Art, Connectivity, and Community Bring ‘aWAREness’ to Recovery

Terri Thompson of The Consortium and Abaigeal Duda, Peer Recovery Project Coordinator for the Ware Regional Recovery Center (Recovery Center of H.O.P.E.).[/caption]

By Marcella Comerford, Reporter
mcomerford@turley.com 

September 8, 2022

WARE, MA – A show solely catering to the artworks of those in recovery does not show up often, yet the community impact of such a show can be enormous, bringing out the faces of addiction in ways unusual and profoundly human, opening channels of communication and understanding through art. Workshop13 and ArtWorks Gallery partnered with the new, soon to be opened, Ware Regional Recovery Center to present “Bringing aWAREness to Recovery Art Exhibition,” featuring artists in recovery from drugs and alcohol.

The opening was held on National Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, 2022, coinciding with the start of National Recovery Month in September. [CONTINUE READING] (more…)

Greenfield resident explores topics ranging from racism to mental health in poetry reading

Greenfield resident explores topics ranging from racism to mental health in poetry reading

By BELLA LEVAVI
Staff Writer
Published: 7/24/2022 3:03:34 PM
Modified: 7/24/2022 3:00:32 PM

GREENFIELD — Kimberly “Kemah” Wilson started her poetry reading by keeping the mood light with a song about meatballs.

From this song, the Greenfield resident transported listeners across a variety of topics including LGBTQ pride, racism and America’s future.

Wilson presented her reading at The LAVA Center on Saturday afternoon. Most people in the crowd knew Wilson personally and said they were touched by her work.

“The pieces had such a span of thought and insight,” commented Wilson’s friend, Mindy Bragon.

[CONTINUE READING]

Human Service Forum’s Community Builders Celebration Recognizes Consortium Community Leaders

Thank you to Human Service Forum for recognizing some of our amazing community leaders at Home and Community Connection, Northampton Recovery Center and the Support Network during their Community Builder Celebration event on May 25th! According to the Human Service Forum, these are people who make all feel welcome, working collaboratively for the good of the community while helping others to be their best. We are SO proud of you all!

Honored as Community Builders in Western Massachusetts:
  • Home and Community Connections employees: Anita Cross, Sharna Pearson and Renee Marshal
  • Northampton Recovery Center employees: John Sullivan, Trevor Dayton and Dan Bickford
  • Support Network employees: Jan Lamberg and Shawna Osman

Learn more about their work in creating conditions for innovation, growth, and connection at their pages below!

Home and Community Connections

Northampton Recovery Center

Support Network

 

Baystate Health awards $1M to five community initiatives

Published: Apr. 14, 2022, 9:07 a.m.
By 

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has awarded $1 million in Better Together Grants to five community initiatives with partner organizations as part of its Community Benefits Program.

“Baystate Health is proud to invest our Determination of Need Community Health Initiative funding in the communities served by our four hospitals. It is an honor to partner with these very deserving local non-profit organizations over the next three years,” said Annamarie Golden, director of community relations for Baystate Health

The recipients are:

[…]
  • Western Massachusetts Training Consortium and The Bridge Program (The Recover Project, The Salasin Project and The Wildflower Alliance), Integrated Networks for Health in an Ideal World: $150,000, two years.

[CONTINUE READING]

OnBoard Matching Event draws organizations, individuals (photos)

Updated: Dec. 08, 2021, 6:57 a.m. | Published: Dec. 08, 2021, 6:57 a.m.
By The Republican Newsroom

SPRINGFIELD — The 2021 OnBoard Matching Event took place Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Valley Venture Mentors at 276 Bridge St.

OnBoard, which merged last month with United Way of Pioneer Valley, connects talented individuals with organizations seeking to increase diversity on their boards and committees.

United Way of Pioneer Valley helps matches connect, and offers training and mentoring support, to help ensure matches don’t just happen, but become fruitful partnerships.

[VIEW MORE]