Family Empowerment

10/28/2025

Hank the Empower-phant says the Trunk or Treat was ele-phantastic! 💜🌟🐘

We're glad that so many families came and visited Family Empowerment for the Trunk or Treat last Sunday! 🎃👻

Team members and visitors alike had so many amazing costumes. Everyone created an amazing atmosphere for the event.

Thank you to Whole Foods Market for generously donating delicious cookies for the event!🍪

10/24/2025

Many families navigate challenges that aren’t always visible—but are very real and deserve understanding and support. Invisible disabilities are invisible- not imaginary. 🌻
Family Empowerment aims to help families connect with resources, supports, and community activities so they can thrive, not just survive. Together for Invisible Disabilities Week, let's empower people, build empathy, and create communities where everyone feels seen.

10/23/2025

Don't forget about McCray's Farm on Tuesday, October 28 - you are invited!

We're visiting McCray Farms in South Hadley for a Fall Funtastic time, and you are invited! 🎃🌽🍂

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, we're offering free access to a hayride, a pumpkin picked by you, and the petting zoo for the first 50 registrants. This sensory-friendly event takes place from 4-6 p.m.

Register online: https://hubs.la/Q03PYMZW0

We will offer a space at the pavilion to sit and relax, away from the noise and activity of the farm, and will provide a “judgment-free zone” where all individuals are welcome!

McCray’s Ice Cream and hot food are available for purchase but we cannot guarantee that the facility is free of allergens.

If you aren't part of the first 50 to register, you're still welcome to attend and spend time with us at McCray Farms but all costs will be self-pay.

10/22/2025

Ready for a sweet sunday at our sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat?

Family Empowerment in Hampshire county is hosting a sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat at our office at the Inclusive Community Center in Northampton.

We will be there from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Visit the decorated cars of our team members in the back parking lot. We'll hand out candy and non-food treats as well as gluten-free treats.

Families associated with Family Empowerment in Hampshire and Franklin County as well as Autism Connections are all welcome to attend!



Register online at:

10/17/2025

Family Empowerment's popular Transition Resource Fair is coming to Greenfield High School on Nov. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.!

Register and learn more about attending the fair: https://hubs.ly/Q03P8DT10

The Transition Resource Fair is designed to support students and families as they prepare for the shift from children’s services to adult services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It's an opportunity for families to connect with service providers, explore available resources, view a presentation from DDS, and ask questions about the transition process.

Students ages 14-26 and/or parents and caregivers, and the professionals who work with or support individuals in this age group are encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in tabling at the fair as an exhibitor, please contact Joanne at joanne.lucey@servicenet.org.

Family Empowerment is a Family Support Center for Hampshire and Franklin Counties and is funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), ServiceNet, and grants. If you have a loved one of any age with a disability, we will help you find state and local resources to develop a unique plan of...

10/10/2025

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness month, we are tossing out those scary, outdated pamphlets that make life with Down syndrome sound like a medical emergency or tragedy.

Tired of all that doom and gloom, a bunch of parents at Whole Children and Milestones decided to write their own version — one filled with the real characteristics of people with Down syndrome. And no two are alike.

Here’s just one: sharp style, deep fandoms, and a voice that never misses a chance to sing along.

09/05/2025

Free ice cream, cookies, childcare, and a chance to tour Whole Children and meet our amazing teachers? Yes, please.
RSVP now for the Sept 22 Ice Cream Social: www.wholechildren.org/RSVP
THIS JUST IN! If you register for classes at the event, you get $10 off!
PS: this event is for families and children ages 12 and under

09/05/2025

Do you want

Would you like to know more about the advocacy of The Arc of Massachusetts? Join them for a webinar on September 15!

Join CEO Maura Sullivan and Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Nora Bent for a conversation about all of the important work that goes on behind the scenes at The Arc of Massachusetts. Learn what makes advocacy happen and how your advocacy makes ours possible.

Register: thearcofmass.org/webinars

08/20/2025

Do you need help with your MassHealth benefits?

The Western Mass Family Leadership Program, in partnership with the MCS Family Support Program, has organized a webinar to review the Ombudsman Program for MassHealth.

A representative from the My Ombudsman Program will present an overview of the information and services provided by the program. Families and service providers are welcome to attend.

My Ombudsman is an independent program operated by the Disability Policy Consortium (https://www.dpcma.org/programs).

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Zoom
Registration link: https://forms.gle/v1Yji1pceACUCMVr8

08/08/2025

This summer, Family Empowerment brought families together through a wide range of engaging activities—from dance, art, and pickleball to adaptive cycling classes.

A highlight of the season was the July 25 art show at ArtSpace, where Family Empowerment participants showcased their work during Greenfield’s monthly ArtWalk, a monthly event for the entire town where participating galleries and organizations showcase local artists on the last Friday of each month. The artwork was generated just a few days earlier, on July 22 with the adult class and July 23 with the children’s class, during Free Art sessions led by Program Director Angie Hawk and other Family Empowerment staff.

Later this month, on August 23, Family Empowerment will team up with All Out Adventures to host an adaptive kayaking event, offering another opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors together before summer comes to a close.

Family Empowerment is a family support center program for Hampshire and Franklin Counties, assisting families who have loved ones with disabilities. If you'd like to learn more about Family Empowerment and how they support families, contact familyempowerment@servicenet.org or call us at (413) 585-8010.

07/23/2025

https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/higher-education-funding-offered-to-students-with-disabilities-in-mass/

The Healey administration announced a new $180,000 grant being offered to support higher education for students with disabilities.