Are your client families taking advantage of this amazing resource? The ParentChild+ Program brings a visiting Early Learning Specialist to their home twice a week to share fun ways to help children learn through play. The Home Visitor will bring FREE educational toys and books for children to keep. There is NO COST to families. Share this informational flyer with your client families. You can also reach out to Michelle Mendes via email or call 413-206-2850.

Hello human services professionals! You're invited to the COSA Providers Fair, a wonderful chance to connect with colleagues and learn about the amazing work happening throughout Hampshire County. This is a relaxed tabling event where you can network, share information about your programs, and discover valuable resources from other agencies. Let's come together to discuss current services and initiatives and strengthen our community partnerships.

Thank you to all the agencies that have registered for space at the Fair. We are currently at capacity and look forward to welcoming you on October 21st!

Don't need a table? Come on down! We'd love to see you. No fees. No registration.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

10am-11:30am (Setup for tabling begins at 9:30am!)

DMH-Haskell Building, 1 Prince Street, Northampton

Directions and Parking Information

Frequently Asked Questions about the Fair

Light refreshments will be available.

Last week's favorite click

BHN is hiring a Domestic Violence Advocate - Phone Based

Don't forget to renew with COSA this year. Click here!

Amherst Survival Center Farewell to Lev on Oct 8th

You're invited to a special community celebration honoring Lev BenEzra and her seven years of extraordinary leadership at the Amherst Survival Center. Come to ASC on Wednesday, October 8th from 4-7pm to enjoy refreshments, share memories, and help us mark this meaningful transition. Join Amherst Survival Center in congratulating Lev on her next chapter — she’s been named the new Executive Director of Community Action Pioneer Valley! Since 2019, Lev has led the Amherst Survival Center through tremendous growth, tripling the food and nutrition programs, expanding partnerships, and guiding ASC through the pandemic with strength, flexibility, and vision.

New Housing Report provides vital data

Right now, communities in western Massachusetts are facing serious housing problems. That's why clear, local housing data is more important than ever. The Building Homes, Building Futures study answers that need by giving an updated, comprehensive look at housing in all four western counties. It gives everyone an opportunity to learn about the state of housing across the region so they can make informed decisions and take action to support a local housing vision. Read the report from Way Finders and the UMass Amherst Donahue Institute here.

See the Key Findings here

TEDx Amherst College wants you to THRIVE

TEDx Amherst College is happening on October 18 3-5PM in the Kirby Theater, 200 S. Pleasant St. At TEDx Amherst College, you will hear inspiring speeches delivered by student, faculty, and alumni speakers on their insightful understandings of "thrive"! All are welcome! The event is free and open to the public.

What does it mean to thrive? Thrive can take on many forms. For an individual, it may be fulfilling a passion. For a community, it may be fostering inclusion and belonging. For humanity, it may be building a sustainable future.

Get the details

MA Health Policy Forum on Medicaid cuts

On October 28, 2025, come to the UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center for a forum entitled “Impacts of Medicaid Cuts on Western Massachusetts.” Medicaid cuts resulting from the passage of H.R. 1, the federal budget reconciliation act known as the “One Big Beautiful Act”, could lead to significant numbers of MassHealth members losing health care coverage. The number of uninsured will likely increase significantly and adversely impact safety net providers and others throughout the health care system. Details of this law’s impact on the Commonwealth will be followed by a deep dive panel discussion of the impact on Western Massachusetts.

Learn more and register

Monte's March is coming on Nov 24th & 25th

This year the annual March for the Food Bank embarks on its 43-mile journey from Springfield to Greenfield on Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th. Events this year will also include a 3-mile Berkshire Mini-March in Pittsfield on Saturday, November 22nd, after which marchers can volunteer at Pittsfield Community Pantry preparing bags of food for Thanksgiving Angels.

Join Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, & Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse as they march from Springfield to Greenfield on November 24th and 25th.

More info is available here

Friends of Children releases annual report

Friends of Children invites you to read their FY25 Annual Report to discover the valuable impact of 35 years of advocacy and resilience. From strengthening their CASA program to looking ahead to strategic goals for the coming years, the report details their programs, advocacy, and services.

Friends of Children annual report is here

This 2-part training series builds a shared foundation for providers in Western MA to better serve those at the cross-roads of housing insecurity and DV. Utilizing findings from focus groups with local survivors, this training centers the voices and experiences of survivors who have experienced both homelessness and domestic violence.

Part 1, on October 16, includes understanding the DV umbrella; the long-term effects of DV and homelessness; and addressing bias in our systems. Part 2, on October 24, will cover warm handoff practices between providers; policy, VAWA, and restraining order updates; community organizing around changes; a deep dive on housing systems including rapid rehousing; resource guides; and focus group success stories that highlight what is working in Western MA.

Participants are highly encouraged to attend both DV 201 sessions.

Part 1 - Oct 16th

Part 2 - Oct 24th