In this brief presentation we will consider the skill of storytelling and how this practice helps Indigenous People move towards health and wellness.

José Lugo is the Native Education Liaison for CES. He is a detribalized Chicano Macewalli who uses storytelling to reconnect with his Indigenous cultural practices. Through this skill development José works to heal from the impacts of colonization.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

10am-11am on Zoom - full details are here

Last week's favorite click

CES ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist position is open!

Our members make this a happy new year!

Thank you for supporting our work.

Roger Anderson

Northampton Department of Healthy & Human Services

William Benson

UMass Civic Engagement & Service Learning

A Positive Place

Join COSA today!

Got a minute? Join or renew with COSA online.

United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region is proud to support local programs fostering Economic Security in our communities by announcing two three-year funding opportunities, running 2025-2028. These partnerships are available to distinct programs of nonprofit agencies providing substantive services within their coverage area and following eligibility guidelines.

Program impacts should focus on food security or more broadly on economic security. Required information sessions will take place on January 13th and January 15th. Applications will be due online on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Get full details here

Submit RFPs for Amherst CDBG funds

The Town of Amherst has announced priorities for social service and non-social service CDBG funding projects. These include household stabilization, youth development, food programs, senior support services, and more. Proposals must be received by February 3rd.

Read the entire announcement here

Grow Food Northampton announcement

The Grow Food Northampton Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Michael Skillicorn has joined Alisa Klein at the head of the organization where they will serve as Co-Executive Directors. The Board unanimously approved this decision out of respect and appreciation for both Alisa and Michael, whose complementary experience and expertise are extraordinarily well suited to meet the needs of GFN.

Visit their website

HSF Legislative Reception on Jan 31st

Join your colleagues and community members as we engage with our state legislators at the annual Human Service Forum Legislative Reception. This unique event allows you to share a table, zoom style, with one of the western Massachusetts Representatives or Senators and speak directly with them on topics that are important to you. Let people know how policies and laws affect our work, our families and our communities.

All the details

Eviction filings surpass pre-pandemic levels

From August 2022 to September 2024, eviction filings have surpassed average pre-pandemic rates (greater than 2600 total filings per month). Hampden County leads the state in evication filings. Thank you to Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness for surfacing this data!

Catch the entire blog post here