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Court Service Centers ("CSCs") are a department of the MA Trial Court committed to providing court users (who do not have attorneys) equal access to the Courts by helping navigate the Court System. CSCs can answer basic questions, help with court forms, give information about court rules, procedures, and practices, and connect people with community resources. CSCs do NOT provide legal representation. Visit the CSC website to learn more about the types of services and cases that CSCs can assist with, the hours of operation, and contact information. The website also has a link to the CSC brochure (want to share? available in multiple languages). The CSC community calendar provides the community pop up sites which are updated monthly.


The Greenfield Court Service Center is located at the Franklin County Justice Center: 43 Hope St. Greenfield, MA. There are community pop up sites in Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin Counties, including in Northampton, at the Hampshire Probate and Family Court. Services are: Free. Online. By Phone. In Person. In Courthouses. In Communities. If people need assistance, or have questions, please send an email before taking a trip to Greenfield because depending on the situation, there are some things that are required before filing at court, and/or there are times when the person can handle the issue without an in-person visit: greenfieldcsc@jud.state.ma.us Please note that in-person and remote services are provided Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm, and 2pm-4:30pm, and Fridays 8:30 am-1pm.

Last week's favorite click

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network: Federal Impacts Survey Results

Lunch Buddies is a site-based program of CHD's Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County that meets once a week for 30 minutes during a child's lunch time starting in October and concluding in June. Lunch Buddies programming will take place at Jackson Street School in Northampton on Tuesdays, and at RK Finn Ryan Road School in Florence on Thursdays! Volunteers will be assigned to a child and have lunch with them on a weekly basis at school. Mentoring relationships built between Lunch Buddies foster the emotional growth and development of the participating children, providing a consistent friend and positive presence in their school day. We also know from experience that our volunteers benefit from these relationships as well. Learn more about our work at: www.chd.org/bbbs

Massachusetts seeks ideas for new motto & flag


Massachusetts is inviting everyone – artists, culture bearers, young thinkers, and you! – to shape the Commonwealth's future by submitting design sketches and ideas for a brand new state flag, seal, and motto. This is a unique opportunity to share your creativity and vision, ensuring that Western and North Central Massachusetts have a powerful voice in reflecting a vibrant and diverse community. Share this exciting call far and wide and visit the submission portal by June 18, 2025, to make your mark on Massachusetts history!

Feast for Habitat auction is open online


Exciting news! The FEAST for Habitat online auction has kicked off, and everyone is welcome to participate. You can now browse a fantastic array of items from local vendors, including beautiful home goods, jewelry, and unique experiences, and place your bids. Registration for the auction is open to all, so don't miss out on the chance to support Habitat and discover some wonderful finds!

Sen. Jo Comerford's Office - Book a remote visit


Senator Jo Comerford and her team seek to be as accessible as possible to constituents living in the 25 cities and towns of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. Director of Constituent Services Jessie Cooley will be holding remote office hours via Zoom. Bring any issues you or your family are facing involving a state agency, any questions you have for our team, or any input you have about legislation that has been filed. The next office hours will take place Friday, June 13th from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and you can sign up here: https://calendly.com/jessie-cooley-masenate/office-hours-with-team-comerford

Public Health Institute has new webinar


Join the Community Health Equity Initiative Team on May 29th for an insightful webinar exploring the powerful combination of community stories and data. Hear from experts at the Immigrants Assistance Center and Tufts as they share how they use this approach to advocate for immigrants. Register now for this engaging online session!

Options Counseling Training on June 5th


Discover how Options Counseling, presented by Allen Rodriguez of the Stavros Center, empowers individuals to navigate long-term support with personalized guidance. A program of the Executive Office of Aging & Independence, this crucial service connects people of all ages and abilities across Massachusetts with pathways to informed independent living.

New jobs in the Valley

Community Action Pioneer Valley

Fuel Assistance Client Services Specialist (temporary)


What we are reading this week

The NonProfit Times: Staff still love their work - but not as much

AP News: US overdose deaths fell by 27% last year, largest one-year decline ever

KFF Health News: Cuts in Medicaid payments could sink mental health units

The NonProfit Times: Broad support for maintaining nonprofits tax-exempt status

Spotlight on Poverty & Opportunity: First 100 days of federal policy impacting kids

MassBudget: Preliminary analysis of FY2026 Senate Ways & Means budget proposal


Events and webinars

MAY

MAY Calendar: Northampton Recovery Center events

May 20: MIRA Coalition Know Your Rights Training for K-12 Educators and Counselors

May 20 & 21: Fair Housing & Civil Rights Conference at Western New England Uni

May 21: CSO 23rd Annual Mental Health & Wellness Fair in Greenfield

May 21: 20th Annual Northampton Health & Safety Fair at Senior Center

May 21: Candid Free Webinar Resilient Fundraising in Uncertain Times

May 21: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Feast for Habitat

May 21: National Alliance to End Homelessness Advancing Homelessness Solutions

May 22: Community Legal Aid: Services & Information Overview

May 22: The NonProfit Times Using Data to Drive Community-Centered Impact

May 25: Grow Food Northampton Garden Kick-off

May 29: Community Legal Aid Information Session: CORI & Reentry Project

May 29: PHIWM Qualitative and Quantitative Data to Advance Equity for Immigrants

May 30: Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness Annual Gathering

May 30: Parent/Professional Advocacy League Children's Mental Health Conference

May 31: Hampshire County Community Baby Shower and Diaper Swap

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Jun 04: SPIFFY Coalition Meeting at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton

Jun 05: Three County CoC Understanding Options Counseling

Jun 05: United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region Community Celebration

Jun 05: 33rd Annual Western Mass Elder Care Conference at HCC

Jun 05: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Brews for Habitat at Progression Brewing

Jun 06: Massachusetts Public Health Alliance Spring Awards Breakfast

Jun 07: The United Arc Flutie 5k

Jun 09: Brazelton Touchpoints: Advocacy 101 for Your LGBTQ+ Family

Jun 09: Three County Continuum of Care Stronger Together: Community Forum

Jun 09: Hampshire County Community Story Archive Opening Reception

Jun 10: Greater Northampton Chamber Annual Meeting

Jun 10: Mass DMH Trauma & Resilience Symposium

Jun 11: Health Equity Compact Health Equity Trends Summit in Boston

Jun 12: Equity in the 413 

Jun 13: Senator Jo Comerford's Office: Remote Office Hours

Jun 14: Friends of Forbes Library Annual Garden Tour

Jun 14: Cancer Connection Bikes Fight Cancer Ride

Jun 18: New Massachusetts Seal, Motto, and Flag - submissions portal closes

Jun 23: Brazelton Touchpoints: The Art of Social Media and LGBTQ+ Families

Aug 09: DIAL/SELF Bridge of Flowers Classic 8K and 3K

Aug 31: MA Child Safety Program Grants for Car Seats - rolling applications close

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