April 19, 2024: Issue 8
Offering hope and help to those impacted by opioid misuse in
Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region.
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"$194K Boosts Children's Advocacy Center " ~ Greenfield Recorder (4/2/24) |
"The Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin has secured $194,000 in federal funding to sustain its number of clinicians and expand its reach into the North Quabbin area.
Executive Director Jeffrey Trant explained the Greenfield- based nonprofit providing mental health services for children and families affected by sexual abuse submitted a congressionally directed spending application seeking money to help support its mission to offer trauma-informed mental health services.
“It will be spent on increased staffing, and also we are expanding our footprint into the North Quabbin region and these funds will help provide us with the resources to really accelerate that process,” Trant said. “We have three master’s- and doctorate- level clinicians on staff at the Children’s Advocacy Center and we have several funding streams coming to a conclusion. This will help sustain and grow the services.”
U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren recently announced that the money was designated for the nonprofit when President Joe Biden signed the fiscal year 2024 budget into law.
“The work of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin in providing mental health services for children and families impacted by abuse is irreplaceable,” Markey said in a statement. “To support the expansion of their critical services, I’m proud Sen. Warren and I secured $194,000 in the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act.”
Trant said he appreciated that Warren personally called him to inform him when the bill was signed into law.
“Over the past two to three years, both the commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government, as well as local supporters, have made significant investments in the advocacy center,” he said. “We are just grateful and we are just enthusiastic about our ability to help more children and families.”
Trant also said some money will be used to open a Children’s Advocacy Center office in Orange. The nonprofit has for a year and a half provided its services to the North Quabbin region via a borrowed office space lent by Valuing Our Children, an organization dedicated to addressing the needs of youngsters, in Athol.
Trant said an Orange spot has been selected, though he declined to disclose more information at this time.
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"Institute Welcomes Aspiring Chefs" ~Greenfield Recorder (4/11/2024) |
"The culinary dreams of eight aspiring chefs are taking flight once again as Stone Soup Culinary Institute welcomes its third cohort of students.
With nearly 50 applicants vying for the openings, this year’s selection welcomes eight individuals who are eager to embark on a culinary journey under the guidance of Chef Instructors Brandon Shantie and Michael Hulburt. Participants immerse themselves in a 12-week program designed to cultivate not just culinary skills, but also an understanding of food justice and community empowerment. From mastering knife skills to exploring the tapestry of traditional cooking techniques, students gain hands on experience while earning certifications, such as ServSafe Manager. “At Stone Soup Culinary Institute, we believe in the power of food to nourish both body and soul,” Kirsten Levitt, executive director and chef at Stone Soup Café, said in a statement. “Our goal is to foster a new generation of culinary leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in our community.”
“We have all the ingredients in place and things are starting to sizzle,” Shantie said in a statement. “Three years into teaching here at the Stone Soup Culinary Institute and we are really starting to get into a groove. Our new students are getting a taste of some new aspects of the curriculum. I am looking forward to working with some of our restaurant partners — including Hope & Olive, People’s Pint and Mesa Verde — as they take on student interns from the institute to give them on-the-ground, real-world work experience” In addition to providing job training and certification opportunities, the Stone Soup Culinary Institute aims to create inclusive pathways for individuals from all walks of life, including those navigating reentry into society after incarceration. Through partnerships with local organizations such as the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Stone Soup Café aims to empower individuals facing barriers to employment by offering them access to vocational training. Many students live in Orange and take the bus to class every day, while others are from Greenfield and Turners Falls.
The institute operates as a tuition-free program, ensuring accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, students can access financial stipends to compensate for their time in class, further removing barriers to participation. These measures are made possible in part by funding received from the state through its Urban Agenda Grant Program, and from community contributions.“
(Contributed Photo)
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UPCOMING OTF COMMITTEE & WORKGROUP MEETINGS | |
Virtual: Emergency Services for Unhoused Individuals Task Force
April 22, 2024
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Harm Reduction Workgroup
May 1, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Treatment & Recovery Committee
May 3, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Greenfield Community College,
One College Drive, Room C201
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Healthcare Solutions Committee
May 10, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 Noon
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Workgroup
May 13, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Education & Prevention Committee
May 14, 2024
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Zoom details here.
Hybrid: Public Safety & Justice Committee
June 3, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Franklin County Reentry Center
106 Main Street, Greenfield
Zoom details here.
Virtual: CAM Workgroup
June 11, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Methadone Workgroup
June 13, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Zoom details here.
Virtual: Housing & Workforce Development Committee
June 14, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom details here.
Consult our website or Facebook Page for updates. Please email us with any questions!
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FEATURED EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
CAREMASS.ORG
Need help utilizing the Opioid Legal Settlement funds?
Help is here!
This website is devoted to you, those addressing the opioid crisis in your communities. Whether you need to file your Expenditure Form or Request Help in how best to use your settlement funding to address the opioid crisis in your community, we are here to help. The State of Massachusetts has contracted with JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. to support all municipalities in implementing, enhancing, or expanding a range of non-clinical evidence-based opioid abatement strategies and community collaborations. Request Help to request assistance.
We are here to provide equitable, participatory, and tailored support to ensure the success of your initiatives. Sign up for our mailing list to receive future updates from our program. Please visit the Office of the Attorney General’s Opioid Settlement FAQ page about the statewide opioid settlements. There you will find answers to common questions, including how best to use abatement funding.
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Have you had or thought about having an abortion in the last 10 years?
Privately share your experience by clicking the link below before May 1st and receive a $15 gift card! The survey is available in Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and English!
Take Tides' Community Access Survey!
Tides for Reproductive Freedom is a 501c3 that can help pay for the cost of your abortion, plus the transportation to and from your appointment!
www.tidesforchange.org
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CONNECT: Post-Opioid Overdose Outreach Services | |
Updated Emergency Resources for
Unhoused Individuals
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Time Sensitive Announcements | |
Wednesday Nurturing Father's Program - Through June 20 | |
April 1 - June 22 Free English Class for Immigrants and Refugees | |
April 6 - May 25 *Saturdays* Postpartum Therapeutic
Support Group
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April 19 & 20 Across The Ninefold River | |
April 20 Exploring Vernal Pools | |
April 20 Emergency Bike Road Repair 101 | |
April 21 Ready to Get Growing? | |
April 22 Beyond The Brain: Soul Exhaustion and Soul Care | |
April 22 Keeping Kids Safe | |
April 23 First Time Homebuyers Event | |
April 23 Quabbin Reservoir & Watershed Protection at New Salem Public Library | |
April 24 Meet The Employer Panel | |
April 24 & 25 Twistin' With Torri | |
April 25 Moms Do Care/EMPOWER Program:
Charting a New Course
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April 25 Consent & Boundary Setting | |
April 25 How Things Move In Nature: Snails! | |
April 25/May 2 CPR + First Aid - Bernardston
May 2/May 9 CPR + First Aid - Shelburne Falls
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April 26 Garden Path Plant Sale at The RECOVER Project
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April 26 Dress for Success | |
April 26 Homeschool Hangout | |
April 27 Wild Flower Walks | |
April 27 Author Micha Archer with her newest book:
What's New, Daniel?
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April 27 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | |
April 27 The Fabulous Hilltown Draw Around | |
April 27 2024 Visions of Community, Western MA Edition | |
April 27 Sunderland Public Library's 20th Birthday Party | |
April 28 Spring Awakening: Reiki, Yoga, Music | |
April 29 Sunderland Short Story Series | |
April 29 & 30 All-Abilities Social - Rock Painting | |
April 30 Movement Based Empowerment Workshop | |
April 30 Parenting Journey II
Twelve Week Series on Tuedays
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May 2 Erving Public Library: Presenting Mister G | |
May 3 Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Day 2024 CONNECTIONS | |
May 3 Garden Path Group Field Trip
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May 4 Cornhole Tournament | |
May 6 Finding The Mother Tree - May Book Discussion | |
May 11 - June 22 Saturday Morning Buddy Baseball | |
May 18 Heart of Leyden Running Fest | |
May 22 Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
Register Here!
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MONTHLY/WORKSHOP CALENDERS AND WEEKLY STANDING MEETINGS/EVENTS | |
Improving Housing to Improve Health News | |
Re-Entry Foundational Manufacturing Program | |
April Community Action Family Center Calendar | |
April Franklin County Reentry Center Calendar | |
April Programs - Great Falls Discovery Center | |
April Montague Public Library Programs | |
April Events at the Sunderland Public Library | |
April Union 28 Community Network for Children Program Calendar | |
July - August at Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre | |
Spring & Summer Pothole Pictures | |
2024 Seeds of Solidarity Calendar of Events | |
SNAP Application Assistance | |
Always Open! Community Labyrinth in Greenfield | |
RECOVER Project Groups At a Glance | |
Weekdays All Recovery Meeting at
The RECOVER Project
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Monday/Wednesday/Friday
The Community Closet at The Franklin County Reentry Center
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Monday - Friday
Movement Group with North Quabbin Recovery Center Peer Leaders
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Mondays North Quabbin Patch Parents' Council | |
Mondays Breaking Barriers at the Franklin County
Reentry Center
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Mondays Art Guild Meetings | |
Mondays Advanced Manufacturing Info Sessions | |
Monday Drug Court Alumni Group - North Quabbin | |
Second Mondays of the Month - North Quabbin B.R.A.V.E. Task Force Meetings | |
Mondays Alternatives to Suicide Group | |
2nd Mondays
Greenfield Healing Clinic
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2nd and 4th Mondays
Parenting Together at the Brick House
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Third Monday Alphabet & Allies | |
Third Monday Parenting With Pride | |
Mondays and Wednesdays
Restless, Irritable, and Discontent: Your Brain in Recovery
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Tuesdays Peer-Led Grief and Loss Circle | |
First Tuesday - Dads' Group at Valuing Our Children | |
Tuesday Tea Time & Community Resource Drop-In | |
Tuesdays North Quabbin Recovery Center Coffee Hour | |
Tuesdays Greenfield Suicide Loss Group | |
First Tuesday - P.A.R.T. Task Force | |
Tuesdays Drop-In Knitting & Sewing Sessions | |
2nd Tuesdays New Member Orientation at the RECOVER Project | |
Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly Reentry Groups | |
Tuesday Men's Anger Management Group
Wednesday Women's Anger Management Group
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Wednesdays - Wendell Library Playgroup with Sylvia | |
Wednesdays - Playgroup at the Leverett Library with Gillian | |
Wednesdays - Housing Navigator Sessions at the Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Wednesdays HEROES Study Hub at GCC | |
Wednesdays Men's Support Group:
Keep Moving Forward
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Third Wednesday of the Month | |
Last Wednesday of the Month Office Hours With An Atto | |
First & Third Thursdays Parent Support Group | |
Thursdays Recovery Support Group Meetings at the Franklin County Reentry Center | |
Thursdays Coffee Hour at the Brick House | |
Thursdays Beyond Trauma Group in Spanish | |
Second Thursdays Every Month, Peer Grief Support | |
Fridays FreeWrite of Franklin County | |
First Friday of Every Month: Open Mic at the RP | |
Every First & Third Friday - Grandparents & Kinship Support Group | |
Every Second Friday Chosen Family Night | |
Every Third Friday: Karaoke at The RECOVER Project | |
Last Friday of the Month: Gardening in Recovery | |
Homeshare Program with LifePath | |
Act Now to Stay Covered with MassHealth | |
DIAL/SELF AmeriCorps Opportunity at
Montague Catholic Social Ministries
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CHCFC OBAT Same Day & Tele-Health Appointment Information | |
Free Meals and Essentials
Saints James and Andrews Parish Hall
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Come Cook with Franklin County
Community Meals Program
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CONNECTIONS -
A Residential Program of Behavioral Health Network
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Orange Food Pantry Seeking Non-Food Donations | |
When people think of donating to our agency and food pantry, they often think of food- however, that's easier for us to obtain with local partnerships with farms and retailers. What we struggle to keep stocked are hygienic & household products, such as:
- Adult pull-ups size Medium, Large, & XL
- Menstrual products
- Bath products- bath wash or bar soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Toothpaste (we have plenty of toothbrushes currently!)
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Laundry Detergent
- Dish Soap
- Household cleaners- Windex, multi-surface, floor cleaner, etc.
Dozen-sized egg cartons for repackaging the hundreds of eggs we receive weekly from retailers are also needed.
Please share this list amongst your networks! Donations can be dropped off at 324 Wells Street (the Franklin County Community Distribution Center) at our office, or if donating a large amount, drop-off can be coordinated via donate@fccmp.org. (Image credit: Pixabay)
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Family Self-Sufficiency Program Available | |
Eviction Self-Help Booklets Available in Multiple Languages | |
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MLRI has recently updated and translated some of our self-help booklets for unrepresented tenants facing eviction. While we still recommend tenants facing eviction seek legal help, we know resources are limited and many tenants have to represent themselves. We hope these booklets can be helpful to pro se tenants and their advocates.
You can see the full list of booklets below, or at MassLegalHelp. The booklets can help tenants prepare for court, outline their legal claims, and file court forms. There is also a booklet to help public housing tenants navigate the Grievance process.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the booklets and how they can be used.
What steps to take before going to court and what to bring to court.
An easy-to-use checklist that tells you what conditions violate the State Sanitary Code. You can also use the free self-help guided interview, MADE: Up To Code.
The Answer is a court form that tenants facing evictions can file with the court to outline your legal claims and tell the court your side of the story. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
How to ask the court to accept your Answer and Discovery forms late. You can also use Greater Boston Legal Services’ free self-help guided interview, MADE.
A form with instructions for tenants facing eviction to get information to prepare for their trial.
A form with instructions for tenants in foreclosed properties to get information to prepare their case.
A form you can file to transfer your eviction case from a District Court to a Housing Court.
How to get a new court date if you missed your court date.
If you lost your eviction trial and think you have a good case, you may appeal. This document tells you which Appeal form to use.
How to file an appeal from a case in Housing Court.
How to file an appeal from a case in District Court.
How to get time to stay in your home if you lost your case.
How to ask the court to pay for court costs.
How to think through the terms you want in an agreement. Includes a worksheet and stipulation forms to use when you go to court. Read this booklet as webpages and watch the videos!
How to correct errors on your online court records. The Booklet includes the court form you can save to your computer, fill out, save again and print when ready.
A booklet for tenants in Mass. about the grievance process, including worksheets to help you prepare for a grievance hearing.
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Update! Greenfield CSC New Hybrid Operations Change |
The Greenfield Court Service Center is located at 43 Hope St., 1st Floor, Greenfield, MA.
They offer in-person services on Tuesdays & Thursdays, ONLY, from 8:30 am-1 pm, and 2 pm-4 pm. Remote services (email, phone, Zoom) are available on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.
For an intake, contact the Virtual Court Service Center, Mon. thru Fri. 9 am-12 pm by telephone: 1-646-828-7666, press #, #, then enter meeting ID: 161 526 1140 or by video: www.zoomgov.com/j/1615261140.
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COMMUNITY JOB OPPORTUNITIES | |
Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region www.opioidtaskforce.org
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