Your Local Nonprofit News

COSA and state policymaking: how do we identify our priority issues; how do we shape outreach to our legislators; how do we best utilize our coalition to advance policy goals?

Please join us for this important discussion. YOU ARE COSA. Your voice matters, and we would love your participation.

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COSA Meeting on

Gender Spectrum

Materials

Thanks to all of you that attended our most recent COSA meeting about the Gender Spectrum. Click here for a copy of the presentation given by Genny Beemyn of the UMass Stonewall Center at our last COSA meeting. Thank you again Genny!

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Center for New Americans

30 POEMS IN NOVEMBER!

30 Poems in November! is a literary fundraiser in support of literacy programs at Center for New Americans. This is our 10th year of writing and raising!

This year, we are excited to welcome Sarah Sullivan as our Event Chair. The funds we raise will help to support free classes and services for our community's immigrants. Some Center for New Americans teachers and immigrant students will also write poems in November.

Writers commit to write one poem a day for the 30 days of November. Some poems reflect on the immigrant experience; others paint a picture or tell a story. Friends and family provide support by donating a dollar amount for each poem ($1 x 30 poems = $30).

Create your own personal fundraising page here.

Or, donate to 30 Poems in November!

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How Your Nonprofit Can Partner with Local Businesses

Nonprofit Hub by Hannah Trull

When nonprofits and local businesses work together, both parties reap the benefits . The nonprofit gets the word out about its cause and expands its donor base, and the business boosts its sales and exposure in the community. It may sound too good to be true, but it's really not. Here's how to reach out to socially minded for-profits in your area and form successful partnerships with them. Read the Full Article

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Trans and GNC Young Children/Parent Meetup!

The Bridge

Young transgender and gender non-conforming children need social time with other children like themselves. The Bridge FRC is hosting a monthly meet-up for families who are looking for playtime for their young trans/gnc children. Come build community with families like yours!

Held monthly. November meet-up date: Saturday, 11/17/18

10am-12noon, Light breakfast will be served.

The Bridge Family Resource Center

101 University Drive, Suite A3

Amherst, MA 01002

Bus line 33, B43, or free onsite parking.

Call (413) 549-0297 for more information.

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Amherst

CDBG 2019

Public Hearing

The Town of Amherst and its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee invite the community to participate in the 2019 CDBG application process. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has designated the Town of Amherst a Mini-Entitlement Community that is eligible to apply for a maximum of $825,000 in CDBG funds. CDBG funds support housing, community development projects, and social service activities benefiting low-and moderate-income citizens. In accordance with DHCD regulations, Amherst's CDBG Advisory Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Glass Room in the Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk) to receive comments and suggestions from local residents regarding:

1. Community priorities for

a. Social services

b. Non-social services such as housing and public infrastructure

c. Other priorities

2. N eighborhoods where non-social services can take place

Click here for more information

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Affordable apartments in downtown Northampton!

Applications are now available for our new 55-unit building at 255 Pleasant St., with an expected occupancy date of Spring 2019. Informational sessions will be held at at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St, on:

11/14/18 - 5 PM
1/5/19 - 10 AM

Applications are available online at: www.wayfindersma.org/lumberyard or www.valleycdc.com

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Grant Funded Advanced Manufacturing Training at Greenfield Community College

We are recruiting unemployed folks and under-employed career changers who may be interested in developing a higher paying career as a skilled machinist. We are now recruiting for admission to the 12-week CNC Operator (computer numerical control machining) Training that begins in January, 2019.

Please help us spread the word. Over the past 5 years we have graduated 140 adult students with a 96% completion rate and placed 85% of them in machining jobs starting at $15 - $20/hour. Some of our graduates are now earning over $25/hour after only a few years in the field. Precision machining can pay a family-sustaining wage!

Click here for the flyer

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Puzzle of Parenting

Facing the Challenge, Part 1

n this session we will examine specific strategies that can be used to promote positive adult and child behavior in home and community settings. This is a free program. REGISTER

November 5, 2018, 10:45am - 11:30am, Warren Community Elementary School (register by Oct 29)

October 15, 2018, 10:45am - 11:30am, Warren Community Elementary School, Warren, MA (register by Oct 8)

Facing the Challenge, Part 2

In this session we will examine specific strategies that can be used to promote positive adult and child behavior in home and community settings.

This is a free program. REGISTER

November 19, 2018, 10:45am - 11:30am, Warren Community Elementary School (register by Nov 12)

October 22, 2018, 10:45am - 11:30am, Warren Community Elementary School, Warren, MA (register by Oct 15)

First Steps to Reading

Did you know that you can help your child grow into reading by talking, playing, sharing books and even singing together? In this four-session workshop we'll find out why these things are important and have lots of time for parents and children to do fun activities together. Each session starts with a light supper.

Childcare is provided during parent learning times. (Please plan to bring your child.) You'll receive a book at each session to take home. T his is a free program. REGISTER

November 6, 13 & 272018, 1:00pm - 1:45pm, Belchertown Family Center (register by Nov 1)

October 29, 2018, 10:45am - 11:30am, Warren Community Elementary School (register by Oct 22)

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FREE WEBINARs

How to Use Storytelling to Supercharge Year-End Fundraising Oct. 31, 1pm by Network For Good

Join us as we talk with fundraising expert Vanessa Chase Lockshin about telling stories that inspire giving during the busiest time of year for nonprofits. You'll learn: