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 22, 2023
Stress Relief Coloring Poster a Big Hit at Goodwin House
Employees at Goodwin House, CHD’s residential substance use treatment center serving boys aged 13-17 recently installed a stress relief coloring poster for staff, and it’s proving
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 8, 2020
Insight into youth recovery and remote learning during COVID-19
At CHD’s Goodwin House, a residential addiction treatment center that serves boys aged 13-17, residents are able to take a step back from their everyday
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