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WELCOMEWelcome to the inaugural issue of the Now Guide. If you need toconnect with new and existing audiences in WesternMassachusetts and build your opportunity to share your messageswith diverse readers, we (the Human Service Forum,BusinessWest, and UnityFirst) invite you to participate in thisinaugural effort to connect us all. The Human Service Forum has a wonderful community calendarconnection to area human service organizations. UnityFirst has arobust electronic outreach to diverse and mainstream audiences,and BusinessWest is in touch with various businesses. Together,we are fusing our efforts to help everyone connect the dots. On behalf of the Now Guide, we invite you to share your jobs,resources, business services, products, non-profits, initiatives,events, training, educational opportunities, entertainment, andnews. See the email below for ads and submissions.We are not replacing your favorite media options; we are justcreating more content that engages more people. We hope youbecome a star in our universe that illuminates and energizes ourcommunities.Janine FondonDeadlinesThe Now Guide will be offeredvia two spring issues – March (deadline Feb. 15), May (deadline April 15) andtwo fall issues September (deadline Aug. 15)and November (deadline October 15).For more information or toreserve ad space, send emailtoNOWGUIDE2024@gmail.com Rebecca Coolong

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There will be an increasingemphasis on using data andanalytics, typically accessed viadashboards, to make decisionsaround training, development,and talent management. Thecontent of training anddevelopment programs willchange. As routine tasksbecome more automated,some training programs willbecome less relevant, but asnew software and platforms forcollaboration, communication,and project managementproliferate, employees willneed to be trained or upskilled on how to use these systems effectively.The content of trainingand developmentprograms will change.Many organizations andindustries are facing talentshortages while ignoring animportant resource—the“hidden workforce.” These aregroups of people who haveoften been overlooked orunderutilized in employment,including neurodivergentindividuals, people withdisabilities, historicallyunderrepresented groups, andthe long-term unemployed. Engage the hiddenworkforceAttention to diversity, equity,and inclusion will ramp up in2024, with a greater emphasison the importance of inclusionin employee retention, ratherthan only being concernedwith the recruitment of adiverse workforce. Moreattention will be paid to allaspects of diversity, such assexual orientation, disability,and neurodivergence as well asrace and gender.Focus on inclusion inemployee rententionThe Association for Talent Development recently shared its “KeyWorkplace Trends of 2024 Affecting Talent Development.”https://www.td.org/atd-blog/key-workplace-trends-of-2024-affecting-talent-development

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The LinkedIn WorkforceReport | Boston | January 2024revealed that Springfield, MAdelivered the most workers toBoston.Source:https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/blog/linkedin-workforce-report-january-2024-boston-maThis is a time of incredible opportunity torethink not only how people work, butwhat people need most to work at theirpersonal and collective best. Resist thetemptation for the status quo and embracenew thinking of what’s possible. Hybrid ishere to stay, but so is the office. Theworkplace of the future can be a placewhere people want to be, where they feelpart of a larger purpose and community,and where they feel cared for as a person.It’s time to put people first, foster the joy ofwork, and create a feeling of abundance inthe workplace.Source:Workplace Trends for 2024: What’s In andWhat’s Out?Make the workplace aplace where peoplewant to beRetention challenges will persist, and employers must find ways tocater to existing workers or risk losing them. Glassdoor believes thatsmall businesses offering flexible work arrangements might have aleg up on their larger competitors who are returning to a more rigidonsite schedule. Source: Thomas Insightshttps://www.thomasnet.com/insights/4-industrial-workplace-trends-for-2024/Retention challenges persist. Collaboration for nonprofitsForbes has a great section on nonprofit trends for 2024. One of theinsights mentioned was collaboration, a trend that funders areincreasingly focused on. More importantly, it's good for ourconstituents. By working together, we can eliminate redundanciesfor the people we serve, raise more awareness and work moreeffectively. Nonprofits must genuinely consider how to approachtheir peers for meaningful partnerships. Additionally, theseorganizations must be ready to demonstrate impact on the collectiveecosystem level. - Rosie Cunningham, Family ReachSource:https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2023/12/19/20-nonprofit-experts-share-trends-to-watch-in-2024From Springfield toBoston

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Windows of opportunity:The Human Service ForumImproving lives by providing networking and training forhuman service organizations and individuals.If your organization needs support in the area of training or networking, theHuman Service Forum (HSF) may be the source for you. HSF creates apowerful hub of knowledge, experience, and community, that supports andinvigorates the human service providers of Massachusetts and others who findinterest in the topics.The Human Service Forum was founded in 1986 as an association of nonprofitand public agencies as well as individuals providing human services in thePioneer Valley of Massachusetts. The Forum was envisioned by its founders tobe a “Chamber of Commerce” for human service providers that would be avehicle for communicating the important contributions of those services to thequality of life in local communities, and to create a network for members toaddress problems of mutual concern and discuss major trends and changesimpacting the sector.Today the Forum is a key provider of professional development training andcertification for the human services and nonprofit community. Its membershipincludes more than 100 organizations and individuals with collective budgets ofapproximately $400 million, employing more than 16,000 people. Please see theHSF courses on the next page. Rebecca CoolongExecutive DirectorHuman Service Forumhttps://www.humanserviceforum.org

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Winter 2024 Supervisory SkillsWorkshop Series, Single Sessions:Lead With InfluenceA Conflict Resolution and Team Building- 2/1/24- Build your team up, making the whole stronger thanthe sum of its parts. Learn tips and tactics to help driveunity. Be able to address when conflict does happen,leading back to making your team work in harmony.Cyber Security- 2/8/24- Protect your information andthat of your organization. Learn what steps to take todiscourage hackers and scammers. Learn about themost common forms of attack, and how those attacksare evolving, as well as what the attackers are after andwhy. Benefits and Liability- 2/15/24- Insurance can bedifficult to understand. In this session, gain a betterunderstanding of what liabilities exist for yourorganization. Also understand what insurance benefitsare available to be to make sure your team is makingthe most of them.Assessing D.E.I. as a New Supervisor- 2/22/24- Wheredoes your organization stand on Diversity, Equity andInclusion? Do you understand your organization’s planand your place in that plan? Learn to build and fosterDEI within your team.Retention: Rewards & Recognition, Accountability &Discipline- 2/29/24- Help build an understandingwithin your team of their own progress. Be able to haveconversations about great performance, and areas ofimprovement. Build a culture that retains theirworkforce through active development.11(February 28 - April 3) This certificate series isdesigned to invest in and promote leaders fromwithin to secure the future of the human servicesin Western MA. This program will provideexperienced leaders, supervisors, managers, anddirectors with the high level trainings to gain theskills they need to succeed as they advance in thehuman service field. Session topics include:The Unique Role of Managing from theMiddlePublic Speaking for Large and Small GroupsFinancial Management PanelNetworking: Building Internal and ExternalConnectionsAdvanced Employment LawCulturally Responsive Supervision(January 26) All registrants will be assigned to abreakout room with one of their legislators. Forstaff, board, constituents/clients, family members,and volunteers of member agencies of the HumanService Forum, Hampshire Council of SocialAgencies (COSA) & Franklin County ResourceNetwork (FCRN). Join your colleagues, clients andcommunity members as we engage with our statelegislators. Legislative Reception: Meet withstate legislators (zoom)Advanced Management Skills Serieshttps://www.humanserviceforum.org/Is your business or agency looking to build a cultureof workplace equity? The HSF annual Equity Serieswill begin in May 2024. We look forward towelcoming back some amazing educators and alsowelcoming some new educators to the program.This is a multipart training for businesses at allstages of their equity journey to work together as acohort and build a brighter future of belonging inWestern MA. Workplace Equity Series

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We are ‘Living Legacies’ of the Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2024, let's beintentional as we step into what thatmeans in the places where we haveinfluence and connection. In this newyear, let us explore and forge newopportunities together to overcomesocietal impediments. The Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King inspired us to findthe strength to overcome obstacles andpave the way for new opportunities. Letus right the wrongs of time and inspirefuture generations to create a betterworld. Dr. King also inspired us to findthe “Strength to Love” as we navigatethe question - “Where do we go fromhere?” Let’s walk together in the spiritand words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,and as he said, “... create a belovedcommunity.” We at MLK invite you to bepart of the MLK, Jr Family Services inSpringfield, MA and make new history --together.Shannon M. RudderShannon M. Rudder, President & ChiefExecutive Officer, MLK Jr. FamilyServices in Springfield, MA

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Founded in 1977, the mission of MartinLuther King, Jr. Family Services is tofoster an environment where wenurture and empower the aspirationsof individuals, families, and youth toachieve new realities of peace, socialand economic justice, self-determination, self-actualization, andself-sufficiency. This mission is deeplyembodied in the richness of our programs. Impactful Programs of MLK Family Services King’s Kids After School Programs isoffered at two Springfield locations,MLK Center on Rutland St./RonnJohnson Way and the MLK CharterSchool on Dorset Street. The programsfeature quality programming with thegoal of assisting students to becomeacademically successful by nurturingtheir character and developing criticalthinking skills. Students are offeredhomework help, STEAM enrichment,literacy support, cultural experiences,and now featuring an Artist inResidence Program.King’s Kids Summer Camp is a full-dayaction-packed camp whereparticipants enjoy a whirlwind ofcreative curriculum by engaging ingames, crafts and weekly showcasesthat feature the best learnings of theweek. We are also pleased to extendour summer enrichment programs formiddle and high school studentsthrough a partnership with theSpringfield Empowerment Zone Program. Night Spot program offers a safeenvironment for youth ages 14-22 toengage with other peer leaders on aquest of self-reflection, identity, anddream exploration, positioningthemselves as community builders andinnovators. Night Spot also offers atime of recreation with open gym,basketball and volleyball. Participantsare welcome to engage with otherMLKFS programs as well. SummerNights, sponsored by the Departmentof Conservation & Recreation, is asummer long program which providessafe, inclusive and fun recreationaland educational opportunities.Beat the Odds (BTO) is a program ofthe Springfield-based Youth MentalHealth Coalition led in partnershipwith The Public Health Institute ofWestern MA and hosted at MLKFS. BTOfocuses on breaking the cycle ofstigma and barriers to youth mentalhealth care and raising awareness. BTOparticipants receive stipends for theirweekly involvement to determine waysto champion this good work.Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Experience is a year-long legacy program that engages highschool scholars from the region in the exploration of their academic journey with college readiness andsupport workshops, and introduction to the HBCU world with participation in the Malcolm Bernard HBCUCollege Fair and weeklong HBCU tour. (Route/campuses change every year.)MLK Emergency Food Pantry in collaboration with Western Mass Food Bank and local donor grocers providesfresh food staples to Hampden County residents on a weekly basis. MLKFS also hosts the mobile food truck bi-monthly. In addition to groceries, our shoppers can apply for SNAP while here, and take advantage of healthscreenings and other services offered by Baystate Health. The Family Stabilization & Building (FSB) Program is in concert with The Department of Children and FamiliesServices and offers parent aid support to families to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children athome and in their community. Our case managers work with program participants in their own environmentand advocate for the holistic well-being and rights of all children.The Clemente Program is sponsored in part by Mass Humanities and in conjunction with Bard College. Thisinterdisciplinary program builds a bridge to higher education, encourages critical thinking, reasoned argument,and effective communication through written and oral expression all centered in the humanities. This programis FREE of charge and open to scholars of all ages with a high school equivalent status. At the completion ofthe program, each participant earns six college credits and joins a rich alumni network of social change agents. Please Follow us on Facebook for Upcoming Events. Volunteer & Giving Opportunities:Interested in Volunteering at MLK Family Services? Please contact Lenise Williams at lwilliams@mlkjrfs.orgPlease visit our website www.mlkjrfamilyservices.org and click DONATE. Allcontributions are appreciated and tax deductible.

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River East promotes career education and assists inpreparing youth for the demands of today’s workplace. Our River East School to Career Partnership brings togetherschools, businesses, and organizations for motivatedstudents. By aligning schools and employers, we createcareer opportunities for students.Since its founding over 20 years ago, River East School toCareer has worked to educate and inspire students aboutcareer and educational opportunities. We help them navigatetheir futures. In the past five years, 1,500 students haveparticipated in our School-To-Career activities. Our schooldistricts include: Belchertown, Longmeadow, Hampden-Wilbraham, Monson, Palmer, Pathfinder Regional VTHS,Quaboag Regional, Tantasqua Regional, and Ware.We help students make informed decisions by offering real-world experiences regarding their career and educationgoals. Work-based learning is a prominent initiative of RiverEast students. They are placed in local organizations andexperience various careers they feel they may beinterested in for their futures.Success for a River East Schoolto Career studentEJ (Edwin Perrin) (above right), a recent graduate ofPalmer High School, was placed in a work-based learningopportunity at Baystate Wing Hospital. He is nowemployed there as an ED technician.“I started an internship with Baystate Wing Hospital inFebruary as a high school observer in the EmergencyDepartment through a program in my school called RiverEast School to Career,” said EJ. “Michele Johansson [aboveleft], the nurse manager, was my preceptor. She placedme with a variety of team members and my experiencewas great and I quickly realized how interested I was inhealthcare.” Michele and EJ were recognized with the OutstandingStudent-Mentor Team award at the annual School toCareer breakfast.RiverEastSTC.orgRiver East is hosting one of their key events, Trivia Nightfor a Cause, on Saturday, February 3 (5:30 p.m.) at theCountry Club of Wilbraham. Funds raised will go towardsits scholarship program.The legendary Bobby Roast Beef will tease guests withfascinating trivia questions. Prizes are offered for the topthree winners. Tickets are $35 which includes dinner. Forsponsorships or tickets, please scan the QR code.EVENTSupport River EastTrivia Night at Country Club ofWilbrahamFebruary 3February 3, 2024Event - Trivia Night in Wilbraham

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For 100 years and counting, United Way of Pioneer Valleyhas mobilized community resources to meet communityneeds. Today’s United Way is a focused, results-drivensystem that works year-round to improve communityconditions and create lasting solutions. Through strongpartnerships with volunteers, local businesses,government, and nonprofit organizations, United Wayaccomplishes what no one can do alone. For moreinformation, call (413) 737-2691.uwpv.orgEvent: SAVE the DATEMarch 8, 2024 (5:30-8pm )International Women’s DayPenthouse 650 (formerly the ColonyClub/Tower Square, SpringfieldDora D. Robinson Women’s LeadershipCouncil kick-off eventThe Holyoke Community Cupboard opened on November 2nd at 164 RaceStreet in Holyoke. The Cupboard is UWPV’s third food pantry, and is apartnership with Holyoke Community College’s Culinary Arts Institute.Shown above is the UWPV team at the annualOn Board matching event for potentialvolunteer board members held on December 7,2023, at the MassMutual Center. Over 30nonprofit organizations from across thePioneer Valley were represented, andattendees mixed and mingled as they learnedabout Board and committee volunteeropportunities. Tracy Trial hasjoined UWPV asSenior Director ofDevelopment,overseeingresourcedevelopment,communications,and marketinginitiatives. Alisha Santiago, UWPV EventCoordinator (left) and GenesisOrtiz, Employment Advisor atValley Opportunity Council (VOC).United Way donated 80 new coatswhich were distributed to familiesserved by VOC in Holyoke.

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The African American Female Professor Award Association celebratesand honors African American female professors annually. Founder TraciGaynor said, “We are passionate and committed to inclusion, equity, andchange. We appreciate the value of postsecondary education as we workwith college leadership, deans, and provosts to ensure the collegeexperience is fair for both students and faculty.” The African American Female Professor Awards Association believesthat creating a multicultural faculty will build a healthy, stable, and all-encompassing learning atmosphere. This year, the organizationcelebrates its eighth year. Key events in 2024: the March NetworkingEvent, the October Awards and College President Ball.Please join and support the African American Female Professor AwardsCelebration in 2024, for the March Networking Event, the OctoberAwards, and the College President Ball. 2024. For additional information,Visit us at aafpaa.org | Call Traci Talbert 413-883-9631Event speaker: Dr. Karen-Louise (Rucks)Walker as Assistant Vice President ofAdvancement and Executive Director to the STCC Foundation. EventsThursday, March 28, 2024 ( 6 pm) - Networking Event: Meet African American Female ProfessorsPan African Historical Museum,1500 Main Street, Springfield, MAMarch 28, 2024SpringfieldShown above are the 2023 AAFPA Awardees.

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If your children havespecial needs that theirlocal schools cannot meet,there is a school thatprovides education attheir own pace and offerspreferences in anencouraging environment.The 'YES" programs aredesigned for their successand with the leastrestrictive environmentfor individualizedinstruction.Enroll Today 413-747-7004Your Educational SuccessChildren learn best when they arein the right setting and withappropriate educational programswhether they have disabilities ornone. However, if your children dohave special needs, then you maywant to consider enrolling them inan alternative private specialeducation school where they canreceive academic and vocationalprograms designed to guide themin reaching their full potential. When your children’s local schoolcannot cater to their special needs, you have us not only for the academic aspect, but emotional andsocial, as well. We make learning funand engaging because we can.Programs We ProvideAligned to the MassachusettsCurriculum Frameworks, studentsreceive Individualized EducationalPrograms (IEP) in the form of academic,vocational, social, and behavioralworkshops in an alternative and lessrestrictive setting.Enroll Today 413-747-7004Dr. Paula StarnesYour Educational Success57 School StreetSpringfield, MA 01105www.youreducationalsuccess.comwww.youreducationalsuccess.com

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Celebrate the ‘Queens ofthe Blues’ with Gina Coleman and Misty BluesA 2019 International Blues Challenge finalist,Misty Blues is a female-led band fromBerkshire County, Massachusetts playingtraditional and original blues with a hint offunk, soul, jazz and tent revival gospel since1999. One show attendee posted, “The Misty BluesBand had such an extraordinary year that Isimply cannot wait to see them perform in2024! If you haven't had the chance to witnesstheir incredible talent yet, mark yourcalendar for their next show and get ready tobe blown away!”The Queens of the Blues with Gina Colemanbrings back the early music of fourpioneering women of the blue-- Ruth Brown,Bessie Smith, Koko Taylor, and Big MamaThornton. The band has recorded and shared the stagewith Charles Neville and Joe Louis Walker,and has opened for Eric Gales, ShemekiaCopeland, John Primer and Roomful of Blues,to name a few. Misty Blues has toured theNortheast extensively and performed inLondon, Ontario, Memphis, Birmingham,and New Orleans.For tickets:https://www.thedrakeamherst.org/events/misty-bluesEventsFebruary 3, 2024Amherst

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Do you need a life coach? More and more professionals and executives areengaging life coaches to help prioritize and plan forsuccess. Like many people, the career path theypursued became filled with changes in life, work andother things not planned on -- and now the time callsfor getting life back on track, realizing dreams andfinding new opportunities. The good news is that youdon’t have to do it alone, and it can be affordable.Certified Life Coach Dr. Emily Lewis is ringing 2024 inby helping clients prepare for new opportunities. AsWhitney M. Young once said, “It is better to beprepared for an opportunity and not have one, than tohave an opportunity and not be prepared.” Dr. Lewishas taken her own advice and now she is sharing newlessons and secrets to success. She was once a ‘coffeegirl’ and receptionist at the beginning of herworkplace journey. Today, many years later, she is aleader with extensive executive leadership and life experiences. Her passion is to support others in achieving theirprofessional career and life dreams. Her coachingmodel focuses on partnering with individuals indiscovering their ideal life. Elewis Life CoachingServices is designed to assist clients in navigatingcareer and life challenges by working through a four-stage coaching model. The model assists clients incultivating a sense of clarity regarding what it will taketo prepare and position themselves for lifeopportunities. Dr. Lewis has a range of experiences including one-on-one coaching, workshops, and professionalresources. In 2024, you may want to begin the processof working toward designing your ideal life and thenpreparing to achieve it. If you are interested in a free15-minute coaching consultation, send an email toelewislifecoach@gmail.com or go to her websitewww.elewislifecoach.com to register.

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Executive Board Chair:Pat OnonibakuIn 2016, a group of dedicated Black business ownerscame together to establish the Black BusinessAssociation of Amherst Area (BBAAA). Originallyknown as the Black Business Association forPioneer Valley, our aim has always been to support,network, and empower each other in the pursuit ofbusiness development and growth. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue ourmission to foster a thriving community of Blackentrepreneurs in the Amherst area.Executive Board Chair: Pat OnonibakuVice-Chair: Kathleen AndersonSecretary: Dr Amilcar ShabazzTreasurer: Yasmin BrandfordBoard of Directors: Alysia Bryant, Monica CageKhayyam MahdiShown are some BBAAA members, supporters and Congressman Jim McGovern. Welcome to the BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF AMHERST AREA (BBAAA)

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Sankofa Gumbo, Inc An educational nonprofit inAmherst, Sankofa Gumbo wasestablished to share AfricanAmerican culture with Amherst and others.SankofaGumbo@gmail.comContact: Dr. Amilcar Shabazz Amherst Media, a public access non-profit led by a majority BIPOCstaff and board of directors, is raising funds to build the new Dr. Demetria Rougeaux Shabazz Center for Media Arts.Www.AmherstMedia.orgContact: Vira Douangmany Cagepresident@amherstmedia.orgBakuCare LLC http://www.bakucare.comBakuCare is a black woman-owned company serving elders and adultswith disabilities and chronic medical conditions in Hampshire County.Contact: Pat Ononibaku, Founder and CEOpat@bakucare.comThe Black Business Association of Amherst Area http://www.bbaaa.org bbaamherst@gmail.comBBAAA is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization leading the charge for equity and anecosystem to inspire and sustain our members. We welcome strategic partners to join our movement.

Now Guide

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