Family Empowerment

Family Empowerment Family Empowerment is a DDS Family Support Center for Franklin and Hampshire counties in western Massachusetts. Family Empowerment is a ServiceNet program.

We provide support and resources to children/teens/adults with special needs and their families. Family Empowerment of Hadley MA, is funded by Franklin/Hampshire County Department of Developmental Services and offers the following services:
Individualized information supports as needed by families;
Connections to funding sources for various uses;
Resources and connections to local and state networks for disability specific information;
Attendance support at important meetings (IEP, ISP) and assistance completing various applications;
Service navigation to help find appropriate supports;
Local activities calendar for individuals of all ages and families;
Transition information - ages 14-22;
Pre-school eligibility information - age 3;
SSI and government benefits explanations and resources;
Adult living resource options;
Employment resource options;
Financial planning relevant to individuals with special needs and
Local parent workshops. Family Empowerment is a program of Pathlight. Learn more about our parent organization at www.PathlightGroup.org

02/20/2026
Great opportunity to get for some fun next weekend!
02/12/2026

Great opportunity to get for some fun next weekend!

The success of our last dance inspired us to bring it back—bigger, brighter, and even more fun! Join us for music, dancing, karaoke, board games, crafts, and great company.

We’ll have a variety of snacks (including gluten-free options) and beverages to keep you energized and moving on the dance floor.

This celebration is open to the entire community, and we welcome participants of all ages.

Bring your friends, siblings, parents, caregivers—everyone is invited. We are committed to creating an inclusive, enjoyable environment for all - a sensory tent will be available to support those who may benefit from a quieter space.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you! Let’s make it our best dance yet.

Be sure to register here: https://hubs.la/Q042Ky-60

01/25/2026

In light of the storm, our centers will be closed on Monday, 1/26, but our dedication to you continues. You can find valuable information and contact links on our program websites.

This weekend's winter storm may bring over a foot of snow. ❄️Our friends at 413Cares put together a helpful list of warm...
01/23/2026

This weekend's winter storm may bring over a foot of snow. ❄️

Our friends at 413Cares put together a helpful list of warming and cooling centers all across western Massachusetts. You can easily find a location near you through their website. https://hubs.la/Q0405B980

Winter storms can be unpredictable, this resource can help you, your family, and community members keep safe now and in the future.

Family Empowerment is hosting a free webinar on guardianship, alternatives, and turning 18 in Massachusetts, presented b...
12/12/2025

Family Empowerment is hosting a free webinar on guardianship, alternatives, and turning 18 in Massachusetts, presented by Fletcher Tilton PC.

📆When? Thursday, December 18, 6-7:30 PM
ZOOM

The webinar will include a description of a range of decision-making options, such as guardianship, durable power of attorney, health care proxy, and more. There will also be a review of the transition from educational settings and services to adult services, including basic eligibility and common misconceptions.

Register HERE. https://hubs.la/Q03Y25DT0
View the FLYER for full information: https://hubs.la/Q03Y231b0

CALLING ALL FAMILY EMPOWERMENT FAMILIES!We have a great upcoming workshop/activity for the families we support in Hampsh...
12/08/2025

CALLING ALL FAMILY EMPOWERMENT FAMILIES!
We have a great upcoming workshop/activity for the families we support in Hampshire County! 🧗

🕝When: Monday, Dec. 15 5-6:30
📍Where: Central Rock Gym in Hadley

This is a workshop involving active participation– individuals ages 4+ are highly encouraged to come ready to climb in comfortable/athletic apparel with appropriate footwear for physical activity.

This is a free event for Family Empowerment program participants. Registrants don't need to be highly physically fit to participate - the belay system is adaptive for this reason and requires no upper or lower body strength to operate.

There are limited spots for this event, and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register soon!

Email Meg at megan.moran@servicenet.org to register!

Heads up Hampshire County Families!If you're planning to eat out for dinner next week, Texas Roadhouse in Hadley is supp...
12/01/2025

Heads up Hampshire County Families!

If you're planning to eat out for dinner next week, Texas Roadhouse in Hadley is supporting Family Empowerment next Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Order your dinner, show them this flyer, and they'll donate 10% of your food purchases to Family Empowerment!🍔🔥

Our Franklin County Transition Fair at Greenfield High School this month was a spectacular success! 🌟We're so glad to ha...
11/20/2025

Our Franklin County Transition Fair at Greenfield High School this month was a spectacular success! 🌟

We're so glad to have had so many parents, caregivers, and education professionals attend the fair, and learn more about such an important life phase for the people we care about.🧡💚

To kick things off, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) gave an insightful presentation, "Intro to DDS" to help give families and individuals with disabilities a better idea on what DDS can do for them.

Like-minded organizations came as exhibitors to speak with folks about the various services that can help families and individuals.

Thank you to the team, everyone attending and Hank our EMPOWERphant 🐘 for creating such a great atmosphere!

Hank the Empower-phant says the Trunk or Treat was ele-phantastic! 💜🌟🐘We're glad that so many families came and visited ...
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!🍪

Many families navigate challenges that aren’t always visible—but are very real and deserve understanding and support. In...
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.

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

Ready for a sweet sunday at our sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat?Family Empowerment in Hampshire county is hosting a sens...
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:

Address

11 Village Hill Road
Northampton, MA
01060

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14135858010

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