In collaboration with several local organizations, BHN was honored to be an organizing partner of the Equity in the 413 Summit held October 24, 2023 in Springfield. The event brought together industry leaders and professionals from multiple sectors to advance equity in workplaces across western MA. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, build relationships, practice self-care, and learn about tools and resources to help implement racial equity practices in their workplaces. BHN's Steve Winn, President and CEO, and P. Natasha Mitchell, Social Justice Community Engagement, delivered opening remarks at the Summit, and BHN staff members participated in a panel discussion titled "Operationalizing Social Justice Within Organizations: Moving Beyond Just Diversity & Inclusion."

BHN observed International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2023. This is a day to remember loved ones lost, raise awareness, and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. BHN clients and staff gathered for a ceremony of remembrance that included remarks from leadership, a poetry reading by clients, and a moment of silent reflection for those we have lost to overdose.

BHN's Domestic Violence team is proud to be part of the Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force. They joined with community members at the 8th Annual Domestic Violence Walk in October to support survivors, raise awareness and reduce stigma around domestic and sexual violence.

BHN's Westfield Self Advocacy Group decorated a tree for Westfield on the Weekends Tree Jubilee! They chose the theme "Warm on a Snowy Day" and adorned the tree with mittens, snowflakes, hot chocolate decorations, and red and gold ball ornaments. Proceeds benefited Westfield on Weekends, a non-profit dedicated to providing accessible, artistic, and cultural community events and entertainment. 

Staff from BHN attended the Massachusetts Peer Workforce Coalition Summit and Career Fair in Westborough last December. The Summit joined together industry leaders and those with an interest in pursuing a career as a peer support or lived experience professional, providing networking opportunities, on-site interviews, and panel discussions.

BHN's Community Events Team provided resources at the Springfield Easter event held at Magazine Park and the community egg hunt at Heritage Park in Holyoke. At BHN, we value community connection and support. Our resource tables at events bridge our organization with the individuals we serve, offering information about services, programs, and job opportunities. These tables foster dialogue, enabling us to listen to community needs and feedback. Together, we can build a stronger, informed community where everyone has access to essential support.

BHN was a proud sponsor of Springfield, Hampshire and Franklin Pride celebrations! Leadership, staff, and clients proudly participated in the pride parades to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

The BHN Community Events team had a resource table at Hampshire and Franklin Pride to connect with community members and share information about our programs, services and job opportunities.

BHN's Domestic Violence Department invited staff across the agency to wear denim and teal in support of Denim Day. This movement began in 1999 to raise awareness after a sexual assault conviction was overturned, citing the victim's tight blue jeans as a factor. By wearing blue, we show our solidarity with survivors and advocate for a world free from sexual violence.

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, staff from across the agency wore green to show their support for positive mental health practices, both for themselves and for others. Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, just as important as physical health. Just as we take care of aches and pains and seek support for injuries and illness, we must also tend to our minds.

BHN was pleased to sponsor of the Valley Blue Sox and our Community Events team members represented BHN at three home games in Holyoke, providing information and resources about our programs and services.

BHN was thrilled to sponsor and participate in the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade to kick of Hispanic Heritage Month! It was a beautiful day to celebrate our staff and the city's vibrant Puerto Rican culture alongside our community! At BHN, we are grateful for our diverse staff, who operate many of our programs with bilingual/ bicultural capability to serve the Latinx community. We are proud to celebrate the valuable contributions they bring to our work family and the wider community!