Human Service Forum

Supervisory Skills Certificate Series- Fall 2026
2026-09-24 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | 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 cybersecurity 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 September 24th, 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $1500 for members, $3000 for nonmembers.
Reimbursement available through the Commonwealth Corporation Express Fund (more information below). Are you an HSF member and NOT eligible for the grant? Please use promo code HSF50 for a special 50% off discount. Additional discounts available for groups of 4 or more attendees. Email Jeff Tingley
Series Dates and Topics

Supervising Former Peers and Establishing Healthy Boundaries- Thursday September 24th

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

Employment Law- Thursday October 1st

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

Culturally Responsive Supervision- Tuesday October 6th

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

Retention: Rewards and Accountability – Thursday October 15th

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

Cyber Security- Wednesday February 25th

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

Resource Sharing and Catchafire Overview- Thursday October 29th

Let’s continue to fight the narrative of resource scarcity in nonprofits. Join us as we will highlight some of the most useful free resources for nonprofits we’ve discovered, and we invite you to share the tools and supports that have been most valuable to you. Let’s learn from one another and keep building stronger connections! We will also take a look at Catchafire- a worldwide network of professionals volunteering to lend their expertise to nonprofit organizations pro bono, that our member organizations have access to through HSF.
Presented by Becca Coolong and Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Team Building and Conflict Resolution- Thursday November 5th

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

Leadership Communication- Thursday November 12th

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

Express Program Reimbursement Program
Applications need to be in 21 days before the first date of the series (by September 3rd). After the series ends you will be able to request the reimbursement from Commonwealth Corporation.
The Supervisory Skills Series is listed under course ID # C-15680
Application and more details HERE
HSF Series Sponsor

HSF Annual Sponsors

Alianza 5K Cider Donut Dash
2026-09-26 10:00 - 13:00
Lace up for a fall morning at Ashley Reservoir, where the community comes together with purpose, and for a sweet finish of cider and donuts. The Alianza 5K: Cider Donut Dash brings people together to raise awareness, support survivors, and help build a future free from domestic violence.
Run fast, walk with friends, or bring the whole family to cheer on the community. We promise there’s a place for everyone at the start line (and yes, plenty of donuts waiting at the finish).
Held just ahead of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this event serves as a meaningful kickoff by bringing our community together to show up and stand with survivors. Proceeds support Alianza DV Services, whose programs provide free and confidential advocacy, shelter, prevention, and support services to survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout our region.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10:00 AM 5K Starts/10:05 AM Walk Starts
Location: Elks Club, Holyoke, MA

Cider Donut Dash
2026-09-26 10:00 - 13:00

Walk For Every Body
2026-09-27 10:30 - 14:00
Join us for the second annual Walk For Every Body on September 27 in downtown Northampton!
Bring your friends, family, coworkers, or create a team to support accessible, community-based healthcare across Western Massachusetts. The walk will be followed by a Block Party featuring local organizations, activities, entertainment, and more.
Register today and be part of a community that believes healthcare is for everybody: TapestryHealth.org/tapestrywalk9-27
