We are excited to announce that our final in-person COSA meeting of the year is scheduled for May 14th from 10am to 11:30am. Mark your calendars and join us for an engaging session where we will have the opportunity to hear from a panel of local nonprofit leaders. They will be sharing their insights on the challenges and successes they have experienced while navigating the evolving landscape of the human services over the past few years. This promises to be a valuable and enlightening discussion that you won't want to miss. See you there!

Last week's favorite click.

Drug Take Back Day is coming on April 27th!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

Check out this one-minute clip about the work 413Cares does in our community.

Women's Fund Equity Succession Planning

May 7th: A good workplace is a just workplace. It's inclusive, it's diverse, it nurtures a culture of belonging, and it wants the best possible people working there, so it employs equitable hiring practices. The first step in advancing the leadership of women of color and gender-diverse BIPOC within an organization is getting them in the door.

Info & register.

Name Changing to Child Protection Unit

In recognition of its essential work to protect children in the region, the Northwestern District Attorney’s office has renamed a special unit created in 1987 to the Child Protection Unit. “It’s a better name for what we do. We work to protect kids,” said Northwestern Assistant District Attorney and Child Protection Unit Chief Lori Odierna. “We protect them from current situations and future harm.”

More details here.

MNN Forum with HHS Secretary Kate Walsh

Join Massachusetts Nonprofit Network’s virtual Public Policy Forum on May 8th with Secretary Kate Walsh of the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The forum will explore various topics, including the cost of care, the need for increased funding, methods to access government grants, and forming partnerships with the Administration.

Children's Advocacy Center Open House

On May 2nd, the CAC will host an Open House from 12pm-4pm for school social workers and adjustment counselors. This will be an opportunity to tour the space, ask questions, and learn about the response when a child has been sexually or physically abused.

Flyer is here.

Grow Food Northampton Impact Report

Grow Food Northampton is creating a resilient local food and farming system that nourishes our community. In 2023, they served over 12,000 community members and supported 109 local farms.

Read the 2023 Impact Report.

Construction Begins at 23 Laurel Street

In 2022 and 2023, Valley received grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Affordable Housing Program and the State’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Now construction has begun on 20 family apartments in Northampton!

Early Bird Registration for Will Bike 4 Food

Mark your calendars! Early bird registration for the 14th annual Will Bike 4 Food opens on May 1st. Stay tuned for more updates and visit www.willbike4food.org to sign up and secure your spot today.

Will Bike 4 Food

What we're reading this week.

STAT: Health disparities and premature deaths run deep, even in the best performing states

KFF Health News: How states are using Medicaid waivers to help incarcerated individuals get care and transition back into their communities

MassLive: Mass DOT Secretary suggests putting tolls for drivers at state border

New jobs in the Valley.

DIAL/SELF

YYA Outreach Worker

Supportive Housing Case Manager

Amherst Survival Center

Community Meals Coordinator - FT w/bilingual differential

The Literacy Project

Adult Basic Education Instructor - Greenfield

Community Action Pioneer Valley

CAPV is seeking experienced and passionate team members to join their Head Start & Early Learning Programs in delivering quality, relationship-based care to young children and families. All positions offer competitive salaries and outstanding benefits, supervision and training.

$5,000 sign on bonus for all positions.

Itinerant Lead Teachers

Teacher, Infant Toddler - Amherst

Teacher Assistant, Infant Toddler - Amherst

Lead Infant Toddler Teacher - Amherst

Lead Infant Toddler Teacher - Westfield

Teacher, Infant Toddler - Westfield

Teacher, Preschool - Northampton

Floating Teacher, Assistant Infant Toddler - Turners Falls

Floating Teacher Assistant - Amherst, Northampton

Teacher Assistant Preschool - Westfield