Dangerous cold weather is expected throughout the week:

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness Shelters & Services HERE.

Please join COSA this month for a detailed presentation by Jennifer Dieringer, Managing Attorney at Community Legal Aid (CLA). Serving Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, Berkshire, and Worcester Counties, CLA is the region’s leading non-profit provider of civil legal assistance for low-income and elderly residents.

In this session, you will learn about:

CLA's Mission: How CLA protects fundamental rights and challenges systemic poverty.
Legal Practice Areas: A breakdown of the specific case types CLA handles.
Accessing Care: Clear steps on how to refer clients or seek assistance.
Q&A: Dedicated time to address your questions.

We look forward to helping you better understand the legal resources available to our community. Stay warm and join us Tuesday, February 10th at 10am-11am on Zoom!

Check it out

Last week's favorite click

Way Finders is hiring: Program Manager I

Has your organization renewed with COSA this year? Click here.

Great news for families!

Community Action is excited to share that there is currently NO waitlist for our part-day (4 hours, 5 days/week ), center-based Head Start preschool programs in Turners Falls, Northampton, and Ware. Our high-quality programs are available for children ages 2 years, 9 months to 5 years and provide a nurturing, engaging environment that supports children’s growth and school readiness.

Head Start works with expectant parents and children birth to five in Franklin, Hampshire, and Western Hampden Counties. Families can apply at online or call at 413-387-1250

Learn more about Head Start programming

Northampton Chamber Legislative Breakfast

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce has announced their Second Annual Legislative Breakfast, taking place on the morning of Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Garden House at Look Park ! This year's event will focus on the state of small business, with input from area legislators and business leaders. Tickets are available now at northamptonchamber.com/breakfast.

Save your seat for March 6th

Speak up about housing on Feb 5th

Secretary Ed Augustus and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is hosting the EOHLC Fair Housing Regional Listening Session for Franklin/ Hampshire County. This series of sessions throughout the state will provide an opportunity for residents, advocates, and stakeholders to share their experiences, identify barriers to fair housing, and shape strategies to ensure that every community in the Commonwealth is inclusive and equitable.

BHN opens autism support learning center

BHN just hosted the grand opening of their Springfield Abilities Learning Center last Friday—creating a new, welcoming space for children and youth with autism to learn, grow, and connect. Programs include structured learning, peer interaction, and access to a calming sensory room designed to support emotional regulation. Openings are currently available for children and youth under 21 at our Springfield and Fall River locations.

Discover More

Link413 improves bus routes

Three regional transit authorities are launching Link413, a joint collaboration that offers customers three new longer-distance, weekday bus routes providing direct service across four counties and enabling out-of-state connections. The pilot initiative is a partnership of the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), and Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). It was created in response to feedback from customers surveyed in recent years who noted connectivity as a key area for improvement.

Read about the Link413 bus schedules