Living Well with Long-Term Health Conditions
2024-10-18 12:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
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.

The Balancing Act
2024-10-30 16:00 - 18:00
Do you have a fear of falling? Have you ever been told you are slightly off balance? Join Baystate Rehabilitation Care experts and Danyel Adams, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy, for an interactive event on fall prevention. Discussion will include individual risk factors with instructions for specific exercises to improve balance; cognitive strategies to reduce risk of falling: information about environmental safety and equipment that may help prevent falls; a falls-prevention checklist and prevention strategies; the impact of medications; and information about the types of fall injuries.

Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Deep Dive
2024-10-30 18:00 - 19:00
Triple-Negative breast cancer presents unique challenges. Join Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj, Hematology/Oncology, Baystate Regional Cancer Program, for a discussion that
explores a detailed look into its diagnosis, treatment strategies, and how to navigate its complexities.

UCLA Memory Training
2024-10-31 14:00 - 16:00
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
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
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

Bingo Night
2024-11-01 18:00 - 20:30
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
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
