Human Service Forum

Leaders Lounge
2027-07-08 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | United Way of Pioneer Valley, 1441 Main Street, Suite 137, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Join us for Leaders Lounge—a free, informal monthly meetup on the second Thursday of every month for nonprofit leaders and community builders.
Hosted by United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Community Leadership Connect, it’s a space to share ideas, test solutions, and learn of best practices. All are welcome to join the conversation!
Come as you are to connect, grow, and recharge in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. We can’t wait to see you there!

Memory Training
2026-10-06 13:00 - 15:00
A four-week workshop series (2 hours for each session), this workshop is for people with mild age-related memory challenges, Memory Training teaches memory-enhancing techniques and practical strategies to boost memory functioning. Not intended for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

**Registration is Closed as of 3/3/2026** Winter 2026: Fridays from February 27-March 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m. In-person at the Holyoke Senior Center
Summer 2026: Mondays, June 1-22, 1:00-3:00 p.m. In-person at Chicopee RiverMills Senior Center
Fall 2026: Tuesdays, October 6 – 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. In-person at Mont Marie Senior Housing, Holyoke

Memory Training
2026-10-06 13:00 - 15:00
A four-week workshop series (2 hours for each session), this workshop is for people with mild age-related memory challenges, Memory Training teaches memory-enhancing techniques and practical strategies to boost memory functioning. Not intended for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Winter 2026: Fridays from February 27-March 23, 12:30-2:30 p.m. In-person at the Holyoke Senior Center

Summer 2026: Mondays, June 1-22, 1:00-3:00 p.m. In-person at Chicopee RiverMills Senior Center
Fall 2026: Tuesdays, October 6 – 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. In-person at Mont Marie Senior Housing, Holyoke

A Matter of Balance–Managing Concerns About Falls
2026-10-03 12:30 - 14:30
An 8-session workshop series (2 hours for each session) taking place once per a week, this workshop teaches practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and explores medical, behavioral, and environmental risk factors for falls, stressing the importance of developing an exercise plan.

Summer 2026: Wednesdays from May 5-June 24, 10:00am – 12:00pm In-person at Belchertown Senior Center
Fall 2026: Thursdays from October 3-22, 12:30-2:30pm at South Hadley Senior Center

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

60's Groovy Gala at Berkshire Hills Music Academy
2026-09-19 17:00 - 22:00 | Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Get ready for a far-out evening of psychedelic style, retro rhythms, and flower-power flair! This retro evening will feature music, dinner, dancing, and auctions — all in support of the participants and programs that make BHMA so special. We’re turning back the clock and turning up the fun. It’s time to party like it’s 1969! As we build toward this special night, we invite you to be part of it in a meaningful way. Sponsorship is one of the most effective ways to support BHMA while also celebrating alongside our community. Each level offers a unique opportunity to engage, be recognized, and make a lasting difference. Visit berkshirehills.org/groovygala to learn how to make an impact and purchase tickets. Whether you’re a longtime member of our community or new to BHMA, we’d love to welcome you to campus for a joyful night of celebration, connection, and fun!

60's Groovy Gala
2026-09-19 17:00 - 19:30
Get ready for a far-out evening of psychedelic style, retro rhythms, and flower-power flair as Berkshire Hills Music Academy presents our annual gala, featuring this year’s “Let’s Get Groovy” 1960s-inspired theme!
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the talents and accomplishments of the adults we serve while raising critical funds to support BHMA’s mission. The evening will feature delicious food, cocktails, live entertainment, performances by BHMA participants, a Groovy Grab wine pull, exciting auction opportunities, and our first-ever paddle raise.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or attending for the first time, you’ll enjoy a fun and meaningful evening filled with music, community, and purpose.
To learn more, purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or make a donation, visit berkshirehills.org/groovygala

Beyond Posting: Sustainable Social Media and Outreach Strategies for Community Engagement
2026-08-25 08:30 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Many organizations consistently post on social media, send newsletters, and promote events, yet still struggle with low attendance, poor online engagement, and outreach fatigue. During periods of burnout, staffing shortages, and funding cuts, communication efforts can easily become reactive, inconsistent, or disconnected from the communities organizations hope to reach.
This workshop explores practical social media and communication strategies that help organizations increase visibility, strengthen trust, and improve participation without relying on constant content production or overextending staff and volunteers. Participants will examine common outreach mistakes, audience engagement patterns, messaging strategies, and low-cost promotional approaches that support more sustainable community engagement.
Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify common communication barriers that reduce community participation during periods of burnout, low staffing, and funding cuts
Analyze how messaging, timing, accessibility, and audience targeting influence attendance, trust, and participation
Explore low-capacity social media and outreach strategies that support sustainable engagement without relying on constant content production

This workshop is no cost to HSF Members

Bio
Ysabel Garcia is a communications strategist and public health professional leading outreach campaigns, engagement strategies, and public-facing communications for nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and public health initiatives. She has coordinated multi-channel social media campaigns that generated thousands of views for public education campaigns, increased attendance at large-scale community events, and engaged audiences across the United States and internationally. Her work also includes independently building a mental health communications and education platform that gained national and international recognition, including an invitation to the White House.
Over the last decade, she has facilitated trainings on cultural humility, mental health, and leadership development, including serving as a trainer for the Human Service Forum’s Supervisory Skills Certificate Training Program.
Ysabel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s degree in Public Health, grounding her work in human behavior, systems thinking, and social context.

HSF Annual Sponsors:

7th Annual Canines Against Cancer Support Walk
2026-08-21 17:00 - 21:00
The 7th Annual Canines Against Cancer Support Walk is a fun-filled community fundraiser benefiting Each Moment We’re Alive Cancer Support Services. Now in its 7th year, this special event brings together families, friends, cancer survivors, supporters, and their dogs for an evening of walking, food, music, and activities. Every step helps ensure that free support groups, survivorship programs, and resources remain available to cancer survivors and their families as they navigate life during and after treatment.

Mindful Miles 5K
2026-08-15 08:00 - 12:00
Mindful Miles 5K is Gándara Center’s annual community run and walk that brings people together to support mental health and recovery services across Massachusetts. The event raises funds for programs serving more than 18,000 children, adults, and families each year. Participants, sponsors, and community partners join the run to strengthen access to culturally responsive care and help ensure support remains available when people need it most.

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This year’s event continues the “On the Road to Our Golden Jubilee” theme as Gándara Center approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027. Every step taken during Mindful Miles helps move mental health forward and sustain programs that support individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth.

Sounds of Springfield Sound Sculptures Community Event
2026-08-05 16:00 - 20:00
Community Celebration
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Tower Square Park,1477 Main Street, Springfield
Join Springfield Cultural Partnership and community partners for an afternoon of music, creativity, and community connection. The celebration will feature live performances, interactive sound sculpture activations, family-friendly arts activities, community remarks, and opportunities for residents of all ages to experience the installation together.

HSF Virtual HR Roundtable
2026-08-04 09:00 - 10:30 | Online via Zoom
Open to HSF Members. Join us for a monthly discussion with fellow HR professionals from human service organizations. Connect with others doing similar work, share challenges, and explore solutions. 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.

Celebrity Bartender Night
2026-07-30 17:30 - 19:30
The Rumbleseat Bar & Grille
482 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA 01013
Raise a glass and have some fun at our Celebrity Bartender event, where local celebrities take over the bar to mix drinks and raise funds for a meaningful cause. From 5:30 – 7:30pm, enjoy an evening of entertainment and support the Officer Angela Santiago Financial Aid Fund. All tips and proceeds benefit the Club, helping provide financial assistance to families in need.

Massachusetts Landlord Workshop
2026-07-25 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.
Registration fee is $90, nonrefundable. Please register in advance

BHMA Presents: Collaborative Saxophone Concert
2026-07-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Berkshire Hills Music Academy, 48 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA, 01075, United States
Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) welcomes the return of the “Sax Masters” for a special collaborative concert with the participant ensemble “Five Saxy Guys,” spearheaded by BHMA instructor Paul Coffill. Enjoy the rich and varied sound of a saxophone ensemble, featuring all five sizes of saxophone and repertoire spanning contemporary, classical, and jazz styles. Join us for an evening celebrating the versatility, artistry, and joyful spirit of saxophone music.
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Concert will take place at the Bernon Music Center on BHMA’s campus. There is a suggested donation at the door & free parking. Please reach out to Eileen Markland with any questions: emarkland@berkshirehills.org.

BHMA's Five Saxy Guys & the Sax Masterd
2026-07-23 17:30 - 19:00
July 23 | 5:30pm
Traditional, classical, and jazz selections performed by BHMA’s Five Saxy Guys and musical guest, the Sax Masters, a saxophone quartet introduced by instructor Paul Coffill.

Free parking and suggested donation at the door.

In-Service Training - Veterns Benefits Administration
2026-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
Description: The training will focus on: Providing an overview of the Veteran Benefits
Administration (VBA) benefits available to Veterans and their families. Participants will learn how to assist Veterans, their families, and survivors in understanding the wide range of benefits available to them and how to successfully apply. The session will
highlight how to become eligible for Service-Connected Compensation , Non-Service Connected (NSC) Pension, and Survivors’ Benefits. By the end of the training, participants will have a clear understanding of how VBA can guide individuals through the benefits
process with accuracy, clarity, and care.
Presented by: Patrick Bailey, Legal Administrative Specialist of the Veteran Benefits Administration
Learning Outcomes:
In this training, staff will be able to:
Identify eligibility criteria for compensation and pension from the VA.
Discuss the Claims Process
Apply knowledge and assist consumers in how to file a claim
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please note: Participants are sent a unique join-link sent in their registration confirmation email. This allows direct access to the meeting.

HSF I.T. Roundtable
2026-07-16 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.

Credit Success Workshop
2026-07-14 17:30 - 20:30
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.
Click the link below create an account and register. This workshop is in person at the Way Finders office in Springfield.
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.

Compassionate Accountable Conversations
2026-07-13 10:30 - 14:30 | Online via Zoom
Join us on July 13, 14, and 17, 10:30am-2:30pm Eastern Time
Compassionate Accountable Conversations is a three-day training series preparing individuals, communities, organizations, and coalitions that are strengthening their transformative work towards healing and equity-based relationships in divisive times. Sometimes we engage with people who are exhibiting habits of dominance within their interpersonal conflict. We may also notice these habits within our own interventions. When this happens, we need to be prepared to hold Compassionate Accountable Conversations that help interrupt dominance patterns and safely create the conditions where change becomes possible.

First-time Homebuyer Workshop
2026-07-08 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 VIRTUAL workshop:
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
July 8, 15, and 22
Cost of the workshop is $75 per household, nonrefundable.

Leadership Communication- Individual Session
2026-07-01 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
Sessions from the Supervisory Skills Series individual session registration:
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
This series is presented over Zoom, 9am-12:30pm all session. Full series is $150 per person per session for members, $250 for nonmembers.

Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Supervisory Skills Certificate Series: Spring 2026
2026-07-01 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:

Sounds of Springfield Ribbon Cutting
2026-06-30 10:30 - 11:30

Free Breast Feeding Class
2026-06-29 11:30

Dine to Donate with Bueno Y Sano
2026-06-29 11:00 - 20:30
Bueno Y Sano hosts the 12th Annual Bueno Day to Benefit CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. 50% of all sales at Bueno Y Sano locations in Amherst, Northampton, South Deerfield, Springfield, and West Springfield will be donated to CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBSHC). This includes dine-in orders, take-out, and Bueno Y Sano gift cards.

Feed the Hungry Benefit Concert
2026-06-27 15:00 - 18:00
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, you are invited to gather at Pulaski Park in Northampton for the Feed the Hungry Benefit Concert, an afternoon of live music, inspiring speakers, and community connection dedicated to supporting organizations that provide food and relief to those in need locally and around the world.
The concert will take place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and is presented by Feed the Hungry, an initiative of Light Omega and the Village of Light Ashram.
Centered around the message “May All Be Fed,” the event seeks to expand the understanding of nourishment beyond physical food alone — emphasizing kindness, compassion, human dignity, and the responsibility to care for one another. As expressed in the event materials: “We are being called, today, to learn how to feed each other with goodness, kindness, nurturance and blessing in every conversation, with every person, in every moment.”
The afternoon will feature performances by regional and spiritually inspired musicians including: Russell Brooks, Onatah Love, Matthew Andrews, Música Franklin Youth Chorus, Tony Vacca
In addition to music, the program will include featured speakers and community voices from several organizations working directly in the areas of hunger relief, peace work, and humanitarian outreach, including: The Amherst Survival Center, The New England Peace Pagoda, One Spirit, supporting the Lakota people of Pine Ridge Reservation
Proceeds and donations connected with the event will support seven domestic and international organizations that distribute food and essential aid, including the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Amherst Survival Center, Water.org, the World Food Program, Hopi Relief, and organizations serving Indigenous communities in the United States and India.

Youth Mental Health Living Out Loud
2026-06-27 13:00 - 17:00

Post-purchase Workshop
2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00
If you’ve already purchased your home, join our Homeowners Workshop and Celebration for fun-filled interactive learning and home care demonstrations from our partnering presenters.
Our workshop includes information on: construction rehabilitation loans, seasonal maintenance and home repair, being green in and around your home, weatherization, and so much more.
Everyone who attends receives a 65-piece tool kit and will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Registration required. FREE! Meets MHP Post-Purchase workshop requirement.

Etienne Perley at BHMA
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:00
Berkshire Hills Music Academy warmly invites you to an enchanting evening celebrating the remarkable journey of Etienne Perley, a musician whose artistry knows no bounds. As an alumnus of BHMA, Etienne’s passion for music has been a lifelong companion, deeply rooted in his Andean heritage.
Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Massachusetts, Etienne draws profound inspiration from his cultural roots, infusing his music with authenticity and depth. Join us for an evening rich in rhythm, color, and heartfelt melodies as Etienne shares his distinctive musical voice and personal narrative.
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Concert will take place at the Bernon Music Center on BHMA’s campus. There is a suggested donation at the door & free parking. Please reach out to Eileen Markland with any questions: emarkland@berkshirehills.org.
