Meg Moran recently stepped into her new role as Hampshire County Director of Family Empowerment! With a background in psychology and extensive experience supporting children and families—including work with neurodivergent youth, juvenile detention programs, and ServiceNet’s Autism Connections team—Meg brings passion and expertise to her new role.

Outside of work, she enjoys jazz, sports, camping, spending time with her three fur babies, and more.

Read more about Meg’s journey and dedication to families



Tuesday, 9/2

Charting the LifeCourse Webinar, Zoom @ Noon

• Learn more about Charting the LifeCourse Webinar

Wednesday, 9/3, Zoom@Noon

The Good Life Group (CtL)

• Learn more about The Good Life Group

Wednesday, 9/3, Zoom

Autism Friends and Family Forum

• Learn more about the Friends and Family Forum

Mondays, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, Northampton and online

The Peer Group, Autism Connections, Mondays

• Learn more about the Peer Group

Wednesday, 9/10, Holyoke and online

Pioneer Valley Autism Support Group

• Learn more about the Autism Support Group

Tuesday, 9/16, Shelburne Falls

Pickleball Family Event

• For Family Empowerment families in Hampshire and Franklin County
• Email Angie to learn more about Pickleball

Northampton

Whole Children™ and Milestones Recreation Classes

• Registration for Fall Session is now open! Classes start 9/30.
• Learn more about Fall classes

Wednesday, 9/24, Zoom

Special Education Forum for Parents

• Learn more about the Special Education Forum

Saturday, 9/27, South Hadley

Free Family Movie: Gabby's Doll House, the Movie!

• For Family Empowerment families in Hampshire County
• Email Bianca to learn more about the movie

STAY TUNED!

Advisory Councils for Family Empowerment Centers and Autism Connections

• We are forming Advisory Councils for Family Empowerment in Hampshire County and Family Empowerment in Franklin County. The Autism Connections Council is also accepting new members. Stay tuned for details and info session dates.
• Email Meg Moran for info about the Advisory Councils

Early November

The Franklin County Transition Resource Fair is coming - stay tuned for dates and details!

• Email Angie Hawk for more information about the Transition Fair

Spring 2026

Autism Conference

Autism Connections/ServiceNet

• Sign up for conference announcements and share your ideas for the 2026 conference! Show your interest as an attendee, exhibitor or sponsor.

FRANKLIN COUNTY In-person or hybrid

Thursday, September 4, Turners Falls

Housing Search and the RAFT Program

Franklin County Regional Housing and Development Authority

• Kerri George and Tori Dalton from FCRH will present resources at the Brick House in Turners Falls.
• Learn more about the housing search and Raft Program

Saturday, September 6, Royalston

Family Fun day at Tully Lake Park

North Quabbin Support Center

• Join in for a free, fun-filled day to enjoy the outdoors and connect with others. Please bring a dish to share for our Potluck Lunch. Spend time with gentle horses and experience the calming benefits of equine interaction. Registration Required. Contact Penny Boutin, pboutin@sevenhills.org, or 508-816-2057.

September 6, Greenfield, first local election

Municipal Elections are coming. Don't forget to vote!

• Municipal preliminary elections are held to narrow the field of candidates in November municipal elections. A preliminary election is typically only held if there are enough candidates running for a specific office. Contact your local election office for information about candidates on your ballot.
• Review state list of upcoming local elections
• Where do you vote?

Tuesday, September 16, Shelburne Falls

Pickleball Family Event

• For Family Empowerment families in Hampshire and Franklin County
• Email Angie to learn more about Pickleball

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY In-person or hybrid

Tuesday, September 2, Northampton

Valley ADHD Parent Support Group

• Learn more about the Parent ADHD Support Group



Mondays, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, Northampton and online

The Peer Group, Autism Connections

Autism Connections/ServiceNet

• Learn more about the Peer Group

Saturday, September 27, South Hadley

Free Family Movie: Gabby's Doll House, the Movie!

• For Family Empowerment families in Hampshire County
• Email Bianca to learn more about the movie

Classes start September 30

Whole Children™ and Milestones Recreation programs

ServiceNet

• Registration for Fall Session classes has opened!
• Learn more about Fall classes

HAMPDEN COUNTY In-person or hybrid

Wednesday, September 10, Holyoke and online

Pioneer Valley Autism Support Group, hybrid

Autism Connections, ServiceNet

• For parents caring for a child or adult with autism
• Hybrid: Zoom and in-person in Holyoke
• The second Wednesday of every month
• 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Learn more about the Autism Support Group

Chicopee, ongoing

Ohana Clubhouse

• Designed for children 10 and under, but welcoming to all ages.
• Learn more about Ohana Clubhouse

Saturday, October 4, Stanley Park, Westfield

Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western MA Buddy Walk^®

• The DSRG Buddy Walk® gives our community, family, and friends an opportunity to come together to celebrate our loved ones with Down syndrome and raise funds for the programming that supports them. Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave in Westfield, MA. Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. with the walk beginning at 11:00 a.m.
• Learn more and register for the Buddy Walk



BERKSHIRE COUNTY In-person or hybrid

Wednesday, September 3, North Adams

Early Intervention Developmental Child Community Playgroup

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

• Early Intervention Developmental Child Only Community Playgroup, for ages 20 months to 3 years, Monday through Thursday, (attendance one day a week per child),10 AM to 12 PM, UCP/EI Center, 535 Curran Highway, North Adams, MA, call to enroll (413) 664-9345, ext. 202.

Sunday, September 7 and October 5, Sheffield

Play & Picnic in the Park

Families Like Ours

• Join Families Like Ours for a Special Needs Play and Picnic party at Sheffield Park. March-October. Come out and socialize with other special needs families. Please register at Rania@familieslikeoursinc.com.   

Sunday, September 14, Dalton

Sprout Film Festival

Families Like Ours

• The Sprout Film Festival celebrates heartwarming and inspiring short films starring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and brain injuries.
• Learn more about the festival and purchase tickets. 

STATEWIDE In-person or hybrid

Saturday, September 6

Calmer Con Boston 2025

• Calmer Con is a sensory-friendly comics and pop culture convention designed to accommodate the needs of autistic attendees and those with sensory processing and anxiety concerns. Like a traditional “comic con” there are artists, vendors, and cosplayers, as well as activities like Jedi training, superhero academy, block building, and an art area. We also offer access to professional service organizations to provide information and help special needs families.
• Calmer Con is specifically designed to meet the needs of those with sensory processing challenges, autism, and anxiety concerns while providing an authentic comics and pop culture convention experience.
• Learn more and register for Calmer Con

September 13: Worcester Regional Airport

November 8: Boston's Logan Airport

Wings for Autism

Charles River Center

• A FREE half-day event for parents,and their children with special needs to "practice" a trip to the airport. These spots fill up quickly, please sign up early!
• Learn more and register for Wings for Autism in Worcester or Boston
• Download the flyer



Tuesday, September 2

Charting the LifeCourse Webinar, Virtual, Zoom @ Noon

ServiceNet

• The community is invited to learn more about the LifeCourse tools with Mentor Donna Kushi.
• Zoom
• Noon - 1:00
• Learn more about the CtL webinar
• Additionally, slots are available with Donna every month for a 1-1 private consultation about how you would like to use the tools for your specific needs. Email Donna at donna.kushi@servicenet.org to schedule a private consultation.

Tuesday, September 2

Autism Friends and Family Forum, Virtual

Autism Connections/ServiceNet

• Group for caregivers, friends, and family providing care to autistic adults, 17+
• Zoom
• The first Wednesday of every month
• 7:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
• Learn more about the Friends and Family Forum



Wednesday, 9/3, Zoom@Noon

The Good Life Group

Charting the LifeCourse Solutions Group

• Learn more about The Good Life Group

Wednesday, September 3

Autism Friends and Family Forum, Virtual

Autism Connections/ServiceNet

• Group for caregivers, friends, and family providing care to autistic adults, 17+
• Zoom
• The first Wednesday of every month
• 7:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
• Learn more about the Friends and Family Forum



Mondays, September 8, 15, 22, 29

The Peer Group, Hybrid

Autism Connections/ServiceNet

• A social, networking group for autistic adults 18+
• Hybrid: online and in Northampton
• Every Monday, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Learn more about the Peer Group



Monday, September 8

Parent 2 Parent Listening and Learning Training, Virtual

Federation for Children with Special Needs

• Parent to Parent of Massachusetts program (P2P) builds a bridge of connection between parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and complex medical needs who would like to talk with someone who understands their situation.
• Learn more about the the P2P training



Wednesday, September 10

Pioneer Valley Autism Support Group, Virtual

Autism Connections/ServiceNet

• For parents caring for a child or adult with autism
• Hybrid: Zoom and in-person in Holyoke
• The second Wednesday of every month
• 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Learn more about the Autism Support Group

September 10 - September 26

Positive Me: Building Self-Esteem Series, Virtual

The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council 

• “The Positive Me” series will be taught online using zoom. This series is taught using our peer-to-peer teaching model for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. There is no cost to attend.
• Self-esteem impacts our decision-making process, our relationships, emotional health, and our overall well-being.
• Learn more about the Self-Esteem Series
• View the application

Wednesday, September 17

Understanding & Treating ARFID in Autistic People, Virtual

AANE

• This presentation explores the intersection of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and autism, emphasizing identification, neurodiversity-affirming prevention, and supportive treatment strategies, and is designed for clinicians, caregivers, and educators . 
• Learn more about this workshop

Wednesday, September 18

Coffee Convo Presentation Series, Virtual

The Lurie Center for Autism

• The Lurie Center invites you to join Elise Wulff, MEd, and Rachel Goldin, PhD, for a presentation and discussion on improving executive functioning skills for individuals on the autism spectrum. This conversation will develop your understanding of executive functioning and provide useful strategies for promoting efficient executive functioning day to day.
• Learn more about Lurie Center Workshops
• View the Coffee and Convo schedule for the year

Wednesday, September 24

Special Education Forum for Parents, Virtual

Autism Connections, Family Empowerment, ServiceNet

• For parents and caregivers of a child on an IEP
• Zoom
• The last Wednesday of every month
• 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Learn more about the Special Education Forum



Thursday, September 25

Ins and Outs of the Home Modification Loan Program Webinar, Virtual

Valley Community Development

• Learn more about the Home Modification Webinar, scroll down to see the event and register



Thursday, September 25

Keeping disabled adults on a parent's medical insurance, past the age of 26, Webinar, Virtual

The Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health

• Learn more about this webinar



Friday, October 17

Daniel W. Rosenn Symposium, Virtual

AANE

• This impactful event is designed to introduce Neurodivergent individuals to strategies for effective self-advocacy.
• Learn more about the Virtual Symposium



Southern Berkshire Resource Guide

Courtesy of a collaboration of Southern Berkshire Health Collaborative, Families Like Ours, and Tritown Health Department

• View the Resource Guide

What is a SEPAC?

Courtesy of the Federation for Children with Special Needs

• A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Membership is open to all district parents of children with disabilities (IEPs and 504 plans).
• Learn more about SEPACs
• FIND YOUR SEPAC

MassHealth, My Ombudsman

• The team can help anyone enrolled in MassHealth, of all ages, identities, and abilities in over 165 languages on request, including ASL. 
• Learn more about My Ombudsman

Turning 18 Checklist, courtesy of Autism Housing Pathways

• The Turning 18 Checklist is exactly what it sounds like: actions that should be taken (as appropriate) when your family member with a disability turns 18 or shortly before. If your family member is already 18, please check the list to see if there is anything you might have missed.
• Learn more about the Turning 18 Checklist

Blue Envelope Program

• The "Blue Envelope" program is now law, and aims to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops.
• Learn more about the program
• Request a Blue Envelope package

Massachusetts Guidance for Immigrants, Families and Communities on ICE Enforcement

‘Know Your Rights’ Guide Provides communities with information about rights and the legal framework for ICE stops, arrests, and inquiries.

• Learn more about the Right's Guide

Housing

• About Autism Housing Pathways

Information About DDS Family Support Centers

• Family Support Centers across the state provide a local presence and act as a hub for offering a wide range of general family support services and activities to families of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Learn more about Family Support Centers

Information About DDS Autism Support Centers

• Autism Support Centers provide an array of information and referral services, resources, and supports to children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders.
• Learn more about Autism Support Centers