Center for Human Development

10/21/2026

TODAY (Wednesday, October 21) you can treat your taste buds and also support CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County when you order dinner at 3 Amigos Restaurant, 68 Cowls Road, Amherst, between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

20 percent of the day’s sales will be donated to CHD Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County! Along with the regular menu the chefs will be cooking up special offerings for its “Festive Percent Day.”

While you enjoy the restaurant’s delicious Latin American food, you’ll also directly contribute to BBBS’ mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

10/20/2026

This holiday season join us on 𝒟𝑒𝒸𝑒𝓂𝒷𝑒𝓇 7 as 1,000 luminaries are lit in their honor, creating a beautiful, glowing tribute that reflects the love, strength, and resilience of our community. This holiday season, we invite you to join us for a special evening of remembrance, celebration, and hope, as we honor loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer—whether they are being remembered, currently in treatment, or in remission and recovery.

Luminaria will be open to the public and on display from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the West Springfield Town Common. Event parking is available at the West Springfield Senior Center, 128 Park St.

Purchase your Luminaries at https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=10b60b39-34c8-4339-94a0-0330b1746afe&envid=p-jIKTIUKm_kiyONd-sDmHdA&zone=usa

Be part of this meaningful tradition and help shine a light for those affected by cancer, while remembering or honoring someone special in your life. Learn more at www.chd.org/luminaria.

10/19/2026

The incomparable country-rock band Trailer Trash played an impressive concert at the Ludlow Elks last Friday to benefit the sled hockey teams in CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation program. The show raised more than $20,000 overall.

All proceeds from the event are put toward necessities for the sled hockey season, including funding for ice time fees, entry fees to tournaments, equipment costs, league dues, and coach fees.

Sled Hockey is an exciting ice sport that allows individuals of all abilities an opportunity to enjoy hockey. While similar to “stand-up hockey” in terms of concept and rules, sled hockey players sit within an adaptive device—the sled—which is affixed to two skate blades and a runner, and participants use shortened sticks with attached blades on one end to help them propel across the ice.

10/16/2026

TONIGHT! Come see the incomparable country-rock band Trailer Trash in a concert to benefit the sled hockey teams from CHD’s All In: Barrier-Free Recreation program.

The event will take place at the Ludlow Elks Lodge at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Online tickets cost $20.00; tickets will also be available at the door.

This is a fun evening of great music, cash bar, raffles, and fundraising. The band's motto: a good song is a good song. Yes, there will be food trucks! Read more and purchase tickets at https://chd.org/trailertrash/.

10/16/2026

Sarah Miller, nurse educator in our Meadows Homes for the developmentally disabled, is one of our recent Employees of the Month! She is pictured holding her Employee of the Month backpack with some of our Meadows team.

Miller consistently contributes to CHD's mission by improving the quality of supports provided to the individuals we serve. “Through her partnership with the UMass Dementia Training program, she has brought valuable educational opportunities to direct care staff, helping them better understand and support individuals living with dementia,” according to the nomination. “Staff who attended the training reported feeling revitalized in their learning and they shared that the training helped them look at situations differently and better understand the day-to-day challenges experienced by individuals with dementia.”

Her commitment to education strengthens CHD’s ability to provide high-quality, person-centered services and enhances the dignity and well-being of the individuals in our care. "Sarah has demonstrated exceptional creativity and initiative in developing educational resources for staff,” her nomination continues. “She recently launched Glimmer, a monthly dementia newsletter that provides direct care staff with practical information, strategies, and insights related to dementia care. She also created TOAST, a monthly nutrition newsletter that shares recipes, nutritional information, and helpful ideas for improving meals served in our homes.” In addition, Miller has played a key role in coordinating and promoting a UMass dementia training program for Meadows staff.

10/15/2026

Make an impact. Build independence. Lead a team. The Outreach Program Manager for CHD’s Meadows Homes plays a vital leadership role supporting adults with developmental disabilities who live independently in the community. This position combines direct impact, team leadership, and program oversight to help individuals achieve their goals and live their fullest lives.

The successful candidate will supervise and support a team of Outreach caseworkers and direct support staff while ensuring high-quality, person-centered services for individuals served. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/CHD-outreach.

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

Moises Maldonado, direct care staff at CHD’s DMHAS community living for young adults program on Prospect Street in Chicopee, is one of our recent Employees of the Month! He is pictured holding his Employee of the Month backpack (and under bunny ears) with (L-R) Assistant Program Director Antonia Stewart, Prospect resident Jordon, Program Director Sidy Dione, Prospect resident Jamie, CHD Vice President of Disability and Elder Services Tammy Nothe-Hebert, and Prospect resident Tyler.

Maldonado plays a key role in the overall success and daily functioning of the Prospect Street program. “Although he is primarily an overnight staff member, he consistently goes above and beyond by picking up additional shifts to help maintain staffing stability and provide strong support during second shift,” according to his nomination. “He is committed to ensuring the program remains medication-compliant and actively assists individuals in maximizing their independence, particularly during times when they may feel uncertain or lack confidence.”

He creates a supportive and reassuring environment that helps individuals feel comfortable and empowered. Maldonado “consistently encourages them to advocate for themselves and thoughtfully considers their preferences before making decisions, ensuring they remain actively involved in their care and daily routines,” his nomination continues. “His reliability, flexibility, and person-centered approach make him an invaluable member of the team.”

10/12/2026

Today and every day, we celebrate the beautiful traditions, rich histories, incredible resilience, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations.

10/10/2026

Take time to check in on yourself today. CHD's mental health clinics are located throughout western Mass. Visit https://chd.org/locations.