaging activities. After you complete your workshop, you will have the opportunity to meet with a HUD-certified housing counselor to discuss your individual goals.
There is a $10 fee to reserve your seat for the workshop. This fee will be refunded upon workshop completion.
Way Finders is dedicated to assisting low-to-moderate income clients achieve financial stability and success. You will not be turned away for inability to pay.
To request a one-time time waiver please contact our support department at homeownership@wayfinders.org or 413-233-1621.

Turning 18: Making Sense of MassHealth and Private Insurance Options
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | MA

World Diabetes Day Health Education Day
2024-11-14 12:00 - 16:00 | MA
Join us for an in-person event with information about diabetes, and wellness resources.

Funding the Future: Western Mass Business Resource Night
2024-11-14 17:30 - 20:00 | MA
Want to grow your business or a great idea to launch? Join us for a night that’s all about helping you grow right here in Western Mass!
The Center for Women & Enterprise, Chase Bank, and Unstoppable Latina Marketing Agency are bringing together folks who really get our local scene – from city centers to small towns, farms to factories. These are leaders and organizations from your own backyard who understand what it takes to make a business work in our diverse community.
Here’s what we’ve got planned:

Show Me the Money: Local lenders will chat about how businesses of all sizes can work with banks and non-profits to get funding. They’ll cover the basics, like how to know if you’re ready for a loan and smart ways to use the money.
Brains For Your Business: Learn about free advice and support available to you, no matter what stage your business is in. Find out how this local expertise can set you up for success and even help you land that loan you need.

Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to mix and mingle with other business owners from all over Western Mass.
Whether you’re running a food truck, starting a tech company, or dreaming up the next big thing on your family farm, this night is for you. Come as you are, and let’s grow together!

Interest-Free Student Loan Program Applications Closing
2024-11-15 08:00 - 17:00 | MA

Men's Health Forum
2024-11-16 08:30 - 15:30 | MA

November First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2024-11-16 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 online workshop:
Saturday, November 16, 9am-2pm
Saturday, November 23, 9am-2pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.
Please register in advance at the link below.

November Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2024-11-16 09:00 - 14:00 | MA
November 16 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$119.95

This online workshop includes an overview of basic residential rental property management in Massachusetts that provides an introduction to the Massachusetts laws that govern the rental relationship. Important for all owners of rental properties, including owners of 2-4 family homes.
Topics covered include:

proper tenant screening
relations with tenants
lead paint laws
types of tenancies
State Sanitary Code
fair housing laws
the eviction process
how to deal with drug problems

Trainer: H. John Fisher
Certificates of completion are awarded at the end of the session; this workshop satisfies the course requirement for first-time buyers of multi-family homes.
Registration fee is $119.95 (non-refundable & includes Way Finders’ Property Management Manual, valued at $29.95).

Cooking With Mary-Fresh and Dried Cranberries
2024-11-16 15:00 - 16:30 | MA
Saturday, November 16, 2024
3:00 PM 4:30 PM

Enfield Loaves and Fishes23 North Main StreetEnfield, CT 06082 (map)

Brightly colored and flavored cranberries have a rightful place during the holidays. We will be using both fresh and dried cranberries in recipes for Gingered Cranberry Chutney and Baked Brie using the chutney, Cranberry Orange Crunch Muffins, Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cranberry-Pecan Mini Loaves, and Baby Greens Salad with Pears, Cranberries, Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts.

Car Wash for a Cause
2024-11-21 08:00 - 2024-11-30 17:00 | Gary Rome Hyundai, 150 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
🚗🚙💦Car Wash for a Cause:🚗🚙💦
Support the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium at the Gary Rome Hyundai Car Wash for our Home and Community Connections program.
How Can You Help?
o Buy a car wash at https://wlink.live/2024_consortium
o Invite your family and friends to get a car wash or gift a car wash.
o Spread the Word:
o Repost this message
o Share the fundraiser link
o Share the flyer with the QR code
How to Participate:
You can purchase the car wash for yourself or gift it to someone else. You can also buy it now and wash it later.
Why Participate?
There is a vital need: Every car wash helps the Home and Community Connections Program to support adults with developmental disabilities access assistive technology, advanced learning opportunities, and additional support for community-inclusive activities.
Working together can make a real difference, one car wash at a time!

Holiday Tree Jubilee
2024-11-22 17:00 - 20:00 | MA
Our Holiday Tree Jubilee returns for 2025! And we have over 100 trees committed – that is more than the 75 gloriously decorated trees for our inaugural year in 2024.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, Center for Human Development (CHD) division of Adolescent Reentry Services, and the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral are hosting a “Holiday Tree Jubilee” for the under-resourced communities we serve. The event will take place on November 22, 2024, 5pm to 8pm at the Greek Cultural Center at 22 St. George Rd. in Springfield. It is an honor and great privilege to have the ability to give back to our community and host this event for youth and families from the region.

With the support of a variety of community sponsors, the event is entirely FREE to the communities we serve providing barrier free enjoyment for the entire family. The event bring the Holiday Spirit to life with: photos with Santa; carolers; hot chocolate station; dance performances; face painting; cookie decorating: karaoke; letters to Santa; and best of all: a decorated holiday tree raffle free to everyone! All trees are generously donated and decorated in a family-friendly theme, to donate them to go home with the families in attendance. Transportation details to come.

If you have an interest in supporting this event monetarily or with a decorated tree donation, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at (413) 687-9661 or email.

Providing a joyous holiday memory these families will never forget along with over 100 decorated, sparkling holiday trees for the homes of the families we serve will deliver immeasurable cheer and hope in this season of giving.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
2024-11-23 10:00 - 13:00 | All Inclusive Support Services, 736 State St., Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
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. This event is free and is for Survivors of Suicide Loss only.
Springfield Event Information
• 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

WMDC Fundraising Comedy Show
2024-11-23 18:30 - 22:00 | MA

March for the Food Bank
2024-11-25 06:30 - 18:00 | MA
15 years ago, Monte Belmonte pushed an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield with the goal of raising $5,000 for the Food Bank. He raised $13,000 that year, and started a movement that has become the three county, 43-mile March for the Food Bank.

Join Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, & Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse as they march from Springfield to Greenfield this November.
Our $500,000 goal for this march will enable the Food Bank to provide the equivalent of 1.5 million meals to the community!

Fuel Up Week!
2024-12-02 08:00 - 22:00 | MA
