It's a new year! COSA zooms on Tuesday, September 15th at 10am.

Stay tuned for more information about our conversation on changing health care coverage in our state.

Register now to make sure you have seat at the United Way of the Franklin Hampshire Region Annual Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast on October 8, 2026. Attendees will get to meet and mingle with local community and business leaders, listen to speakers who will offer insights into UWFH and its important role addressing the most pressing issues facing our region, and enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast in the lovely UMass Student Union Ballroom.

Get your tickets today

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When HSF talks about their mission or the work they do, the word that comes up more than any other is Community. Let's take the time to honor to honor those who build that community. HSF’s Community Builder Celebration returns. The Community Builders have been nominated from HSF's Member Organizations and chosen because they exemplify this HSF Value. This can be an employee, a colleague, a boss, or a volunteer! HSF brings the community together for this event with a backyard cookout style dinner, yard games and activities, and a keynote address from a special speaker.

Grab your tickets here

Senator Jo Comerford: Democracy Works

People power drives and undergirds effective government!

State Senator Jo Comerford will offer a legislative advocacy 101 talk/training about how engage with state government in the service of issues that matter. She will share examples of strategic advocacy on issues like arts, education, and civil liberties, while also zooming out to discuss organizing for regional equity. The evening will allow robust time for questions, discussion, feedback. Free event at Bombyx on Wednesday, September 16th!

Free Bombyx event - please register

Hampshire HOPE welcomes new coordinator

Hampshire HOPE is excited to introduce their new Coordinator, Emma Berthiaume. Emma comes to Hampshire HOPE from previous substance use prevention coalition work in the Quaboag Hills region, including eastern Hampshire County. She had the opportunity to work with Hampshire HOPE as a regional partner and is very excited to be stepping into this new role!

Check out Hampshire HOPE here

Amherst Civic Academy

The Town of Amherst is excited to announce the second annual All About Amherst: Civic Academy, a dynamic program designed to give residents an inside look at how local government operates and how they can actively participate in shaping the community. Submit a Civic Academy Application by Sunday, September 20.

Help survivors stay safe online

Abuse doesn't always stop when someone leaves. Covert location tracking, intercepted texts, and stolen browsing history can put survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault back in danger, sometimes without them ever realizing they're being watched. TechSoup's partnership with Norton lets eligible nonprofits request donated licenses of Norton 360 Deluxe and Norton Secure VPN, at no cost, to distribute directly to survivors in your community.

Learn more about available software

$50,000 pledge to Northampton Survival Ctr

Florence Bank is pleased to announce that it has pledged $50,000 to the Northampton Survival Center to help expand food access in the community. The bank’s contribution—alongside a food security infrastructure grant from the state—allowed the Center to purchase an electric van to deliver fresh produce, dairy, bread, and grocery items to clients. The Fresh Van is a mobile food pantry, delivering directly to residents of local low-income, disabled, and senior housing complexes. Residents can choose from weekly offerings of fresh food and interact with friendly volunteers and staff.

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