ServiceNet

03/11/2026

Autism Connections was featured in Mass Appeal on WWLP earlier today. Rhonda Setkewich and Cat McEachern spoke with Priscilla Ress about Autism Connections, and the upcoming Autism Connections Autism Conference on April 30!

(MASS APPEAL) – The Autism Connections Conference brings together families, educators, and professionals to share resources, ideas, and support for those impacted by autism. This year’s…

03/06/2026

ServiceNet's Prospect Meadow Farm Carpentry Program finished the display shelf for the community relations department. ✨🔨 You'll be able to see it at a tabling event once the weather warms up!

With it, we'll be able to proudly display some ServiceNet-themed swag and most importantly, show off the fantastic work and involvement of the carpentry crew!

03/04/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and ServiceNet is proud to support individuals living with brain injuries while helping to raise awareness about their impact. Our goal is to encourage open conversation, reduce stigma, and connect people and their families to meaningful resources and support.

As part of the month’s activities, ServiceNet's Strive Clinic—an outpatient rehabilitation clinic specializing in care for individuals with brain injuries—will host an Open House & Advocacy Day on Friday, March 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1236 Main Street in Holyoke.

This event will offer community members the opportunity to hear directly from individuals living with brain injury about their journeys toward new goals and greater independence. Attendees can meet the clinic’s clinical team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, tour the facility, and see assistive technology demonstrations in action. Refreshments will be provided by ServiceNet’s Rooster Café.

For more information, email Strive Clinic Director of Operations Ellen Werner at ewerner@servicenet.org

03/03/2026

ServiceNet's Prospect Meadow Farm is at Pittsfield High School's Best Buddies Fair this morning! They're connecting with students and helping learn others about the farms! 💜

We’re at the Pittsfield High School Best Buddies Fair this morning! 💜

We always love being invited to transitional fairs and sharing about the work we do. It’s a great opportunity to connect with students and help them learn about the supports available in our community.

Thank you to Pittsfield High School and Best Buddies Massachusetts & Rhode Island for having us!

02/25/2026

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism awarded Autism Connections $7,500 through the Autism Community Impact Grant!

A significant portion of the Flutie Foundation grant will go toward a special fund to help families needing financial assistance to attend the 34th Annual Autism Conferences on April 30 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. Part of the grant funds will support Autism Connection’s year-round programs such as support groups and social activities. The rest of the funds will be used in various ways to support Autism Connections.

“We are so grateful to be the recipients of this grant,” said Karen Serra, ServiceNet Vice President of Family Services, “This money will help us support families wanting to attend the Autism Conference. We hope that they will learn more about autism and inspire themselves and others. This grant lets us continue working on improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families in our community.”

If you're interested in attending the Autism Conference, visit our website: https://hubs.la/Q044Gw-30

If you'd like to attend and need financial assistance, please contact us at autismconference@servicenet.org

02/24/2026

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau visited the Enrichment Center last week!

The Mayor joined Enrichment Center participants for coffee and pastries, and answered a variety of thoughtful questions around topics impacting the community, including local infrastructure, accessibility, funding challenges, and future developments in the area. It was a meaningful opportunity for participants to share their perspectives and hear directly from city leadership.

02/20/2026

ServiceNet's Prospect Meadow Farm was recently featured in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Thank you for sharing CISA!

02/17/2026

ServiceNet's Enrichment Center had a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebration last weekend! 💘

Community members gathered to connect, get creative with custom Valentine-themed bookmarks, work on puzzles, and enjoy a lively round of bingo. It was a day full of laughter, creativity, and time spent together.

02/13/2026

The Rooster Café staff made beautiful gift boxes for Valentine's Day!🐓💗

They loaded up boxes with assorted cookies and chocolate dipped fruits, which sold out fast!

The café is also making a few changes. They are now offering grab-and-go croissant sandwiches and assorted fruit cups.🍓🥐 And there are more new things to come!

02/13/2026

Meet Esther, Program Director at ServiceNet's Prospect Meadow Farm East!

As Program Director, Esther Solomon helps oversee the farm’s operations while supporting a team that thrives in a nurturing, therapeutic environment. The farm provides meaningful work for individuals with disabilities, helping them build skills, confidence, and community.

They describe their work as deeply fulfilling. “I feel like it’s the most productive work I’ve ever done in my life—helping people, caring for them, and seeing food grow from the ground. It’s my one true calling,” they said.

Through their work at Prospect Meadow Farms East, Solomon also hopes to challenge misconceptions about people with disabilities in the workforce. “No one can dispute the importance of the work our team does. What could be more essential than growing food and feeding people?”

02/12/2026

The Carpentry crew is finishing up another project!🔨

Lead Carpentry Instructor Scott Craven said it was all hands on deck (or shelf!) for this project. Working with the ServiceNet Community Relations department, the team drafted the design and constructed a custom-made display shelf! Once done, it'll be used as a display for ServiceNet tabling events.

Everyone contributed, had fun, and learned something new while building the display!

02/10/2026

Adult Family Care (AFC) is made to support people you care for.

AFC pays family and non-family caregivers for their care of adults with disabilities.

Individuals with physical, cognitive or medical disabilities who cannot safely live alone, but don't require the level of support typical of someone living in a group residence may be eligible for Adult Family Care.

Interested in enrolling? Learn more here: https://hubs.ly/Q042tpK-0...