Community Connections Newsletter

August 2025

We’re excited to bring you this special Franklin County edition of the Community Connections newsletter to highlight the big changes coming to the new Family Empowerment Center in Greenfield.

As we prepare to move from our previous location to a new, centrally located home at 55 Federal Street, we’re working to create a space that truly reflects the needs and hopes of the community. On May 29 and June 3, we held info sessions with families, community members, and DDS partners to gather input on what the new center should offer. A big thank you to everyone who attended or shared feedback. Your voices are helping shape what’s ahead.

Since those sessions, our team has been hard at work, with plans quickly taking shape. In the coming months, we’ll use this space to share renovation updates, spotlight staff, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation.

Summer may slow some folks down, but around here, we’re heating up—turning big plans and bold goals into reality. Stay tuned for more!

Family Empowerment Connects Families Through Summer Fun

This summer, Family Empowerment has brought families together through a wide range of engaging activities—from dance, art, and pickleball to adaptive cycling classes. An adaptive kayaking event is planned for later in August.

A highlight of the season was an art show on July 25, where participants from both kids' and adult classes led by Resilient Community Arts, showcased their work at ArtSpace during Greenfield's monthly ArtWalk. Families, friends, and community members came together to celebrate the creativity on display.

Art created by participants in Family Empowerment's Resilient Art Group was displayed during Greenfield's July Artwalk at Artspace.

River Valley Counseling Center Becomes Member of ServiceNet on July 1, 2025

Two of the Pioneer Valley’s leading non-profit community mental health care providers came together on July 1 to make a good thing even better, when River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) became a member organization of ServiceNet.

Learn more

Franklin County (in-person or hybrid events)

Tuesdays and Thursdays in August

Dance Classes in Greenfield

This event is for Family Empowerment families

Two age groups: 5-17 (Tuesdays) and 18+ (Thursdays)
Contact Angie at ahawk@servicenet.org for information

Tuesday, August 5

National Night Out

Athol, Orange, Royalston, Petersham

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign held around the country that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Learn more

8/12, 9/9, 10/14, 11/11, 12/9

Wellness Without Limits

North Quabbin Family Support Center, Seven Hills Family Services

A free, healthy living group for people with disabilities and their families.
Learn more

Tuesday, August 19

Back to School Teen Party and Back to School Resource Fair

Greenfield Public LIbrary

For teens going into grade 7 through college
Many local organizations are attending to provide information
Free school supplies for your backpacks
Learn more (library site)
Learn more (library facebook post, more complete information)

Thursday, August 21

Back to School Celebration at Fish Park

Athol Royalston School District

Food, games, music, free school supplies/backpacks
Learn more

Saturday, August 23

Adaptive Kayaking

All Out Adventures, Family Empowerment

This event is for Franklin County Family Empowerment families

Is your family connected to Family Empowerment? Join our group with All Out Adventures for a Kayak experience in Gill.
Contact Angie at ahawk@servicenet.org for information.

Hampshire County (in-person or hybrid events)

Monday, August 4

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

Saturday, August 16

Summer Picnic at Look Park, in-person

Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western MA, MA Down Syndrome Congress, ServiceNet

Learn more

Whole Children™ and Milestones Recreation programs

Fall Session classes begin September 30
Take a look at the current summer classes and sign up to receive an email when registration opens for Fall classes.

Northampton Family Aquatic Center

JFK Middle School (Indoor pool)

Discounts for Northampton, Leeds, and Florence residents.
Option for birthday parties
Learn more

Hampden County (in-person or hybrid events)

Tuesday, August 12

Highland Street August Adventures: Children's Museum

Holyoke

August Adventures returns! 31 days, 31 events, 100% FREE!
Learn more

Tuesday/Thursday, August 12 and 14

Summer Nights from the Urban League of Springfield

Building Foundations for Success

Ages 11-18
Art, technology, skill development, books and blocks, games
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Learn more

Wednesday, August 13

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

Friday, August 15

End of Summer Celebration and Back to School Bash

New North Citizens' Council

Jaime Ulloa Park, Springfield

Backpacks distributed
Live music
Face painting and games
Free haircuts and braiding
Food, fun and family vibes!
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn more

Saturday, August 16

Holyoke Back to School Event

McNally Field

Backpack and material giveaways
Haircuts
Pony rides
Learn more

Thursday, August 28

Highland Street August Adventures: Forest Park Zoo

Springfield

August Adventures returns! 31 days, 31 events, 100% FREE!
Learn more

Berkshire County (in-person or hybrid events)

Monday, August 4

Highland Street August Adventures: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Magic Show, Great Barrington, In-person

August Adventures returns! 31 days, 31 events, 100% FREE!
Learn more

Friday, August 15

Highland Street August Adventures: Jacob's Pillow

Dance Performance, Beckett, In-person

August Adventures returns! 31 days, 31 events, 100% FREE!
Learn more

Tuesday, August 19

Back to School - Free Backpack and School Supplies Events

Pittsfield, Dalton, Great Barrington

Free school supplies while they last
Learn more

Friday, August 23

Highland Street August Adventures: Hancock Shaker Village

Pittsfield

August Adventures returns! 31 days, 31 events, 100% FREE!
Learn more

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

Learn more

Virtual events and groups

Monday, August 4

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

Wednesday, August 6

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

Wednesday, August 13

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

Thursday, August 14

Easter Seals' Accessibility Webinar, Virtual

Accessibility for Testers

Learn about the role accessibility testers play in making digital products accessible and usable for everyone.
Learn more

Friday, August 15

Autism Acceptance into Action, Crafting an Inclusive World, Virtual

The Autism Program at Boston Medical Center

A day of learning tips, strategies and resources to best navigate the autism landscape. This event is available to all families and the professionals who support them.
Learn more

Monday, August 25

Family Action Housing Meetups, Virtual

Family Action Meetups (FAMS) are a monthly opportunity for families to get together, learn about two housing models per month, and chat in depth. Autism Housing Pathways sponsored the group.

Learn more

Tuesday, August 26

My kid won't go to school, what now? Virtual

Parent/Professional Advocacy League

Webinar
Parent/Professional Advocacy League is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth, and their families.
Learn more

Wednesday, August 27

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

Tuesday, September 2

Charting the LifeCourse Webinar, Virtual

ServiceNet

The community is invited to learn more about the LifeCourse tools with Mentor Donna Kushi.
Zoom
Noon - 1:00
Learn more
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.

Thursday, September 25

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

Valley Community Development

Learn more, scroll down to see the event and register

Information, Resources and Advocacy

Blue Envelope Program

The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill to codify the "Blue Envelope" program into law, which aims to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops.

Massachusetts Guidance for Immigrants, Families and Communities on ICE Enforcement

‘Know Your Rights’ Guide Provides Communities with Information About Their Rights and the Legal Framework for ICE Stops, Arrests, and Inquiries.

Learn more

The Arc of Massachusetts 2025-2026 Legislative Platform

State-level legislative advocacy is a critical component of the work of The Arc of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts legislature operates on a two-year cycle, and we are actively engaged throughout each session, from drafting bill language to advocating for bills to become law.

January 2025 was the beginning of the current legislative session, which will run through 2026. We engaged in a priority-setting process, informed by our community. This session, our advocacy is focused on the workforce crisis, health equity, and community inclusion.

Learn more about the Platform Overview

Summer Eats Programs Across Western Massachusetts

Summer Eats is a free program that provides free meals to all kids and teens, ages 18 and under, at locations across Massachusetts during the summer months.

Learn more and find a program in your town

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Whether you’re looking for one-time support or regular resources, this tool makes it simple to get connected to resources nearest to you.

Find a distribution site near you

Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events and Activities

Extensive listing of all types of activities and events across the state.
Learn more

Association for Autism and Neurodiversity^TM

AANE offers many networking and support groups, including virtual.
Learn more

Massachusetts Locations with Beach Wheelchairs (beaches and pools)

Learn more

Directory of Cooling Centers in Western Massachusetts

From 413 Cares

Search a directory by county to find cooling centers for the next heat wave!

Learn more

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

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

Media

The Ride Ahead Film: Samuel Habib is a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?