Throughout the month of February, Forbes Library is collecting toiletries to support local residents who are experiencing homelessness. All items collected will be distributed to individuals in the shelters or on the streets by Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, Inc., whose mission is to help homeless people in Hampshire County live with dignity by providing emergency shelter and related services, creating housing, and advocating for the homeless. See a list of needed items and all the details HERE.

Last week's favorite click?

Collaborative for Educational Services Conference

Transforming Education For Social Justice on Mar 11

Get all the details on this public meeting about CDBG in the hearing notice HERE.

The Winter Walk to End Homelessness is coming soon. Take part in an incredible opportunity to come together in person and raise up our commitment to end homelessness in Western Massachusetts on Sunday, February 5, from 9–11am in Court Square, Springfield. Get all the details from the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness and register HERE.

US Census Bureau: "The research reveals that despite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. population continued to serve each other and their communities — giving their time and talent to help others at a time of unprecedented need." Read more about this amazing story HERE.

Thank you to new and returning COSA members!

Your generous support makes all of our work possible.

Samantha Hopper

Way Finders

ServiceNet

Rep. Mindy Domb

Collaborative for Educational Services

Join online today!

The Literacy Project

Amherst College Center for Community Engagement

Northwestern District Attorney's Office

Central Hampshire Veterans Services

Roger Anderson

Northampton Recovery Center

Behavioral Health Network

William Benson

From the Massachusetts Service Alliance: "Since 2020, COVID-19 has challenged nonprofit organizations to re-imagine the ways they engage volunteers. As organizations begin to re-open their doors, we recognize that nonprofits require the capacity and resources to effectively re-engage volunteers in this new normal. In response, MSA is issuing our COVID-19 Recovery Fund: Re-Engage, Re-Energize, Recognize (COVID RRR) to help organizations adapt and rebuild their volunteer programs. We welcome organizations across the Commonwealth to apply for this exciting new opportunity!" Get more information HERE.

A new report from Friends of Children that follows up on their major paper Failing Our Kids: Measures of the Broken Child Welfare System in Massachusetts. Their new release Ten Myths About Child Welfare Oversight in Massachusetts, takes a hard and honest look at what is actually in place to protect children and families drawn into the system or on its fringes. Without flinching, in this report, Friends of Children seeks to shine a spotlight on where there are gaps and subterfuge, and calls us all to action to change what is, at best, dysfunctional. The stories of children and families are centered in our thinking in every aspect of this report.

Join COSA on Feb 14 at 10am for a special presentation by Amanda Lapierre Jewell, Outreach Coordinator from Safe Passage. The Domestic Violence 101 workshop will include an overview of Safe Passage, an introduction to their mission and services, and an overview of domestic violence. Participants will gain skills to support survivors experiencing domestic violence, respond to disclosures, and learn what action you can take to prevent violence in our community. Details HERE.