COSA meets on Zoom today at 10am-11am. Join us!

In this brief presentation we will consider the skill of storytelling and how this practice helps Indigenous People move towards health and wellness.

José Lugo is the Native Education Liaison for CES. He is a detribalized Chicano Macewalli who uses storytelling to reconnect with his Indigenous cultural practices. Through this skill development José works to heal from the impacts of colonization.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

10am-11am on Zoom - full details are here

Last week's favorite click

CES After School Program Director position is open!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

The 2025 Point in Time (PIT) Count is right around the corner — January 29th. The Outreach page on the Three County CoC website contains useful information including forms, documentation, and training session details. On January 14th from 10:00am-11:30am the CoC will be holding a community planning meeting. They invite you to check out all the resources available on their website. Thank you!

Three County CoC info page

Know where to stay warm - 413Cares

413Cares has built a list of Warming Centers in all four counties of Western MA. You can filter and search to find a location near you! If you know of a warming center that is NOT currently listed, please submit information to us.

Visit their website

Submit RFPs for Amherst CDBG funds

The Town of Amherst has announced priorities for social service and non-social service CDBG funding projects. These include household stabilization, youth development, food programs, senior support services, and more. Proposals must be received by February 3rd.

Read the entire announcement here

HSF Legislative Reception on Jan 31st

Join your colleagues and community members as we engage with our state legislators at the annual Human Service Forum Legislative Reception. This unique event allows you to share a table, zoom style, with one of the western Massachusetts Representatives or Senators and speak directly with them on topics that are important to you. Let people know how policies and laws affect our work, our families and our communities.

All the details

How does transportation funding work in Massachusetts?

Strong transportation infrastructure benefits the entire economy, connects people to opportunities, and reduces the amount of time people waste in traffic. Our transportation system can also play a leading role in advancing equity and improving our environment. Massachusetts has an extensive transportation network. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation directly oversees and supports 9,526 lane miles of roadway as well as 3,495 bridges. But how does this network get necessary funds? And is the Fair Share adjustment working? Check out this concise and easy-to-read report from MassBudget to learn more.

MassBudget report

United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region is proud to support local programs fostering Economic Security in our communities by announcing two three-year funding opportunities, running 2025-2028. These partnerships are available to distinct programs of nonprofit agencies providing substantive services within their coverage area and following eligibility guidelines.

Program impacts should focus on food security or more broadly on economic security. Required information sessions will take place on January 13th and January 15th. Applications will be due online on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Get full details here