Rescheduling Storytelling After Tech Troubles

COSA experienced a technical problem on January 14th and we were unable to open our Zoom meeting to everyone on time. Our apologies!

Many thanks to our presenter, José Lugo, who gracefully pivoted to an abbreviated introduction to the material. For all those folks who were eager to learn more about this important topic, we have good news! COSA will reschedule this meeting later this spring. We'll keep you posted on the new date.

As the new two-year legislative session has just begun in Massachusetts, the February COSA meeting will be focused on legislative advocacy. Many COSA member agencies have an interest in advocating for public policy that affects your programs and the people you serve. At this meeting, we'll be talking about effective strategies for engaging with legislators, answering your questions about how to get started, and sharing tips for strengthening your advocacy efforts. We are grateful to our guest speakers for joining us:

Pamela Schwartz, Director

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness

Laura Sylvester, Public Policy Manager

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

We will learn from Pamela and Laura about their organization's top legislative priorities as well. We can all be powerful advocates by taking action to support legislation, budget items and policies that will impact social services in our region and statewide. Join us on February 11th to learn more!

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

10am-11am on Zoom - full details are HERE

Last week's favorite click

Big Brothers Big Sisters Case Manager position is open!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

The 2025 Point in Time (PIT) Count is right around the corner — January 29th. The Outreach page on the Three County CoC website contains useful information including forms, documentation, and training session details. On January 14th from 10:00am-11:30am the CoC will be holding a community planning meeting. They invite you to check out all the resources available on their website. Thank you!

Three County CoC info page

Anat Weisenfreund joins School Committee

On January 13th, at the joint meeting of the City Council and School Committee, Anat Weisenfreund was elected to serve as the Ward 2 Representative on the Northampton School Committee until the next election. Congratulations to Anat on this exciting new role!

Read the Northampton newsletter article

Clean Slate Campaign to aid in sealing CORIs

The Clean Start coalition recently held a briefing with lawmakers and advocates to raise awareness about a bill that legislators are planning to introduce this session. The proposed legislation would automatically seal records for eligible people with criminal records who successfully served a set duration of time for a meaningful second chance.

Want to learn more?

HSF Legislative Reception on Jan 31st

Join your colleagues and community members as we engage with our state legislators at the annual Human Service Forum Legislative Reception. This unique event allows you to share a table, zoom style, with one of the western Massachusetts Representatives or Senators. Let people know how policies and laws affect our work, our families and our communities.

All the details

Conversation with Smith College President

Join Northampton Neighbors on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 2 pm for a fascinating conversation on Zoom with Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, the 12th president of Smith College. While the youth population of the college campus and the older population of Northampton Neighbors may appear separate, they are not. We are one community being impacted by many of the same issues.

Read all about it

Lights, Community, Action!

Join Community Action for a night of community and live theater! This review show is sure to be a night to remember. They will make their way through Broadway and Pop favorites as they raise money for Community Action. This event will feature many special guests from our beautiful community and is underwritten by Greenfield Savings Bank.

Get your tickets today!

Know where to stay warm - 413Cares

413Cares has built a list of Warming Centers in all four counties of Western MA. You can filter and search to find a location near you! If you know of a warming center that is NOT currently listed, please submit information to us.

Visit their website