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February 14, 2025: Issue 3
Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in
Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.
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Introducing Sheriff Lori Streeter
On Friday, January 31st, I had the distinct pleasure and honor of being sworn in as the 23rd Sheriff of Franklin County, Massachusetts, one of two women currently serving in this position in the Commonwealth.
I started working at the Franklin County House of Corrections in 1985, where my first job was as a correctional officer.
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I had a front-row seat, witnessing firsthand what led people to be incarcerated. Most often, it was not “career criminals” but individuals who had experienced early childhood trauma that dictated their choices later in life, especially when they were struggling with substance misuse and addiction.
In those days, we didn’t have the research, language, or understanding we have now about substance misuse. We know now that addiction is a complex brain disease, and multiple pathways of treatment and recovery exist as they do for other diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, which support those who go on to live successful and productive lives.
In my prior role as the Franklin County House of Corrections Superintendent, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of our 320-bed facility. Thanks to Sheriff Chris Donelan’s commitment to offering evidence-based behavioral and healthcare “behind the wall,” we incorporated nationally recognized cutting-edge mental health and substance use treatment for incarcerated individuals. We continue this support upon their return to our community through our award-winning reentry services.
But this is only a fraction of what we do here. From supporting the Greenfield Police Department and Montague Police Department via patrols in both towns, offering animal control services for 15 Franklin County towns, operating the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter, supporting elders through our TRIAD program, assisting with the bi-annual Drug Take Back Days, supporting the City of Greenfield’s Overnight Warming Center, and more, we are deeply woven within the fabric of Franklin County to protect and serve.
I draw upon this rich history of giving back to our historic role with the Opioid Task Force. Register John Merrigan, Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, and Sheriff Chris Donelan founded the Task Force in September 2013 to address the emerging opioid epidemic. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has been the Task Force’s administrative home for over a decade. It supports its staff and efforts, including securing nearly $9M of federal and state funding to address identified gaps in our rural community since 2017.
As the Opioid Task Force’s incoming Co-Chair, I welcome and relish the opportunity to work with Register Merrigan, DA Sullivan, Opioid Task Force members, and staff to deepen its life-saving and life-changing work. In this new position, you will see more of me at Opioid Task Force meetings and community events, where I look forward to meeting with you and learning more about your efforts to offer help when needed most.
Sincerely,
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Sheriff Lori Streeter,
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
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UPCOMING EVENTS
See what's happening at OTF this month.
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Explore OTF's COVID-19 Resource Guide.
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Franklin County/North Quabbin 2024-2025 Winter Response Resources for Unhoused Individuals
Click here
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MASSACHUSETTS SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE
Hope is here. Get help.
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413Cares
Resources for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Click here.
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NQCC'S Newsletter
Resources and upcoming events in the North Quabbin Region.
Click here.
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CONNECTIONS #87
Find local resources in this issue.
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Emergency Services Resources for Unhoused Individuals
Click here.
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The PACES CONNECTION
Click here for resources
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Grayken Center for Addiction
Training & Technical Assistance
Click here to view and/or register for trainings.
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GCC Community Engagement and Workshop Events
Click here to view and/or register for trainings.
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Rural SUD Info Center
Click here for resources.
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Streeter Sworn In
Greenfield Recorder 2/1/25
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Franklin County has a new sheriff, as Lori Streeter took the oath of office on Friday afternoon with staff members looking on. Streeter was sworn in as interim sheriff by Kristen Elechko, who serves as western Massachusetts director with the Governor ’s Office, after being selected for the position by Gov. Maura Healey earlier in the week. She fills the role previously held by retiring Sheriff Christopher Donelan.
“It was great,” Streeter said. “I’m very, very grateful.” Streeter will serve until 2026, when she can run in her own right in a special election. Whoever wins that race will serve for two years and can determine if they want to run again in 2028, which will begin a new six-year term.
Streeter, 61, has been employed at the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction in Greenfield since 1985, working her way up from correctional officer to both superintendent and special sheriff. A superintendent runs the 320-bed facility’s day-to-day operations, and a special sheriff serves if the sheriff is out of the state. Streeter has prioritized treatment of mental health and substance use disorders and supported the establishment of Franklin County’s Community Justice Support Center in conjunction with the state Office of Community Corrections. This includes Franklin County’s Pre-Release and Post-Release Re-Entry programs.
“Superintendent Lori Streeter is a widely respected leader who has dedicated her career to serving the people of Franklin County,” Healey said in a statement Tuesday announcing Streeter’s appointment. “She knows the Sheriff ’s Office and House of Correction inside and out, and she has spent years getting to know staff and inmates and earning their trust. She has also prioritized mental health and substance use treatment and re-entry programs, which enhance public health and public safety. I’m proud to appoint her as interim sheriff and know she is an excellent choice to fill the shoes of Sheriff Donelan.”
Streeter, who grew up in Shelburne Falls and now lives in Greenfield with her wife Maggie, serves as chair of the Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office Women in Criminal Justice Conference and was previously chair of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’
Association’s Education and Training Committee. She graduated from Westfield State College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an associate degree in social work.
She replaces Donelan, who announced his retirement in early January after 37 years of public service and 14 years as sheriff. He was last elected in 2022. “Clearly the governor wanted a professional pick, and she is that,” Donelan said of Streeter earlier this week. “And she struggled through a male-dominated culture and emerged at the top.” Donelan transformed the facility from a typical one focused on incarceration to one with a trauma-informed treatment model, and Streeter said she plans to continue spearheading Donelan’s initiatives.
“As of right now I’m just looking to get my arms around the staff and make sure that they’re comfortable,” she said in her new office. “[Donelan] was such an influential, progressive sheriff that it’s going to be difficult to follow in his footsteps.
But I’ve been by his side the whole way … and I have a really competent senior staff, so I think we’re in really good shape. “He was amazing, absolutely amazing,” she added. “Having a front seat to that was pretty powerful as well.”
Staff Photo/Paul Franz
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Talk Explores Intersection of Addiction, Human Tafficking
Greenfield Recorder 2/4/25
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To mark the end Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which is observed annually each January, the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region welcomed a Boston-based expert to talk about the intersection of opioid use disorders and human trafficking.
Dr. Abigail Judge, founder of Boston HEAT (Human Exploitation and Advocacy Team), spoke to dozens of Franklin County and North Quabbin residents, nonprofit leaders and law enforcement representatives Jan. 30, where she highlighted the multi-organizational work being done in Boston and shared insight into how opioid use disorders can compound the already difficult work of combating human trafficking.
Boston HEAT, Judge explained, is a partnership model dedicated to supporting women at the intersection of opioid use disorder and the commercial sex trade. It is made up of peer advocates and partners from Massachusetts General Hospital, the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit, the women’s services program from the Suffolk County House of Correction and a nighttime drop-in space for women.
This sort of collaboration between human services organizations, medical centers and law enforcement is the key to ensuring women get the help they
need, Judge said. In Franklin County, the Opioid Task Force works with the Franklin County Sheriff ’s Office and numerous community organizations like the Salasin Project and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin.
“This is a team sport. This is teamwork and it’s very hard to build a team that is trusting, durable and not competitive,” Judge said. “I think you need pieces of all of these to do this work effectively and collaboratively.”
While collaboration between organizations is key, Judge said the on-the-ground work is even more important because helping women deal with sexual exploitation, as well as opioid use disorder, is challenging due to the complex situations these women are in, as well as the stigma associated with substance use and sex trafficking/sex work.
When substance use disorder and commercial sexual exploitation co-occur, Judge explained, it can affect the course of the illness, cause people to go back to using drugs and make the treatment longer or more complex. She noted that “most of our services don’t address trauma and [substance use disorder] in a unified way” and that there is still a lot of work “to do in this space.”
In working with these folks in difficult situations, Judge said it is important for service providers to build a connection with the person they’re working with, while also sharing resources, when appropriate. “This is hard to talk about. They are ashamed, they know what the world thinks of it,” Judge said. “The relationship- building is how disclosure happens. … People talk more when they’re safe.”
For more information about the Opioid Task Force and its efforts, as well as resources for substance use disorder, visit opioidtaskforce.org.
Contributed Photo/Paul Franz
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UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS | |
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Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee
February 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Building a Resilient Community Workgroup
February 19, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup
March 5, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 pm *Please note time change*
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force
March 10, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup
March 10, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee
March 11, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Healthcare Solutions Committee Meeting
March 14, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee
April 7, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: CAM Workgroup
April 8, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Methadone Workgroup
April 10, 2025
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Zoom details here.
Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!
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FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
Click here for Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services | |
Time Sensitive Announcements | |
Now Through March 15th - Register for a Free Tree | |
February 14 Cinemastorm Film Club at The Shea | |
February 15 RP and Recovery Theatre Collaboration | |
February 15 Stone Soup Cafe Menu | |
February 15 Division One Men's College Hockey with Erving Recreation | |
February 15 Arc-A-Palooza | |
February 17 George Washington Hatchet Hunt | |
February 17 Fill Your Cup: Yoga for Community
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February 18 Teen & Tween Brunch & Brainstorm | |
February 18 RML READS Adult Book Club | |
February 18 What We Can See In The Night Sky | |
February 19 Living With Voices & Visions | |
February 20 Family Center Pajama Party | |
February 20 Family & Community Game Night | |
February 20 Culture In Action | |
February 20 Reading Aloud for Grownups | |
February 21 Loving Your Recovery Event | |
February 21 (Rescheduled from February 14)
Office Hours with State Representative Aaron Saunders
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February 22 Local Children's Author Visit - Astrid Sheckels | |
February 22 Winter HooPla | |
February 25 House Plant Fest | |
February 25 Opioid Settlement Community Forum | |
February 26 Wound Care: Why It Matters
Register here.
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February 26 - April 16 Cooperative Co-Parenting Through Separation and Divorce | |
February 27 Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training
You can register here.
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February 27 - May 22 Parenting Journey | |
February 28 The Story of Ophelia | |
Save The Dates: April 16 & 17, 2025
Together For Hope: Shaping the Future of Addiction Care
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Save The Date: May 30, 2025
The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
9th Annual Regional Gathering
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UMASS Amherst Clerk IV Position in Health Promotion & Policy
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MONTHLY WORKSHOP CALENDRS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS | |
Community Action Family Center | |
Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Great Falls Discovery Center | |
Greenfield Public Library Children's Programs | |
LifePath Healthy Living 2025 Winter Workshops | |
Montague Public Library Programs | |
North Quabbin Recovery Center | |
Sunderland Public Library | |
Union 28 Community Network for Children Program | |
SNAP Application Assistance | |
Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield | |
What's Happening at The NQRC | |
All Recovery Meeting at The RECOVER Project | |
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Monday/Wednesday/Friday
The Community Closet at The Franklin County Reentry Center
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Monday - Friday
Movement Group with North Quabbin Recovery Center Peer Leaders
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Mondays Breathwork Detox-Guided Group Adventure | |
Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council | |
Mondays Breaking Barriers at the Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Mondays Art Guild Meetings | |
Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin | |
Mondays Community Yoga at Wildflower Alliance | |
Mondays Recovery Through Creativity | |
Mondays All Recovery Meeting and Drop In Recovery Coach Support | |
Mondays CNC Playgroup at the Erving Public Library | |
Second Mondays - North Quabbin B.R.R.A.V.V.E. Task Force Meeting | |
Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group | |
2nd and 4th Mondays Parenting Together at the Brick House | |
Third Monday Alphabet & Allies | |
Third Monday Parenting With Pride | |
Mondays and Thursdays Hygiene Supplies Pick Up at the Brick House | |
Mondays and Thursdays The Brick House Food Pantry | |
Tuesdays Through February 25 Grandparents Raising Teens | |
Tuesdays Through April 23 Nurturing Fathers | |
Tuesdays Nurturing Program for Families in Recovery | |
Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle | |
Every Other Tuesday - Housing Support Drop In Hours | |
First Tuesday - Dads' Group | |
Tuesday Tea Time & Community Resource Drop-In | |
Tuesdays North Quabbin Recovery Center Coffee Hour | |
Tuesdays Greenfield Suicide Loss Group | |
First Tuesday - P.A.R.T. Task Force | |
Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions | |
Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly Reentry Groups | |
Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group
Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group
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Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia | |
Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian | |
Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC | |
Wednesdays Health Connector & Mass Health Navigator Drop In Hours | |
First Wednesday Gentle Yoga and Breathwork with Jennifer | |
First Wednesday - Money Wise Financial Education Sessions | |
Second Wednesday - Whatever Wednesday's | |
Third Wednesday - Fatherhood Meetup | |
Last Wednesday - Office Hours With An Attorney | |
Thursdays January - March Bilingual Music & Movement | |
First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group | |
Thursdays Mens Group in the RPX | |
Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House | |
Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish | |
Thursdays Windows and Mirrors Playgroup | |
Second Thursdays -Peer Grief Support After Overdose Death | |
Second Thursdays North Quabbin Housing Task Force | |
Third Thursdays Court Service Center Walk-in Days at the North Quabbin Patch | |
Fridays FreeWrite of Franklin County | |
Fridays January 10 - February 28 Beyond Trauma: A Healing Journey | |
Friday All Recovery Meeting and Drop In Recovery Coach Support | |
RECOVER Project Friday Nights | |
First Friday - Open Mic at the RECOVER Project | |
Fridays - The Garden Path | |
MassHealth Navigation Support
First Friday from 9am-12pm and Third Friday from 1pm - 3pm
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First & Third Friday Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group | |
Second Friday Wound Care Clinic with Amy Pierno | |
Second Friday Chosen Family Night | |
Third Friday: Karaoke at The RECOVER Project | |
Respite Care and/or Funding for Respite Care | |
Psychological Testing & Evaluation at Gandara Center | |
Community Support Program & Recovery Support Navigator at Gandara Center | |
Gandara Center Outpatient Services | |
Free Hypnosis Sessions With Certified Hypnotist Jenn Avery | |
Re-entry Workforce Program | |
Homeshare Program with LifePath | |
Pathways to Advanced Manufacturing | |
Specialized HVAC Training | |
Specialized Information Technology Training | |
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Support & Resources After the HEALing Communities Study
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SafeSpot Virtual Overdose Spotting Hotline | |
CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information | |
Free Meals and Essentials at Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall | |
Come Cook with Franklin County Community Meals Program | |
Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available | |
Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages | |
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MLRI has recently updated and translated some of our self-help booklets for unrepresented tenants facing eviction. While we still recommend tenants facing eviction seek legal help, we know resources are limited and many tenants have to represent themselves. We hope these booklets can be helpful to pro se tenants and their advocates.
You can see the full list of booklets below, or at MassLegalHelp. The booklets can help tenants prepare for court, outline their legal claims, and file court forms. There is also a booklet to help public housing tenants navigate the Grievance process.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the booklets and how they can be used.
What steps to take before going to court and what to bring to court.
An easy-to-use checklist that tells you what conditions violate the State Sanitary Code. You can also use the free self-help guided interview, MADE: Up To Code.
The Answer is a court form that tenants facing evictions can file with the court to outline your legal claims and tell the court your side of the story. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
How to ask the court to accept your Answer and Discovery forms late. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
A form with instructions for tenants facing eviction to get information to prepare for their trial.
A form with instructions for tenants in foreclosed properties to get information to prepare their case.
A form you can file to transfer your eviction case from a District Court to a Housing Court.
How to get a new court date if you missed your court date.
If you lost your eviction trial and think you have a good case, you may appeal. This document tells you which Appeal form to use.
How to file an appeal from a case in Housing Court.
How to file an appeal from a case in District Court.
How to get time to stay in your home if you lost your case.
How to ask the court to pay for court costs.
How to think through the terms you want in an agreement. Includes a worksheet and stipulation forms to use when you go to court. Read this booklet as webpages and watch the videos!
How to correct errors on your online court records. The Booklet includes the court form you can save to your computer, fill out, save again and print when ready.
A booklet for tenants in Mass. about the grievance process, including worksheets to help you prepare for a grievance hearing.
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Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change | |
Beginning Tuesday, 9.3.24, the Greenfield Court Service Center (CSC)services will be in-person and remote: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-1pm; 2pm-4:30 pm, and Fridays, 8:30-1pm.
For ANY/ALL REMOTE REQUESTS, please contact the Virtual Court Service Center, M-F 9am -2pm, if you do not have an emergency. You can reach them for an intake, Monday-Friday, 9am to 2pm, by Zoom video or telephone as outlined below:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140 or Dial (646) 828-7666. Enter the Meeting ID number 1615261140 and then press # #.
If you have an emergency, and still need remote services, have the court department reach out directly to Greenfield CSC office by email for assistance at greenfieldcsc@jud.state.ma.us.
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COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org | |
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