Human Service Forum

COSA'S Provider Fair
2024-09-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join COSA for the Provider’s Fair! Gather with colleagues from organizations throughout Hampshire County. This tabling event provides the opportunity to network, share news about your programming, discuss trends, and discover resources.

COSA’s Annual Meeting will also take place at this event. Hear reporting on the past year and plans for the future. All COSA members are welcome to take part in the election of Board officers and members.

Only a few spaces are left! We will try to fulfill your registration if at all possible.

Want to network with nonprofit colleagues? No registration is necessary. Join us!

COSA Provider’s Fair and Annual Meeting
Tuesday, September 10th from 10:00am-11:30am (setup at 9:30am)
Haskell Building, 1 Prince Street, Northampton (MAP)

Light refreshments will be available.

MLK JR Family Services Family Reunion
2024-09-08 16:00 - 18:30
Family-Fun Day!
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11am – 5pm
A brief program will inspire & kick us off followed by backyard games, tournaments and food and snacks.
Did we mention cotton candy, karaoke, face painting, family fun relay games, DJ – and maybe a visit from our favorite area mascots!
AND….WTCC Radio will be joining us to offer opportunities to record YOUR MLKFS story of impact. Don’t miss it!

Fellowship & Worship
Sunday, September 8, 2024, 4pm
There is no MLKFS without the vision of Project Mustard Seed—we will gather in that spirit and tradition with a special worship service under the leadership The Reverend Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery, Pastor of the MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church as we welcome Project Mustard Seed Visionary Leader The Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Peters to bless us with his message and call to action.
We are overjoyed that this celebration will feature a MLK Community Choir under the direction of Elder Terrence Haynes, accompanied by Terrence Schider. Prepare to be blessed!

Getting excited? ALL must pre-register for the event.

Rooted Flowers Farm Tour
2024-09-07 10:00 - 14:00
Join us on Saturday, September 7th for a delightful tour of Rooted Flowers Farm!
You’ll discover the art and science behind growing a diverse array of flower varieties from seed to harvest, as owner Becky Sadlowski shares her journey of operating a successful flower farm business.

Activities include:

Guided tours of the Rooted Flower Farm and gardens
Purchase a flowers to craft your own bouquet at the Flower Bar!
Face painting for kids

Autumn Mist Farm food truck be on site serving hotdogs, hamburgers, and their own kielbasa. Enjoy a free Crooked Stick pop at the end to complete your tour.
Tours begin at 10 am, 11 am, and noon. Choose your tour time upon registration.
Tickets: kids 3+ $10; Adults $25; Family of four $60. Ages 3 and under are free

Stars and Stripes Day
2024-09-05 08:00 - 17:00

Stone Soul Parade & Festival
2024-08-31 11:00 - 17:00
Join Baystate Health & Health New England colleagues, family, and friends at the Stone Soul Parade & Festival.
The parade route is about two miles. It starts at Rebecca Johnson Elementary School, goes left on State Street, down to Gaucher Street, left on Roosevelt Avenue, and then left on Blunt Park Road.
Join us at Blunt Park after the parade for New England’s largest African American festival.
This 3-day festival is for all ages. It includes:

Live music
Cultural Foods
Dancing
Games
Floats
Food from local vendors
A health fair
Giveaways

Overdose Awareness Vigil
2024-08-30 18:00 - 20:00

Community Foundation of Western MA Virtual Open Office Hours
2024-08-30 10:00 - 13:00
The Community Impact Team will have virtual open office hours for nonprofits and other stakeholders

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR FLEXIBLE FUNDING 2024
2024-08-23 10:00 - 11:00
Flexible Funding aims to provide unrestricted financial support to sustain day-to-day operations of organizations, enabling you to focus on your mission. At CFWM, equity is central to all our efforts. We especially welcome applications from smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have not yet received substantial institutional philanthropy. We also prioritize organizations deeply rooted in their communities.
This year, we are excited to announce a partnership with the MassMutual Foundation, offering an expansion of Flexible Funding grants specifically for Springfield-serving organizations. Additionally, we have expanded funding available in Franklin County. With a single application, organizations can apply for funding; our staff will decide which of the criteria your organization best meets.
CFWM Staff will hold virtual information sessions about the Flexible Funding 2024 grant opportunity. Information sessions will review the grant process, the application and criteria. They are as follows:
August 7, 2024: 2pm – 3pm (general)
August 13, 2024: 10am – 11am (support for submitting your budget)
August 23, 2024: 9am – 10am (general)
August 23, 2024: 10am – 11am (for fiscally sponsored organizations)

Focus on Your Future
2024-08-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-08-21 18:00 - 19:00
Get ready to learn the basics of making a budget, how to read a credit report, and what can be done to correct errors that may negatively affect your credit rating. Led by HOPE Financial Wellbeing Coach Amy Hoerle, the workshop will also cover your rights as a consumer and how to make the most of them. The workshop is free to attendees, but registration is required.​
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The same course will be offered on back-to-back days. Which day works better for your schedule?

Voices in Food Equity: Nourishing Tomorrow's Leaders
2024-08-21 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for Voices in Food Equity: Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders on Wednesday, August 21st at Berkshire Community College from 5:00-7:30 PM. This crucial event will address childhood hunger as well as its impact on students through college in Western Massachusetts. We’re excited to learn about community-driven solutions and the importance of legislative action together as a community. Register using the link below!
This event is completely free however space is limited. So, secure your seat now and join us for incredible discussions and delicious hors d’oeuvres!

How to Use Free Tools to Boost Your Non-Profits’s Online Visibility
2024-08-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Online Event, MA, United States
Tuesday, August 20th 9am -10am
Free for HSF Members
Most non-profit leaders agree that having a strong online presence is crucial for their organizations to engage with supporters, attract donors, and raise awareness for their cause. However, challenges such as limited budgets, broad target audiences, and reliance on volunteers sometimes make marketing seem like an insurmountable mountain to climb.
This workshop is tailored to address these challenges and provide you with a practical framework and launchpad to help you leverage free tools to boost your non-profit’s visibility.
What You’ll Learn

Key Components of Online Visibility Understand the essential elements of a strong online presence, including website optimization, social media engagement, search engine optimization, and content marketing.
Top Free Tools for Digital Marketing We will then go through some of the top free tools online to help you nail the above-mentioned components of online visibility.
How to ask the right questions No need to be confused by marketing jargon. We’ll talk about the main things you need to know when you’re bringing in someone to help with your digital marketing and how to ask the right questions so you can keep your finger on the pulse. (This year, all non-profits in Western Mass can get volunteer help with their digital marketing at no cost through the Catchafire program so this is a great place to start).

Why Attend?

Gain valuable insights and practical tips from a digital marketing expert who has worked with many non-profits.
Get clarity. Know what you need to focus on to get results.
Learn how to find free tools, leverage specials for non-profits

Presenter:
The workshop will be presented by Fungai Tichawangana, founder of Artist Dynamix, a digital marketing agency based in Amherst MA. Fungai has built an impressive career at the intersection of journalism and digital marketing, focusing on how creatives and non-profits can best leverage the power of the Internet. In 2015, he was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard. Since moving to Western Massachusetts in 2018, he has done work for The Community Foundation of Western MA, The ArtsHub of Western MA, and the WriteAngles Conference, among others.

Thank you to our Training Sponsors

HSF Annual Sponsors

Annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Run/Walk
2024-08-18 08:00 - 17:00

BackPack Giveaway
2024-08-17 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Ware Family Resource Center for our Backpack Giveaway on August 17th! Free backpacks will be available for the first 100 youth! Please note that youth must be present to receive a backpack. Have questions? Call (413) 277-6601 or email bhnfrc@bhninc.org.

August First-time Homebuyer Workshop (English)
2024-08-17 09:00 - 14:00
August 17 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$50

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:
Saturday, August 17, 9am-2pm
Saturday, August 24, 9am-2pm
Walk-ins are not accepted. Attendance for this workshop will be limited.
Cost of the workshop is $50 per household, nonrefundable.

August Credit Success Workshop
2024-08-13 17:30 - 20:30
August 13 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
$10

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.

MHA Grand Opening
2024-08-13 11:30 - 13:00 | 350 Memorial Drive , Chicopee, MA

Annual Backpack & School Supply Distribution
2024-08-12 14:00 - 17:30

The Savvy Caregiver
2024-08-12 13:00 - 15:00 | RiverMills Senior Center, 5 W. Main Street, Chicopee, 01020, United States
Savvy Caregiver® is a class for family and friends caring for someone living with memory loss or
Alzheimer’s disease.
For most family caregivers, caregiving is a new role and one for which training is needed-just as you
would receive training for any new job. The Savvy Caregiver® Program helps caregivers better understand
the changes their loved ones are experiencing, and how to best provide individualized care for them
throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Participants will learn how to feel better
about their caregiver role and how to care for themselves. The Savvy Caregiver® Program was developed
by experts in caregiving techniques and goes beyond introductory educational offerings to provide
clinical-level training for family caregivers.
Participants will receive a manual to refer to at home, and have homework that provides opportunities to
put new knowledge to work, practice new skills, and assess how things are going between class.
The class will be taught by Monica Crespo, BS, BA, Caregiver Specialist with WestMass ElderCare and
Carol Constant, CDP, both of whom are certified Savvy Caregiver® Group Leaders.
The six-week class is free, but registration is required; please contact Sabrina Denesha (413)538-9020,
ext. 470 or sdenesha@wmeldercare.org to register for the class by July 2. Please contact Monica Crespo
(413)538-9020, ext. 403 or mcrespo@wmeldercare.org to inquire about course content or respite care
opportunities for class participants.

HomeFront Strong Connects & Storytelling Volunteer Training
2024-08-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
HomeFront Strong Connects & Storytelling volunteer training will prepare you to provide community peer support to service members, veterans, and their families, through regular check-ins and the storytelling process
Check-ins are conducted at the convenience of the volunteer and matched individual
Ongoing support is provided to volunteers by HomeFront Strong staff
For more information on the program and to become a volunteer, visit: https://homefrontstrongus.org/about/volunteer/

50th Online Auction Bidding Opens
2024-08-08 08:00 - 17:00
We’re thrilled to celebrate five decades of dedicated service to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their incredible caregivers. Your participation in this exciting auction not only promises a treasure trove of fantastic items but also helps us continue our mission of providing essential programs and support.
Get ready to bid, win, and make a meaningful impact! Let’s come together, have some fun, and ensure that everyone in our community can age with dignity and independence. Happy bidding!

60th Anniversary Kickoff Event
2024-08-07 09:30 - 11:30
We look forward to kicking off our 60th anniversary with a celebration and presentation of our 2024 scholarship award recipients.This event will be held at the UMass Amherst Center at Tower Square in Springfield on August 7th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.We hope you can join us to celebrate our six decades of success in our Springfield community, as well as wishing the best of luck to our scholarship recipients who are certain to have bright futures ahead!

Sunshine Village Annual Golf Tournament
2024-08-07 09:00 - 17:00
Join us for the
35th Annual Sunshine Village Golf Tournament!
Wednesday August 7, 2024, at the Chicopee Country Club
9:00 am Shotgun Start
SPONSORS register today! (using the form below)
THANK YOU TO OUR TOURNAMENT SPONSORS!
2024 SSV Closed Roster Golf Brochure
Any questions? Please e-mail Corinne Dumont at cdumont@sunshine.us or call her at 413/592-6142 X1113

First Time Home Buyers Workshop
2024-08-03 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for our First Home Buyer Workshop!
We look forward to helping you achieve your credit and savings goals!
We hope you can make it!
*You must attend both sessions to receive credit*

Agosto clases para compradores de casa por primera vez de way finders
2024-08-03 09:00 - 14:00
August 3 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
$50

Esta es una clase completa dividida en dos días:
3 y 10 de agosto.Horario: 9:00am a 2pm
La clase cubre todos los aspectos de la compra de una casa. Diseñado específicamente para compradores de vivienda por primera vez, la clase está certificada por CHAPA, HUD y MassHousing. Se requiere completar la clase para calificar para ciertos productos de asistencia financiera de la ciudad y algunos préstamos hipotecarios.

Grandparent Connect: A Summit of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren from Western Mass
2024-08-01 10:00 - 12:00

The Mediterranean Diet Eating for Longevity and Vitality
2024-07-31 18:00 - 19:00
A Healthier Way of Eating Series
Discover the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and kickstart your wellness journey. Join Dina Dugan, RD, clinical dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital, for a discussion that delves into what is a Mediterranean diet, practical meal plans and embracing a wholesome way of eating.
If you are interested in attending other virtual events, join our free Loyalty Programs, Senior Class and Baystate Health Every Woman for updates on events and articles.

Breast Feeding In Person Class
2024-07-29 12:00 - 13:00

WIC's 50th Birthday Celebration
2024-07-26 10:00 - 12:00

Coffee with a Recovery Coach
2024-07-25 08:00 - 10:00
