Domestic Violence Support Group
2026-05-05 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)

Community Action Annual Meeting and Breakfast
2026-05-07 08:00 - 09:30
You are warmly invited to join Community Action for their Annual Meeting and Breakfast on May 7th! This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the vital progress CAPV has made over the past year in supporting our neighbors through essential services like Head Start, home energy assistance, and food security. It will be a morning filled with reflection, community spirit, and a shared look at the impactful work being done here in our local area. We hope you can join in the event as CAPV honors all of the year’s collective achievements and looks forward to the future of their mission.

Walk/Run for Adoption
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:30 | new, 283 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01604, United States
Join us in Worcester for a day of community, connection, and fun—all in support of adoption from foster care. Whether you’re running for a personal best or walking with family and friends, your participation brings hope to waiting children.
Our Worcester Walk/Run event includes festivities, games, crafts, refreshments, and family-friendly fun! Walkers and runners are invited to complete a 5k fun-run, consisting of three loops around the course. All the funds raised from this event go towards helping children and teens in foster care find adoptive homes!

Designer Bag Bingo
2026-05-09 12:00 - 16:00

Immigration Protections and DEI Barriers
2026-05-12 10:00 - 11:30

Supervisory Skills Certificate Series: Spring 2026
2026-05-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
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 transition from peer to supervisor, 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 over Zoom. Series runs 8 consecutive weeks starting May 13th 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $600 for members, $1200 for nonmembers.

Series Topics and Dates:

Supervising Former Peers and Establishing Healthy Boundaries- Wednesday May 13th

This training equips internally promoted leaders with the tools to successfully manage former peers while fostering trust, accountability, and healthy team dynamics. Leaders will explore the psychological and practical aspects of transitioning into authority roles, develop strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries, refine their leadership identity, and enhance their communication and feedback techniques.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

Cyber Security- Wednesday May 20th

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

Employment Law- Wednesday May 27th

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

Team Building and Conflict Resolution- Wednesday June 3rd

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

Culturally Responsive Supervision- Wednesday June 10th

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 Benefits- Wednesday June 17th

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; Hub International

Retention: Rewards and Accountability – Wednesday June 24th

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

Leadership Communication- Wednesday July 1st

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

Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Supervising Former Peers and Establishing Healthy Boundaries- Individual Session
2026-05-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
Sessions from the Supervisory Skills Series individual session registration:
This training equips internally promoted leaders with the tools to successfully manage former peers while fostering trust, accountability, and healthy team dynamics. Leaders will explore the psychological and practical aspects of transitioning into authority roles, develop strategies for setting and enforcing boundaries, refine their leadership identity, and enhance their communication and feedback techniques.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC
This series is presented over Zoom, 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $150 per person per session for members, $250 for nonmembers.

Series Topics and Dates:

Cyber Security- Wednesday May 20th

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

Employment Law- Wednesday May 27th

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

Team Building and Conflict Resolution- Wednesday June 3rd

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

Culturally Responsive Supervision- Wednesday June 10th

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 Benefits- Wednesday June 17th

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; Hub International

Retention: Rewards and Accountability – Wednesday June 24th

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

Leadership Communication- Wednesday July 1st

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

Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Wisdom Circle For All
2026-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
How do you live in your Field of Peace during turbulent times? Wisdom Circle for All
Our training and consultation series prepares individuals, communities, and coalitions that are strengthening their transformative work towards healing and equity-based relationships in divisive times. Come join our Wisdom Circle to cultivate a stronger sense of peace, possibility, healing and connection. You are invited to share space as we seek to meet one another in a field of peace and honesty.
What to expect
• Our circle keepers will share a brief insight through story, poem, or short video.
• Then, you will be given a reflection question.
• We will take turns listening deeply to one another.
Who is this for?
If you feel like this sounds nourishing to your soul, this is for you. Wisdom Circle For All requires registration for each monthly session.
How to participate
• It takes some practice and trust to get used to a circle. Most of the time, you will be listening to others.
• We encourage you to notice how you are moved and changed by sitting with others’ truths.
• When it is your turn, ask yourself: “Of all the many things I could say, what is coming to the front?”
–Remind yourself you do not need to say it all at one time.
–If you keep returning, we will come to know one another better.
–It is good practice to share time.

Broadening the Lens
2026-05-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Online via Zoom
Our training and consultation series prepares individuals, communities, and coalitions that are strengthening their transformative work towards healing and equity-based relationships in divisive times. This is our three-hour training for public health integration of racial and health equity.
Learning-based Objectives
By the end of our time together, we will have:
• Examined a lens for understanding how the tensions within the historical foundings of our country impact us and our public health.
• Examined the application of key racial and health equity concepts and vocabulary to public health in MA.
• Reflected and shared how a solutions focused approach like targeted universalism has impacted public health in our lifetime.
Please note: If you work for Public Health in Massachusetts, your attendance is covered by the Office of Local and Regional Health. You still need to register though, and you can do that by emailing Amparo Cruz acruz@growinganewheart.org.

20TH ANNUAL Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference ticket deadline
2026-05-15 08:00 - 17:00
Join the 20th annual Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference May 27-28!2 days of workshops + a social hour + plenary speakers + and moreGet your tickets ($100) and learn more: https://fhcrconference.com/New for 2026:– Incredibly low ticket prices ($75 less than last year) thanks to a generous contribution from Massachusetts Fair Housing Center– New location at Holyoke Community CollegeThis conference is live and in person. Lunch and morning refreshments are included with your registration. Join us for the free social hour at the end of Day 1, with refreshments, raffles and more!

Comedy Night
2026-05-15 18:00 - 21:30 | AMVETS Post 12, 754 Montgomery St, Chicopee, MA, 01013, United States
Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity will host a Comedy Night in honor of Military Appreciation Month on Friday, May 15 from 6–9:30 PM at AMVETS Post, 754 Montgomery St, Chicopee. Enjoy performances by Steve Nagel (Rock 102 FM) and Marty Caproni while supporting Veteran Home Preservation projects. Tickets are $25; doors open at 6 PM and the show begins at 7 PM. Sponsorships are available. Learn more at habitatspringfield.org/comedy

First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2026-05-16 09:00 - 14:00
Become a certified first-time homebuyer with Way Finders! Learn from local real estate professionals about the homebuying process.
The course covers finding, financing, purchasing, and maintaining a home. Participants receive a certificate of completion that is necessary to access several down payment assistance programs and special mortgage products.
This is a two-part IN PERSON workshop:
Saturdays, 9am-2pm
Mary 16 and 23
Cost of the workshop is $75 per household, nonrefundable.

Springfield Symphony Chorus Music in The Time of Jeanne
2026-05-16 16:00 - 18:00

Freedom to Be Ourselves: Transhealth's Annual Benefit
2026-05-16 19:30 - 21:00
Join us for Transhealth’s Freedom to Be Ourselves Annual Benefit on Saturday, May 16th at 7:30pm at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. Celebrate Transhealth’s 5th birthday and support our mission of protecting and expanding access to gender-affirming care with an unforgettable evening that will illuminate the power of hope, the warmth of joy, and the courage required to live authentically.
There will be a powerful keynote, Transhealth’s first ever Community Impact Awards will be given to four amazing trans leaders from each of the four counties in Western Massachusetts, and the evening will end with a conversation with Mercury Stardust (she/they).
We’ll ask Mercury about her experience being invited into people’s homes and hearts as “The Trans Handy Ma’am” and as an educator, author, performance artist, fundraiser and advocate for trans rights and healthcare. We’ll talk with them about where she finds joy in difficult times, how she uses creativity and craft as tools for health and wellness, why showing up for our communities is so important, and—as someone with an influential platform—what her advice is to anyone wanting to use their own voice to make a difference in the world.
Get your tickets NOW! With your support, we have given away all 100 FREE tickets to our patients and to those who belong to the trans and gender-diverse community— there are no more free tickets available. Please purchase a ticket to attend! All are welcome, including kids.

17th Annual Jordan's Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption!
2026-05-17 10:00 - 13:00
At MARE, we know that all children deserve a safe, loving place to call home. However, the reality is that in Massachusetts, there are currently 1,400 children and teens in foster care awaiting adoption who have no relatives or other potential adopters.
That’s why we’re hosting our 17th Annual Jordan’s Furniture Walk/Run for Adoption! This main event includes festivities, food, games, balloons, and family-friendly fun! Walkers and runners are invited to complete a 5k fun-run, consisting of three loops around the course. All the funds raised from this event go towards helping children and teens in foster care find adoptive homes!

Dialogues Across Differences
2026-05-18 10:00 - 14:00
Dialogues Across Differences is a three-day training series preparing individuals, communities, organizations, and coalitions that are enhancing their skills in facilitating conversations across profound differences of experience, social location, and understanding. How do we talk about race? gender? equity? Learn the skills necessary to facilitate dialogue through an approach that will strengthen the abilities you already have. Drawing on current research, ancient global wisdom teachings, Popular Education, Dialogue Education and theories of adult learning, we will practice shaping dialogue and engaging in productive conversations across differences in a way that strengthens us all.

Read More
Learning-based Objectives
• Engage adults in a process of learning and social change that employs a set of Popular Education principles that are respectful, empowering, and accountable.
• Work with content about intersectional oppression, anticipating tensions to address common and predictable misconceptions, values, and conflicts in our communities and culture.
• Find restorative resources for oneself.
• Learn when to apply this learning and when best to hold back.
• Identify powerful facilitative questions and creating opportunities to practice skills and receive feedback in a respectful, challenging, and energetic forum.
CEUs Available
This program has been approved for 10.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D10624-1.

18 Under 18 Awards
2026-05-18 17:00 - 20:00
The Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts 18 Under 18 Awards, presented by Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, provide an opportunity to recognize outstanding young people who exemplify an innovative spirit, leadership, and community involvement.
The celebration recognized the many contributions and accomplishments of our awardees at a special awards dinner.

Credit Success Workshop
2026-05-19 09:00 - 12:00
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.

24th Annual Mental Health & Wellness Fair
2026-05-20 10:00 - 14:00

In-Service Training - Key Considerations for Estate Planning
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Online via Zoom
Come discuss what is needed to create an estate plan! Learn what estate planning is, what happens when someone plans ahead, and what a Will can and cannot do for them. A personalized plan can ensure that your consumers are protected and that their loved ones are cared for and are left feeling secure.
Get these questions answered and more:
Q: How to avoid common missteps with Beneficiary Designations?
Q: How to prepare for the possibility of becoming incapacitated and unable to make financial and medical decisions for oneself?
Q: Should there be a Durable Power of Attorney in place to give someone the authority to manage property in the event of becoming incapacitated?
Q: How can someone ensure that a surviving spouse won’t disinherit their children accidently or on purpose?
Q: What is probate? Why do people want to avoid it, and how can it be avoided?
Q: What’s the difference between a Will and a Trust?
Q: What is a Healthcare Power of Attorney and why is it considered critical to have one?
Q: What happens to property if someone dies without even a Will?
Q: How should families with a person with special needs plan differently?
Presented by: Kimberly A. Pisinski, Attorney
Register here: https://lifepathma-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/ODtAQMWWSj-EzLdA_tiSKQ#/registration

Emergency in the Brain: A Look Inside Neurocritical Care
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:00
Join Benjamin Barnes, MD, for a presentation on neurocritical care—what it is, how it differs from general ICU care, and when it’s used for stroke and other life-threatening neurologic conditions. Learn how our specialized teams use acute stroke interventions to improve long-term outcomes for patients.

20TH ANNUAL Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference
2026-05-27 08:00 - 17:00

Air Watch App Launch
2026-05-27 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for the official launch of Air Watch, our new mobile app that puts real-time, neighborhood-level air quality data at your fingertips. Powered by the Healthy Air Network’s sensors located across Western Massachusetts, Air Watch makes it easy to understand the air you breathe every day.
This app was developed through an extensive, community-driven design and testing process. The app transforms complex air quality data into clear, easy-to-understand information so individuals and families can make informed decisions about their health.
At this virtual event, we’ll unveil the new Air Watch app, recognize the community leaders who helped bring it to life, and walk through how simple it is to download and use. The program will also feature a special video message from Senator Ed Markey, with additional speakers to be announced.
We hope to see you there! And if you can’t join us live, you can still support Air Watch by downloading the app, sharing a review, and spreading the word with one simple message: “I downloaded the Air Watch app—have you?”

Community Action Awareness Day
2026-05-28 13:00 - 16:00

Dietary Workshop
2026-05-28 17:00 - 20:00

Western MA Network to End Homelessness10th Annual Regional Gathering
2026-05-29 09:30 - 11:30

All In Farm Fundraiser
2026-05-29 17:00 - 20:00

Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2026-05-30 09:00 - 13:00
This virtual 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.

2026 MA West Region Self Advocacy Conference
2026-05-30 09:00 - 16:00
Join us for a day of empowerment, fun, and connecting with others who are all about speaking up and making a difference!

2026 MA West Region Self Advocacy Conference
Join us at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel on May 30, 2026 for a day full of inspiration and empowerment. This event is all about boosting your self-advocacy skills and connecting with others who share your passion. Don’t miss out on great workshops, fun activities, and chances to make your voice heard!

BHN Mental Health Awareness Month Community Celebration
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Behavioral Health Network, 417 Liberty Street, Entrance B, Springfield, MA, 01104, United States
Gurdon Bill Park, Springfield
(Next to the BHN Campus, Liberty & Genesee Streets)
Join us for a free, family-friendly event celebrating connection, creativity, and well-being in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health impacts more than 1 in 5 adults and adolescents each year, often beginning early in life—making support, understanding, and community more important than ever.
Come enjoy a fun and welcoming afternoon filled with food trucks, music, dancing, kids’ activities, wellness experiences, and creative expression—including painting and graffiti art.
BHN’s Center for Development will also offer a calm, inclusive, sensory-friendly space nearby—perfect for recharging, getting creative, and connecting at your own pace.
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors—we look forward to celebrating with you!
