Human Service Forum

FREE Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
2024-12-30 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Control your finances before they control you!

Our free Youth Financial Literacy Workshop tells you what you need to know about managing your money, credit cards and more.
This workshop is for Middle School, High School and college-bound youths. December 30, 2024, from 11am-2pm at Way Finders, 1780 Main Street, Springfield, MA.
Everyone who attends gets free lunch and a gift card!
Attendance is limited to 30 – sign up today to reserve your space.

Community Foundation SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION OPENS
2025-01-01 08:00 - 17:00
Obtaining a college education is expensive, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts strives to provide some financial assistance to students living in Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties to help them achieve their goal of graduating from college. We have over 160 different scholarship funds, and each year we give away over 1,000 individual scholarship awards. This equates to approximately $1.4 million in scholarships.

Itty Bitty Basketball
2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:00

I survived Cancer, Now What?
2025-01-06 18:00 - 19:30
Jan 06, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST

Interactive webinar to explore life beyond treatment with practical tools, personal stories, and support. Register today to take the next step in your cancer journey!

First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2025-01-08 17:30 - 20:30
Become a certified first-time homebuyer with Way Finders! Learn from local real estate professionals about the homebuying process.
The course covers finding, financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Participants receive a certificate of completion that is necessary to access several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products.
This is a three-part online workshop:
Wednesdays 5:30pm-8:30pm
January 8, 15 and 22
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.
Please register in advance at the link below.

Know Your Rights: Information for immigrant community members and programs who serve them
2025-01-10 12:00 - 13:00
Information for immigrant community members and programs who serve them.

Join us for an informative webinar, “Know Your Rights: Information for Immigrant Community Members and Programs Who Serve Them.” Speakers include Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of MIRA, MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition and Ilana Steinhauer, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires

Conozca sus derechos: Información para miembros de la comunidad de inmigrantes y programas que los atienden.

Únase a nosotros para un seminario web informativo, “Conozca sus derechos: información para miembros de la comunidad de inmigrantes y programas que les sirven”. Los presentantes incluyen a Elizabeth Sweet, directora ejecutiva de MIRA, MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition e Ilana Steinhauer, directora ejecutiva de Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires

Story Telling for Wellbeing
2025-01-14 10:00 - 11:00

Create Better Health: My Plate Cooking Class
2025-01-14 18:30 - 19:30
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, in partnership with SNAP-Ed, offers free nutrition education programs to our member agencies.
In this cooking presentation, we’ll explore MyPlate healthy eating guidelines, decipher the nutrition facts labels and learn how to make a budget-friendly meal!
For more information, contact Nutrition Coordinators Abigail Killian at abigailk@foodbankwma.org (413)419-1156 or Katie Grimaldi at katiel@foodbankwma.org (413)203-6379.

Virtual Adoption Matching Event for Children with Disabilities
2025-01-15 18:30 - 20:30
The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) invite you to a virtual matching event featuring children with disabilities. Families new to the adoption process and those from out-of-state are welcome to join us and learn more about these children. At the event, we will have a panel of experienced families, video snapshots, and opportunity to hear from social workers discussing the children on their caseload. This is a time to learn more about each child’s needs and ask them questions about their potential fit for your family. The event will take place over Zoom and information about how to access the event will be sent to you upon registration.

For Child Social Workers:
This event is for children on the specialized recruitment case and social workers will not be able to register via the website. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to hosting this type of event for more children in the future.

For questions please contact Kristina Russell atkristinar@mareinc.org

Morning Coffee
2025-01-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Palmer Public Library, Palmer, MA, United States
HomeFront Strong sponsors a monthly gathering on the third Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30am, hosted by the Palmer Veterans Services Department.
One of the main purposes of Morning Coffee is to connect service members, veterans, and their family members to the resources and services available to them. Many Morning Coffee attendees also find a community of people who can empathize with the unique challenges and benefits of the military life cycle, ready and eager to welcome them to the tribe!

2nd Annual One Mission Conference: Human Trafficking Awareness
2025-01-17 08:00 - 16:00
Join us for the 2nd Annual One Mission Conference: Human Trafficking Awareness, uniting professionals dedicated to making a difference.
This conference will focus on trauma-informed care for often-overlooked survivors of human trafficking, including LGBTQ+ individuals, male-identifying victims, and those affected by labor trafficking. Attendees will gain tools to support, identify, and advocate for survivors, fostering awareness and recovery through survivor-centered approaches.
Register today to be part of the change: bit.ly/41kO4iO

Hola. hablamos en espanol
2025-01-17 08:00 - 17:00

Credit Success Workshop
2025-01-18 08:00 - 12:30
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.
Click the link below create an account and register. This is an in-person workshop at Way Finders’ Springfield Housing Center, 1780 Main Street, Springfield.

MLK Day 2025
2025-01-20 12:00 - 16:00 | MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield , MA, 01103, United States
MLK Day is January 20, 2025!
MassMutual Center
Sunday, January 20, 2025
12:00PM – Arts & Wellness Expo
2:00PM – Program
Each year, as we gather to honor the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and peace. This year’s theme, “Pursue Justice. Persist in Peace,” captures the essence of Dr. King’s philosophy and provides a framework for how we are to approach the myriads of challenges that persist today.
The event will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA. Our community welcome begins with artistic expressions, exhibitions, and vendors in the lobby entrance followed by an awe-inspiring purpose driven program where nearly 1,000 youth and supporting adult participants will manifest our theme through inspiring spoken word, dance & music presentations featuring MLK Charter School of Excellence, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services’ Youth & Clemente Program, Community Music School of Springfield’s Sonido Musica, String City, African Drumming, Springfield CommUnity Chorale, Young at Heart Chorus, Springfield Public Schools students, and more.
Our community coalition of organizations include Community Music School of Springfield, D.R.E.A.M. Studios, Inclusive Strategies, Legacy Sounds, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence, Springfield College, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Cultural Partnership, Urban League of Springfield and Young At Heart Chorus, who are all working in unity together to ensure this is a memorable community experience.
This collaboration demonstrates the power of coming together, transcending boundaries, and working toward the common goal of justice with and for our Beloved Community. Let’s show the world what persisting in peace looks like in the 4-1-3.
To learn more or to sponsor this inspiring community event, please contact cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org.

2025 Cammer Cup
2025-01-20 12:00 - 17:00
CHD’s All In Youth and Adult Recreation Sled Hockey is hosting its 15th Annual sled hockey games and teams will face off against local celebrities on January 20, 2025, at the Mass Mutual Center. Do not miss this opportunity to support the Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey team, have some fun watching local sled-brities, and raise funds for CHD’s All In Barrier Free Program. Your Cammer Cup ticket gets you Exclusive Access to the Thunderbirds vs. Bridgeport game played after our games.
Game Day Schedule
Cammer Cup vs. Celebrities – noon to 12:45 p.m.
Travel Team vs. Vermont Pioneers – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thunderbirds vs. Bridgeport game – 3:05 p.m.
The Cammer Cup honors and celebrates the memory of late teammate Alex Camerlin, and a portion of the proceeds goes directly to CHD’s All-In program. We are excited to be hosting this event 15 years in a row and providing kids and adults with physical disabilities with a way to get active in a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment where everyone can shine and included.

* One ticket purchase gets you into all 3 games.
** Tickets cannot be purchased at the Mass Mutual Center box office or through CHD. They can only be purchased through the link provided above.

Cammer Cup 25
2025-01-20 12:00 - 17:00

L.A.N.D. Living a New Day - A New Norm After Cancer
2025-01-20 18:00 - 19:30
L.A.N.D. – Living a New Day, A New Norm is a guided program which offers you a step-by-step process, paired with knowledge and skills to create positive outcomes for living a sustainable future.

Supervisory Skills Certificate Series: Winter 2025
2025-01-23 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning for 2025.
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and insurance liability to finding common purpose in a team and how to show faith in those who work for you, and much much more.
Register an individual who is eligible for a certificate, or a space for your agency to send someone different to each session depending on who the topic will benefit most.
This series is presented virtually over Zoom. Series runs 8 consecutive weeks starting Thursday January 23rd 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $600 for members, $1200 for nonmembers.

SERIES TOPICS:

Lead with Influence- 1/23/25

Whether they mean to or not, each person exerts influence over others. With this session learn 10 steps a person could take to add intentionality to that and influence people like a leader. Create a sphere of impact that leaves a lasting positing impression on those you work closely with, leading to them influencing others positively as well.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

Employment Law1 1/30/25

Avoid missteps that can lead to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Learn from practicing attorneys on the wording of the law, along with how that wording is actually applied. Covering a wide range of subjects to clear up misconceptions and acknowledging pitfalls, this session is packed with useful information that every organization needs.
Presented by Skoler-Abbott

Leadership Communication 2/6/25

This session looks at the building blocks of communicating clear messages to others. In a core aspect of leadership that is often taken for granted, those who excel at communicating often excel in supervision. Learn to avoid noise and interference, and how to properly process feedback to fine tune your messages for clearer understanding.
Presented by Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Culturally Responsive Supervision 2/13/25

Join us as we take a deep look at the many aspects that make up our identities and how they impact our leadership, our organizations and the people we serve. Improve our skills in having conversations about our differences in a way that encourages learning and growth while building intersectional resilience. We will strengthen our ability to have important dialogues, navigate predictable tensions and avoid pitfalls that lead to disconnection. This session helps supervisors cultivate trusting, creative and connected diverse working relationships.
Presented by Regi Wingo and JAC Patriss; Growing a New Heart

Liability and Benefit 2/20/25

Gain a better understanding of Insurance, and how it affects you, your team and your organizations. Understand what coverage you have, and might need, in a variety of situations from daily operations to special fundraising events. Learn the various forms of benefits available to understand what you have and be able to help explain to your team what their options are.
Presented by Ben Garvey and Val Francis; Hub International

Team Building and Conflict Resolution 2/2 7/25

Through discussions that will include team activities and individual reflection, forge a shared understanding of team-building and the essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation that facilitate the development of strong, cohesive, effective teams. Make your team stronger than the sum of their parts, drive unity, and be able to address conflict when it does happen.
Presented by Dr. Lucie Lewis and Janine Fondon

Cyber Security 3/6/27

With the threat of cyber attacks continuing to rise, with an increased focus on social engineering, no one can afford to hide their heads in the sand and pretend that everything is ok. With a focus on practical, simple, daily steps that one can take, this session seeks to minimize risk to you, your organization, and your clients.
Presented by Chris Wisneski; Whittlesey

Retention: Rewards and Accountability 3/13/27

People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates
Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Lead With Influence- Supervisory Skills Certificate Series: Winter 2025- Choose Your Training
2025-01-23 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
January 23rd 9am- 12:30pm
Presented Over Zoom
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning for 2025.
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and insurance liability to finding common purpose in a team and how to show faith in those who work for you, and much much more.
Lead with Influence-
Whether they mean to or not, each person exerts influence over others. With this session learn 10 steps a person could take to add intentionality to that and influence people like a leader. Create a sphere of impact that leaves a lasting positing impression on those you work closely with, leading to them influencing others positively as well.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

OTHER TOPICS IN SERIES:

Employment Law1 1/30/25

Avoid missteps that can lead to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Learn from practicing attorneys on the wording of the law, along with how that wording is actually applied. Covering a wide range of subjects to clear up misconceptions and acknowledging pitfalls, this session is packed with useful information that every organization needs.
Presented by Skoler-Abbott

Leadership Communication 2/6/25

This session looks at the building blocks of communicating clear messages to others. In a core aspect of leadership that is often taken for granted, those who excel at communicating often excel in supervision. Learn to avoid noise and interference, and how to properly process feedback to fine tune your messages for clearer understanding.
Presented by Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Culturally Responsive Supervision 2/13/25

Join us as we take a deep look at the many aspects that make up our identities and how they impact our leadership, our organizations and the people we serve. Improve our skills in having conversations about our differences in a way that encourages learning and growth while building intersectional resilience. We will strengthen our ability to have important dialogues, navigate predictable tensions and avoid pitfalls that lead to disconnection. This session helps supervisors cultivate trusting, creative and connected diverse working relationships.
Presented by Regi Wingo and JAC Patriss; Growing a New Heart

Liability and Benefit 2/20/25

Gain a better understanding of Insurance, and how it affects you, your team and your organizations. Understand what coverage you have, and might need, in a variety of situations from daily operations to special fundraising events. Learn the various forms of benefits available to understand what you have and be able to help explain to your team what their options are.
Presented by Ben Garvey and Val Francis; Hub International

Team Building and Conflict Resolution 2/2 7/25

Through discussions that will include team activities and individual reflection, forge a shared understanding of team-building and the essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation that facilitate the development of strong, cohesive, effective teams. Make your team stronger than the sum of their parts, drive unity, and be able to address conflict when it does happen.
Presented by Dr. Lucie Lewis and Janine Fondon

Cyber Security 3/6/27

With the threat of cyber attacks continuing to rise, with an increased focus on social engineering, no one can afford to hide their heads in the sand and pretend that everything is ok. With a focus on practical, simple, daily steps that one can take, this session seeks to minimize risk to you, your organization, and your clients.
Presented by Chris Wisneski; Whittlesey

Retention: Rewards and Accountability 3/13/27

People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates
Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2025-01-25 09:00 - 14:00
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

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).

How to be a successful renter
2025-01-28 09:00 - 12:00
Getting an apartment these days is very competitive. There are many tenants looking for quality rentals, and landlords can be pickier than ever. Learn how to up your game and increase your chances of getting the apartment you desire. In this workshop we will cover:

Understanding your credit score and addressing any credit issues.
How to figure out what you can afford – and what resources can help
Understanding a rental agreement or lease
How to communicate effectively with a landlord

And lots more topics that will help you become a successful tenant. After this workshop, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with our HUD-certified housing counselors to review your free credit report (valued at $39.99). Together you will discuss your individual goals.
This is a FREE one-day workshop held on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, from 9:00am-12:00pm at Way Finders’ Springfield Housing Center.

HSF Legislative Reception
2025-01-31 07:30 - 10:15
Zoom breakout rooms,
All registrants will be assigned to a breakout room with one of their legislators.

Registration closed

For staff, board, constituents/clients, family members, and volunteers of member agencies of the Human Service Forum.

Join your colleagues, clients and community members as we engage with our state legislators at the annual HSF Legislative Reception.

This unique event allows you to share a table, zoom style, with one of the western Massachusetts Representatives or Senators and speak directly with them on topics that are important to you.

You and your concerns matter – raise your voice and your issue – Legislators want and need to hear from you.

Don’t sit this one out – engage your voice and you can impact policy decisions!

Share your story – let your representative know what policies and laws actually look like in action, in our families and our communities.

Find Your Legislator

Due to the virtual format of this event all registrants emails will be required when registering. These emails will receive a zoom registration link 2 weeks before the event. In order to maintain the safest virtual environment once the zoom registration is filled out each person will receive an individual log in link.

When
Friday January 31, 2025

7:30am – 8:00am
Zoom log in and networking time

8:00am- 10:15AM
Legislator Welcome and Break Out Rooms

Cost is $20.00 per person
Pre-registration is required**

Leg Heaviness or Painful Varicose Veins? Learn About Venous Insuffciency and Varicose Veins
2025-02-02 12:00 - 13:00
Are you experiencing leg aches, swelling, or discomfort? While there are many reasons for these symptoms, it could indicate the presence of venous insufficiency and/or varicose veins. These conditions can impact your quality of life. Join Dr. Y. Avery Ching, Endovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Kristen Steidler, CNP, Cardiac Services, Heart & Vascular, and learn how these issues develop, their potential health implications, and explore effective, comprehensive treatment options.

Transportation Focus Group on Zoom
2025-02-03 10:00 - 11:15
Transportation Focus Group on Zoom: How can transportation options be improved in Franklin County?
Monday, February 3, 2025
10:00 AM-11:15 AM

LifePath and Franklin Regional Council of Governments invite you to a focus group to better understand transportation needs among older adults. This group is for people who are 60 or over and have had challenges with transportation. The data will inform both LifePath’s Area Agency on Aging Needs Assessment and FRCOG’s project to better understand how to improve the Demand Response Program (Council on Aging provided transportation) and Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) Access Program for Franklin County communities. The focus group will take place via Zoom on Monday, February 3, from 10 to 11:15 AM. Please register in advance.

What's the Ringing in Your Ears? Tinnitus Explained.
2025-02-04 14:30 - 15:30
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears, but can also sound like buzzing, roaring, hissing, or other noises. It is a common condition that affects millions of people. Join Jeanne Coburn, AuD., CCC-A/S, Audiologist, Baystate Rehabilitation Care, for a discussion about the types of tinnitus, measuring and diagnosing as well as the treatments and therapies for some relief.

Black History Month Film Screenings
2025-02-05 14:30 - 16:00 | Northampton Recovery Center, 25 Armory Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Join us in celebrating Black History Month this February at the Northampton Recovery Center. We will be screening three films: Slavery by Another Name (2/5) Freedom Riders (2/12) and Dark Girls (2/26). These events are open to the public and free.

UCLA Memory Training
2025-02-06 08:00 - 17:00
For people with mild age-related memory challenges, Memory Training teaches memory-enhancing techniques and practical strategies to boost memory functioning.
Thurs., Feb. 6–27,
2–4 p.m.

Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law (UPIL) Training
2025-02-06 18:00 - 19:00
Senator Jo Comerford and I are delighted to partner with the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and invite you to attend this important free training by the Attorney General’s office (AGO) on Thursday, February 6th from 6-7pm.

You can register for the meeting here: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/register/Nc0TkUzpRluaIeJaqdlqsA. Translation services are available for Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin.

The Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law (UPIL) is a widespread problem in which dishonest individuals falsely disguise themselves as licensed attorneys and charge immigrants hundreds and thousands of dollars for immigration services, forms, or unlicensed legal advice. In order to prevent UPIL, the AGO created an educational training that covers proper legal representation for immigrants, the difference between legal advice from an immigration attorney vs unlicensed legal advice, immigration attorney scams and how to detect them, what to do if you become a victim of an immigration lawyer scam, and resources for legal help. It’s hoped that this training can help immigrants and their families avoid becoming a victim of UPIL.

Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbelll’s Office is an advocate and resource for the people of Massachusetts in many ways, including protecting consumers, combating fraud and corruption, investigating and prosecuting crime, and protecting the environment, workers, and civil rights. We’re so grateful to her and her office for making this information widely available to protect our immigrant neighbors and for her partnership.

If you have any questions, please email: mindy.domb@mahouse.gov

Keeping America's Promise: Navigating Federal Policy Changes
2025-02-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Springfield- The actions of the president in his first days in office have understandably led to a lot of questions about the future of refugee resettlement. Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts will host a virtual discussion about the topic on Thursday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.
During this online community gathering “Keeping America’s Promise: Navigating Federal Policy Changes” participants will process the changes that have occurred, and hear from JFSWM staff and community members about the impact of these changes. Go to Jewish Family Service’s website for more information and to register for this event: www.jfswm.org.
Link to registration: https://jfswm.networkforgood.com/events/81961-keeping-america-s-promise-navigating-federal-policy-changes

Understanding the New Gun Safety Legislation in Massachusetts
2025-02-07 12:00 - 13:00
