First-time Homebuyer Workshop (English)
2024-07-10 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
July 10 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
$50

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 in-person workshop:
Wednesday, July 10, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Wednesday, July 17, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Wednesday, July 24, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT): Engaging Clients in Meaningful Change
2024-07-12 13:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Ann Augustine, LICSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
Ann Augustine, LICSW, will be facilitating a 3-hour training in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT is an evidence-based treatment that uses mindfulness to help clients accept thoughts and feelings, connect with what matters most and take action towards creating a life that they feel has meaning and purpose. It has been found to be helpful for clients with many struggles including depression, anxiety, substance use and trauma and can be used with clients with OCD and psychosis. This training will be experiential, exploring the model through group discussion as well as individual and small group exercises. Accessible to those new to ACT, it will also be relevant for those who are familiar with the model and want to deepen their understanding.

July Credit Success (Spanish)
2024-07-13 09:00 - 12:00
July 13 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 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.

Diabetes Self-Management
2024-07-13 10:30 - 12:30
In Person at The Brick House Community Resource Center, Turners Falls, MA, in collaboration with Montague Catholic Social Ministries
For adults with pre-diabetes or diabetes or their caregivers, this workshop teaches the basics of balancing medication, diet and exercise, techniques to deal with hyper/hypoglycemia and meal planning, stress reduction, and more.
Saturdays, July 13–August 17
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
En español: 1–2 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact Andi Waisman, Healthy Living Program Manager, at 413-773-5555 x2297 or 978-544-2259 x2297, or email awaisman@LifePathMA.org.

July Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2024-07-20 09:00 - 14:00
July 20 @ 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.

Food Bank Family Farm Day Workshops
2024-07-20 10:00 - 12:00
When: April 20th, May 4th, June 15th, July 20th from 10am-12pm

Where: Cultivating for Community, 32 Shattuck Rd, Hadley MA 01035

Sign up by emailing the names and ages of your family to amandar@foodbankwma.org.

The Food Bank Farm and Kestrel Land Trust will be hosting Family Farm Days throughout the growing season! Families will learn about regenerative farming practices and The Food Bank’s to mission feed our neighbors in need and lead the community to end hunger. Volunteer activities include planting seedlings, maintaining farm beds, harvesting, and taking a nature walk on our 142 acre farm in Hadley.

Keeping Your Athlete in the Game: The Sports Medicine Perspective
2024-07-24 17:00 - 19:30
Learn about the latest care in sports medicine, how to prevent injury, managing concussions, and injury rehab from the Sports Medicine experts at Baystate Rehabilitation Care.
Speakers include:

Dr. Julio Martinez-Silvestrini, Medical Director of Baystate Rehabilitation Care
Dr. Zachary Schepart, Sports and Exercise Medicine
Zachary Marowitz, Psy.D., Clinical Supervisor, Baystate Neuropsychology Service
Tim Murphy, PT Clinical Rehab Supervisor Eastern Region Baystate Rehabilitation Care
Pam Proulx, PT Baystate Rehabilitation Care

This event is free and open to the public.
There will be giveaways and raffle prizes.

Coffee with a Recovery Coach
2024-07-25 08:00 - 10:00

WIC's 50th Birthday Celebration
2024-07-26 10:00 - 12:00

Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum - Book Group & Discussion
2024-07-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, England, United States
The book documents the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums with surviving records in the US. Madness chronicles the stories of Black families whose mental health suffered as they tried, and sometimes failed, to find safety and dignity.
The initial book group discussion will take place on July 26th, 12-1pm via Zoom and monthly book discussions will occur on the
fourth Friday from 12-1pm.
Feel free to reach out for more information:
Beckyl-resiliency@wmtcinfo.org or Rafael@wmtcinfo.org

Breast Feeding In Person Class
2024-07-29 12:00 - 13:00

The Mediterranean Diet Eating for Longevity and Vitality
2024-07-31 18:00 - 19:00
A Healthier Way of Eating Series
Discover the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and kickstart your wellness journey. Join Dina Dugan, RD, clinical dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital, for a discussion that delves into what is a Mediterranean diet, practical meal plans and embracing a wholesome way of eating.
If you are interested in attending other virtual events, join our free Loyalty Programs, Senior Class and Baystate Health Every Woman for updates on events and articles.

Grandparent Connect: A Summit of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren from Western Mass
2024-08-01 10:00 - 12:00

Agosto clases para compradores de casa por primera vez de way finders
2024-08-03 09:00 - 14:00
August 3 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$50

Esta es una clase completa dividida en dos días:
3 y 10 de agosto.Horario: 9:00am a 2pm
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 Home Buyers Workshop
2024-08-03 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for our First Home Buyer Workshop!
We look forward to helping you achieve your credit and savings goals!
We hope you can make it!
*You must attend both sessions to receive credit*

Sunshine Village Annual Golf Tournament
2024-08-07 09:00 - 17:00
Join us for the
35th Annual Sunshine Village Golf Tournament!
Wednesday August 7, 2024, at the Chicopee Country Club
9:00 am Shotgun Start
SPONSORS register today! (using the form below)
THANK YOU TO OUR TOURNAMENT SPONSORS!
2024 SSV Closed Roster Golf Brochure
Any questions? Please e-mail Corinne Dumont at cdumont@sunshine.us or call her at 413/592-6142 X1113

60th Anniversary Kickoff Event
2024-08-07 09:30 - 11:30
We look forward to kicking off our 60th anniversary with a celebration and presentation of our 2024 scholarship award recipients.This event will be held at the UMass Amherst Center at Tower Square in Springfield on August 7th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.We hope you can join us to celebrate our six decades of success in our Springfield community, as well as wishing the best of luck to our scholarship recipients who are certain to have bright futures ahead!

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR FLEXIBLE FUNDING 2024
2024-08-07 14:00 - 15:00
Flexible Funding aims to provide unrestricted financial support to sustain day-to-day operations of organizations, enabling you to focus on your mission. At CFWM, equity is central to all our efforts. We especially welcome applications from smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have not yet received substantial institutional philanthropy. We also prioritize organizations deeply rooted in their communities.
This year, we are excited to announce a partnership with the MassMutual Foundation, offering an expansion of Flexible Funding grants specifically for Springfield-serving organizations. Additionally, we have expanded funding available in Franklin County. With a single application, organizations can apply for funding; our staff will decide which of the criteria your organization best meets.
CFWM Staff will hold virtual information sessions about the Flexible Funding 2024 grant opportunity. Information sessions will review the grant process, the application and criteria. They are as follows:
August 7, 2024: 2pm – 3pm (general)
August 13, 2024: 10am – 11am (support for submitting your budget)
August 23, 2024: 9am – 10am (general)
August 23, 2024: 10am – 11am (for fiscally sponsored organizations)

50th Online Auction Bidding Opens
2024-08-08 08:00 - 17:00
We’re thrilled to celebrate five decades of dedicated service to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their incredible caregivers. Your participation in this exciting auction not only promises a treasure trove of fantastic items but also helps us continue our mission of providing essential programs and support.
Get ready to bid, win, and make a meaningful impact! Let’s come together, have some fun, and ensure that everyone in our community can age with dignity and independence. Happy bidding!

HomeFront Strong Connects & Storytelling Volunteer Training
2024-08-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
HomeFront Strong Connects & Storytelling volunteer training will prepare you to provide community peer support to service members, veterans, and their families, through regular check-ins and the storytelling process
Check-ins are conducted at the convenience of the volunteer and matched individual
Ongoing support is provided to volunteers by HomeFront Strong staff
For more information on the program and to become a volunteer, visit: https://homefrontstrongus.org/about/volunteer/

Annual Backpack & School Supply Distribution
2024-08-10 10:00 - 12:00

MHA Grand Opening
2024-08-13 11:30 - 13:00 | 350 Memorial Drive , Chicopee, MA

August Credit Success Workshop
2024-08-13 17:30 - 20:30
August 13 @ 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.

Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains - Open Enrollment
2024-08-15 | The Western Mass Training Consortium, 187 High St, Holyoke, MA, United States
ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN for the Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains. This 6-week, in-person, certificate-only training program will serve as a foundation for Individuals, Support Care Specialists, and Caregivers to provide and engage in the spiritual care needs of the individuals with disabilities they support. Inter-faith spiritual care skills gained will help to support individual(s) with disabilities in a holistic way, by honoring the whole person.
Training Program Dates:
The training will take place every Thursday from 9 am-2 pm starting on October 3, 2024, until November 7, 2024.
Program Requirements:
• The student must be a non-chaplain.
• Students must work in the Human Services field.
• Students must submit a Letter of Recommendation from their Supervisor or Manager along with the enrollment application.
• Student must participate in all six (6) weeks of class to receive certificate**
The Spiritual Care Training Program for Non-Chaplains is limited to 10 students per session and will be honored on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have applied to the training program, and the program is full, you will receive a notification to be added to our waitlist for a future session.
For more information or to enroll, visit https://homecommunityconnections.org/spiritual-care
Questions? Please contact Social Justice and Spiritual Care Director, Reverend Gregory Jones @gjones@wmtcinfo.org.

August First-time Homebuyer Workshop (English)
2024-08-17 09:00 - 14:00
August 17 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$50

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:
Saturday, August 17, 9am-2pm
Saturday, August 24, 9am-2pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.

BackPack Giveaway
2024-08-17 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Ware Family Resource Center for our Backpack Giveaway on August 17th! Free backpacks will be available for the first 100 youth! Please note that youth must be present to receive a backpack. Have questions? Call (413) 277-6601 or email bhnfrc@bhninc.org.

Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Run/Walk
2024-08-18 08:00 - 17:00

How to Use Free Tools to Boost Your Non-Profits’s Online Visibility
2024-08-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Online Event, MA, United States
Tuesday, August 20th 9am -10am
Free for HSF Members
Most non-profit leaders agree that having a strong online presence is crucial for their organizations to engage with supporters, attract donors, and raise awareness for their cause. However, challenges such as limited budgets, broad target audiences, and reliance on volunteers sometimes make marketing seem like an insurmountable mountain to climb.
This workshop is tailored to address these challenges and provide you with a practical framework and launchpad to help you leverage free tools to boost your non-profit’s visibility.
What You’ll Learn

Key Components of Online Visibility Understand the essential elements of a strong online presence, including website optimization, social media engagement, search engine optimization, and content marketing.
Top Free Tools for Digital Marketing We will then go through some of the top free tools online to help you nail the above-mentioned components of online visibility.
How to ask the right questions No need to be confused by marketing jargon. We’ll talk about the main things you need to know when you’re bringing in someone to help with your digital marketing and how to ask the right questions so you can keep your finger on the pulse. (This year, all non-profits in Western Mass can get volunteer help with their digital marketing at no cost through the Catchafire program so this is a great place to start).

Why Attend?

Gain valuable insights and practical tips from a digital marketing expert who has worked with many non-profits.
Get clarity. Know what you need to focus on to get results.
Learn how to find free tools, leverage specials for non-profits

Presenter:
The workshop will be presented by Fungai Tichawangana, founder of Artist Dynamix, a digital marketing agency based in Amherst MA. Fungai has built an impressive career at the intersection of journalism and digital marketing, focusing on how creatives and non-profits can best leverage the power of the Internet. In 2015, he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard. Since moving to Western Massachusetts in 2018, he has done work for The Community Foundation of Western MA, The ArtsHub of Western MA, and the WriteAngles Conference, among others.

Thank you to our Training Sponsors

HSF Annual Sponsors

Voices in Food Equity: Nourishing Tomorrow's Leaders
2024-08-21 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for Voices in Food Equity: Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders on Wednesday, August 21st at Berkshire Community College from 5:00-7:30 PM. This crucial event will address childhood hunger as well as its impact on students through college in Western Massachusetts. We’re excited to learn about community-driven solutions and the importance of legislative action together as a community. Register using the link below!
This event is completely free however space is limited. So, secure your seat now and join us for incredible discussions and delicious hors d’oeuvres!

Focus on Your Future
2024-08-21 18:00 - 19:00
Get ready to learn the basics of making a budget, how to read a credit report, and what can be done to correct errors that may negatively affect your credit rating. Led by HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach Amy Hoerle, the workshop will also cover your rights as a consumer and how to make the most of them. The workshop is free to attendees, but registration is required.​
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The same course will be offered on back-to-back days. Which day works better for your schedule?
