Smith College support, budgets, and PODERISTAS.

Next COSA-UWHC Resources Call is:

Tuesday, May 11 from 10am-11am. Join us on Zoom!

COVID Vaccines for those 16+ years old will begin on Monday, April 19th.

Smith College pledges $200,000 for

Northampton Community Resilience Hub

Mayor David J. Narkewicz announced that Smith College has generously pledged a $200,000 gift towards his administration’s efforts to create a Community Resilience Hub serving Northampton’s most vulnerable residents. The Community Resilience Hub project - which the Mayor had identified as a top priority in his remaining nine months in office - has been in development for several years and would support residents who face chronic and acute stress due to natural and human-caused disasters, climate change, and social and economic challenges. Press Release

Shifting Power, Building Community, and Amplifying Latina Voices and Leadership

A Special Event from the Women's Funding Network on April 22.

Ten to Ten: New Helpline for

Domestic Violence Prevention

Learn more about the free helpline open at 877-898-3411 from 10am-10pm 365 days a year. The helpline is the first of its kind in the United States. Read more details at

WWLP News here.

How to Knot and Tuck Your Mask to Improve Fit

Super short CDC video:

Improve the way your mask fits!

Customize your mask's fit with the Knot & Tuck method for a safer, sculpted shape that keeps your nose and mouth better protected. This is especially helpful for people whose masks always "feel a little too big."

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Your organization's annual membership funds COSA's work throughout the year, including racial equity training with Human In Common, monthly resource calls with United Way of Hampshire County, and this newsletter. Please take a moment to become a member or renew your membership today.

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Head Start Enrollment Information Sessions

Easier to read calendar of events on our COSA website.

New events include The People's Town Hall with Sen. Jo Comerford, the CWC Community Challenge, and CSO's 19th Annual Health and Wellness Fair. Check them out. It's pretty cool!

From The Counter:

Will 2021 be a big year for WIC?

From Food Bank News:

Food banks tackle inequity in food access

TechSoup offers a series of videos for nonprofit staff. Struggling with tech? Try 'em.

It's Spring. Daffodils are out - and so is the FY22 House Ways & Means budget!

If you're concerned with housing and homelessness, check out a great summary from Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness and the MA Coalition for the Homeless.

Equity in the FY22 Budget?

MassBudget tackles the components of the HWM FY 2022 Budget Proposal which "Lacks Bold Investments to Build Racial and Economic Equity in the Commonwealth."

NEW JOB POSTINGS:

COMMUNITY ACTION PIONEER VALLEY

Energy Program Grants and Business Manager

COMMUNITY ACTION PIONEER VALLEY

Resilience Hub Community Collaboration Coordinator

Download: Positions Just Posted: COMMUNITY ACTION PIONEER VALLEY

NELCWIT

Co-Executive Director of Operations, Finance, and Administration

Northwestern District Attorney's Office

Domestic Violence Intervention Project Coordinator

Check out the Employment page on COSA's website for fresh listings.

CWC Community Challenge:

Challenge Day is April 24th!

Will you accept the challenge to support survivors & a violence-free community?

Choose your challenge: either as an individual or team.

-- Raise awareness and/or money for the free Sexual Assault Support, Advocacy and Prevention Services provided by the Center for Women and Community (CWC) to our community.

Support survivors of sexual assault and a violence-free community. Details here.

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

MA Attorney General's Office announces the FY22 Face-to-Face Mediation Program grant availability. Applications must be submitted by May 7 using the online portal. Info HERE.

Program Update from Healthy Families

Becoming a parent for the first time is a life-changing experience at any age. Healthy Families can help! Healthy Families partners with first-time, young parents to provide coaching and support navigating the ups and downs of parenting.

Free and voluntary home visits (currently virtual visits or outdoor visits) with an experienced home visitor sharing child development information and guidance on what to expect as a new parent. ~ Education and career support ~ Referrals to helpful services in the community ~ Connections with other young parents ~ Family-focused social events and outings.

Visit healthyfamiliesma.org for more information. Call or text 413-834-9867 to reach the Hampshire County program.

April is bringing information and opportunities your way!

COSA encourages everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to hear directly from our local elected representatives. Share what's working and discuss the areas where you, your clients, your communities, and your organizations need support.

Don't miss this Amherst Area Chamber event being held on Friday, April 23.

Get all the details and registration info for this event taking place on April 26.

CLICK HERE to sign up for COSA e-newsletters

CCRT has a supportive array of programming for April 2021.

CCRT services are free and open to anyone who has been impacted by crime, violence or trauma.

The 20th National Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, April 24. Help out by making a quick check of your own medicine cabinet too. Properly disposing of medications keeps your family safer and our environment cleaner.