COSA is excited to invite you to an upcoming event to learn more about COSA JEDIB initiatives on elevating the role or meaning of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging at COSA.

JEDIB Committee members will share an update on their process and accomplishments since the committee began and will facilitate a conversation about JEDIB at COSA and in your workplaces (or in COSA member organizations). This workshop will include breakouts and interactive segments.

Tuesday, April 9 from 10 to 11:30am at the Haskell Building, 1 Prince Street, Northampton.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

Learn more.

Last week's favorite click.

Valley Community Development shares news about a 30-home project in Amherst.

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

Leading Change: Making a Difference at the Intersection of Practice, Policy, and Lived Experience. The Older Adult Behavioral Health Network's (OABHN) 2024 annual conference offers an engaging day of plenary and workshop sessions to cultivate leaders from within the aging services workforce to influence policy, programs, and public understanding of the mental health needs of older adults. Join colleagues from around Massachusetts as we learn to use our voice for positive change!

More information.

Spanish Language Instruction on Zoom

Offer input about free Spanish language instruction, intended to help workers in their day-to-day interaction with community members that speak Spanish. Please take this very brief survey to let Three-County CoC know if you are interested in improving your basic Spanish language abilities! The course will be structured to teach the words and phrases that will be most helpful. Share your thoughts soon.

Survey closes April 10th!

Women's Fund Unrestricted Grant Funding

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

is currently accepting grant applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Approximately 10 to 15 grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 will be awarded. Organizations serving women and girls and transgender and gender-diverse people in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties are encouraged to apply by May 15th.

Learn more and apply by May 15.

UMass Center of Racial Justice Youth Event

Join the UMass Amherst CRJ to learn from youth and hear featured guest speaker, Dr. Bettina Love. The CRJ invites youth, educators, caregivers, community members, college students, faculty, and staff to join them for their third annual youth-centered event on May 3rd. The full schedule is included in the registration form.

See schedule and register.

Nonprofit Financial Statements 101

Don't know the difference between a balance sheet and an income statement? Does reading budget documents stress you out? Join Community Foundation staff for an overview of financial statements and how to read them. During this hybrid workshop on April 25th they’ll cover the basic financial statements created by nonprofits, how they are connected to each other, and their relationship to a budget.

Details and register in-person or Zoom

Public Forum with SC Justice Stephen Breyer

The Springfield Public Forum, the country’s oldest, independent, free public speaker series, continues its 2023-2024 season on April 11, 2024 at 6pm at Springfield Symphony Hall with Stephen Breyer, retired Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The event offered free to the public thanks to Presenting Sponsor @MassMutual.

Learn more here.

SNAP & Farmshares at Red Fire Farm

Red Fire Farm is piloting a new farmshare program this summer geared to helping people with SNAP get the most from their benefits each month. When members pay for a CSA farmshare with SNAP, they automatically get a HIP bonus, putting funds back on their SNAP card. Red Fire Farm distributes SNAP/HIP CSA farm shares in Amherst, Greenfield, and Northampton. Another flyer is here.

Get additional info online.

UMass Healthcare Culinary Conference

Join UMass Amherst on June 5th and 6th for their inaugural 2-day workshop specifically designed for healthcare professionals where you will gain experience in developing culinary skills that support dietary guidelines, reflect cultural preferences, and meet economic constraints. Learn to understand the social determinants of health and the impact of food insecurity on individual health.

Learn more and register.

FCSN Welcoming Newcomer Families Hub

The Federation for Children with Special Needs warmly welcomes educators and professionals to learn, share, and contribute to a new virtual community focused on welcoming, supporting, and partnering with immigrant newcomer students and families. You can join FREE virtual workshops plus connect and share via their online platform. Introductory events coming up on April 10 and 16.

Details and registration.