It's Giving Tuesday. Please do what you can for the people and places that inspire you.

Wrap up 2025 with a sweet and strategic COSA meeting! Join us in person at the Hadley Public Library for an informative session on nonprofit legislative advocacy. This is your chance to learn the ins and outs of effectively engaging with state and federal legislative offices.

What you'll gain:

A peek into the general timeline and key actions for the legislative year.
Expert advice on how and when to advocate for essential legislation and budget line items.
A direct Q&A opportunity with legislators and/or their staff.
Time to network and catch up with your nonprofit and social service colleagues from all across the Valley.

Sweeten the Deal: Please bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share! Light refreshments will also be provided.

Confirmed presenters include:

State Senator Jo Comerford - Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester District
State Representative Homar Gómez - 2nd Hampshire District
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa - 1st Hampshire District
Lily Stowe-Alekman, Staff Director for the Office of State Representative Mindy Domb - 3rd Hampshire District

Tuesday, December 9th @ 10am-11:30am

Hadley Public Library

Read all about it

Breaking news: Long-awaited $3.6B in heating assistance funds released to states

COSA members make all our of work possible. Thank you!

Way Finders

Community Legal Aid

Join COSA today

Wednesday, December 10th

6pm-7:30pm via Zoom

Join The People's Town Hall on Dec 10th

Join State Senator Jo Comerford and her team for an online Town Hall on Wednesday, December 10th. The presentation will offer timely updates and there will be time for feedback and to answer questions. Much has changed since the last Town Hall a year ago, so plan to join together as one big sprawling community for a conversation. Together, the discussions will reflect on recent actions and a commitment to building the future that the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district (and the Commonwealth) deserve.

Three County CoC Annual Meeting Dec 18th

Join the Three County Continuum of Care on December 18th from 10:00-12:00 for their Annual Meeting on December 18th. Presenters will include Jay S. Levy and Nichele Carver. Plus there will be committee and Board updates. Register by Dec 16th. Agenda is here.

Commonwealth Corps RFPs coming soon

The Commonwealth Corps Host Site Request for Proposals (RFP) process kicks off this month, and they’re eager to help organizations take the next step in empowering service members and strengthening communities. If your organization is ready to host dedicated Commonwealth Corps members, enhance its capacity to serve, and create lasting change, now’s the time to get your plans in motion.

Info and timeline

NLIHC Resources for Disaster Response

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has released “Resources for Disaster Response, Recovery, and Resilience: A Toolkit for Advocates and Community-Based Organizations.” This comprehensive toolkit supports advocates before and after disasters, addressing short-term and long-term recovery, resilience, and mitigation. Disasters often lead to housing instability, homelessness, and permanent displacement, and they frequently worsen existing racial and social inequities.

Toolkit

Puffer's Pond recreational improvements

This proposed project aims to address issues with the existing dam and create a safer, more accessible destination for all visitors. It will also restore, protect, and enhance ecologically sensitive areas of the pond. Planned activities include recreational upgrades such as trail and beach improvements, the installation of boardwalks, and enhancements to handicap accessibility. Environmental Justice Screening form and maps are linked below.