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Everyone is warmly invited to join COSA's signature event Legislators and Cookies on Tuesday, October 20th, from 10:00-11:30 AM at the Hadley Public Library! Attendees will have a wonderful opportunity to connect over sweet treats with our distinguished Western Mass delegation. COSA is thrilled our guests this year will include:


  • State Senator Jo Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester
  • State Representative Mindy Domb, 3rd Hampshire
  • Koby Gardner-Levine, Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern
  • State Representative Homar Gómez, 2nd Hampshire
  • State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, 1st Hampshire


Wow! Don't miss this chance to thank our local delegation for all their efforts, ask questions, and share what's important to your agency and your community.


The gathering will also feature COSA's unique "fastest annual meeting in the 413," offering a fun, swift, and engaging way to catch up on our achievements and introduce our valued Board members.


Don't pass up this tasty event. Can you already smell the pumpkin spice?


Bring a treat, eat a treat or two! At this annual event, our guests can show off their culinary skills - or their favorite local bakery - by making or bringing delicious nibbles. A few cookies, muffins, scones, or donuts will be most welcome. Can't bring a treat? No worries. We've got your back.


Tuesday, October 20th from 10am-11:30am

Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle Street, Hadley, MA

Light refreshments and beverages will be available

Registration is not required

Last week's favorite click - two weeks in a row!

Amherst Area Chamber Awards on Nov 12th

Huzzah to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County!

 

Pamela Schwartz announces departure

After 17 years of dedicated service since the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness was founded in 2009, Pamela Schwartz will be stepping down on December 31st. To ensure a smooth transition, they will continue supporting the Network through June 2027 while a search for new leadership takes place.


The Network remains solid and fully committed to its mission. The organization's Governance Committee will guide the transition process, ensuring all essential functions and operations continue without interruption. This leadership change comes from a place of organizational strength and provides an exciting opportunity for continued growth. Job details for the Director position will be posted in the coming weeks.

413Cares introduces Transportation page

Navigating travel options across Western Massachusetts just got easier! 413Cares has released a dedicated Transportation Resources page designed to connect residents across all four Western MA counties with reliable, low-cost ways to get around. The new hub gathers public transit, micro-transit, medical rides, specialized services for older adults and veterans, bike shares, and other free or affordable transportation options into one convenient location. Visit the new page today to explore available options and share feedback!

Autism Connections is a healthcare hero

Autism Connections, a program of ServiceNet, has been named a 2026 Healthcare Hero by BusinessWest and Healthcare News for its outstanding support of autistic individuals and families across Western Massachusetts. "The Autism Connections team brings tremendous knowledge, creativity, and compassion to their work," said Karen Serra, ServiceNet’s Vice President of Family Services. Through every stage of life, Autism Connections provides essential information, education, advocacy, and community connections across the region.

two_kids_superheros.jpg

Area nonprofits are regional honorees

Center for Human Development, Clinical & Support Options, and The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts have officially been named 2026 Springfield Regional Chamber Super 60 Nonprofit Award winners! This honor highlights their dedicated missions to serving Western Massachusetts through life-changing programs and services. Help them celebrate on November 6 at the MassMutual Center.

 
 
 

Worth Reading This Week

Western Mass News: Community Foundation of Western Mass celebrates 35 years

Rapid Survey: Diapers and formula are more difficult for families to afford (fact sheet)

MassBudget: New report identifies pathways for universal pre-K in Massachusetts

WBUR: Question 7 aims to change MA zoning law to build more single-family homes

Nonprofit Jobs in the Valley

Community Action Pioneer Valley

WFD Young Parents Program Coordinator

Youth Young Adult Career Navigator

Re-entry Career Navigator

Executive Assistant


Three County CoC

Coordinated Entry (CE) Coordinator - Greenfield


Valley Community Development

Director of Finance

Small Business Advisor (Contractor)

Upcoming Events

OCTOBER

Oct 13: Online Office Hours with Team Comerford - book time online

Oct 14: Manna Community Kitchen 40th Mannaversary Event

Oct 15: Cancer Connection Harvest Dinner at Union Station

Oct 16: Amherst Survival Center Feed The Spirit 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala

Oct 17: Federation for Children with Special Needs The 2026 Gala

Oct 19: The Truth School Finding Hope in Hopeless Times

Oct 20: COSA Meets LIVE! Legislators & Cookies 10am-11:30am at Hadley Public Library

Oct 20: Trauma-Informed Hampshire County Meet Marisol Garcia - New Child Advocate of MA

Oct 20: The Truth School Finding Hope in Hopeless Times

Oct 20: Hampshire County Food Policy Council Hilltown Produce Prescription Program

Oct 21: National Summit for Children's Health in a Changing Climate

Oct 21: MA Council of Nonprofits Community & Connection Annual Conference

Oct 21: The Truth School Toward Collective Liberation

Oct 22: CHAPA Annual Regional Meeting on Zoom - please register

Oct 22: The Truth School Between Two Stories

Oct 22: Human Service Forum Members Catchafire End-of-Year Fundraising Webinar

Oct 22: National Council of Nonprofits Public Service Loan Forgiveness webinar

Oct 24: Franklin County Community Baby Shower

Oct 24: National Drug Take Back Day

Oct 23: Prospect Meadow Farm Haunted House Fundraiser - KIDS NIGHT

Oct 24: Prospect Meadow Farm Haunted House Fundraiser - ADULT SCARE NIGHT

Oct 25: The Truth School Manifesting Dreams that Change the World

Oct 26: Provider's Council 51st Annual Convention & Expo in Boston

Oct 27: Federation for Children with Special Needs Let's Talk Inclusion (virtual series)

Oct 29: Amherst Educational Foundation 32nd Annual Trivia Bee

Oct 29: Greater Northampton Chamber Increasing Minority- and Women-Owned Supplier Diversity

Oct 30: Amherst Area Chamber Legislative Breakfast


LOOKING AHEAD

Nov 05: The Truth School The Story of Your Name

Nov 05: ServiceNet Transition Resource Fair at Smith Vocational

Nov 06: Springfield Regional Chamber Super 60 Event including honorees CHD and CSO

Nov 08: The Truth School Keeping Your Light Bright

Nov 10: COSA Zooms "The intersectionality of DV & Gun Violence Prevention" at 10am-11am

Nov 12: Mass Housing Shelter Alliance Supportive Housing Clinic in Worcester

Nov 13: Northampton Recovery Center's 10th Anniversary Gala

Nov 15: Friends of Children Artisan Market in Florence

Nov 16: Mass Budget Talks It Takes A Village - Universal Pre-K

Nov 20: PHIWM Health Insurance Changes: What Small Businesses Need To Know

Nov 23-24: 17th Annual March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Mar 02-05: 2027 National Low Income Housing Coalition Policy Forum in Washington, DC

 
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