GREENFIELD — A coalition of family support agencies is hosting a “Community Baby Shower” at Court Square on Saturday, Oct. 2, to help families navigate the resources available to

The baby shower, hosted by the Franklin County Perinatal Support Coalition, will take place next to the Greenfield Farmers’ Market from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., according to Mollie Hartford, development and outreach director with It Takes a Village, one of the participating organizations.

During the event, several family support organizations will have tables set up for families to learn about the resources that are available to them. The organizations include: The Birthplace at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Center for Human Development (CHD), Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin, Community Action Family Center, Community Action Head Start and Early Learning Programs, Criterion Child Enrichment, Healthy Families, Moms Do Care, the Salasin Project, ServiceNet and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

“Families can show up, move from table to table to get signed up for resources, or to bring home some information,” Hartford said. “It’s like throwing a baby shower, but instead of all the stuff, you get access to lots of connections and resources.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Becky Lockwood, Salasin Project Director
Email: blockwood@wmtcinfo.org

Salasin Project Receives Additional Funding from Western MA Women’s Fund #MeToo Grants

GREENFIELD, MA July 16, 2021 – The Salasin Project in Franklin County, a program of the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium, has received $10,000 from the Women’s Fund of Western MA to sustain the “Healthy Relationships After Trauma” program. This funding allows for unique support to women who are or have been incarcerated and have experienced trauma connected to gender-based violence.

On July 1^st, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced $135,000 in grant awards to organizations working with women and girls that address safety and anti-violence; gender-based sexual violence; parity in leadership, representation, and power; and economic security.

Through the “Healthy Relationships After Trauma” program, Salasin Project facilitates weekly discussion and healing arts groups at the Women’s Unit of the Franklin County House of Correction and the Two Rivers Women’s Substance Abuse Treatment Program. Participants in the discussion groups describe the meetings as “a safe place to share ideas with one another.” They have also shared that the healing arts groups are “very helpful in reducing stress” and “slowing down” as well as “very calming.” One participant noted the groups help her manage her anxiety and depression. Other members state they look forward to attending every week. Salasin Advocates also offer individual assistance to women once they are released including support with finding and maintaining safe housing; safety planning; court advocacy; working with the Department of Children & Families to regain visitation or custody of children; and financial assistance.

During the last fiscal year, Salasin facilitated 60 group sessions at the Franklin County House of Correction with 229 contacts. 22 group sessions were facilitated at the Two Rivers Women’s Treatment Program for 65 contacts. Salasin Project Advocates met with formerly incarcerated women for support and advocacy a total of 234 times.

The Consortium, founded in 1975, is a learning organization committed to creating conditions in which people with lived experience pursue their dreams and strengthen our communities through full participation. To learn more, visit their website at http://wmtcinfo.org/.

Support group offered for caregivers

GREENFIELD — The Salasin Project and The RECOVER Project are sponsoring a virtual support group for caregivers who have experienced domestic violence, substance use and/or recovery. The group has open enrollment, so there is no deadline by which to sign up.

The Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery is a 16-week, evidence-based group designed to offer adult caregivers educational information about human growth and development. This program explores the impact of substance abuse and domestic violence on children and families. The topics from week to week are designed to strengthen participants’ self-esteem and encourage models for guiding behaviors in children.

For more information, contact Lynn Norwood at lynnnorwood@wmtcinfo.org or 413-774-4307, ext. 3.

Salasin Project offering Zoom workshops

GREENFIELD — The Salasin Project is hosting a variety of groups on Zoom.

• Weekly Watercolor: Beginners meet and practice watercolor techniques with activities and still lifes. Days and times vary each week.
• Gentle yoga with Joyce Landau will be offered on March 18, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• MEGAdance with Megan will be held on March 25 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Groups are open to anyone and free to join. Email Bcraig@wmtcinfo.org or call 413-774-4307, ext. 4 for more information or to register.