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The annual United Way June diaper drive is a huge part of making sure that UWFH can help our littlest neighbors! One in two American families with young children experience diaper need, meaning they cannot afford enough diapers. Diaper costs, which can reach $100 per child monthly, have risen significantly, exacerbating financial strain for low-income families. Due to limitations with assistance programs like SNAP and WIC, and the requirement of diapers for childcare, families facing diaper need are often forced to choose between diapers and other essentials, impacting children's development and parental employment.

Last week's favorite click

Massachusetts Healthy Aging Data Report is right here!

Thank you to our returning COSA members!

Your memberships sustain our work throughout the year.

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

UCP of Western Massachusetts

Smith College Jandon Center for Community Engagement

MGB Cooley Dickinson

18 Degrees

Join us!

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, RK Finn Ryan Road School in Florence on Thursdays, and at Wildwood Elementary School in Amherst! 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

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Mass AGO releases Know Your Rights guide


Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has released a vital 'Know Your Rights' guide to empower communities amid increased immigration enforcement. This essential resource clarifies your rights when encountering ICE, emphasizing that they generally need a warrant for private spaces and that local police aren't compelled to enforce federal civil immigration laws. This invaluable guide also points to additional resources for service providers, healthcare, and educational institutions. 

Storytelling to support youth initiatives on July 23rd


Get ready to amplify youth voices! The Annie E. Casey Foundation's upcoming webinar, "Storytelling to Build Public Understanding About What Young People Need to Thrive," will equip you with the skills to craft powerful narratives. Learn how to effectively use communication tools, apply best practices for persuasive storytelling, and leverage data to champion youth development and influence policy.

Equity in the 413 on June 12th


The "Equity in the 413: Western Massachusetts Racial Equity Summit" is your chance to connect and amplify efforts for racial equity across Western Massachusetts. This year will build on the success of the 2023 event, which drew nearly 400 attendees, with even more workshops and self-care opportunities. You'll learn how to leverage data to understand regional inequity, craft diverse and inclusive workplaces, and implement equitable policies. Plus gain practical strategies from leaders already driving change!

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Culturally Responsive Supervision on June 11th


Human Service Forum invites you to explore how various aspects of identity shape leadership, organizations, and service. You'll develop skills to navigate conversations about differences, fostering learning, growth, and intersectional resilience. The aim is to strengthen your ability to engage in crucial dialogues and build trusting, creative, and connected diverse working relationships.

What we are reading this week

Spotlight on Poverty & Opportunity: Alternative approaches to SNAP reform and cuts


CBS News: Moms in the US report large decline in mental health in recent years


Child Trends: Children's rate of entry into foster care has declined over time


AP News: USDA sued for attempting to collect personal data of SNAP recipients

Events and webinars

JUNE

Jun 04: SPIFFY Coalition Meeting at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton

Jun 04: Root Cause Solutions Exchange Health Inequities in MA

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 05: Urban Institute Rent Reporting as a Pathway to Credit Building Webinar

Jun 05: Human Service Forum Liability and Benefits

Jun 05: Child Trends Black Families Flourishing: What gets measured matters

Jun 06: Massachusetts Public Health Alliance Spring Awards Breakfast

Jun 06: Cancer Connection Grateful Bed Tour

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 virtual or in Boston

Jun 11: Human Service Forum Culturally Responsive Supervision

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 17: Women's Fund Bloom for Change to Advance Gender Equity

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

Jun 21: Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Orientation

Jun 21: Three County CoC Financial Literacy Webinar

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

Jun 24: 18 Degrees Kids 4 Harmony Gala at Tanglewood

Jun 26: Human Service Forum 40th Anniversary Breakfast


LOOKING AHEAD

Jul 23: The Annie E. Casey Foundation Storytelling to Build Support for Youth Initiatives

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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