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.

Info on diaper drop-offs, needs, and more

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

Learn more about BBBS here

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.

Read the full Know Your Rights release

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.

Learn more about the July 23rd webinar

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!

Info on presenters and registration

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.

Info and registration