Family Empowerment

09/02/2026

A2Z Science & Toys is holding a NeeDoh raffle for Whole Children and Milestones!

All you have to do is donate $5 or more to Whole Children and Milestones to be entered into the raffle for some fun, squishy toys! 🎉

Whole Children™ is an after-school and Saturday program for kids and teens of all abilities from ages 3-18. Milestones is an extension of our Whole Children™ program for adults 18 and up, as well as a DDS-funded day program for adults.

08/21/2026

Know your rights! We're hosting a free Webinar lead by Johanne Pino from Massachusetts Advocates for Children

📆12–1:30 p.m. On Wednesday, October 14, on Zoom
Registration deadline : Tuesday, October 13

This webinar will provide an overview of special education law and the supports and services school districts are required to provide so that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

The webinar also addresses legal standards, the special education process, parent and student participation rights and evaluation rights.

Families and caregivers of school-age children with disabilities who want to know more about processes, supports, and services that schools are obligated to provide, educators, agency professionals and community members are all invited to attend.

Register: https://hubs.la/Q04tVm460

For more questions, email Angie at [email protected]

08/21/2026

We're making slime during our monthly arts and crafts event!

📆5–6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22
📍Nexus Day Program, 143 Munson Street, Greenfield MA

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 21

This event is open to children and adults with disabilities or autism and their parents or caregivers, and all community members! Snacks, refreshments, and materials for slime making will be provided!

To register: https://hubs.la/Q04tV2Fk0

For more information email Angie at [email protected]

07/29/2026

Do you have any questions about the supports that we offer in Franklin and Hampshire Counties? If you are in the Greenfield area, stop by Starbucks and meet up with Angie, who is the Director of our Greenfield office, tomorrow night July 30 from 5-6 PM and have a coffee or tea on us!

If you are in Hampshire County, the weekly coffee hour is 9-10AM on Fridays at our Northampton office on Village Hill Road.

07/20/2026

JULY 23!
We had to reschedule our meet and greet with the Greenfield Police Department because of the weather, and we've found a new time for July 23! Join us to extend your community and if you are a new driver, learn what to do if you are stopped by the police.

Learn more:https://45760275.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/45760275/AC%20and%20FE%20flyers%20and%20related/FE%20events/FY27%20FE%20Franklin%20Greenfield%20Police%20Meet%20and%20Greet%20July%2021.pdf

Register: https://share.hsforms.com/1FciBL3uBR_24TlPMMBQ9dQr8sur

Email Angie Hawk at [email protected] for more information.

07/10/2026

Family Empowerment is hosting a de-escalation workshop for caregivers with Brennan Roy, the founder of Crisis Prevention Solutions, this coming Thursday.

📆 Thursday, July 16
🕛 5:30-7 p.m.
📍101 Munson Street, Greenfield

This workshop will focus on de-escalating behaviors and preventing crises. The information is catered toward caregivers and other professionals working with individuals with disabilities that struggle
with dysregulation and challenging behaviors.

To register: https://hubs.la/Q04pcYm80

If you have any questions, email Angie at [email protected]

07/08/2026

Change is often hard, but for many autistic people, it can be especially challenging. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help.

Join Family Empowerment in Franklin County for a free Zoom presentation with autism and anti-bullying mental health advocate Jordan Salzano.

📆 Tuesday, July 14
🕛 12–1:30 p.m.
💻 ZOOM

Jordan will draw on evidence-based research and lived experience to explore sensory processing, its role in accepting change, and practical insights and strategies for success.

Sign up for the zoom registration link: https://hubs.la/Q04nZ1Fk0

If you have any questions, email Angie at [email protected]

06/25/2026

Family Empowerment is hosting a Meet and Greet with the Greenfield Police Department.

📆 Tuesday, July 7 5:30-7 PM, in-person at 101 Munson Street, Greenfield

UPDATE: WE'VE POSTPONED THIS EVENT DUE TO RAIN. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR NEWS ABOUT WHEN IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED!

This event is for teens and adults with a disability or autism
(and parents, caregivers,friends and siblings) who have an interest in learning to drive or who do drive and want to know more about the procedures of being pulled over and what to do.

The goal of this event is to not only meet the officers but to solidify a partnership we are creating for individuals to build positive relationships with local law enforcement and to learn more about driving laws, procedures and appropriate engagement with each other.

Check out police cars, join a mock pull-over to learn about what to do.

We hope it builds comfort between our community and Greenfield PD and that we can learn more about each other!

Register: https://hubs.la/Q04mFTlH0

Email Angie Hawk at [email protected] for more information.

06/23/2026

Join us for a cup of coffee! ☕ Spend some time with Family Empowerment in Franklin County to unwind, share stories, enjoy a laugh and connect with others to better understand the caregiving journey.

Each month we’ll gather at a different accessible spot around Franklin County, and Angie, our Director of Family Empowerment, will be there to greet you with a warm welcome.

Think of it as a weekly moment to recharge and remind yourself that you're part of a supportive community!

If you're interested, you can email Angie at [email protected] or just drop by!

05/27/2026

Autism Connections Prom is coming up! Ready to dance? 🥳

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT AND WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS.

We're hoping to be under the stars for Prom ✨🌌

We're so excited to host our very first prom! 📆Join us on June 18 from 5-9 p.m. at The Log Cabin Holyoke!

The atmosphere on the dance floor will be through the roof!
We'll have a DJ for some great tunes, a buffet style dinner and a sensory room!

You can dress prom formal 👔👗or you can come as you like!

To help keep this event affordable/free and sensory-friendly, we ask that each individual with autism or a disability bring only one parent, guardian or guest!