Family Empowerment

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

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!

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!🍔🔥

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!

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