SUPERSIZE YOUR TEAM WHILE YOU INVEST IN RETENTION- Free Introductory Session to Matanor's My Superpower Teambuilding Training.
2024-03-07 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Registration is now closed, please contact Jeff, jtingley@humanserviceforum.org with any inquiries.
Join us for a free introduction to our special teambuilding and retention training series, presented by international trainer, Matanor. Learn how to tap into your team’s superpowers, letting them bring more of themselves into the workplace so they are more valuable and feel more valued.

“The feedback was amazing. Matanor has a unique ability to get others to “open up” and “be real.” I heard that during the sessions, Directors came together, shared thoughts and at times got emotional. They broke some of the barriers that were created by a couple years of difficult times due to COVID and short staffing…
Even a member of the training with the maintenance and facilities group said that her most important comment about the program was that the training should have been longer.”

– Jay Talbot- Vice President of Human Resources, Guidewire

Meet Matanor:
Matanor has a been working in the leadership field for 20 years. His passion for the work comes from his fascination with people and his belief that being part of a team is a place of personal and professional development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from The Academic College of Tel-Aviv’ Yafo, A master’s degree in Political Science and Government from University of Haifa and Master of Education- MEd from Kibbutzim College. He currently lives in Israel with his husband of 2 years and enjoys international travel, exploring new cultures, cooking and hanging out with his nieces and nephews.

Harm Reduction in a Social Work World
2024-03-08 08:00 - 17:00
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Jessica O’Neill, LCSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
This course will review the basics of harm reduction as well as offering a drugs 101 of how substances can impact the individual, including mental health and other life areas. This training also reviews harm reduction techniques and interventions that can be utilized when working with someone who uses drugs. Participants will learn about current substances that are frequently used and how to recognize any signs or symptoms of use and possible overdose.
Participants will explore the connection between substance use and mental health and learn the factors to consider in establishing a trusting relationship with a client who is using substances, in order to provide the most appropriate and effective support to them. Finally, participants will discuss systemic issues that contribute to the stigma and judgment placed on drug users and how to be part of the change in those systems on a micro level.

Once upon a Prom
2024-03-08 18:00 - 23:00
Once Upon A Prom – Fundraising Benefit For Square One Springfield
Join us for a magical evening at the Country Club of Wilbraham in Wilbraham, MA. Get ready to dance the night away and create unforgettable memories at this in-person event.
Slope to Shore Team of William Raveis has partnered with Meara Law to host Once Upon A Prom, a fundraising benefit for Square One Springfield. Square One Springfield is a local organization dedicated to providing essential support and resources for children and families in need. By attending Once Upon A Prom, you’ll be contributing to a great cause while having a blast!
Grab your most glamorous attire and prepare for an enchanting night filled with music, laughter, and joy. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the decorations to the delicious food and drinks.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference in your community and have a fantastic time doing it. Grab your friends and get ready for a prom night like no other!

First Time Homebuyer Workshop
2024-03-09 09:00 - 14:00
Virtual

9:00 am

$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 virtual workshop:
Saturday, March 9, 9am-2pmSaturday, March 16, 9am-2pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Create a Way Finders account at www.wayfinders.org/login to register.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.

Field Notes
2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Academy of Music, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Field Notes returns!
Get your tickets now for Field Notes, CISA’s live storytelling event celebrating the many ways local food and farming leave their mark on our lives and in our communities. This show is for everyone who grows, cooks, or eats food!
Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Doors at 1:30 pm
(Note this is the Sunday of the time change!)
Academy of Music Theatre
274 Main Street, Northampton, MA
General Admission Ticket Prices:
$10.00 – $30.00 (All Fees Included)
Free public parking on Sundays!
Buy tickets online at
http://tinyurl.com/CISAFN2024

COSA Meets Rural Affairs
2024-03-12 10:00 - 12:00
Join COSA on Tuesday, March 12 for a zoom with special guest Anne Gobi, Director of Rural Affairs in Governor Healey’s administration. Director Gobi will give an overview of the office, what has been worked on, and what is coming next. She will also speak to the rural pieces within the Governor’s budget with a focus on the recently filed Municipal Empowerment Act and the alignment with COSA and Hampshire County. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure that the concerns of western Mass nonprofits and their clients are heard by the current administration.

Charting the LifeCourse: Explore, Plan, Problem-solve
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Join Family Empowerment for a webinar about Charting the LifeCourse with Donna Kushi,
Pathlight’s Charting the LifeCourse Mentor. The LifeCourse tools are a person-centered and
powerful method to organize your thoughts when creating a life plan for, and with a loved one. If
you haven’t yet tried using these tools, this is a perfect opportunity to become familiar with the
process and as an preparation session for a free 1-1 consultation.*
Discussion topics include:
• What is Charting the LifeCourse?
• Why would you use the LIfeCourse tools?
• How to begin?
You will also receive expert tips and resources. Please email Christy with any questions:
christy.castro@pathlightgroup.org.
Learn more about LifeCourse tools here: http://www.lifecoursetools.com/.

National Gambling Disorder Screening Day
2024-03-12 14:00 - 16:00
Join Us for this Important Event!
On Tuesday, March 12th from 2:00 – 4:00, the Northampton Recovery Center, with the support of the Forbes Public Library will be providing free screening for Gambling Disorder.
Gambling Disorder leads to financial, emotional, social, occupational, and physical harms, yet many cases go undetected and untreated. Screening identifies individuals who should seek further assessment for potential gambling-related problems. Although the Division on Addiction supports year-round screening for gambling-related problems, Screening Day is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the need for routine screening, and to help identify gambling- related problems as early as possible.
In Massachusetts, 2% of adults are currently experiencing problems with gambling – estimated between 83,000 and 135,000 people! Many cases of Gambling Disorder go undetected and untreated. A national survey found that 49% of individuals with gambling related problems reported receiving treatment for one or more mental health concerns, including substance use, but none received treatment for gambling.
Please consider joining us at Forbes Library to participate in a brief screening, learn more about Gambling Disorder, and connect to support.*
*The 1st 25 people to participate in a screening will receive a $5 Dunkin’ Gift card.

Fostering Equity and Inclusion for Latinas/os in Child and Family Welfare Conference
2024-03-13 07:30 - 16:30 | Springfield College, Springfield
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 (inclement weather date: March 14)
Springfield College Campus
263 Alden Street
Springfield, Mass.
The Fostering Equity conference features 37 workshops on a variety of issues related to equity and inclusion in the local Latina/o community. Workshops are divided into three areas of concern and advocacy: individual and family welfare, strong social fabric, and just society. Conference organizers and workshop presenters will facilitate discussions about solutions.
Edward W. Caisse III, unit director at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, will be the keynote speaker and present on the topic “Belief, Support, and a Call to Action.”
Other conference features include:
Welcome remarks by state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-10th Hampden District, and state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield
Presentation of the Grit Award to Frank Robinson, PhD, vice president of Public Health for Baystate Health
Exhibitor fair
Lunch and live entertainment by Bomba de Aquí
Continuing Education Credit Hours
This conference is approved for five (5) Category I credit hours for social workers by the Springfield College Master of Social Work program, which is an authorizing body for granting continuing education units for re-licensure of Massachusetts social workers.
Additionally, this conference is approved for seven (7) Professional Development Points (PDPs) for educators by the Springfield College Department of Educator Preparation and Licensure, an approved DESE PD Provider. Professional development certificates will be provided to participants for a total of 7 PDPs in “Safe and Supportive Learning Environments” that educators can use towards licensure renewal requirements.
In order to receive credit hours, participants must attend the full conference, which includes the keynote address.

OUT OF BREATH? IT COULD BE COPD
2024-03-13 18:00 - 19:00
OUT OF BREATH? IT COULD BE COPD

Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 6-7 p.m.
There are many causes for shortness of breath including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety, and being out of shape. Join Michele Hart, RN, Pulmonary Nurse Clinician, Baystate Pulmonary Rehabilitation, for a discussion about what can be done to help manage breathing, increase stamina, and decrease breathlessness.

Executive Forum
2024-03-14 08:00 - 10:00
This is an exclusive opportunity to connect with fellow industry leaders, gain insights from a key player in the Massachusetts business landscape, and network with professionals from across the Commonwealth.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 14th, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Location: Alkermes, Inc. – 900 Winter St, Waltham, MA 02451
Agenda:
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM: Networking
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Remarks and Conversation with Sarah Iselin
This event is FREE for all attendees so don’t miss out on an opportunity to hear from the President and CEO of the largest health plan in the state. Time is running out so register now to secure your seat!

Motivational Interviewing: Using Compassionate Conversation to Facilitate Change
2024-03-15 09:00 - 16:30 | Smith College Campus Center, 100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
In Person Seminar
Smith College Campus Center
100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Instructor: Sara Schieffelin, LICSW
Level: Intermediate
March 15 and 16, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
CEs: 12
This is a multiple-day session. In order to receive CEs, you must attend both days.
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidenced-based practice that came out of the addictions field and is applicable to a wide range of presenting problems. It is currently used in the health care, mental health and substance abuse/recovery fields and is gaining increasing recognition for its efficacy, broad application and humanistic approach.
During Motivational Interviewing conversations, the practitioner engages the client in a guided dialogue meant to uncover and heighten ambivalence around a target behavior or issue, aid the client in resolving their ambivalence and ultimately identify a change plan that supports the client’s self-definition of health. MI employs a core set of skills, used within an overarching framework or “spirit,” which includes respect, promotion of autonomy and personal choice, collaboration, acceptance, compassion/empathy and evocation.
This highly interactive and participatory two-day seminar will offer the basics of Motivational Interviewing, with emphasis on exploring and understanding the spirit of MI and learning and practicing the core skills through “real” plays, demonstrations, exercises and case examples. Participants new to MI will leave with effective tools, and those already familiar will increase their confidence and repertoire.

Introduction to School Social Work
2024-03-15 12:00 - 15:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Liz Joyce, LICSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 6
March 15 and 22, 2024, noon – 3:15 p.m. ET
This is a multiple-day session. In order to receive CEs, you must attend both days.
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
This course is geared towards individuals who are looking to learn more about social work and schools. Participants will learn about the value of a school social worker, the various roles the school social worker can play, and the many ways in which a school social worker can support their students, families and colleagues. Participants will gain an understanding of micro interventions in the school environment and will put those interventions into practice through multiple interactive activities. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, share suggestions and submit clinical wonderings ahead of the beginning of the program.
The course will cover the main systems and infrastructures of schools. While concepts will be presented at a high level, interventions and supports will be discussed in detail as well as applied in practice through scenarios, case studies and role plays during which participants will have opportunities to apply their clinical training. This course will highlight the intersection of individual, family and institutional needs as well as explore the intent behind systems and the impact the systems have on students and families. In addition to taking a deep dive into tools utilized by school social workers, this course will also cover recommended approaches to working with systems such as families and community collaterals. By utilizing an anti-racist, anti-oppression lens rooted in the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice, participants will interrogate common practices and dissect the real world implications of said practices.

The Culture of Neurodiversity: Supporting Autistic Individuals in Today's World
2024-03-15 13:00 - 16:15 | Smith College Campus Center, 100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
In Person Seminar
Smith College Campus Center
100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Instructor: Jennifer Bogin, MS.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Level: Intermediate
March 15, 2024, 1 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. ET
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
With numbers of neurodiverse and autistic individuals soaring, social workers and other mental health clinicians are required to find ways to best meet the needs of this population. The intricacies of an autism diagnosis will be discussed as well as ways of working with neurodiverse people with different symptomology and presentation.
Participants in this seminar will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge on how to serve and support neurodiverse individuals in today’s rapidly changing environment. This includes the cultural implications for the work of social workers and other mental health clinicians. The depiction of neurodiverse individuals in literature and the media will be discussed as well as how individual stories can vary and not match the common images and preconceived notions. Through multimedia presentations, cutting edge research and culturally-competent techniques for working with this community will be discussed. There will be ample time for questions and discussion of professional experiences with neurodiverse clients.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
2024-03-16 09:00 - 16:30 | Smith College Campus Center, 100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
In Person Seminar
Smith College Campus Center
100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Instructor: Martin Kounitz, LICSW
Level: Intermediate
March 16, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
CEs: 6
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
Poor sleep habits and outright insomnia often impair our clients’ healthy functioning. Learn the essentials of how to treat insomnia using cognitive and behavioral methods. We will cover what causes insomnia, how our circadian rhythm works and ways to foster healthy sleep. We will also discuss ways to detect sleep apnea and alert your clients to the health consequences of that disorder.
The class will train clinicians to use cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to diagnose, assess and treat sleep disorders including difficulty falling or staying asleep. CBT-I is evidence-based and in 2016, the American College of Physicians, an organization of internal medicine specialists, recommended CBT-I as the first-line treatment for insomnia. This is because CBT-I is effective and sleeping pills have significant side effects. We will also cover problems such as people who fall asleep earlier than they want to, or much later than they would like. Additionally, the class will explore sleep apnea and other less common conditions such as narcolepsy. We will also review helping clients manage sleep-related anxiety.

Voices, Visions & Unusual Beliefs: Innovative Support Strategies
2024-03-18 09:00 - 17:00
March 18 to March 20, 2024, 9am to 5pm
@ Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA
In current Western medical paradigms, hearing voices is often a deeply marginalized experience. Those who hear voices and/or see visions are typically given a poor prognosis. Suggested coping strategies tend to be limited to distraction techniques or heavy neuroleptics. Clinicians, voice-hearers, and family members have often felt frustrated by the limitations of this model.
Another world is possible. This training is for anyone who is interested in learning the current research, strategies and supports that are being developed by people with lived experience of voice-hearing world-wide.
We will explore:
▪ How trauma, culture and social factors influence voice-hearing
▪ Common myths about voices & visions and how to shift these paradigms
▪ A new dialogue framework to discuss non-consensus reality states in a supportive way
▪ Dozens of real-life strategies that are used by voice-hearers to cope with a distressing experience

▪
How trauma, culture and social factors influence voice-hearing

▪
Common myths about voices & visions and how to shift these paradigms

▪
A new dialogue framework to discuss non-consensus reality states in a supportive way

▪
Dozens of real-life strategies that are used by voice-hearers to cope with a distressing experience

This event will be co-facilitated by Cindy Marty Hadge and Caroline Mazel-Carlton, both of whom have extensive personal experience with voices, visions, and navigating the psychiatric system. Both have well over a decade of professional experience supporting other voice-hearers in community settings, clinical environments and online. Caroline and Cindy have had the privilege of both learning from and supporting system change in the international community, from the Netherlands to Brazil to Israel to Australia. Their work has been featured in mainstream media outlets, academic articles, and books, including the most recent work from NYT best-selling author Daniel Bergner, “The Mind and the Moon”.
Continuing Education information: This program has been approved for 18.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 91991. This program has been approved by MaMHCA/MCEAP for 18.5 CEs for LMHC. Please contact us at info@wildfloweralliance.org for questions regarding CE accreditation.

All About Women's Sexual Desire
2024-03-18 18:00 - 19:00
ALL ABOUT WOMEN’S SEXUAL DESIRE

Monday, March 18, 6-7 pm
A woman’s sexual desire is complex and can fluctuate for many reasons such as hormonal changes, stress, relationship trouble, etc. Join Kelly Tull, WHNP, Baystate OB/GYN Group Inc., for a discussion about sexual desire in women. Topics will include what is low sexual desire, what contributes to low sexual desire in women, as well as non-pharmacologic and
pharmacologic treatments for low sexual desire.

A Psychodynamic Exploration of Adolescent Antisocial Behavior and Deprivation
2024-03-20 13:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Huey Hawkins, Jr., Ph.D., LCSW
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
Dr. Huey Hawkins will explore Donald Winnicott’s conceptualization of the antisocial tendency and the role played by deprivation. Speaking from his experiences of nearly 12 years working with a Black male child client in foster care, Hawkins discusses his provision of a maternal environment during extremely tumultuous times in the client’s life. The foster care system in a large Midwestern city, intersecting with race and class barriers is also explored.

March First Time Homebuyer Course
2024-03-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
In this Zoom webinar presented by Valley Community Development:
Get the facts from real estate professionals including attorneys, loan officers, realtors, home inspectors & housing counselors
Learn tips about how to improve your credit.
Ask questions to help you proceed & protect your own interests as you approach this life decision.
A certified course recognized by MHP & MassHousing, this workshop helps you qualify for special mortgage products.
$50 for two adults in the same household.* Registration is nonrefundable & attendance is required at all three sessions.
March sessions are scheduled:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024
All from 6pm-9pm on Zoom.
Please reach out if you need reasonable accommodation due to disability or lack of technology access.

Bingo Night for CHD's-MaryAnne's Kids Fund for Foster Children; Presented by Raymour & Flanigan
2024-03-22 17:00 - 19:30 | Raymour & Flanigan, 1406 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA, 01089, United States
Raymour & Flanigan will be hosting a Bingo Night supporting CHD’S MaryAnne’s Kids Fund for Foster Care.
Raffle items and Bingo Prizes.
Raffle tickets and bingo sheets for purchase** CASH ONLY EVENT
Raymour & Flanigan – 895 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA 01089

Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2024-03-23 09:00 - 14:00
Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
webinar

9:00 am

$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).
Hours of workshop are 9am-2pm.

Spring into Action
2024-03-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, 268 Cold Spring Ave, West Springfield, MA, 01089, United States
Ladies, leave the “honey to-do list” for another day. Let’s get together and celebrate our strengths, camaraderie, and build! Grab your friends and join us. OK, men can come, too.
In honor of March’s Women’s History Month and Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event,
let’s celebrate women at our first “Spring into Action” event! Join us for a one-day build event with prizes, goody bags, snacks, and a wrap party at Two Weeks Notice brewery!

New Applications in Treating Shame and Narcissism
2024-03-28 13:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Patricia Gianotti, Psy.D.
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 3
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
Effective treatment of the spectrum of narcissistic injury must include an integrated understanding of narcissistically-driven defenses and behaviors, ranging from:
expansive self-enhancement to crushing self-criticism
devaluation of others to over-idealization and hero-worship
perfectionistic standards for achievement to defiant or flagrant disregard of rules and laws
This workshop will address how these contradictory facets of the self form a tightly constructed defensive organization to keep feelings of shame and inadequacy at bay. Through lecture, case examples and small group discussion, we will begin by examining the three basic styles of narcissistic overcompensation that are defensively-based constructions, comprised of beliefs and behaviors that were created in an attempt to preserve a positive sense of self and maintain emotional equilibrium and self-regulation. Participants will be provided with specific questions to enhance therapeutic inquiry techniques in the service of developing deeper listening and intervention techniques.
To better understand how narcissistic defenses are maintained, participants will be introduced to an integrative Four Quadrant Model, a visual graphic that presents a picture of how narcissistic defenses can be understood from an intrapsychic and relational vantage point. We will explore how compulsive-driven behavioral compensations are not sustainable over the long haul and eventually result in symptom breakthrough as well as episodes of punishing retaliation. Based on foundations in attachment theory, this model and the material provided in this seminar can be applied to psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches with equal facility.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT): Engaging Clients in Meaningful Change
2024-03-29 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.

Post Purchase Workshop
2024-03-30 09:00 - 13:00
Post Purchase Workshop
1780 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103

9:00 am

FREE
If you’ve already purchased your home, join our IN-Person Post Purchase workshop for a fun filled day 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.
You must be signed into your account to register.
March 30, 2024, (9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.)

When Worrying Takes Over: Helping Kids Overcome Anxiety and Build Resilience
2024-04-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Sharon Saline, Psy.D.
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 2
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
This webinar will be recorded.
Living in a world that’s increasingly unpredictable, today’s children and teens are more anxious than ever before. For students who are neurodivergent thinkers—those with ADHD, learning disabilities or twice exceptionality (2E), managing anxiety in conjunction with executive functioning deficits can seem especially daunting. Sharon Saline, veteran psychologist and author of What Your ADHD Child Wishes you Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD Solution Card Deck discusses the grip of anxiety and what professionals (and parents) can do to reduce students’ worries.
After reviewing the physiology and psychology of anxiety, she will show participants how to help kids change their relationship to worry and avoid the pitfalls of negative thinking. Instead of reassurance and rationalization, she will share techniques for separating the person from the anxiety, talking to the worry itself and creating effective responses to ‘what ifs’. She also addresses how anxiety affects motivation, productivity and confidence and how participants can assist clients in coping with and lowering stress. Saline offers tools for teaching children and teens how to realistically evaluate situations, tolerate uncertainty and apply effective coping skills to reduce social anxiety as well. Finally, how to transform worry and insecurity into curiosity and confidence will be explored.

Substance Use and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
2024-04-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Live Interactive Webinar
Instructor: Elspeth Slayter, M.S.W., MA, Ph.D
Level: Intermediate
CEs: 2
Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.
In this webinar, attendees will explore the “dignity of risk” concept as it relates to substance use among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Although substance use and substance use disorders (SUD) are noted in a small percentage of people with IDD, the consequences of having an SUD in this population may be greater than for the general population, in part due to inadequate treatment access. A significant barrier to appropriate treatment is the lack of evidence-informed psychosocial interventions that are validated for this population. Researchers in behavioral health treatment for people with IDD have emphasized the need for specialized, inter-professional accessible services that are based in the community. Targeted to direct practitioners, this workshop reviews both empirical and non-empirical literature on psychosocial interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of substance use disorder in individuals with IDD.
Increasingly, social workers are faced with challenges in supporting clients with IDD who use alcohol and drugs. Given theoretical differences between disability service systems and addiction treatment systems, it is hard to know how to approach practice with these clients. The “dignity of risk” concept is central to the well-being and human rights of people with IDD. Drawing on documented best practices for the empowerment of the disability communities along with a review of evidence-based practice information from the addiction service sector, social workers will gain practical knowledge and skills targeted to empowering this population. This presentation introduces screening, assessment, prevention and treatment tools adapted for people with IDD. Case studies are used in small breakout rooms to see how the above-described concepts can work in concert with these evidence-based practices that are not often discussed in the social work literature. Participants will be able to apply their learning to short case scenarios and discuss them together in small and large groups.
Notably, people of color are over-represented among people with IDD, making race a salient and visible part of the presentation re: intersectional dynamics. Disability is a social identity that is often overlooked in conversations of diversity, though 27% of the US adult population is disabled. People with IDD often live in poverty, making socioeconomic class an aspect of this intersectional presentation. The proposed presenter uses intersectional lenses in all her work.

Break Through
2024-04-04 08:00 - 17:00
Ready to learn how to play your game and access your internal blueprint? Each person is born with a unique game that cannot be duplicated by anyone else. Often, individuals are taught there is a formula for advancement- they must duplicate a way of talking, thinking, and leading that points to success. Imitation often leads to an uncomfortable feeling you somehow don’t have the right equipment- and others are better equipped to prosper. Liz Nead believes true success comes from understanding the equipment you were born with, developing these talents into skills, and learning to play your game with your team. Liz uses powerful examples of historical and modern-day inventors, entertainers, and leaders and shares simple strategies to implement your game in communication, leadership, organization, and creativity.
Liz Nead is an adventure speaker, traveling the world and taking on challenges to find lessons of leadership, communication, diversity and inclusion. A diversity speaker and researcher for over a decade, she specializes in common language and daily communication around race and cultural differences in the workplace. Liz uses a direct, humorous, and vivid style from the stage to create opportunities for communication around differences. Liz has also served as an executive coach and consultant for DEI challenges for companies like Paypal, News Corp, National Guard, and YWCA.
She is a television host and author, writing several Amazon best sellers, most recently “The 1440 Principle.” She also won a regional Emmy for her television show, “Life Dare.” Liz balances her passionate work with a thriving family of seven, and husband of 20 years, a retired army major.
Ready to learn to play your game? Reserve your tickets today to see Liz at the 2024 WLC!

18th annual Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival
2024-04-04 19:00 - 21:00
Founded in 2004 and presented by the Springfield Jewish Community Center, the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival proudly continues its tradition of showcasing award-winning films from around the world. Join us for a multifaceted cinematic exploration of Jewish identity, community and history!
Year after year, PVJFF presents critically acclaimed films that not only entertain, but also provide opportunities for reflection, discussion, and a deeper understanding of our complex, diverse world. Film screenings and accompanying programs aim to illuminate universal themes such as identity and belonging, conflict and reconciliation in the Middle East, social justice and civic engagement.

Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival

Annual Flag Raising, Athol
2024-04-05 09:00 - 10:00
