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Storytelling for Wellbeing 


In this presentation we will consider the skill of storytelling and how this practice helps Indigenous People move towards health and wellness.


Speaker: José Lugo


José Lugo has served as the Native Education Liaison for Collaborative for Educational Services. He is a detribalized Chicano Macewalli who uses storytelling to reconnect with his Indigenous cultural practices. Through this skill development, José works to heal from the impacts of colonization. 


Tuesday, May 13, 2025

10am-11:30am

Hadley Public Library

Light refreshments will be available.

Join us on May 13th

Last week's favorite click

Amherst Survival Center Development Associate (FT plus excellent benefits)

Big shout out to our returning COSA members!

You make all of our work possible. Thank you.

Northampton Recovery Center

Community Legal Aid

Join or renew with COSA!

Feast for Habitat on May 22nd


Come party with Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity in a construction warehouse transformed into a local street food festival! Feast on an assortment of inspired specialties from some of your favorite area restaurants and sample local beer, wine, cider and craft cocktails (vote for your favorites!) while listening to live jazz and checking out auction items.

Yum! Get your tickets here
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MassBudget looks at FY26 HWM budget


The House Ways and Means Committee’s (HWM) FY 2026 budget proposal, released on April 16th, allocates $61.4 billion in spending for the Commonwealth. MassBudget has prepared a quick read, packed with information about the impact of Fair Share, Emergency Shelter, and Funding to Cities and Towns.

Little article, big insights

Food Bank receives federal funding cut


Recently the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts received notice of its first federal funding cut this year which was that the United States Department of Agriculture canceled some food deliveries to the Food Bank through August, amounting to approximately $440,000 worth of food. Read more about the impact.

Read more about the impact on our neighbors

TIHC Buried in Treasures: healing from clutter


On May 8th, Trauma Informed Hampshire County will host Lee Shuer, a national expert and certified peer specialist who is local to Western MA. They will present on bringing a trauma informed lens to helping people take control of their clutter/collections and ultimately, their health. This will be interactive and engaging workshop.

Read more here

AGO's Youth Council seeks members


This is a unique opportunity for young people to connect with state government, learn about the Attorney General’s Office. The AGO will provide a space of empowerment where students can co-develop ideas or solutions to the issues raised and identify ways to meaningfully participate in the work of the office. Discussion topics may include mental health, social media, discrimination, bullying, school-to-prison pipeline, school safety, and more. 

Apply here by May 22nd

New jobs in the Valley

Community Action Pioneer Valley

Continuum of Care Domestic Violence/EMERG Coordinator


Way Finders

Stabilization Advisor

Assistant Property Manager (Agawam & Southwick)


What we are reading this week

KFF: In rural Massachusetts, patients and docs weigh trade-offs of concierge medicine

Politico: MA Governor says Trump's policies are harmful to science

The Guardian: This state made childcare free - and lifted 120,000 people out of poverty

WBUR: Anti-anxiety meds found in rivers make salmon take more risks

The NonProfit Times: DOGE takes over federal grant website Grants.gov

Events and webinars

APRIL

Apr 22: The Truth School Connecting to the Land and to Each Other

Apr 23: Forbes Library The #Actually Autistic Guide to Building Independence

Apr 24: Candid Nonprofit Leaders Speak on People-centered Philanthropy

Apr 25: Candid Introduction to Proposal Writing

Apr 25: 413Cares Webinar

Apr 27: Big Brothers Big Sisters Daffodil Run in Amherst

Apr 30: Brazelton Touchpoints Learning to Listen to Transgender Children

 

LOOKING AHEAD

May 01: Annual Institute for Trustees (hybrid in-person and online)

May 02: Trauma Informed Hampshire County Resilience Roadshow

May 05: Mass Nonprofit Network Federal Impacts Survey Results

May 05: Brazelton Touchpoints: Navigating School as an LGBTQ+ Family

May 07: Human Service Forum Supervisory Skills Series begins

May 07: PV Habitat for Humanity New Volunteer Orientation

May 07: Greater Northampton Chamber Arrive@5

May 07: Mass Fair Housing Center: Northampton's History of Housing Discrimination

May 11: Cancer Connection Mother's Day Half Marathon

May 13: COSA Meets! Storytelling for Wellbeing at Hadley Public Library

May 13: Older Adult Behavioral Health Network Aging at Home

May 14: Mass Fair Housing Center: Know Your Rights Training

May 15: Human Service Forum Monthly IT Roundtable (for member organizations)

May 15: Children's Advocacy Center Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Training

May 19: Brazelton Touchpoints: Protecting Your LGBTQ+ Family

May 17: Friends of Children "Fore the Children" Golf Event

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 22: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Feast for Habitat

Jun 04: SPIFFY Coalition Meeting at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton

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 11: Health Equity Compact Health Equity Trends Summit in Boston

Jun 12: Equity in the 413 

Jun 14: Cancer Connection Bikes Fight Cancer Ride

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

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

COSA Meeting Calendar

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