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

413Cares introduces Transportation Resources page

The Transition Resource Fair is designed to provide students and families with valuable information, resources, and connections as they prepare for the transition from children's services to adult services through Department of Developmental Services. The fair offers a meaningful opportunity to build relationships with representatives from local organizations who can help you on the transition journey. Transition planning typically takes place between the ages of 14 and 22. The Transition Resource Fair is free for all attendees.

United Way Pioneer Valley has launched the Nonprofit Resource Center - a new central hub for Western Massachusetts nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers seeking expert guidance in governance, fundraising, HR, finance, and operations. The Center is currently recruiting experienced Content Experts for paid, project-based consulting roles to help guide local organizations toward long-term success.

To learn how it all comes together, community members are invited to attend the next Leader’s Lounge on Thursday, November 10th, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the MassLive Building Tech Hub (5th Floor), located at 1350 Main Street in Springfield. The event is free, open to all, and requires no registration.

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.

Donate new and gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and boots for all ages to this season's drive at Amherst Survival Center. Giveaway is especially for adults! Drop off donations at UMassFive at both the Hadley & Northampton branches, or Amherst Survival Center during regular open hours. Donations are accepted between now and Thursday, November 12th. Coat giveaway will take place from Nov 16-20. All are eligible to shop once during the week for a warm winter coat and some warm winter accessories

DiversityDataKids: Research to action hub for children in immigrant families

MassBudget: Interactive maps showing where SNAP cuts will hit our state the hardest

Child Trends: Neighborhood characteristics associated with developmental wellbeing at age 3

KFF Health News: Food aid enrollment tanks after SNAP rule changes

ABC News: 1 in 6 teens report anxiety symptoms and many go without help

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)

OCTOBER

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 21: The NonProfit Times: What Gen Z Fundraisers Know that Nonprofits Don't (virtual)

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 22: KFF Foundation: An Emerging Tool to Prevent Medical Debt (virtual event)

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

Oct 24: Franklin County Community Baby Shower

Oct 24: National Drug Take Back Day

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

Oct 24: Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity Trailside Condos Info Session (Florence)

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 27: UMass Amherst Congressman Jim McGovern on The Patriotism of Peace & Democracy

Oct 28: Institute for Research on Poverty: Understanding Benefit Cliffs and Policy Solutions

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 04: Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity Trailside Condos Info Session (virtual)

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 10: The Truth School Beyond Words: Listening to Heal a Divided World

Nov 12: Amherst Survival Center Coat Drive - last day to donate winter items

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

Nov 12: The Truth One Friday Morning

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

Nov 15: Friends of Children Artisan Market at Look Park Garden House

Nov 15: The Truth School Songleading for Protests

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

Nov 16: Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity Trailside Condos Info Session (virtual)

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

Dec 08: Massachusetts Public Health Alliance 2026 Annual Conference

Dec 17: Three County CoC 2026 Annual Meeting - Save the Date

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