Please register for Legislative Action Day 2024, taking place at the State House on Thursday, March 7, starting at 10am. Look forward to hearing from inspiring speakers and learning how to advocate with legislators in the morning session, and meeting with your state legislators and legislative staff to talk about issues and policy recommendations to address homelessness in Massachusetts in the afternoon. During the event, they will focus on the Coalition’s 2023-2024 legislative (bill) priorities and fiscal year 2025 budget priorities. Read about the Coalition's priorities here.

Thank you to our returning COSA members!

Your generous support makes all of our work possible.

ServiceNet

Northampton Survival Center

Join COSA!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

Amherst will hold CDBG hearing on Feb 29.

You are invited to It Takes a Village's First Partner Agency Hours at the Village Closet! The Village Closet is a donation and distribution center that families can shop at 100% free; they have clothing, baby gear, toys, games, diapers, formula and more. Because there are barriers that prevent families from getting to the Village Closet during open hours, they have created an opportunity in which agencies can shop for families. The first event will take place on Tuesday, March 5th from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Village Closet (2 E. Main Street Huntington, MA). Agency employees will be able to shop on behalf of their clients, learn more about placing future requests, as well as what other programs ITAV offers. Questions? Email folks here.

Join COSA on Tuesday, March 12 for a zoom with special guest Anne Gobi, Director of Rural Affairs. Director Gobi will give an overview of the office, what has been worked on and what is coming next. She will also speak to the rural pieces within the Governor’s budget with a focus on the recently filed Municipal Empowerment Act and the alignment with COSA and Hampshire County.

More info here.

Have you been able to catch the EmbraceRace Podcast yet? They're debunking myths about race and kids, sharing what they know about children's racial learning, and offering practical guidance for raising kids around race. New episodes drop weekly through March. There are reflection questions and resources for each episode on the website. Listen on your favorite service.

EmbraceRace podcast.

The Autism Conference, a day-long educational event in Springfield, MA, will bring together agency and education professionals, families, parents, caregivers, autistic individuals, sponsors and exhibitors to build knowledge, inspire, and make meaningful connections. Visit the conference website to learn more. Keynote by Julie Hayden, Senior Director at Behavior Assist.

Info and register.

The Amherst Survival Center will host its 16th Annual Empty Bowls event on Saturday, April 6th from 12-4pm. Get your tickets and join ASC for a delightful meal, beautiful handcrafted bowls, high-end raffle, live music, and a host of local celebrities! Event proceeds support our food and nutrition programs which provided 1.4 million meals to more than 10,000 community members last year!

Info and tickets.