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CES ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist position is open!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

Self-compassion tip sheet for the holidays


Holidays are often the most stressful time of the year. To get through this season, it may be helpful to create a plan to implement some of these habits. Ideas including avoiding romanticizing the holidays, learning to say no, and sticking to a budget. Support your peace of mind and find a healthy path through the holidays and year-end.

Read the suggestions here

413Cares launches legal resources page


413Cares has launched a new page where people can find free legal information and services in Western MA. You can use this page to get help with a variety of legal issues including, housing, record sealing, consumer debt, LGBTQ+, family law, health, and more! Check out the Legal Resource page!

See it here
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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
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Funds for winter shelter beds


In anticipation of increased wintertime shelter needs for individuals experiencing homelessness, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has awarded $9.9 million in supplemental grants for shelter providers, municipalities, and community-based organizations to open or expand seasonal shelter bed capacity. Over $1 million will reach local shelters and warming centers run by Craig's Doors and CSO.

Read the press release

UMass Food as Medicine Mini Grants


Hunger and food security are critical issues affecting many families in our communities in western Mass. Access to nutritious food is vital for physical and mental health as well as overall well-being. This is a collaborative initiative to support local organizations addressing food security and increasing access to healthy food. By working together, we can create new partnerships that support better health of our communities.

Q & A  Zoom on Dec 19th

You can find a list of local holiday resources, such as free meals and toys, that the folks at 413Cares have started to put together. Please help them continue to build this important catalog by sending information on other free resources. Thank you!

See the resources list

New jobs in the Valley.

Collaborative for Educational Services

Director of After School Program


Community Action Pioneer Valley

Director of Facilities

Fuel Assistance Fiscal Specialist


Way Finders

Director of Lending

What we're reading this week.

KFF News: Resources are expanding for older adults on their own

RAPID: 1 in 4 Connecticut families say child care is unaffordable

Candid: Strengthening communities by supporting the nonprofit workforce

Events, webinars, and activities.

DECEMBER

Dec 17: Three County Continuum of Care Annual Meeting

Dec 17: MassHire BHN Job Fair in Greenfield

Dec 19: 18 Degrees Fathers and Family Network Meeting

Dec 20: City of Northampton Share the Warmth Drive is ending

Dec 21: Annual Homeless Memorial Candlelight Vigil at First Churches


UPCOMING

Jan 02: Amherst Survival Center New Year's Dance Party!

Jan 04: The Truth School And Still We Rise

Jan 08: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Orientation

Jan 12: The Truth School Activism for Introverts

Jan 13-15: Care Farming Network National Conference at UMass

Jan 14: COSA meets on Zoom - Save the Date!

Jan 18: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Orientation

Jan 23: Human Service Forum Supervisory Skills Series begins

Jan 31: Human Service Forum Legislative Reception on Zoom

Feb 06: United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region Ski United

Feb 12: Brazelton Touchpoints National Substance Use Disorder Summit

Mar 24-27: NLIHC Housing Policy Forum and Capitol Hill Day

Mar 29: CES Transforming Education for Social Justice

May 11: Cancer Connection Mother's Day Half Marathon

Jun 12: Equity in the 413 - save the date

COSA's 2024-2025 Meeting Schedule
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