Lymph Node Surgery for Breast Cancer
2024-10-10 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
When breast cancer is diagnosed, it’s important to get as much information as possible. To help find out where and if the cancer has spread, lymph nodes can be removed and checked and, in some cases, more lymph nodes may be removed. Join Dr. Holly Mason, Breast Surgeon, Chief of Breast Surgery, Baystate Surgical Oncology & Breast Specialists, for a discussion about lymph node surgery when diagnosing and treating breast cancer.

60th Anniversary Celebration
2024-10-10 18:00 - 21:00

Every Brilliant Thing
2024-10-10 19:30 - 21:30
A hilarious and heartbreaking play by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe. Directed by Joshua Prouser.Featuring Brian Rucci.
“You’re six years old. Mum’s in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. 1. Ice cream. 2. Kung Fu movies. 3. Burning things. 4. Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose. 5. Construction cranes. 6. Me. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own. A play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love.”
Content warning: death, suicide, and depression are discussed.
Tickets: $10 online, $15 at the doorhttps://www.eventbrite.com/…/unity-house-players…

Bingo and Brew
2024-10-12 16:00 - 20:00

Service Enterprise Cohorts
2024-10-15 10:00 - 11:00
MSA is currently seeking organizations from ALL regions of Massachusetts to join our 2025 Service Enterprise cohorts! The Service Enterprise Initiative is a transformational training program that strategically enhances an organization’s ability to engage volunteers and advance their mission. This nationally recognized certification is the gold standard in volunteer engagement and is proven to increase efficiency and effectiveness across all levels of your organization. Learn more about Service Enterprise and see current and past nonprofit participants by visiting our website and attending one of the following Info Sessions.

SEI Info Session #1* — registration link
Date: October 15th
Time: 10 am – 11 am
SEI Info Session #2* — registration link
Date: December 5th
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm

*If you are not able to attend these sessions live and you would still like to hear the information, please still register and you will be sent a link to the recording of the session.

Screening Dense Breasts
2024-10-15 18:00 - 19:00
When a person is at higher risk for breast cancer or has dense breasts, the frequency of mammography and the procedures of detection can vary. Join Dr. Vivian Miller, Radiologist, Baystate Health, for a discussion about mammograms vs MRIs, screening dense breasts, and expert recommendations for early detection of breast cancer.

Credit Success Workshop
2024-10-16 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.

Youth Career Pathways Initiative Grant 2025 Open
2024-10-17 08:00 - 17:00
MSA is thrilled to announce the return of our Youth Career Pathways Initiative, supported by AmeriCorps’ Volunteer Generation Fund.

WHAT: Matching grants up to $20,000 that support the creation, expansion and/or replication of promising models that better engage volunteers in youth career development programming/support OR engage youth in skill-building/career development service
WHO: Nonprofits and Volunteer Connector Organizations
WHEN: Applications are due Friday, November 1, 2024; funding runs from January 2025 – August 2025

You can read the full request for proposals here. If you want to learn more about this funding opportunity, please attend the upcoming Youth Career Pathways Initiative Grant Info Session on October 8th at 11 am. Register for the YCPI info session using this link.*

*If you are not able to attend this session live and you would still like to hear the information, please still register and you will be sent a link to the recording of the session.

Domestic Violence Awareness
2024-10-17 16:00 - 18:00

Fall Funtastic
2024-10-17 16:00 - 19:00
Join us in celebrating the fall season at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley! Activities included for free upon registration are Hayrides, a Petting Zoo, and Pumpkin Picking & Decorating! We will provide a “judgment-free zone” where all individuals are welcome! Sensory items like fidgets and earplugs will be available for free. Autism Connections will provide nut-free and gluten-free snacks in the Pavilion Area. To best ensure the safety of all families and individuals, we request that Parents/Caregivers/ Providers remain with their participant throughout the duration of the event.

Living Well with Long-Term Health Conditions
2024-10-18 12:30 - 15:00
Fridays, October 18–November 22, 12:30–3 p.m.

Techniques to improve symptoms of chronic conditions, such as healthy eating, relaxation techniques, communicating, goal-setting, problem solving, and more.

Fall Funtastic
2024-10-18 14:00 - 17:30
Join us in celebrating the fall season at Whitney’s Farm in Cheshire MA! Activities included for free upon registration are Hayrides, a Corn Maze, and Pumpkin Picking & Decorating! We will provide a “judgment-free zone” where all individuals are welcome! Sensory items like fidgets and earplugs will be available for free. Food is available for purchase at the location, but we cannot guarantee that the facility is free of allergens. Autism Connections will provide nut-free and gluten-free snacks in the Picnic Table area.

Kane's Pawsome 5K run/walk
2024-10-19 08:30 - 13:00
Kane’s Pawsome 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 19th, 2024
Szot Park, 687 Front Street,
Chicopee, MA
8:30 am – 1:00 pm
**Registration Opens at 8:30 am
Race Starts at 10 am

32 Annual Walkathon
2024-10-19 10:00 - 13:00
This annual fundraiser for LifePath provides a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and to support our Meals on Wheels program, among other life-changing programs. Check-In and Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with our official start of the event at 10 a.m. This family-friendly event will have games, activities, and information tables from LifePath, as well as our community partners and event sponsors. In addition, there will also be music and entertainment, food, refreshments, and much more.

Roundhouse Rally Classic Car Show
2024-10-19 12:00 - 16:00

Fall Food Festival
2024-10-19 12:00 - 20:00

Understanding Disability History & Culture
2024-10-22 16:00 - 18:00

Working with a Temp Agency
2024-10-23 09:00 - 12:30 | NCYF Building; 203 East St, Easthampton, 203 East St, Easthampton, MA, 01027, United States
HSF proudly presents our new Recruitment and Retention Series. This series designed for HR Professionals and Executive level Managers takes a deep dive in six topics to help find and keep the right people for your organization.
From understand why you gravitate towards some people, to understanding your “why” so you can instill it in others, we take a deep dive with a diverse team of experts.
The most requested topics for workshops are ones centered around recruitment and retention. You asked, we listened!
Select individual sessions or save by selecting the full series. Select an agency spot, and send a different person to each training.

Series dates and Topics (detailed descriptions being added as they come in):

Working with a Temp Agency- On 10/23

This presentation aims to introduce the Human Service Industry to the benefits of working with staffing agencies. It will cover key benefits such as reduced administrative burden, access to a wider talent pool, and cost-effective staffing strategies tailored to the unique needs of the human services sector. By leveraging the expertise of staffing agencies, Human Service Organizations can improve their operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and ultimately make a greater impact in their communities.
Presented by Mark Ellis- Arbor Associates

HR Communications and Challenges- On 10/30

Presenter Jay Talbot- Guidewire

Understanding and Separating Bias- on 11/6

Do you wonder why are naturally drawn to some people and gloss over others? When meeting others you may notice you instantly are favorable to some people and cautious around others. Does that change as you get to know them? During this session we will explore the reasons for this, and draw attention how this might affect interviewing, hiring, or creating a work environment, and use this knowledge to do what is best for your organization.
Presented by Matanor Shucker (this session is Virtual Only)

Job Descriptions, Evals, and Expectations Through an Equity Lens- on 11/13

Objectives

Recognize systems that exist which are directly responsible for invisible barriers
Explore their personal bias and articulate its contributions to conflict and non-productivity in the workplace.
Demonstrate cultural awareness and competence.
Identify language and terms that are harmful and offensive.

Learning Outcomes

Evaluate an organization’s hierarchy and how those structures do not add to building equity and belonging.
Understand Affirmative Action on a deeper level.
Gain a greater understanding of your cultural values, biases, and behaviors and how they impact your interactions amidst diversity.
Explore how language and communication influence whom you attract to your business.
Expand knowledge of policy and systems that innately keep some folks out.

Presented by Traci Talbert- African American Female Presenter Award Association

Creating a Program of Employee Wellness and Support- on 11/20

Presented by Val Francis and Nicole Polite

Celebrating the Why- On 12/4

Want to know why your work is really important? This workshop will help you dig deep into your organization’s story. We’ll talk about how understanding your mission and values can light a fire within you. Discover how a clear sense of purpose can attract the right people, inspire innovation, and build lasting connections. Learn the art of storytelling to share your passion with the world and make a real difference.
Presented by Becca Coolong- Human Service Forum
9am- 12:30pm all session
$600 HSF Members
$1200 Not Yet Members

HSF Training Sponsors

HSF Annual Sponsors

The Good Kind of Fat, Nutritional Fat Facts
2024-10-23 18:00 - 19:00
A Healthier Way of Eating Series
Get the facts on fats and join Dina Dugan, RD, clinical dietician, Baystate Noble Hospital, for a discussion about dietary fats, good ones and ones to avoid. Find out how fats affect your health, the best dietary sources, tips for smarter eating and how to enhance your diet with expert insights.

Financial Literacy Workshop: "Keep it safe: Protecting your identity"
2024-10-23 18:00 - 19:30

The Bash- Celebrating 20 years of Whole Children and Milestones
2024-10-23 18:30 - 21:30 | Northampton Center For the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA, United States
We’re throwing a party featuring our own Friendship Band playing along with indie rock faves Yo La Tengo.
All tickets benefit the programs of Whole Children and Milestones — providing affordable and accessible classes for children with disabilities for 20 years!
Early Bird tickets end 9/15. 100% of ticket sales benefit Whole Children and Milestones.

African American Female Professor Awards
2024-10-24 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-26 18:00 - 23:00
The African American Female Professor Award Association is celebrating 8 years of recognizing Black women in higher education. We will have a two-part celebration.
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, on the Campus of Elms College, there will be the awards with a keynote speaker.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel will be the Ball and a keynote speaker

BFAIR 30th Anniversary Celebration
2024-10-25 16:30 - 20:30 | The Williams Inn, 1090 Main Street, Williamstown, MA, 01267, United States
Come Party like it’s 1994 with BFAIR!
Incorporated in 1994, we are thrilled to celebrate our organization’s 30th year providing services to people of all abilities around Berkshire, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. This event will take place at Williams Inn on October 25th, 2024 from 4:30pm- 8:30pm, with VIP hour from 4:30pm-5:30pm. To fully celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting guests to party like it’s 1994 with BFAIR!
Over the past 30 years, we’ve had the opportunity to provide quality, individualized services to people with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury. We are so grateful to our supportive community of individuals, families, and businesses who have championed this work. As we look towards the next 30 years, we are excited to celebrate and reflect on all the tremendous services provided and the impact it has made for so many people.

2024 Chicopee Thriller 5K
2024-10-26 11:00 - 14:00
Each year the Thriller 5K benefits a different Chicopee Chamber nonprofit member. This year, with October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, half of all proceeds go to benefit Alianza DV Services. Serving all of Hampden county, Alianza (formerly Womanshelter/Companeras) is dedicated to assisting, supporting and empowering those whose lives are affected by domestic violence. Founded in 1980, Alianza has assisted more than 30,000 individuals seeking refuge from abuse by providing a 24-hour crisis Hotline, emergency shelter placement, individual safety planning, and court-based assistance.

Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer
2024-10-27 08:00 - 13:00
Show Your Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Grab your Rays of Hope gear (or, order it today), lace up your shoes, and join us as we take off from Temple Beth El at 979 Dickinson Street in Springfield, MA, and walk and run toward the cure of breast cancer. For the past 31 years, Rays of Hope has been an important resource in the western Massachusetts community, raising funds that stay local to support breast cancer care, research, and education. Our survivors need us more than ever. Join in the fight today.
More About Rays of Hope
Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has been helping individuals in the fight against breast cancer by walking alongside them on their cancer journey. Through the Baystate Health Breast Network, Rays of Hope cares for the whole person from diagnosis and beyond by supporting research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, providing funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast health programs and outreach and education throughout Baystate Health, support to patients and survivors, as well as providing grants for complementary therapies and cancer programs to our community partners throughout western Massachusetts.
Rays of Hope has raised over $17.2 million to date. All funds raised remain local in western Massachusetts.

“Basics of Advanced Care Planning,”
2024-10-28 10:00 - 11:30
LifePath’s Healthy Living Program’s “Wellness Unplugged” Continues in October 2024.

“Wellness Unplugged” invites community members living with challenging health conditions to meet on Zoom monthly with area professionals who teach about the health topics that we thirst to learn more about and our workshops just touch on. We then take time after the presentation to support each other in finding ways to apply the information to our lives. October’s group is entitled “Basics of Advanced Care Planning,” and will be held on October 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Description of “Basics of Advanced Care Planning”:
Using the Honoring Choices Massachusetts Getting Started Tool Kit, we will discuss and define Advanced Care Planning, walk participants through the process of selecting a healthcare agent, teach participants how to complete a Health Care Proxy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and discuss how to transfer their healthcare wishes to a Personal Directive document.

Lenora Johnson, Evidenced-Based Program Coordinator at Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc., has a background in healthcare as a Registered Nurse providing care for older adults in a variety of settings. She is trained as a certified advanced care plan facilitator with Respecting Choices and is an Ambassador with Honoring Choices Massachusetts.

Know it Before You Need It: Veterans Elder Benefits
2024-10-28 16:00 - 18:00

Financial Literacy Series
2024-10-29 16:30 - 17:30
Liberty Bank Financial Literacy Series
with Springfield Housing Authority

Tuesday every Month beginning Oct 29 4:30 to 5:30
82 Division Street Springfield, MA
Oct 29: Money Management: How and Why to Bank?
Nov26: Money Management- How to work with a budget!
Dec 17: Credit: How to build/ rebuild credit and why?
Jan 25: First Time Home Buyer
Feb 25: How to avoid fraud!
March 25: Academy for Small Business
Liberty Bank is Partnering with Springfield Housing Authority to offer
Financial Wellness to Community.
There is no fee associated with this information sessions. All are
welcome and encouraged.
Knowledge is power, let us help you grow!

Insight on Multiple Sclerosis
2024-10-29 18:00 - 19:00
Gain crucial knowledge about multiple sclerosis (MS). Join Dr. James A.D. Otis, Neurologist, Baystate Neurology, for a discussion about MS, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments to support better diagnosis and management.
