Art in Community: Pathways to Healing & Joy
2025-11-08 13:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Amherst Unitarian Universalist Church, 121 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01004, United States
You’re Invited!

Join us for Art in Community: Pathways to Healing & Joy — a vibrant gathering of artists, neighbors, and healers celebrating resilience, creativity, and connection through art.
️ Saturday, November 8, 2025 1:00–5:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Society, 121 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA | Sliding scale: $0–$35 | Light refreshments provided |Childcare available upon request|️ All are welcome
✨ Featuring powerful workshops and performances by:

Magdalena Gómez – poet, storyteller, performance artist
Janet Aalfs – martial artist, poet, movement guide
Kathleen Bowen – mandala creator, Center for Biography and Art
Timna Tarr – fabric collage artist, ritual & song leader

Come to remember, create, share, and celebrate. Whether you’re an artist, a neighbor, or simply curious—this space is for you.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-in-community-pathways-to-healing-and-joy-tickets-1770555582409?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please share widely and bring a friend!
Trauma-Informed Hampshire County is a program of the Consortium
Gratitude to our sponsors: Mass Cultural Council • Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank • Mass General Brigham Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Supervisory Skills Certificate Series: Fall 2025
2025-11-12 09:00 - 12:30
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning.
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. Select to attend in person at our offices in Easthampton or virtually over Zoom.
This series is presented over Zoom. Series runs 8 consecutive weeks starting October 1st to November 19th 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $650 for members, $1300 for nonmembers.

Series Dates and Topics:
Retention: Rewards and Accountability Wed October 1st 2025
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
Team Building and Conflict Resolution Thurs October 9th 2025
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- Wed October 15th 2025
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- Wed October 22nd 2025
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
Employment Law Wed October 29th 2025
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
Cyber Security Wed November 5th 2025
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
Lead with Influence- Wed November 12th 2025
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
Leadership Communication Wed November 19th 2025
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:

Lead with Influence : Choose Your Training
2025-11-12 09:00 - 12:30
Single sessions of HSF’s Supervisory Skills Series are now available for registration.
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- Wed November 12th 2025
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
This series is presented over Zoom. 9am-12:30pm all session. Each Session is $150 for members, $250 for nonmembers.

Other Series Dates and Topics:
Leadership Communication Wed November 19th 2025
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:

Building Resilience from Within
2025-11-12 11:00 - 12:00
This six-week series was developed to help prevent caregiver burnout but is open to anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives.
Presenter Reina Goldberg will teach simple techniques to build core resilience including mindfulness, gentle movement, and guided visualization. The ongoing nature of the series strengthens connection, reduces feelings of isolation, and empowers individuals with tools to address their most pressing needs for stress reduction.
October 22nd through November 26th
(10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 & 11/26)
Wednesdays 11-11:45 on Zoom (Participants will receive a Zoom link prior to the first session)
The program is free, open to all, and no experience is required. To ensure accessibility, all exercises can be done seated or standing and every session is recorded so participants can watch or rewatch at their convenience. Registration is required. For more information and/or to register: scan the QR code in the image, call 413-737-2601 or contact Tammy Morton: t.morton@jfswm.org

Community Benefits Forum
2025-11-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-13 09:00 - 10:00

Safe Passage Open House: Therapists & Behavioral Health Workers
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Safe Passage, 76 Carlon Dr, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
Safe Passage is hosting an Open Houses for therapists and behavioral health workers — Join us to learn more about Safe Passage and our programs/services, get a tour of our office and meet folks running our programs, and learn more about how you can engage with Safe Passage and support survivors of domestic violence. We will have refreshments and light snacks available. RSVP is required at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemlOt3cnMiwUojWfP1OmwY5PvYxPOT3Yo0E72n0qWeCV6i-w/viewform?usp=dialog
Please note: This is a drop-in space and there is no expectation to stay for the entire length of the event!
If you have any questions, you can reach us at outreach@safepass.org.

Safe Passage Open House
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00
Safe Passage is hosting an Open Houses for therapists and behavioral health workers — Join Safe Passage to network and build coalition with fellow providers, learn more about Safe Passage and their programs/services, get a tour of the office and meet folks running programs, and learn more about how you can engage with Safe Passage and support survivors of domestic violence. There will be refreshments and light snacks available. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend.

Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning
2025-11-13 17:30 - 19:00
Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning – Free Community Events
Join us for one of two free community events about lead poisoning prevention! These interactive evenings will equip families with the tools to keep children safe from lead, learn simple steps to prevent exposure, connect with local resources, and identify hidden lead hazards in your home and community.

· Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM at MA Green High Performance Computing Center, 100 Bigelow St, Holyoke, MA. Register for the Holyoke event.

Presented in partnership with Square One, Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, and DPH CLPPP.

Questions? Contact Beyonca at btwiggs@publichealthwm.org

Ribbon Cutting
2025-11-14 10:00 - 11:00

Advancing Health Equity in Western MA's Rural Communities
2025-11-14 12:00 - 13:15
Join us for a free webinar, Rural Realities: Advancing Health Equity in Western MA’s Rural Communities, exploring the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities across Western Massachusetts, featuring State Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district, Laura Kittross, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and Phoebe Walker, Franklin Regional Council of Governments.

Rural Realities: Advancing Health Equity in Western MA's Rural Communities
2025-11-14 12:00 - 13:15
Join us for a free webinar exploring the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities across Western Massachusetts, featuring State Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district, Laura Kittross, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and Phoebe Walker, Franklin Regional Council of Governments.

Mobile Food Bank Distribution Schedule
2025-11-15 08:00 - 17:00
Our Mobile Food Bank delivers a truck full of free fresh and non-perishable groceries from our warehouse directly to a community site for immediate distribution to residents. There are no eligibility requirements to receive food from our Mobile Food Bank. Anyone can attend.
Call our Mobile Food Bank staff at 413-419-0079 with questions and for up-to-date information on closures.

Mobile Food Bank Schedule

Holiday Gift Drive
2025-11-15 08:00 - 17:00
Amherst Survival Center holiday gift drive

Amherst Survival Center is accepting NEW children’s books, games, toys, and winter accessories for ALL ages from now until December 31st. Households with children are welcome to shop during their pantry visit throughout the month of December. Have any questions? Please reach out to Miranda.

Community Care Package Drive
2025-11-17 08:00 - 17:00
Each year, our Community Care Package Drive reminds us what kindness looks like in action. Last year, your generosity helped us bring comfort and essentials to hundreds of families across our communities.

We’re doing it again, and we need your help to keep it going.

If you’re able to donate, organize a collection, or spread the word, you’ll help us reach even more families who count on our support.

Please share this with your friends, families, workplaces, and any platforms where it can make a difference. Every box, every share, every small act matters.

Let’s move hope forward. Thank you for your help.

Girl Scout Food Drive in Honor of Juliette Gordon Low
2025-11-18 08:00 - 16:00
Collect in your town for your local pantry or drop off non-perishable items to the Girl Scout Leadership Center at 301 Kelly Way, Holyoke.
See flyer for most needed items.

Volunteers in the Valley
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:00

November Lunch & Learn 2025: Introducing Mentor Circles!
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Lunch & Learn Sessions meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 12-1pm. This is a time for folks to tune in while eating lunch. Join us to learn more about best practices, stay connected, and keep up with recent research, happenings, and tools. We welcome you as often as you can join us!
November 2025
Join us to discuss and give your input on a new series of workshops from Mass Mentoring Partnership. Mentor Circles will run every third Thursday evening of most months (dates will be adjusted if holidays interfere.) Mentor Circles are virtual, off-hours opportunities for YOUR PROGRAMS’ MENTORS to connect with other mentors, build knowledge, and practice skills related to being the best mentor you can be. Topics will vary. You are encouraged to share the Mentor Circles registration links with your mentors. Come to this Lunch and Learn to give some feedback and find out more!

Gandara Center Career Expo
2025-11-18 16:00 - 19:00
Explore Job opportunities and learn more about the agency’s work.
come in and talk to a Director / Manager regarding work life balance
day to day responsibilities for new and current employees.

Bombyx Brass Collective
2025-11-18 19:00 - 21:00
Bombyx Brass Collective
Pops Across the Pond

The Bombyx Brass Collective, a 35-piece semi-professional brass choir led by Music Director Juli Sansoucy, will present their first program of the season “Pops Across The Pond” twice in November. The first performance will be on Sunday, November 16, at 3 pm at the United Methodist Church in South Hadley. The concert will be repeated on Tuesday, November 18, at 7 pm at the Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity. Both concerts will benefit the Food Bank of Western Mass, with donations of any amount gratefully accepted here or at the door.
The program will feature a variety of popular and classical music, primarily by British composers, including Delius, Holst, Byrd, Walton, Boysen, and Zimmer/Fernie and will be sure to delight everyone who attends.
The Food Bank of Western Mass is one of the leading advocates in the region addressing food insecurity, tirelessly working to provide food to people when and where they need it, and to develop solutions to the drivers of hunger in our communities. Their slogan is “Together, We End Hunger”. Public Engagement Manager Cheyenne Burnham stated, “Over 123,000 people a month (on average) rely on our region’s network of food pantries and that number will continue to rise as funding for vital programs like SNAP get cut. The Food Bank is incredibly grateful to the members of our community who are dedicated to making sure people have access to nutritious food. There is an important place for joy within fundraising efforts and events like these bring people together for a common purpose rooted in care and compassion.” To learn more about the Food Bank of Western Mass, visit https://www.foodbankwma.org/.
Admission to all Bombyx Brass performances is free of charge, but donations are always gratefully accepted. All proceeds support future programming and advocacy in the community. In addition to monetary contributions, donations of non-expired dry goods will be accepted at the door.

MHA 3rd Annual Food Drive
2025-11-19 08:00 - 17:00
At MHA, we believe in the power of community support. This November, we’re hosting our 3rd annual food drive to provide essential nourishment for our participants. Your contributions can make a real difference in their lives! When: November 10 – November 24 Where: Drop-off at MHA’s Main Office at 350 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MAWhat to Donate:– Non-perishable food items (canned goods, pasta, rice)– Thanksgiving food items (non-perishable stuffing, mashed potatoes)Every little bit helps! Let’s come together to ensure everyone has access to the food and resources they need.

Food and Wellness Fair
2025-11-20 08:00 - 12:00

HSF I.T. Roundtable
2025-11-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Online via Zoom
A benefit for HSF members. IT professionals in Human Services — you are not alone! Join peers in a monthly roundtable discussion to connect with others who understand your work, crowdsource solutions, and share challenges. We are stronger together.
Get updates on any Roundtables by registering here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/3s7thg3

If you have not previously attended, or are not registered please contact Jeff Tingley for more information.

In-Service Training - Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Your Community
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:15 | Online via Zoom
The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren will offer an overview on kinship families and the various caregiving dynamics we see in our communities and lead a discussion that will allow attendees to consider the diverse perspectives and needs of caregivers from the unique perspective of grandparents and other relatives. This training will also dive into the resources and supports available to assist you in better serving these community members!
Presented by: Colleen Pritoni, Director of The Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Learning Outcomes:
In this training, staff will be able to:
Recognize the prevalence of substance use disorder in older adults
Name two risk factors for the development of substance use disorder in older adults
Understand the differences in presentation of withdrawal in older adults
Explore evidence-based approaches for treatment in older adults with substance use disorder

Paninis for Our Pantry
2025-11-20 11:30 - 13:30
We’re excited to invite you to a meaningful lunch on Thursday, November 20th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This month’s Guest Chef is our own Shannon M. Rudder, President & CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, serving her mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Panini! Of course, all other menu items will be available too.

For each order placed during lunch, LugNutz will contribute **$2** to MLKFS’ Emergency Food Pantry. With a staggering increase in demand—over 30%—and so much uncertainty surrounding food security, our pantry is committed to providing essential nourishment and heartfelt support. Every dollar of support helps maintain the dignity of those we serve
.

Come savor delicious food while making a positive impact! We look forward to seeing you there.

Much gratitude for the Marcotte Ford team for hosting us and for their continued support of our mission.

BHMA Jazz Ensemble
2025-11-20 16:00 - 19:00
Jazz is in the air! Catch the Jazz Ensemble this November at these events coming up!

Berkshire Mini March
2025-11-22 09:30 - 14:00
Saturday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Join Monte Belmonte and Food Bank supporters in downtown Pittsfield for the Berkshire Mini-March, a 3-mile walk beginning and ending at Hot Plate Brewing. Stay at Hot Plate from 12 – 2 p.m. for an after-party with beverages, lunch, and live music.
Along the way, participants will visit local Food Bank member pantries, including Mercado De Vida and the Berkshire Dream Center. The final stop is the Pittsfield Community Pantry, where marchers can choose to roll up their sleeves and volunteer by assembling Thanksgiving Angels packages for local families.
The Berkshire Mini-March is part of the 16th Annual March for the Food Bank, a 42-mile journey from Springfield to Greenfield happening over two days on Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th that raises critical funds to provide nourishing food to individuals across all four counties. With a goal of $650,000, we invite you to join us in Pittsfield and take steps to end hunger in Western Massachusetts.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
2025-11-22 10:00 - 13:00
This event is free and is for Survivors of Suicide Loss only.
Each year, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) supports hundreds of large and small Survivor Day events around the world, in which suicide loss survivors come together to find connection, understanding and hope through their shared experience.
We invite you to join us in Springfield, MA for a meaningful day filled with breakout groups, lunch, engaging activities, and a powerful AFSP-produced documentary that highlights themes of growth, resilience, and connection.
*Parking and the entrance are located behind the building. For GPS directions, use 36 Buckingham Street, Springfield, MA
Springfield Event Schedule:
• 10:00am – 10:15am: Check-in• 10:15am – 10:20am: Welcome & Opening Remarks• 10:20am – 10:50am: AFSP Documentary Screening• 11:00am – 12:15pm: Breakout Sessions• 12:15pm – 12:55pm: Lunch• 12:55pm – 1 :00pm: Poem Reading & Closing Remarks

Panel Discussion on Why HBCUs Matter
2025-11-22 11:00 - 14:00
This engaging event will feature a lineup of HBCU graduates sharing their unique experiences and insights about attending HBCU’s.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Community Center, 3 Rutland Street, Springfield, MA 01109 – FREE to attend

In addition to the personal stories from our panelists, we will discuss the 2026 HBCU Tour itinerary and upcoming workshops designed to empower and inform prospective students.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the rich history and vibrant culture of HBCUs, and how they can shape your educational journey.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, don’t miss this chance to connect and engage with our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall Season Celebratory 5K
2025-11-23 10:30 - 17:00
5K Celebration
Confidence through
Accomplishment

Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement.
