THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL AGENCIES OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
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38th Annual 
Bridge of Flowers 10k to Benefit 
Cancer Connection
August 13

The race has a long history of donating race proceeds to local non-profits, and the race currently partners with several charities to use the race as a fundraising platform. Cancer Connection is honored to be a charity partner for this long-standing summer tradition in Shelburne Falls.
 
Runners have 3 engagement options this year:
You can state that you are happy the race supports good works, and not direct funds to any specific charity. You can specifically direct funds to one of the participating charities including Cancer Connection. You can actively fundraise through a customized pledge page and we'd be happy to help you.
 
Start times:
8:15 AM Steve Lewis Subaru 3k Charity Run Walk
9:00 AM Bridge of Flowers 10K Classic
 
 
Cancer Conenction will have a team of volunteers at the race. If you'd like to join us, please contact Chantal at  events@cancer-connection.org.


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CCRT Upcoming Programs

Crafting Our Resilience 
This 8-week art group will focus on identifying & increasing our own Resilience. Co-facilitated by Sylvia Buzzell of the FRC & Kelly Broadway of the Center for Community Resilience after Trauma (CCRT), we will reflect on characteristics of resilience including flexibility, optimism & perseverance through creative arts. Each week will start with a short reading & reflection on that week's topic followed by an art project & group share. Held at The Bridge Family Resource Center, 101 University Dr., Suite A3 in Amherst.  Fridays, July 8th - Aug. 26th 10:30am - 12:00pm 

Peer Connection Open Hours 
CCRT hosts open hours for self-directed Peer Connection opportunities on the 2nd & 4th Fridays. Schedule time with peers to play games, do a puzzle, contribute to the Healing Community collage, learn to knit or crotchet, and/or just sit with tea and a good book in the safe & friendly CCRT space. (Attendance does not count toward the "2 programs"). Held at CCRT, One Arch Place Main Entrance, 2nd floor in Greenfield. Fridays, July 8th & 22nd Fridays, August 12th & 26th 2:00-4:00pm 

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Bridges Together Webinars

Are YOU interested in a fun and educational way to bring together youth and adults aged 60+? Perhaps you're a teacher or senior center leader. Or maybe you're simply an engaged citizen.  

Join us: Bridges Together has organized  three informational webinars designed to walk you step by step through the process. 

Choose one of the following times and  register today -- the content will be the same for each webinar:
  • Thursday, July 28 @ 10 - 11 AM
  • Tuesday, August 2 @ 3 - 4 PM
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Non-Profit Training Resource Fund
Grants

The TD Charitable Foundation is accepting applications to its Nonprofit Training Research Fund.

Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to community-based organizations wishing to send one or more employees to an approved class/course that will enhance their job performance.
To be eligible for a grant, organizations must be considered tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be public school or other qualified state or local governmental entity, and not be classified as a private foundation; have a mission/focus that promotes affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals, increased economic (small business) development, financial literacy for low- and moderate-income people, or afterschool or extracurricular programming for low- and moderate-income children; be located within a TD Bank, North America market area; and comply with the TD Charitable Foundation's anti-discrimination policy.

Appropriate use of funds includes classes and courses that are relevant to the job performed by the employee(s) performs, including one-day classes or part of a certification program.
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Support the 
Amherst Survival Center 
!

Make a Donation to Win Tickets to the Boston Red Sox!
From  July 5-31, by making a donation of $40.00 to the Amherst Survival Center, you'll earn two chances to win TWO GREAT TICKETS to the  Sunday, August 14th  Red Sox vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks game at  1:35 p.m. at Fenway Park. More info  here.   Our gratitude to a generous supporter who donated the four tickets for our special 40th anniversary!   Visit our website for details

Giving Grill at WHOLE FOODS July  9, 11:30AM-2:30PM
Come and enjoy the food at  Whole Foods Market's Giving Grill (outside the store). All proceeds benefit the Amherst Survival Center's programs. Thank you!

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Help Us Wipe Out Diaper Need!

Diapers are as essential as food and shelter. Yet, they are not recognized as a basic need. Diapers are needed to make sure babies and toddlers remain clean, dry, and healthy. Some families face having to clean out and reuse soiled diapers or have to choose between diapers and other basic needs like food. In our community, families struggle with diaper need every day.

*    1 out of 3 families struggle to buy diapers
*    Diapers can cost over $100 per month, per baby
*    Food Stamps and WIC cannot be used to buy diapers
*    Infants and toddlers need about 8-12 diapers per day

WHAT WE NEED
*    Disposable diapers in all sizes; greatest need for sizes 3 and up
*    Baby wipes in all quantities
*    Disposable pull-up training pants

Our goal is to collect 50,000 diapers and 100,000 baby wipes!   They will be distributed to families in need through: Amherst Survival Center,  Easthampton Community Center, Northampton Survival Center in Northampton & Goshen, It Takes a Village, Hilltown Community Health Centers and The Jubilee Cupboard at Trinity Episcopal Church in Ware

COLLECTION SITES:
Northampton Stop & Shop on King Street, Northampton
Forbes Library
TDBank on Main Street, Northampton
Amherst Survival Center
Northampton Survival Center
Cup & Top, Florence
Easthampton Community Center
Watch the United Way website for new sites to be added

Extra Extra!!
With much appreciation and gratitude to our State Representative, the Honorable Ellen Story, and our community, the Amherst Survival Center announces that it has received state funding - $10,000 - to continue our diaper distribution program to families who use our Food Pantry!  


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NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!!

COSA 
Direct Service Awards 

Our Annual COSA Awards Breakfast is coming up on September 16th.  It is time to start thinking about the fabulous direct service employees and volunteers you have that deserve recognition!

Our goal is to make it very easy for you to nominate someone and reduce the barriers to participation. We have simplified the nomination form, so the initial time commitment to make a nomination is minimal.  We will follow up with a brief phone interview with you to gather additional information on each nominee. 

Don't procrastinate!  Identify your internal heroes and send us a nomination form for them!  It only takes a minute.

DEADLINE AUGUST 1

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Photo Exhibit
Forbes Library


 
We are pleased to invite you to view our 40th Anniversary photo exhibit, "20 Matches, 40 Lives Changed" at the Forbes Library Hosmer Gallery from July 1st-29th with a special opening and light refreshments  Wednesday July 6, 2016 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
 
"20 Matches, 40 Lives Changed" by Danielle Intile of Winsome Smiles Photography celebrates our 40th anniversary and presents 20 matches from our program.  Each pair was asked to give us insight into who they are as a match. The warmth, the smiles, and the caring that show through in each photo capture the essence of mentorship and help explain Big Brothers Big Sisters in a way that words cannot.  Along with this exhibit Hosmer Gallery will also feature the breathtaking work of Carol Duke from her photography of Venice, Italy.  This will truly be delightful!
 
We are proud to share this exhibit and hope that you can make it with friends or family. You can also show your support by sharing the event with others.  Please help us spread the word- the more the merrier!   Click here for gallery hours and more information on the exhibits. 
 
Sincerely,
 
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County Team

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Youth Emotional 
Health Group
@ The Bridge

Come learn how to process your emotions and reactions, and become more resilient. Recommended for ages 13-18.This 7-week group addresses the wide range of emotional experiences that can be challenging for youth. Dinner will be served. Group begins July 12th.  Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Pre-registration is required, contact Kim at  413-549-0297 x6530  or  ksmith@csoinc.org .   Click here for flyer!

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Welcome to Our New Member:
Family Outreach of Amherst

Family Outreach of Amherst (FOA) is the safety net for low-income families in Amherst and the surrounding communities. We are unique in our ability to address all the issues struggling families face: mental health, domestic violence, addiction, housing, and life skills. We believe the families we work with are experts in their own lives and should be active participants in creating change in their lives.
Home Visiting
Our home visiting program helps more than 100 low-income families each year. We stabilize and support families struggling with life skills, help with issues such as parenting, budgeting and conflict resolution, and help parents access services they need.
Crisis Intervention
FOA responds to calls from mothers in crisis, and takes referrals from school counselors, local physicians, and other agencies. FOA caseworkers identify community resources required to resolve the crisis and then help to address the issues that brought about the crisis.
Advocacy
FOA provides short-term assistance on specific issues such as mediation with a landlord or a utility company, access to childcare and assistance with health emergencies.
Case Management
FOA caseworkers provide ongoing weekly support to struggling families. Services include securing financial benefits, providing transportation to doctors' offices and other appointments, life skills counseling, housing advocacy, parenting support, and accessing proper health care.
Information and Referrals
FOA responds to calls from families seeking help from resources within our community. Caseworkers assess a caller's needs and then make referrals to appropriate community agencies.
Strive to Thrive Program
FOA's newest program, Strive to Thrive, helps people create more stable lives for themselves and their families through moving in the direction of their goals. Goals range between employment, education, and/or community engagement opportunities.  Click here to learn more.
Check out their
  website here
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Lunch & Learn: 
Managing Mealtimes With Your Child
July 20

Join Michele LaRock, MS, RD, LDN and Ana Maria Moise, MS, CNS, LDN as they offer strategies on introducing new foods, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding mealtime battles with kids.  Wednesday, July 20th from 10:00 to 11:00 a m.  Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. 

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Through Her Eyes - Registration Open in July!

CHD is proud to present the 12th annual Through Her Eyes Girls Conference on October 21, 2016. It is held every year to address the issues facing girls and young women at risk of personal and social dangers in our culture. The conference focuses on the most current methods and practices for working with girls confronting challenges in their lives. Notable professionals engage with educators, social workers, direct care staff, family members, and concerned citizens.

This year's keynote speaker will be  Brenda Myers-Powell co-founder of The Dreamcatcher Foundation which fights to end human trafficking in Chicago. The not-for-profit organization works to prevent the sexual exploitation of at-risk youth and helps current prostitutes find confidence and stability beyond the limitations of their current lifestyle. They foster confidence, courage, independence, and inner strength within young people in disadvantaged areas. Our harm reduction approach allows Chicago's most disenfranchised young women take advantage of all of the mentoring services we offer and improve their lives through education, empowerment, and prevention.

Click here to register or view Brenda Myers-Powell's Movie Trailer
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Free Webinar

Meaningful Donor Conversations (That Make More Money)

"We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."   Being able to have a deep and meaningful conversation with a donor remains a powerful tool all fundraisers need, it's all about asking great questions and listening well. Face to face conversations remain the most powerful way to develop a relationship - despite all of today's technological advancements.
Focusing on practical tips on listening, interacting with donors one on one, and asking "magic questions", this webinar will give you the tools you need to be a great major gifts fundraiser.
   
 REGISTER  

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Opportunities

Amherst Survival Center

Cancer Connection

Clinical Support Options
There are many positions available. 
Click here to see the job listings 

Community Action
There are many more positions available!
Click here to see all the job listings
Click here for the weekly job bulletin

Treehouse Foundation

Mark Your Calendars!
HAPPENINGS IN HAMPSHIRE COUNTY





July 9 -    Eat at Whole Foods' Giving Grill to support Amherst Survival Ctr.
Aug. 13 -   Bridge of Flowers 10K
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COSA  MEMBERS
Barry, Sean
Landers, Jo
Loughran, Betsy
Person, Katherine
Roth-Howe, Jeff

 
For a Membership Form. Click  here

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