HSF staging

COSA Housing Panel
2024-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for the November COSA members meeting to network with your colleagues, share announcements from your organization, and hear from our speakers panel on the topic of housing in Western Massachusetts. Our panelists will be Shaundell Diaz, Program Director at Three County Continuum of Care, Community Action; Jodi Smith, Senior Vice President of Housing Education at Way Finders, and Keleigh BenEzra, Director of Shelter and Housing at Clinical and Support Options.

Tuesday, November 12th from 10am-11:30am
Hadley Library
Light refreshments will be available

HSF BREAKFAST: Ethical Uses of A.I.: Asking the Hard Questions
2024-11-12 07:30 - 10:00 | Mount Holyoke College Willits-Hallowell Center, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA, United States
Tuesday November 12th 7:30am- 10:00pm
Willits Hallowell Center, South Hadley
HSF is happy to welcome Ankit Virimani, international expert in the field of ethical uses of generative AI. Ankit will be giving a brief keynote discussing advances in AI technology for use in the non-profit field and on the issues and challenges being discussed on a broad scale. You are being invited to join in a conversation to presenting him with the hard challenging questions that are your personal hesitations/stumbling blocks/fears to see if we can address them together.
Join us for breakfast, insightful conversation, and networking. Email jtingley@humanserviceforum.org for diet restrictions or other accommodations.
$45 for HSF Members $65 for Not Yet Members

Thank you to Our Breakfast Sponsors

Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors

Volunteer Orientation
2024-11-11 18:00 - 19:00
New Volunteer Orientation at our Springfield Housing Center
Monday, 11/11, 6-7 pm
Learn more about our mission and programs, and how you can get involved in making a difference in our community. Light bites will be served.
Learn more about our mission and programs, and how you can get involved in making a difference in our community. Light bites will be served.

Shaped by Service Art Show
2024-11-10 13:00 - 17:00
Storytelling can take many forms, oral or visual, and at t HomeFront Strong, we believe in using artistic expression to tell stories of service.
We would like to invite service members, veterans, and their family members to take part in a photo emulsion class. Using a variety of different size Gelli printing plates, brayers, and Acrylic colors, students will use magazine clippings, patterns, and photographs to create a series of prints that capture their military history through art.
Finished pieces will be showcased in the Shaped by Service Art Show in November. Those who have participated in the HFS Storytelling program are encouraged to sign up!
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Show Dates and Times: Saturday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 10th
Saturdays & Sundays | 1 to 5 pm
Closing Reception: Sunday, November 10th | 3 to 5 pm

November Virtual Post-Purchase Workshop
2024-11-09 09:00 - 14:00
November 9 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Free

Get paid to attend this workshop – everyone who participates gets a $50 gift card, and one lucky attendee will win a $250 gift card at the end of the workshop!

If you’ve already purchased your home, join our virtual Post-Purchase workshop for a fun-filled workshop of interactive learning and home care demonstrations from our partnering presenters.
Our workshop also includes information on:

Construction rehabilitation loans,
Seasonal home maintenance and home repair,
Being green in and around your home,
Weatherization,
And much more!

This meets the MHP Post-Purchase workshop requirement.

Empowering Older Adults Through Supportive Conversations
2024-11-08 13:00 - 16:30

Building Dreams
2024-11-07 18:00 - 21:00 | Twin Hills Country Club, Longmeadow, MA, United States
For more than 30 years, our community partners have played a critical role in helping local families gain strength, stability, and self-reliance through our homeownership and home preservation programs. Building Dreams provides a wonderful opportunity for you and our attendees to hear about our projects, meet our partner families, connect with colleagues and friends, and support our efforts throughout the Greater Springfield area while enjoying delicious food samplings from area restaurants and the chance to bid on fabulous prizes.

Building Resilience from Within
2024-11-06 11:00 - 11:45 | Zoom
A 6-week self-care series for caregivers and anyone experiencing heightened stress in their lives. Learn simple techniques to build core resilience, balance the nervous system and deepen a healthy connection to your body. Each week we will gather online to practice shifting habituated patterns of holding stress and tune into your innate body’s wisdom. Some practices include mindfulness, gentle movement and release, brain and body balancing, guided visualization and boosting the immune system.
All ages are welcome, and all exercises can be done seated or standing. No experience required.
The program is free and open to the public. Drop-ins welcome. Registration is required.

Retention: Rewards and Accountability
2024-11-05 09:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates
This session is part of our Supervisory Skills Series, available for individual registration. About the Series:
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and insurance liability to finding common purpose in a team and how to show faith in those who work for you, and much much more.

Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

SUPERVISORY SKILLS CERTIFICATE SERIES
2024-11-05 09:00 - 12:30 | NCYF Building; 203 East St, Easthampton, 203 East St, Easthampton, MA, 01027, United States
HSF’s most popular workshop series is returning for 2024-2025.
Give new supervisors the skills they need to succeed. If you are planning on promoting, or have just promoted someone to a supervisory position help them hit the ground running with this 8 week course. With HSF’s strong team of seasoned presenters covering a wide range of knowledge from different points of view, we cover theory, soft skills, and hard facts. Conversation topics range from harassment law and insurance liability to finding common purpose in a team and how to show faith in those who work for you, and much much more.
Register an individual who is eligible for a certificate, or a space for your agency to send someone different to each session depending on who the topic will benefit most.
This series is presented virtually over Zoom.

SERIES TOPICS:

Lead with Influence- 9/10

Whether they mean to or not, each person exerts influence over others. With this session learn 10 steps a person could take to add intentionality to that and influence people like a leader. Create a sphere of impact that leaves a lasting positing impression on those you work closely with, leading to them influencing others positively as well.
Presented by Will Weche; Willful Change LLC

Employment Law- 9/24

Avoid missteps that can lead to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Learn from practicing attorneys on the wording of the law, along with how that wording is actually applied. Covering a wide range of subjects to clear up misconceptions and acknowledging pitfalls, this session is packed with useful information that every organization needs.
Presented by Skoler-Abbott

Culturally Responsive Supervision- 10/1

Join us as we take a deep look at the many aspects that make up our identities and how they impact our leadership, our organizations and the people we serve. Improve our skills in having conversations about our differences in a way that encourages learning and growth while building intersectional resilience. We will strengthen our ability to have important dialogues, navigate predictable tensions and avoid pitfalls that lead to disconnection. This session helps supervisors cultivate trusting, creative and connected diverse working relationships.
Presented by Regi Wingo and JAC Patriss; Growing a New Heart

Team Building and Conflict Resolution- 10/8

Through discussions that will include team activities and individual reflection, forge a shared understanding of team-building and the essential skills for conflict resolution and negotiation that facilitate the development of strong, cohesive, effective teams. Make your team stronger than the sum of their parts, drive unity, and be able to address conflict when it does happen.
Presented by Dr. Lucie Lewis and Janine Fondon

Liability and Benefits- 10/15

Gain a better understanding of Insurance, and how it affects you, your team and your organizations. Understand what coverage you have, and might need, in a variety of situations from daily operations to special fundraising events. Learn the various forms of benefits available to understand what you have and be able to help explain to your team what their options are.
Presented by Ben Garvey and Val Francis; Hub International

Cyber Security- 10/22

With the threat of cyber attacks continuing to rise, with an increased focus on social engineering, no one can afford to hide their heads in the sand and pretend that everything is ok. With a focus on practical, simple, daily steps that one can take, this session seeks to minimize risk to you, your organization, and your clients.
Presented by Chris Wisneski; Whittlesey

Leadership Communication- 10/29

This session looks at the building blocks of communicating clear messages to others. In a core aspect of leadership that is often taken for granted, those who excel at communicating often excel in supervision. Learn to avoid noise and interference, and how to properly process feedback to fine tune your messages for clearer understanding.
Presented by Jeff Tingley; Human Service Forum

Retention: Rewards and Accountability-11/5

People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad supervisors. This session puts a focus on how a supervisor can strengthen and grow those who report to them, creating an environment where employees want to stay. Covering how to multiple the strengths of your team, how to discipline in a way that productive, and how to praise, we will learn how to create a work environment centered on retention.
Presented by Diana Brooks; Diana Brooks Associates
Supervisory Skills Series Sponsor:

HSF Annual Sponsors:

Candlelight Concert: A Night at the Cinema
2024-11-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Esther B. Griswold Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1000 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
An Enchanting Musical Journey through Iconic Movie Melodies with Billboard Charting Crossover Vocalist & Violinist of Boston String Quartet
Join us for an unforgettable evening as award-winning classical crossover artists Giorgia Fumanti and Blue Violin lead you on a musical journey through some of the most iconic movie melodies. Be prepared for an intimate experience that will touch your heart and soul.
Let the flickering of over 500 candles transport you to a magical world where some of the most recognizable film songs come to life. Usher in the holiday season with the mesmerizing sounds of Giorgia Fumanti and Blue Violin as they share their passion for movie melodies in an enchanting performance that is perfect for the whole family.
Giorgia Fumanti, a classical crossover star and internationally acclaimed singer, has been making headlines worldwide with her stunning voice and impressive collaborations. From performing with classical icon Jose Carreras to pop legend Michael Bolton, Giorgia’s talent has been praised by audiences and critics alike.
Blue Violin, founder of the Boston String Quartet, brings a multimedia experience to his performances, blending original music with covers using a single violin. His virtuosity and production style have been compared to the likes of Lindsey Stirling, David Garrett, and 2CELLOS. With recent sold out shows across Europe and North America, Blue Violin has performed with renowned artists such as John Mayer, Paul Simon, and members of Celtic Woman and Riverdance, and even Sesame Street!
Candlelight Concert: A Night at the Cinema will feature a mesmerizing repertoire, including themes from modern movie classics such as “What Was I Made For” (Barbie), “A Million Dreams” (Greatest Showman), and “Pure Imagination” (Wonka); as well as classic movie melodies including themes from “Schindler’s List”, “Footloose”, and the Wizard of Oz (Over the Rainbow).
Witness the transformation of iconic tunes like “Con te Partiro” and “Happy” through the unique lens of both Giorgia and Fumanti and Blue Violin, promising an evening filled with innovation and musical surprises.
Take part in an extraordinary night of music, where Giorgia and Fumanti and Blue Violin take center stage, weaving a tapestry of emotions that will linger in your hearts long after the last note has faded. Join us for Candlelight Concert: A Night at the Cinema – an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving you with cherished memories of a night filled with love and musical brilliance.
It’s more fun with the whole family, and when you buy a family pass, we’ll give you an extra ticket for FREE!
The show will be one hour 30 minutes with no intermission. Children are encouraged to attend.
If you would like more information please email contact@blue-violin.com
“One of the most beautiful voices in the world” Lang Lang,
“What an amazing talent and voice, a beautiful discovery” Michael Bolton,
“Giorgia has a clear and beautiful voice, and it was a joy performing with her in Asian and London” Jose Carreras,
“Explores different ways of sparking musical interest” Boston Globe,
“Mature depth and musical prowess” Tower Records,
“Combining contemporary and classical styles” Miami Herald,
“A once in a lifetime experience” Peoria Journal Star,
“Sheer artistry” Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier,
“Groundbreaking and innovative” I Am Modern,
“Electrifying violinist” Boston Ballet

Bingo Night
2024-11-01 18:00 - 20:30
About the Event

Come join us on Friday, November 1st from 6:00-8:30 PM for a fun-filled evening of bingo, all while enjoying food, drink and fun prizes in a lively atmosphere at Raymour & Flanigan Outlet in West Springfield. Grab your friends and get ready for a night of excitement and fun.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event supporting families served by Way Finders!
Ticket price includes food, drink, as well as one bingo card to be used for eight games.
If you’d like, you can purchase multiple cards.

Social Media & Our Youth
2024-11-01 12:00 - 13:15

Interest-Free Student Loan Program Applications Open
2024-11-01 08:00 - 17:00
Community Foundation Resumes Interest-Free Student Loan Program After Temporary Pause
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is pleased to announce the resumption of its student loan program, designed to support post-secondary education students needing financial assistance. After a temporary pause was initiated in July 2024 to assess the program’s impact on students, the Foundation has reinstated the program while continuing ongoing research and dialogue.
The pause was part of a larger initiative to evaluate how the loan program fits into the broader conversation of student loan debt, affordability, equity, and long-term financial health for students.
“We took some time to carefully consider whether our loan program was helping students achieve their educational goals without leading to unmanageable debt after graduation,” said Megan Burke, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “While the conversation around student loan debt is ongoing, we remain committed to supporting students, and we are confident that resuming the program this Fall is the right step as we continue to consider what the best strategies may be for our approach.”
While research on the program’s impact continues, the Foundation has adjusted its timeline to ensure the program remains accessible and beneficial to students. Applications will open on November 1 and close on November 15, with awards expected to arrive to students in January 2025 in time to offer support for the Spring semester of the academic year.
“We have listened carefully to our community of experts to ensure that our loan program is a bridge, not a barrier, to success,” added Denise Hurst, Vice President for Community Impact and Partnerships. “By resuming the program, we’re taking action to help students today while working on improvements for the future.” As the program moves forward, the Community Foundation will continue to engage with stakeholders and students to find ways to make educational financing more equitable and sustainable. For more information about the loan program,

30 Poems in November
2024-11-01 08:00 - 17:00
30 Poems in November! is a literary fundraiser to support Center for New Americans’ free English classes for immigrants, refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers. Writers write a poem each day in November and encourage family and friends to sponsor them.
Our annual “Poem-a-thon,” the literary equivalent of a charity road race, raises awareness of immigrants in our community and valuable support for our free English classes. Writing poetry has become a fall tradition. Participating writers are inspired by daily prompts from our Event Chair, Sarah Sullivan. Several of our English teachers also write and raise while infusing poetry into our English classes.
We celebrate our success and honor our writers with an annual Reading & Celebration and publication of an anthology featuring their new poems.

Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Deep Dive
2024-10-30 18:00 - 19:00
Triple-Negative breast cancer presents unique challenges. Join Dr. Prarthna Bhardwaj, Hematology/Oncology, Baystate Regional Cancer Program, for a discussion that
explores a detailed look into its diagnosis, treatment strategies, and how to navigate its complexities.

The Balancing Act
2024-10-30 16:00 - 18:00
Do you have a fear of falling? Have you ever been told you are slightly off balance? Join Baystate Rehabilitation Care experts and Danyel Adams, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy, for an interactive event on fall prevention. Discussion will include individual risk factors with instructions for specific exercises to improve balance; cognitive strategies to reduce risk of falling: information about environmental safety and equipment that may help prevent falls; a falls-prevention checklist and prevention strategies; the impact of medications; and information about the types of fall injuries.

Insight on Multiple Sclerosis
2024-10-29 18:00 - 19:00
Gain crucial knowledge about multiple sclerosis (MS). Join Dr. James A.D. Otis, Neurologist, Baystate Neurology, for a discussion about MS, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments to support better diagnosis and management.

Know it Before You Need It: Veterans Elder Benefits
2024-10-28 16:00 - 18:00

“Basics of Advanced Care Planning,”
2024-10-28 10:00 - 11:30
LifePath’s Healthy Living Program’s “Wellness Unplugged” Continues in October 2024.

“Wellness Unplugged” invites community members living with challenging health conditions to meet on Zoom monthly with area professionals who teach about the health topics that we thirst to learn more about and our workshops just touch on. We then take time after the presentation to support each other in finding ways to apply the information to our lives. October’s group is entitled “Basics of Advanced Care Planning,” and will be held on October 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Description of “Basics of Advanced Care Planning”:
Using the Honoring Choices Massachusetts Getting Started Tool Kit, we will discuss and define Advanced Care Planning, walk participants through the process of selecting a healthcare agent, teach participants how to complete a Health Care Proxy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and discuss how to transfer their healthcare wishes to a Personal Directive document.

Lenora Johnson, Evidenced-Based Program Coordinator at Greater Springfield Senior Services, Inc., has a background in healthcare as a Registered Nurse providing care for older adults in a variety of settings. She is trained as a certified advanced care plan facilitator with Respecting Choices and is an Ambassador with Honoring Choices Massachusetts.

Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer
2024-10-27 08:00 - 13:00
Show Your Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Grab your Rays of Hope gear (or, order it today), lace up your shoes, and join us as we take off from Temple Beth El at 979 Dickinson Street in Springfield, MA, and walk and run toward the cure of breast cancer. For the past 31 years, Rays of Hope has been an important resource in the western Massachusetts community, raising funds that stay local to support breast cancer care, research, and education. Our survivors need us more than ever. Join in the fight today.
More About Rays of Hope
Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has been helping individuals in the fight against breast cancer by walking alongside them on their cancer journey. Through the Baystate Health Breast Network, Rays of Hope cares for the whole person from diagnosis and beyond by supporting research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, providing funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast health programs and outreach and education throughout Baystate Health, support to patients and survivors, as well as providing grants for complementary therapies and cancer programs to our community partners throughout western Massachusetts.
Rays of Hope has raised over $17.2 million to date. All funds raised remain local in western Massachusetts.

African American Female Professor Awards
2024-10-26 18:00 - 23:00, 2024-10-24 18:00 - 20:00
The African American Female Professor Award Association is celebrating 8 years of recognizing Black women in higher education. We will have a two-part celebration.
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, on the Campus of Elms College, there will be the awards with a keynote speaker.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel will be the Ball and a keynote speaker

2024 Chicopee Thriller 5K
2024-10-26 11:00 - 14:00
Each year the Thriller 5K benefits a different Chicopee Chamber nonprofit member. This year, with October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, half of all proceeds go to benefit Alianza DV Services. Serving all of Hampden county, Alianza (formerly Womanshelter/Companeras) is dedicated to assisting, supporting and empowering those whose lives are affected by domestic violence. Founded in 1980, Alianza has assisted more than 30,000 individuals seeking refuge from abuse by providing a 24-hour crisis Hotline, emergency shelter placement, individual safety planning, and court-based assistance.

BFAIR 30th Anniversary Celebration
2024-10-25 16:30 - 20:30 | The Williams Inn, 1090 Main Street, Williamstown, MA, 01267, United States
Come Party like it’s 1994 with BFAIR!
Incorporated in 1994, we are thrilled to celebrate our organization’s 30th year providing services to people of all abilities around Berkshire, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. This event will take place at Williams Inn on October 25th, 2024 from 4:30pm- 8:30pm, with VIP hour from 4:30pm-5:30pm. To fully celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting guests to party like it’s 1994 with BFAIR!
Over the past 30 years, we’ve had the opportunity to provide quality, individualized services to people with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury. We are so grateful to our supportive community of individuals, families, and businesses who have championed this work. As we look towards the next 30 years, we are excited to celebrate and reflect on all the tremendous services provided and the impact it has made for so many people.

Shaped By Service Call To Artists
2024-10-25 08:00 - 17:00

The Bash- Celebrating 20 years of Whole Children and Milestones
2024-10-23 18:30 - 21:30 | Northampton Center For the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA, United States
We’re throwing a party featuring our own Friendship Band playing along with indie rock faves Yo La Tengo.
All tickets benefit the programs of Whole Children and Milestones — providing affordable and accessible classes for children with disabilities for 20 years!
Early Bird tickets end 9/15. 100% of ticket sales benefit Whole Children and Milestones.

Financial Literacy Workshop: "Keep it safe: Protecting your identity"
2024-10-23 18:00 - 19:30

The Good Kind of Fat, Nutritional Fat Facts
2024-10-23 18:00 - 19:00
A Healthier Way of Eating Series
Get the facts on fats and join Dina Dugan, RD, clinical dietician, Baystate Noble Hospital, for a discussion about dietary fats, good ones and ones to avoid. Find out how fats affect your health, the best dietary sources, tips for smarter eating and how to enhance your diet with expert insights.
