Please register for this film presentation on Saturday, February 8th at 10am. There will be a FREE virtual screening and discussion of the new film from Anti-Bias Leaders ECE, Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values. This is a 50-minute documentary about families who intentionally parent with an anti-bias lens, exploring their hopes, fears, strengths, challenges, and the pivotal question: What kind of world do we want to create with our children? The film depicts these families in their everyday experiences at home, in their communities, and in schools. Learn more about the film at: https://www.antibiasleadersece.com/families-embracing-anti-bias-values/

Last week's favorite click

Amherst Survival Center is hiring a Campus Pantry Manager!

CLICK HERE to renew with COSA in a flash.

An update from the offices of Representative Mindy Domb and Senator Jo Comerford: The Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law (UPIL) is a widespread problem in which dishonest individuals falsely disguise themselves as licensed attorneys and charge immigrants hundreds and thousands of dollars for immigration services, forms, or unlicensed legal advice. In order to prevent UPIL, the Attorney General's Office created an educational training that covers proper legal representation for immigrants, the difference between legal advice from an immigration attorney vs unlicensed legal advice, immigration attorney scams and how to detect them, what to do if you become a victim of an immigration lawyer scam, and resources for legal help. It's hoped that this training can help immigrants and their families avoid becoming a victim of UPIL.

See the flyer and registration link

As the new two-year legislative session has just begun in Massachusetts, the February COSA meeting will be focused on legislative advocacy. Many COSA member agencies have an interest in advocating for public policy that affects your programs and the people you serve. At this meeting, we'll be talking about effective strategies for engaging with legislators, answering your questions about how to get started, and sharing tips for strengthening your advocacy efforts. We are grateful to our guest speakers for joining us:

Pamela Schwartz, Director

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness

Laura Sylvester, Public Policy Manager

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

We will learn from Pamela and Laura about their organization's top legislative priorities as well. We can all be powerful advocates by taking action to support legislation, budget items and policies that will impact social services in our region and statewide. Join us on February 11th to learn more!

Don't miss Tuesday, February 11th

Northampton CDBG Focus Groups

The City of Northampton is developing its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to guide how Community CDBG funds will be used to support affordable housing, homelessness services, public infrastructure, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents over the next five years. Your input is essential!

United Way's Supper for Six

Help Women's Way keep local children, youth, and their families well-fed during the upcoming February school break! Donations are accepted through February 11th! Fill the vacation nutritional gap by supporting this annual food drive.

See needed foods and drop off locations

ServiceNet appoints new CEO Bruno Calouro

Effective January 1, Bruno Calouro, formerly Chief Operating Officer at ServiceNet, stepped into the role of CEO, succeeding Sue Stubbs, who has served as President and CEO for more than 44 years. This carefully planned transition marks a new chapter for the organization, with Calouro poised to lead ServiceNet into the future. Congratulations!

Hampshire HOPE has new coordinator

Lauren Kelly is the new coordinator for Hampshire HOPE! “I am grateful to begin this next chapter in my journey as the Hampshire HOPE Coordinator within Northampton’s Department of Health and Human Services." Ms. Kelly was most recently the Associate Director of Health & Wellbeing at Amherst College. Welcome!

See the Northampton Newsletter article

Cooley Dickinson welcomes new President

After an extensive national search, Kevin Whitney, DNP, RN, has been selected as president and chief operating officer for Cooley Dickinson Hospital, effective March 15. Whitney has over thirty years of healthcare experience and is a resident of Southampton.

More info about this change