June 5, 2025
CASA to Hold Virtual Info Sessions for New Volunteers in June
CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. Staff
May 29, 2025
Eric Lesser and Vanessa Ruiz Join CHD Board
Eric Lesser, Senior Counsel at the law firm WilmerHale and former Massachusetts State Senator, and Vanessa Ruiz, Assistant Director of Budget at Western New England
May 13, 2025
CHD Clients Use Art to Cope with Mental Health Challenges
It’s no secret that making art can be beneficial for mental well-being, and that’s why the STAR Psychiatric Day Treatment program on State Street in
May 1, 2025
Stabilizing—and Transforming—Young Lives
CHD’s Youth Homelessness Programs provide more than just a safe haven. They also connect teens and young adults to community, health, education, and mental health
April 25, 2025
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to learn the risks of alcohol misuse and its impact on individuals and communities. Alcohol-related problems continue to take
April 17, 2025
You Can Still Nominate a Game Changer!
At each home game, the Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with CHD, present a “Game Changer” award to recognize someone who has made a difference in the
March 18, 2025
“Open Closet” Caps Off Clothing Drive for Children and Families Clients
A week-long “Open Closet” for clients in our Children and Families programs took place March 10-14 in a large room at their offices on Park
March 17, 2025
Jessie’s House: Providing Shelter, Support, and Resources
One of the first family shelters in Massachusetts, Jessie’s House gives struggling families a safe place to call home while they work with CHD staff
February 25, 2025
CHD Joins Effort to Help Displaced Residents of Condemned Building
They were individuals renting illegal units and living in a commercial building that had no heat, running water, or functioning plumbing—about a dozen people in
February 11, 2025
Nominate a Game Changer!
At each home game, the Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with CHD, present a “Game Changer” award to recognize someone who has made a difference in the
February 5, 2025
Tracking Homelessness: A Morning with the “Point-in-Time” Count
“Hello! We’re from CHD!” Anybody there?” called out Daimarie Marquez-Santiago. “We have food!” Marquez-Santiago, a program supervisor in CHD’s division of Diversion, Shelter, and Housing
February 3, 2025
CHD's All In Sled Hockey Wins Gold Medal at Empire State Winter Games
The Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey Team, which won a silver medal at the Empire State Winter Games last year, this time outdid themselves—and all their
January 28, 2025
Lotus Home Prioritizes Recreational Activities to Boost Mental Health
Staff from CHD’s Lotus Home in Hartford, CT, which provides long-term housing and services for up to five women who have severe mental illness, recognize
January 27, 2025
CHD and Community Partners to Conduct “Point-in-Time” Count of Homeless in Chicopee and Holyoke on Jan. 29
On Wednesday, January 29, teams from CHD and other community partners will be surveying the streets of Chicopee and Holyoke to see how many people
January 16, 2025
Waterbury Community Partners Work to Open CHD Hospitality Center 24/7 This Winter
A significant collaboration is underway in Waterbury, CT to increase shelter resources so that no one needs to face the severe health risks of sleeping outside
January 16, 2025
Join CHD’s Cancer House of Hope “Bikes Fight Cancer” Team
Wouldn’t it be great if fighting cancer was as easy as riding a bike? What if someone told you…it can be! The CHD Cancer House
January 15, 2025
January is National Mentoring Month: Make an Impact Through BBBS
During National Mentoring Month, CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBS) is looking for new “Bigs” because there is a growing waiting list
January 8, 2025
Grace House Residents’ Art Exhibit Inspires Hope and Resilience
In substance use recovery programs, making art has long been used to give participants an alternative and productive way to describe and communicate feelings.
December 30, 2024
PeoplesBank Grant Funds Graduation Packages for CHD Foster Youth
With the help of a $10,000 grant from PeoplesBank, “graduation packages” are providing youth in CHD foster care and the agency’s Transitional Independent Living (TILP)
December 23, 2024
The Heron House: CHD to Open Enhanced Medical Group Living Environment
In January, CHD will open its new Enhanced Medical Group Living Environment (EMGLE) program in East Longmeadow. The Heron House, on Benton Drive, will provide
December 18, 2024
Prisoner’s Wish to Give Back Benefits CHD Hospitality Center Visitors
An inmate’s eagerness to serve the community, even though he is still in prison, led him to collaborate with a Connecticut church pastor to deliver
December 13, 2024
CHD’s Mario Rodrigues Honored with Game Changer Award
Mario Rodrigues, a family caseworker for youth that are placed in CHD’s comprehensive Foster Care program, was recognized as a “Game Changer” during a November 29
December 2, 2024
Thanksgiving Meal Donations Give Back to the Community
Some staff at CHD’s Children and Families programs who are involved in a charitable organization that raises awareness of violence in the community collected Thanksgiving
November 5, 2024
New Teen Center in Chicopee Enables CHD Clinicians to Expand Services
The Haven Teen Center, which hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in Chicopee on November 1, is just what its name implies—a safe place for teens—one
November 1, 2024
Open House Showcases CHD’s New Outpatient Clinic in Easthampton
CHD hosted an open house for its new Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Easthampton on October 30. Speakers included CHD President and CEO Jim Goodwin,
October 24, 2024
Bikes Fight Cancer Donates $35,151 to Cancer House of Hope
On October 23, Bikes Fight Cancer (BFC) presented Cancer House of Hope with a $35,151 check from funds raised in their June 15 BFC Charity
September 11, 2024
CHD’s Adult Mental Health-Holyoke Landscaping Crew Members are Clients/Employees
Have rakes, will travel: a group of individuals served by CHD’s Adult Mental Health-Holyoke program also work for our agency by performing landscaping duties at
September 10, 2024
CHD’s Prospect Center Honored by Massachusetts House and Senate for Providing Mental Health Support
CHD’s Prospect Center in East Longmeadow, which will open soon to provide mental health counseling for area children, young adults, and families, received official citations
August 14, 2024
Greenfield Clinic Receives $35,000 Grant for Elder Wellness Program
CHD’s Greenfield Outpatient Clinic partners with the Community Health Center of Franklin County to offer a wide range of services in the Greenfield Center for
August 5, 2024
CHD Program Provides Outreach and Engagement to Individuals with Behavioral Health and Housing Needs
Housing and Recovery Support Program Director Heather Pietras-Gladu For individuals in recovery, experiencing housing instability will often contribute to substance use problems. Indeed, addiction can
July 31, 2024
$45,000 Investment by United Way will Boost Job Training and Housing Program at CHD Hospitality Center
(L-R) Jered Bruzas, chief impact officer at the United Way of Greater Waterbury; Anthony Hebert, CHD vice president of mental health services for Connecticut; Kay
July 19, 2024
AMH-CT Supportive Housing Programs Receive Rave Reviews in Audit
CHD’s Adult Mental Health-Connecticut recently had a debriefing on its housing programs from an audit by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), a best practice
July 12, 2024
UMass International Students Volunteer at Not Bread Alone
UMass Amherst exchange students from Africa and the Middle East recently did some volunteer work at CHD’s Not Bread Alone community meal program in Amherst.
July 2, 2024
CHD in the News—All In: Barrier-Free Recreation’s Curling Program
On June 30, The Westfield News/MassLive.com published a story about CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation curling event at Amelia Park Arena in Westfield on June
June 18, 2024
CHD Stimulant Use Disorder Treatment Program Receives Award
The overdose crisis in the US has long been associated with opioids, but there has also been a steady rise in the use of stimulants:
June 15, 2024
In Washington, D.C., CHD Leaders Advocate for Better Access to Care and Workforce Resources
CHD’s Senior Vice President of Medical Services Dr. Jalil Johnson; Vice President of Community Engagement Ben Craft (both far left); and Christy O’Brien, Senior Program
June 14, 2024
Three CHD CASA Volunteers Sworn in at Springfield Juvenile Court
Three new volunteers in CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program of Hampden County were sworn into the court’s service as child advocates by First Justice Lois
June 13, 2024
Garden Party Celebrates “Grand Reveal” of Greenhouse in Connecticut
The gentlemen of CHD’s Iris House in New Hartford, CT marked the opening of their greenhouse project on May 30 with a special 1930s-themed garden
June 11, 2024
Western Mass Mom Prom Donates $25,000 to Cancer House of Hope
On June 10, the Western Mass Mom Prom (WMMP) presented the Cancer House of Hope with an extremely generous donation of $25,000 to help fund
May 30, 2024
Innovative Care Partners: Sowing the Seeds for Staff Appreciation
Innovative Care Partners (ICP) had a planting event on May 17 in which staff came to the lawn on Hillside Circle in West Springfield to
May 20, 2024
Open House Celebrates Important New CHD Resource: Prospect Center
CHD’s soon-to-open Prospect Center in East Longmeadow hosted an open house on May 17. This resource will provide mental health counseling in individual and group
May 9, 2024
Planting a Garden—and Improving Mental Health—at Lotus Home
Staff at CHD’s Lotus Home in Hartford were busy in the backyard recently—building and painting raised garden beds and planting such vegetables as tomatoes, cucumbers,
May 1, 2024
Our Connecticut Programs Join Hartford Rally for More Nonprofit Funding
CHD staff and individuals served by our Connecticut programs joined many others at the Rally for Nonprofit Funding at the State Capital in Hartford on
April 29, 2024
“Ribbon Tying” Celebrates Innovative Primary Care Program
On April 26, CHD held a “Ribbon Tying” event at our newly renovated Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic on Park Street in West Springfield. A ribbon
March 29, 2024
Taylor Scannapieco Honored with Game Changer Award
Taylor Scannapieco, a caseworker for youth that are placed in CHD’s comprehensive Foster Care program, was recognized as a “Game Changer” during a March 23
March 25, 2024
Neilsen Foundation Grant Supports All In Program's Sled Hockey Silver Medal Effort at Empire State Games
The Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey Team finished the prestigious tournament with a championship loss, but it certainly didn’t end on a sour note, as they
March 21, 2024
Tammy Nothe-Hebert Speaks at Elder Support Event in Hadley
On March 6, CHD Vice President of Disability and Elder Services Tammy Nothe-Hebert was one of four speakers at a seminar entitled “Sage Stage of
March 15, 2024
CHD Early Intervention Presentation Addresses Child Feeding Difficulties
Early Intervention (EI) efforts for children are usually associated with helping them learn to walk and talk, along with gaining cognitive and emotional progress. But
March 6, 2024
Kimberly Williams Named Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer at CHD
Kimberly Williams has joined CHD as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Officer, bringing to the agency more than 27 years of HR experience supporting
January 31, 2024
CASA to Take Part in Information Sessions and Panel Discussions
CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. There
January 4, 2024
CHD Supportive Housing Program in Connecticut Receives $15,000 Grant
Connecticut Community Foundation (CCF) recently awarded a $15,636 grant to CHD to enhance its targeted case management to unhoused individuals it serves in Connecticut. The
January 2, 2024
CASA to Hold Virtual Information Sessions for New Volunteers
CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. There
December 10, 2023
Youths Working on “Grinch” Project in DYS Gingerbread House Contest
With the help of a donation of surplus newspapers from The Republican newspaper in Springfield, youths from CHD’s Community Adolescent Treatment (CAT) program on Worthington
December 10, 2023
CHD Receives $75,000 CVS Health Foundation Grant to Support Behavioral Health Services
CHD was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from the CVS Health Foundation to help launch the agency’s innovative reverse-integrated primary care model at its Certified
December 9, 2023
CHD Partners with Community for Holiday Tree Giveaway in Springfield
The Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) partnered with CHD’s Juvenile Justice programs and Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services for a Holiday Tree Jubilee
November 30, 2023
Literacy Project at CHD Clinic Gets Books into the Hands of Families
Katelyn Tower (right), a clinical supervisor at our Park Street Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic in West Springfield, and Silkia Gonzalez, an administrative assistant at the
November 29, 2023
Susan Raimer Honored with Game Changer Award
Susan Raimer, a homefinder for the CHD’s Foster Care Program for 25 years, was recognized as a “Game Changer” during a November 17 home game
October 26, 2023
CASA of Hampden County Book Club Meets Monthly
Eight volunteers from CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County, recently gathered at CHD’s Children and Families Offices on Park Street in West
October 25, 2023
CHD Recruiters on College Campuses—and in Connecticut!
CHD Recruitment and Onboarding Coordinator Coral Vega is pictured at a career fair at Westfield State University on October 12, and Recruitment Coordinator for Connecticut
October 10, 2023
$1 Million Federal Grant to Boost CHD Behavioral Health Services
CHD recently received a $1 million grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to integrate primary care and behavioral health
October 7, 2023
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County Receives $30,000 Grant
Cooley Dickinson Hospital recently awarded CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Hampshire County a $30,000 Supporting Youth Wellbeing grant to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous,
October 4, 2023
Forum Helps Parents Understand Their Teens' Intense Emotional Lives
CHD sponsored the Springfield Public Forum’s Speaking Event, “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers,” with Dr. Lisa Damour on October 2. Damour is the author of three
September 8, 2023
CHD to Sponsor “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” Talk on October 2
On October 2, CHD will sponsor a talk, “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers,” at 6:00 p.m. online on Zoom, featuring Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical
August 14, 2023
John Roberson Named Chief Program Officer at CHD
John Roberson has joined CHD as Chief Program Officer, bringing to our agency an extensive background in leadership and operations for community-based residential programs and
May 26, 2023
Guest Speakers at CHD CASA Training Include Springfield Juvenile Court Judge
Two special guests from the Springfield Juvenile Court, Judge Carol Shaw (Circuit Justice) and Zoé Dos Santos (Massachusetts Specialty Court program coordinator) shared their expertise
May 24, 2023
CHD Staff Advocate for Legislative Proposals at the State House in Boston
On May 16, a contingent of CHD employees attended a rally at the State House in Boston to urge the passage of two bills that would
May 22, 2023
Tracey Decker named CHD’s Chief Operating Officer
Tracey Decker has joined CHD as the Chief Operating Officer, bringing to our agency extensive leadership experience in integrated healthcare operations, including behavioral health. For
March 28, 2023
CHD’s Hawthorn Adult Day Health a Stimulating, Life-Enriching Program
Pictured at Hawthorn ADH in West Springfield (L-R): Clinical Coordinator Rebecca Kessler, Assistant Manager Shannon Reyes, and CHD Director of Adult Day Services Audrey Monroe.
March 2, 2023
A Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Teen Girls—Locally and Nationally
A recent report shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) details record-high levels of sadness and despair among teenagers in America—and
February 27, 2023
CASA to Hold Virtual and In-Person Information Sessions for New Volunteers in March
CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. There
February 23, 2023
VIEWPOINT: Western Massachusetts has Cause for Hope on Front Lines of Behavioral Health
The following op-ed was published in The Republican newspaper of Springfield on February 23, 2023. By Jalil A. Johnson & Lindsay Morin Ciepiela | CHD For too long,
February 21, 2023
Celebrating Black History Month: Harrison Fitch a UConn Trailblazer During a Difficult Time
(L-R) CHD employee Yvonne Fitch, UConn basketball player Tyrese Martin, Yvonne’s Uncle Harrison Brooks Fitch Jr., and UConn player RJ Cole. In February of 2022,
February 9, 2023
Skincare Company Donates 120 “Pouches with Purpose” to Cancer House of Hope
For the past four years, a group of New England-based women who work at Beautycounter, a “clean beauty” company, have been providing free “Pouches with
February 7, 2023
Winter Walk Raises Awareness and Funds to End Homelessness
A contingent from CHD participated in the inaugural Winter Walk Western Mass. on February 5, a two-mile walk through downtown Springfield and a joyful celebration
February 6, 2023
Cancer House of Hope Members Say Early Cancer Detection Can Save Lives
The message is clear: get screened for cancer early, before you get symptoms, and there is a good chance it will be caught when it’s
January 24, 2023
$10,000 PeoplesBank Grant Funds Graduation Package for CHD Foster Youth
(L-R) CHD Vice President of Children and Families Alton Jones; Cassandra Hildreth, assistant program director of CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates Program and DYS Transition
January 18, 2023
CASA to Hold Virtual Information Sessions for New Volunteers in February
CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. Program
January 17, 2023
CHD in the News: The Republican Coverage of the Opening of Gateway, CHD's New Community Behavioral Health Center
CHICOPEE — Less than 14 hours after a new all-service mental health clinic opened on Tuesday, social workers had already set up treatment plans for
January 12, 2023
Walmart Grant Helps Fund Sports Wheelchair for All In Basketball Program
Thanks to a Walmart Giving grant of $750, CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation program will be able to purchase a sports wheelchair for its newly
January 10, 2023
Hospitality Center Receives $15,000 Grant for Narcan and Supportive Services
CHD’s Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT, is a haven for people experiencing homelessness. One of its main goals—aside from meeting such basic needs as providing
January 4, 2023
State Awards Innovative Care Partners with Contracts for Behavioral Health and Long Term Services and Supports
Innovative Care Partners (ICP), a partnership among CHD, ServiceNet, and Gandara Mental Health Center, was recently awarded Community Partner contracts by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
December 28, 2022
CHD in the News: Waterbury Republican-American Coverage of Grant for Our Torrington Programs
The Waterbury Republican-American newspaper recently interviewed Paul Tang, CHD director of Adult Mental Health (AMH)-Connecticut, and Dana Mihaylo, program manager for AMH-Connecticut, as well as
December 9, 2022
Grant Helps Individuals Served in CHD's Torrington, CT Residential Programs
Thanks to an $800 grant from the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, individuals served in CHD’s Torrington, CT programs will be provided with food, gas, and
November 17, 2022
CASA Program to Hold Virtual Info Sessions for New Volunteers
Since 1977, the Center for Human Development’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County have been speaking up for kids who can’t. CASA gives
November 3, 2022
Program Spotlight: Hawthorn Adult Day Health
An exercise session at Hawthorn Day Health. Caregivers of elderly parents or loved ones with disabilities often face many challenges, including the decision to leave
October 28, 2022
Panel Discusses the Role of the CBHC in Meeting Behavioral Health Needs
At a panel discussion on October 27, participants were enthusiastic about the potential of the state’s new Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) model in improving
October 24, 2022
CHD Celebrates 50 Years of Profound Impact on Communities
For youth mental health activist Diana Chao, the keynote speaker at CHD’s 50th Anniversary Celebration dinner on October 20, our agency’s mission to help those
September 6, 2022
Majestic Theater Donates 75 Tickets to CHD Foster Kids for “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” Show
Majestic Theater Box Office Manager Katia Ball (left) and Rebecca Kudelka, a volunteer for CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County Last July,
September 2, 2022
"Art Show on State" in Springfield Provides Valuable Creative Outlet
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful late-summer day for the “Art Show on State” in Springfield on August 31! The well-attended event featured
September 1, 2022
How Grace House Helps Mothers in Recovery—and Their Children
Elizabeth, a recent graduate of CHD’s Grace House in Northampton, is grateful for the team at one of the few residential treatment programs designed for
August 30, 2022
Hospitality Center Marks a Decade of Helping the Homeless in Waterbury, CT
Fernando (pictured), a regular visiting member of the CHD’s Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT, recently moved into his own apartment, but he continues to come
August 24, 2022
CHD’s Hospitality Center, a Safe Haven for the Homeless, to Celebrate 10th Anniversary
CHD’s Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT a place where people experiencing homelessness can take care of basic needs so they can move toward stability, is
August 12, 2022
Early Intervention Program Supervisor Cindy Napoli Attends National Breastfeeding Month Celebration
CHD Early Intervention Program Supervisor Cindy Napoli attended the City of Springfield’s Flag Raising Ceremony for the National Breastfeeding Month Kickoff on August 1. Napoli,
July 21, 2022
Team Effort: CHD's Early Intervention Program Partners with Parents to Improve Their Children's Development
Pictured: CHD Early Intervention Program Supervisor Cindy Napoli and Linkyn When Jessica McClintock’s baby was born prematurely, he required a feeding tube and breathing tube,
July 12, 2022
Alton Jones Named CHD’s VP of Children and Families
Alton Jones has joined CHD as the VP of Children and Families, bringing to the agency more than 25 years of experience in the human
July 11, 2022
State Designates CHD a Community Behavioral Health Center
On July 7, the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced that CHD is one 25 behavioral health and substance use providers in Massachusetts
July 1, 2022
Going Places: Two Teens in CHD’s Family Shelter System Honored by Holyoke Public Schools
A pair of youths served by CHD’s family shelter system have recently earned Rising Stars awards from the Holyoke Public Schools. This is the most
June 27, 2022
CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation Program—Making Sports More Inclusive One Athlete at a Time
Giovanni Durocher (pictured), an 18-year-old athlete in CHD’s All In Barrier-Free Recreation Adaptive Dance Program, has no problem cutting loose on the dance floor, and
June 6, 2022
CHD Launches New Brand, Including Logo, Color Palette, Tagline and Anthem Video
The Center for Human Development (CHD) is proud to launch its new brand today, presenting a fresh look and statement of its mission and values
June 1, 2022
Western Mass Mom Prom Donates $20,000 to CHD’s Cancer House of Hope
(L-R) Cancer House of Hope (CHH) volunteer Jill Shinners, Western Mass Mom Prom (WMMP) Committee member Eva Dion, CHH volunteer April Lassard, CHH Program Director
May 24, 2022
CHD's Not Bread Alone: Serving Delicious Meals with a Side of Community
Program Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator Bob Stover receives produce from an Amherst Farmer. It’s a Wednesday afternoon at CHD’s Not Bread Alone (NBA) community meals
May 20, 2022
CHD-led Building Restoration Wins Historic Preservation Award
The historic Sears Building in Greenfield, now the Greenfield Center for Wellness—co-run by CHD and the Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC)—was one of
May 16, 2022
Showing Our Human Services Pride During Caring Force Spirit Week
The week of May 16-20 is Caring Force Spirit Week! We are wearing our gold Providers’ Council “The Caring Force” T-shirts to show support for
May 9, 2022
Marlo Connor Named CHD's Chief Operating Officer
Marlo Connor has joined CHD as the Chief Operating Officer, bringing to our agency a diverse background, including a strong history in executive leadership and
March 22, 2022
Cancer House of Hope Offers a New, Alternative Option for Its Members: Hypnosis
“I don’t do stage hypnosis—I don’t make people cluck like chickens. What I do is help everyday people with everyday problems.” —Certified Hypnotist Lee Callagher
February 22, 2022
Healing Franklin County: An Innovative Project Helps Individuals Leaving Jail Beat Addiction and Connect with Community Resources
For many former prisoners transitioning back into their communities, the cycle of re-incarceration is difficult to break. And studies show that released inmates who have
February 1, 2022
CHD’s All In Barrier-Free Recreation: Watch the Thunderbirds Sled Hockey Team Hit the Ice
The WWLP-22 TV show Mass Appeal visited a Springfield Thunderbirds sled hockey team practice, took footage of participants playing, and interviewed several players, parents, and
January 31, 2022
CHD Announces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan
CHD recently released its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Plan, which outlines ongoing efforts—as well as immediate and longer-term goals— to “build an inclusive culture
January 28, 2022
CHD IN THE NEWS: Waterbury Fights to Keep Homeless Warm Amid Dropping Temperatures
Lori Walling is program manager at the Center for Human Development’s Hospitality Center, 690 East Main St., in Waterbury. Photo: Jay Dunn Waterbury Republican-American January
January 27, 2022
CHD Part of Collaboration to Open Pop-up Warming Shelter for Holyoke Homeless
Marisabel Perez, field operations manager for CHD’s Diversion, Shelter, and Housing program, and outreach worker Carlos William, who has been homeless for eight years, grabbed
December 20, 2021
An Epidemic Within a Pandemic
In November, The White House called for improving access to mental health services and care for the nation’s youth, citing significant increases in the number experiencing
December 9, 2021
Seven CHD CASA Volunteers Sworn in at Springfield Juvenile Court
The courtroom can be a scary, confusing place for a child. That’s where CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program of Hampden County comes in,
September 9, 2021
An Honest Mom’s Take on the Food-Mood Connection
I’ve struggled with my weight most of my life. I was a skinny kid until puberty had other plans. The dieting began in my pre-teens.
September 2, 2021
Mental Health in Flux
Since the early days of COVID-19 we’ve been experiencing periods of change that happen quickly, sometimes without warning, and impact us in huge ways. In
August 27, 2021
Confronting stigma in substance use, recovery and harm reduction
People in recovery and people active in substance use have each encountered barriers to supportive recovery services and life-saving measures like harm reduction resources long
July 30, 2021
An Honest Mom’s Take On Birthdays
Ah, the day you were born. That special day that comes around each year. Everyone has a different relationship with their birthday. Some celebrate happily,
June 23, 2021
Summer Reading for Mental Health
I’ve always enjoyed reading. As a young girl I loved Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume and devoured the Sweet Valley and Babysitter’s Club series. As
May 21, 2021
An Honest Mom’s Take on Anxiety and Panic
Last month my son spent his school break in the Bahamas with his father. I suppose a benefit he gets as a child of divorce
April 28, 2021
An Honest Mom’s Take on Mother’s Day
Over a year ago, many of us were adapting to an entirely new way of working, parenting and homeschooling. It’s no secret that COVID-19 has
April 23, 2021
The Resilience of ‘Superheroes’:
When the pandemic first struck the community, it was a frightening and uncertain time for all. For some CHD foster parents, it meant navigating ‘the
April 13, 2021
An Honest Mom’s Take on Caring for Aging Parents
My parents will turn 75 this year. Although in fairly maintained health, both suffer from some chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
March 27, 2021
Empowering informed decision-making
Peer Support Supervisor for CHD’s Adult Mental Health team in Holyoke Jeffrey Bass and CHD’s Director of Recovery Supports Andy Beresky were recently invited to
March 4, 2021
An Honest Mom’s Take on ‘Gray Area’ Drinking
It’s been six months since I decided to stop drinking for 30 days. Some of you may have read my blog post about that experience.
February 23, 2021
'Independence, exercise, and a chance to be outside':
New Englanders are no strangers to winters filled with snow, sleet and cold temperatures. While they certainly know how to brave the cold, they also
February 19, 2021
Prolonged Stress, Physical Health, & the ‘Vortex’ of Being Home
The American Psychological Association recently reported that in February 2021, U.S. adults have recorded their highest levels of stress since the early days of the
January 26, 2021
‘All the Difference in the World’
When COVID-19 began to affect the community in March 2020, CHD’s Early Intervention team quickly adapted the way they provide support to families so they
November 17, 2020
Insight into engagement challenges & solutions for leaders during COVID-19
As an organization whose services reach a broad range of individuals for a diverse and growing set of needs, there are many ways CHD’s leaders
October 1, 2020
An Honest Mom’s Take on Choosing Mental Health Over Alcohol
The following is written based on the author’s personal experience with a short-term abstinence from alcohol. The intent is to encourage people to examine their
August 13, 2020
An Honest Mom's Take on Clutter Control
I recently did something I had thought about for years but never had the courage to go through with. I wanted something so badly, yet
May 28, 2020
Welcome to the new digital home of CHD!
I’m excited to introduce you to our new website, the product of many months of hard work and creative thinking by many members of the
May 26, 2020
Social Distancing and Domestic Violence
Social distancing measures have left many feeling in some way confined to their homes. By and large, essential staff are the only individuals leaving the
May 26, 2020
Supporting Those Supporting Others
One of the biggest challenges of anyone working during the pandemic, including those working remotely, are recurring or ever-present feelings of isolation. Even those who
May 13, 2020
An Honest Mom’s Take on Guilt
We all feel guilt or remorse at varying levels throughout our lives. If you’re reading this and thinking, “No, not really,” then perhaps your time
April 1, 2020
An Honest Mom’s Take on Adjusting to a New Normal
I’ve always been someone who has adjusted pretty well. I had no problem moving by myself to New York City in my early twenties after
Children’s Virtual Therapy Services
In order to continue to fulfill our mission to provide outstanding behavioral and developmental support services to people from all walks of life, we have
Family Outreach of Amherst Giving Program
Donations to CHD’s Family Outreach of Amherst lay a foundation for struggling families to meet their most basic needs. They also provide the tools