There's still time to put a batch of cookies in the oven!

Wrap up 2025 with a sweet and strategic COSA meeting! Join us in person at the Hadley Public Library for an informative session on nonprofit legislative advocacy. This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of effectively engaging with state and federal legislative offices.

What you'll gain:

A peek into the general timeline and key actions for the legislative year.
Expert advice on how and when to advocate for essential legislation and budget line items.
A direct Q&A opportunity with legislators and/or their staff.
Time to network and catch up with your nonprofit and social service colleagues from all across the Valley.

Sweeten the Deal: Please bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share! Light refreshments will also be provided.

Confirmed presenters include:

State Senator Jo Comerford - Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester District
Koby Gardner-Levine, Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern - 2nd Congressional District
State Representative Homar Gómez - 2nd Hampshire District
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa - 1st Hampshire District
Lily Stowe-Alekman, Staff Director for the Office of State Representative Mindy Domb - 3rd Hampshire District

Your legislators want to know how things are going. Please make the most of this session by coming prepared to share:

what's currently working?
which state/federal budget priorities profoundly impact your clients and your agency?
what action on a key issue would make a real difference?
are there non-legislative supports (forums, data/information sharing, coordination, etc.) that would add value for your organization?

Today! Tuesday, December 9th from 10am-11:30am

Hadley Public Library

Check it out!

Community Action needs assessment

Every three years, Community Action Pioneer Valley conducts a community needs assessment to shape their Strategic Plan and ensure their services effectively respond to the real-life challenges of living with limited resources in our region. They are actively gathering input from a broad range of participants across all programs to ensure that future goals truly serve our diverse community. Thank you for any help you can provide in getting the word out! Some of you may have already been involved in helping us to collect survey responses from folks you work with. Please note the deadline has been extended to December 15.

Take the survey by Dec 15th

Flyer w-multilingual resources

Franklin County Nonprofit Summit Dec 10th

On December 10th, Franklin County nonprofit leaders will gather in Greenfield to participate in an annual summit organized by the Franklin County Nonprofit Collaborative. This event, planned by groups including United Way and the United Arc, aims to foster greater collaboration and resource sharing among organizations amidst economic and political uncertainty. It will focus on regional challenges such as staffing, fundraising, and the food security crisis. State and regional officials are expected to attend.

Read the release

Winter Shelter Directory updated

From Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness: Expanded winter emergency shelter for individuals is newly available, with thanks to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for its recent winter shelter funding to the western region. This list will be revised and updated when resources get added or changed. It will always be available and most up-to-date on our "Need Help?" web page. Greatest thanks to our area shelter providers for their herculean work during these times.

Emergency Shelter & Warming Centers

Amherst CDBG public hearing Dec 18th

The Town of Amherst will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, December 18, 2025 regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The CDBG Advisory Committee is seeking public feedback on the progress of ongoing FY2022-2024 projects—ranging from infrastructure improvements like the North Pleasant Street upgrades to social services like the Amherst Survival Center—as well as input on community priorities for the upcoming FY2026 application. These funds are dedicated to housing, community development, and social services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Read the release

KFF-New York Times immigration survey

A new KFF/New York Times Survey of Immigrants reveals deepening anxiety and fear among immigrants of all statuses amid the federal administration’s intensified immigration enforcement and restrictive policies. The survey paints a portrait of families under strain—where fear of detention and economic instability are negatively impacting immigrants’ health and reshaping immigrant families’ daily lives and views of U.S. political parties.

Learn more about this survey