Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
2026-02-17 11:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Are you in Middle School or High School and want to learn about managing money?
This FREE financial education workshop will help you understand money and set goals you can hit! You’ll learn about:
– Budgeting and spending wisely
– Banking
– Credit
– Plus more!
FREE LUNCH, gift cards to each participant, and raffles, too!

Get started on your money goals with Way Finders. We’re a local nonprofit dedicated to giving people the tools they need to achieve their financial goals.

Health and Wellness Expo
2026-02-18 16:00 - 19:00
Meet with local providers of a wide range of health and wellness services.

Scholarship Opportunities Drop In Sessions
2026-02-20 12:00 - 15:00

Gnome Luminary Workshop Fundraiser
2026-02-20 18:00 - 20:30

18 Degrees at Berkshire United Way 10X The Fun Festival
2026-02-21 15:30 - 17:30
Saturday, February 21 from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Part of the 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival, February 12-22
Join 18 Degrees and other community partners for this FREE family festival! Activities include:

Children’s activities, Paint and Sip, mini dance lessons, an 18 Degrees’ photo booth
Information and resources provided by community partners
Snacks provided by Zion Lutheran Church

For more details, please see Berkshire United Way’s event page: Berkshire United Way 10x The Fun

Supporting Dads to Support Moms
2026-02-24 11:00 - 14:00

Clothing Giveaway
2026-02-25 17:30 - 19:00
We’re excited to partner with Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts to offer gently used children’s clothing (sizes newborn to 18/20) at our Family Resource Center next week! Stop by, meet our staff, and discover all the FRC has to offer—plus pick up some great clothes for your kids!

JA’s Celebrity Bartender
2026-02-26 17:00 - 21:00
JA’s Celebrity Bartender event is a fundraiser where well-known people in the community get behind the bar to serve drinks to raise funds for JAWM programs, empowering youth to own their economic success. Donations come through your tips to the bartenders, so tip well —100% of bar and online tips benefit JA programs for the young people of Western Massachusetts.
Celebrity Bartenders:
Xiomara Alban DeLobato, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council
Matt Bannister, PeoplesBank
Janna Brown, Western Mass News and TJO Foundation
Kristin Carlson, Peerless Precision
Nate Costa, Springfield Thunderbirds
Dave Ference, PeoplesBank
Jeff Goulet, Loophole Brewing
Ryan Hess, Florence Bank
DJ Onyx, Vision Entertainment
Rob Jones, USI Insurance
Danielle Langevin, Lock and Key Realty
Siobhan Matty, St. Germain Investment Management
Mary McGovern, Country Bank
Jorge Morgado, Allied Paint and Flooring and Budget Cabinet Sales
Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank
Senator Jake Oliveira- Massachusetts Senate
Jeff Sattler, Liberty Bank
John “Sully” Sullivan, Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant
Nate Tassinari, TD Bank
Attorney Chris Todd, President, Hampden County Lawyers for Justice, Inc.
Joe Williams, bankESB
Heather Zielenski, Westfield Bank
We hope you’ll invite friends, family, and co-workers! It is always a fun night out! You can expect to see a lot of people you know, including local politicians, business and community leaders and more. You’ll enjoy great company, delicious food and drinks while supporting financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs for our youth. Additionally, you can enter to win some great raffle prizes with the purchase of raffle tickets.
There will be a full cash bar and Nathan Bill’s has great menu options to try! Parking is available in their parking lot, too.
We also have live music from Presz-Perry Accousic!
Donations can be made in person at the event or online:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/jaowm/event/celebritybartendersforja2026/

From Heart Transplant Recipient to Transplant Cardiologist
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:00
Join Dr. Colby Salerno for a discussion about his extraordinary journey from heart transplant recipient to transplant cardiologist, offering a rare perspective on modern cardiac medicine. The presentation will also explore advances in LVAD therapy, heart transplantation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

BHMA Concert Series
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00

Memory Training
2026-02-27 12:30 - 14:30
A four-week workshop series (2 hours for each session), this workshop is for people with mild age-related memory challenges, Memory Training teaches memory-enhancing techniques and practical strategies to boost memory functioning. Not intended for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Winter 2026: Fridays from February 27-March 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m. In-person at the Holyoke Senior Center

Summer 2026: Mondays, June 1-22, 1:00-3:00 p.m. In-person at Chicopee RiverMills Senior Center
Fall 2026: Tuesdays, October 6 – 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. In-person at Mont Marie Senior Housing, Holyoke

Winter Skate
2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:15
Join Us for CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation‘s All In: Barrier Free Recreation’s on February 28, 2026 at Cyr Arena! The Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey Staff & Volunteers will take on the Springfield Thunderbirds Charity Team in a stand-up hockey game starting at 1:00 p.m. Cheer on your favorite team, then join in for inclusive skating, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.! Buy your tickets today to help raise funds to support All In’s Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey teams. Proceeds of this event will go to purchasing adaptive equipment, and ice time for practices.-$10 per person | $30 Family 4-Pack-Purchase Tickets here https://app.etapestry.com/…/CenterforH…/winterskate.html-Adaptive sleds available (reserve in advance by contacting Jessica at jlevine@chd.org); milk crates available at no cost.-Ice skate rentals: $5 (paid to Cyr Arena)-Music, hot cocoa, bake sale & 50/50 raffle!For questions about the event, please contact Jessica at jlevine@chd.org. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Kristin Sleeper at ksleeper@chd.org.

Arc-A-Palooza 3
2026-02-28 19:00 - 21:00
If you or anyone you know are interested in performing, message us! or email Stevie at stephaniecormier@theunitedarc.org

Dementia Journey Group at The Shelburne Senior Center
2026-03-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Senior Center Shelburne Falls, 7 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370, United States
Join us for an 8-session group for people living with early stage dementia and their care partners to equip themselves with resources and peer connections to help navigate the journey ahead.
The group will center around Ariadne Labs’ Living Well with Dementia Toolkit, providing concrete strategies for enhancing quality of life.
Sessions cover essential topics such as relationships, daily living, future planning, health, and dementia supports.
A light meal will be provided!
Meeting at The Shelburne Senior Center
Limited Space. Registration Required. Call or email to learn more:
Contact LifePath’s Information & Caregiver Resource Center (ICRC) at 413-773-5555 X1230, or email info@lifepathma.org
This group is funded through a grant from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence

Dementia Journey
2026-03-02 10:00 - 12:00

Whole Children Spring Session Registration open
2026-03-04 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-04 13:30 - 17:00
Social and fun afternoon and Saturday classes for people ages 3-100 with disabilities and/or autism in Northampton. Open to all! Learn more and sign up for classes.

Each class costs $95 for the session with the exception of Cooking Classes, which cost $120 to cover the cost of food. If you register for four or more classes you will receive a 20% discount off the total cost. Discount will show in cart.
Events are free for anyone enrolled in classes. For those not currently taking a class, event admission is $10.
Class sizes are limited; register early to secure a spot in a desired class.
Please note that all age ranges are suggestions only. Please contact us at info@wholechildren.org or (413) 585-8010 if you’re interested in signing up for a class outside of the posted age range.

Northampton DHHS Community Forum
2026-03-05 17:30 - 19:00
The City of Northampton Department of Health and Human Services and the Northampton Board of Health will host a community forum on Thursday, March 5, providing an opportunity for open dialogue and public discussion about a proposed Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) policy. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and share perspectives. No deliberations or votes will occur at this forum. The Nicotine-Free Generation policy is a forward-looking public health approach that would gradually phase out the sale of nicotine products to future generations by establishing a birth-year cutoff for legal sales.

AI for Nonprofits
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:00
COSA is pleased to invite you to our upcoming session, Intro to AI for Businesses and Nonprofits, where we will explore how to transition artificial intelligence from a tech concept into a practical tool for our daily work. This session is designed to demystify how AI can support our missions – specifically by streamlining outreach, enhancing data analysis, and simplifying administrative tasks – while keeping our professional standards front and center. We will also prioritize a meaningful discussion on the ethical side of tech, covering essential topics like data privacy, bias, and responsible implementation. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity or simply want a clearer understanding of these emerging tools, we hope you’ll join us to learn how we can adopt AI thoughtfully and strategically to amplify our impact.

Tuesday, March 10th at 10am-11am on Zoom.

Credit Success Workshop
2026-03-10 17:30 - 20:30
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.

Undoing Racism Community Organizing Training
2026-03-10 18:00 - 20:00

Woven Together: Intergenerational Village Quilt Project
2026-03-11 16:00 - 18:00

Leaders Lounge
2026-03-12 08:30 - 10:00 | United Way of Pioneer Valley, 1441 Main Street, Suite 137, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Join us for Leaders Lounge—a free, informal monthly meetup on the second Thursday of every month for nonprofit leaders and community builders.
Hosted by United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Community Leadership Connect, it’s a space to share ideas, test solutions, and learn of best practices. All are welcome to join the conversation!
Come as you are to connect, grow, and recharge in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. We can’t wait to see you there!

Strengths and Vulnerabilities of the Young Adult Brain
2026-03-12 17:00
Dr. Frances Jensen ’78, acclaimed author of The Teenage Brain, will speak at a Presidential Colloquium on Thursday, March 12 at 5 p.m. in Sage Hall.
Jensen is the Arthur Knight Asbury, MD, Professor of Neurology and Chair of Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and co-director of the Penn Translational Neuroscience Center. An internationally recognized neuroscientist, her research focuses on the mechanisms of epilepsy and its interaction with other neurological conditions, including autism and dementia. She has authored more than 175 scientific publications in these fields.
A recipient of the Smith Medal in 2020, Jensen is also a leading expert in adolescent brain development—its unique strengths and vulnerabilities—and the implications for medical care, education, and social policy affecting teenagers and young adults. Jensen’s New York Times bestselling book The Teenage Brain has been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide.
During her talk, Jensen will share the latest research on the adolescent and young adult brain, exploring how emerging societal forces—including artificial intelligence, the proliferation of social media, cannabis legalization, and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—are shaping brain development and behavior.
Jensen graduated from Smith in 1978 before attending Cornell Medical College and obtaining her neurology residency training at the Harvard Longwood Neurology Residency Program.
Dr. Jensen’s presentation will be open to the public. It will not be recorded or livestreamed.

Let's Talk Risk
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:00
Join Us for the “Let’s Talk Risk!” For A Parent/Guardian Workshop Series!

Beat the Odds invites all parents and guardians to participate in our engaging Problem Gambling Awareness Workshops this March.

This series is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to protect and support your youth while fostering a stronger, informed community.

Workshop Series Details:
March 12, 2026 – 5:30 – 7:30 PM 65 Lincoln St., Springfield
March 16, 2026 – 5:30 – 7:00 PM 136 Surrey Rd., Springfield
March 19, 2026 – 5:30 – 7:00 PM Location TBD

Why Attend?
These workshops will provide valuable insights into understanding gambling risks, how to identify signs of problem gambling, and ways to foster open conversations with your children.

We are proud to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services, and our partner organizations New North Citizen’s Council and South End Community Center, dedicated to youth well-being.

We can Beat The Odds for our youth!!!

Register today by scanning the QR code on the graphic or visiting: https://rcgd.org/8esMWG or link in bio.

First Time Homebuyer Workshop
2026-03-14 09:00 - 14:00
Become a certified first-time homebuyer with Way Finders! Learn from local real estate professionals about the homebuying process.
The course covers finding, financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Participants receive a certificate of completion that is necessary to access several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products.
This is a two-part IN PERSON workshop:
Saturdays, 9am-2pm
March 14 and 21
Cost of the workshop is $75 per household, nonrefundable.

BFAIR Bike Helmet Distribution
2026-03-18 10:00 - 14:00
With support from Greylock Federal Credit Union, and supporting sponsor, BIAMA, BFAIR will be distributing bike helmets for children and adults to promote brain health and safety in Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley.
150 helmets for youth ages 6-13 and 100 helmets for 14+ will be distributed free-of-charge.

Hampden County Housing Forum
2026-03-18 17:30 - 20:00
Hampden County faces urgent housing challenges — and meaningful opportunities. Join us for the Hampden County Housing Conversation – a regional conversation about where we are, what the data tells us, and how we move forward together.
At this event you will:

Learn about housing in Hampden County
Be among the first to explore key findings from Building Homes. Building Futures., the new four-county regional housing study conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute and join a conversation to help shape future housing strategies for the region. At this event, you’ll gain:

A clear picture of current housing trends and needs in Hampden County
Insights into regional gaps and growth opportunities
New tools communities can use to plan, produce, and preserve housing
A chance to discuss practical strategies you can apply locally
An opportunity to provide input on the next Regional Housing Plan

Help create a regional housing plan
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is leading the update of the Pioneer Valley Regional Housing Plan to help communities in Hampden and Hampshire Counties address today’s housing challenges and plan for long term housing needs. This event will serve as the public kickoff of that effort.
Grounded in regional data, local knowledge, and community input, the plan will establish shared priorities and practical strategies to increase housing supply, improve affordability, support a range of housing types, and strengthen coordination across municipalities.
Input gathered at this forum will directly shape the goals, strategies, and implementation actions of the Regional Housing Plan.

LifePath In-Service Training – Building a Trauma-Informed Community
2026-03-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
Description:
This training supports attendees to better understand the impacts of trauma, and provides strategies for how to account for and address these impacts. The training includes an overview of the research on the effects of trauma and the principles of trauma-informed
care, followed by practical tools for examining one’s practices and making them more trauma-informed. The impact of working with populations exposed to trauma on staff is also discussed.
Presented by: David Kieval, Supervising Psychologist at CSO

HSF Lunch and Learn: Fundraising Support Through Catchafire
2026-03-19 12:30 - 15:00 | MHA, 350 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA, 01020, United States
HSF is happy to welcome Sean Rose, Director for Non Profit Success at Catchafire, and Andrea Jones, Manager of Non Profit Success, as we discuss Catchafire’s new fundraising support and tools over a box lunch by Frigo’s Catering. Catchafire is available to HSF Members thanks to the Beveridge Foundation, Community Foundation and the Irene & George Davis Foundation.
All attendees are asked to bring a laptop if possible.
$50 for HSF Members

Need access to Catchafire? HSF Member can request a log in HERE

PRESENTERS:
Sean Rose (he/him)
Director of Nonprofit Success, Catchafire
www.linkedin.com/in/seanvrose/
I am a bridge-builder. My work exists at the intersection between philanthropy, nonprofits, and CSR. With a career that spans continents, time zones, and cause areas, I bring deep experience in the philanthropic sector and a passion to continue building a more just and empathetic world. I am a strategic thinker, a compassionate leader, and a committed ally. I understand the complexity and urgency of solving social issues and help leaders to imagine new possibilities.

Andrea Jones (she/her)
Manager of Nonprofit Success, Catchafire
With nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofits of all shapes and sizes, I’ve had the opportunity to do everything from cold-calling to recruit walk participants to leading national volunteer engagement initiatives. That range of experience has given me a deep appreciation for the many moving parts and dedicated people that make mission-driven work successful. I bring an organized, thoughtful approach to every room I facilitate. I’m a strategic thinker and a committed ally to nonprofits and those working to make the world a better place. I’m passionate about learning and growth, and I believe the best training sessions are both educational and genuinely fun. From the great state of Michigan, I bring Midwestern warmth and an enthusiasm unknown to mankind (and if given the chance, I’ll happily talk about Michigan for hours).
Thank you to our Breakfast Sponsors and Annual Sponsors for sponsoring this event.
Breakfast Sponsors

HSF Annual Sponsors
