ServiceNet

04/07/2026

Meet Jorge Gonzalez Rosa, IT technician and award-winning dancer!

Since 2024, Jorge has been a steady, solutions-focused presence on ServiceNet's IT team, keeping computers running, monitoring internet connectivity in homes and offices, and refurbishing technology.

At the same time, he's been discovering a passion for ballroom dance. After only a few months of practice, he competed in an international dance competition in Chile, earning top student in the bronze division -- for someone brand new to ballroom, a remarkable achievement!

"People forget that we are human beings," said Jorge. "Dancing breaks the cycle. You're actually looking at the eyes of another human being, you're actually connecting with this person. You don't need words to be able to feel how that person feels."

Human connection has also been the motivation behind Jorge's career. For Jorge, technology has always been a way to help people. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he was fascinated by electronics from an early age. That curiosity led him to pursue a degree in microbiology and work as a lab technician, but it was IT that ultimately aligned with his vision of helping people in a meaningful way.

It is that same spirit of connection and empathy that Jorge brings to his work at ServiceNet every single day.

04/03/2026

ServiceNet's Prospect Meadow Farm is now accepting CSA orders for 2026! When you join, you're not just getting amazing fresh produce; you're directly supporting meaningful agricultural work experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Here's what's new this year:
🥦 Choose on-farm pickup and get 10% off your share!

🍖🍓 New Meat & Fruit Add-On — for just $100, enjoy bi-weekly fresh fruit and premium pork cuts each month!

With share options for everyone, including Senior/Low Income, Half Size, Full Size, and Residential Programs.

Don't miss out on a full season of fresh, local goodness while supporting an incredible mission. Sign up today! 🌿

More info: https://hubs.la/Q049zMBm0.

04/03/2026

Last week's Autism Connections dance party was amazing! 🎶🎉

So many folks joined to enjoy a wonderful celebration with great music and dancers, tasty treats, and great company.

03/31/2026

To support and raise awareness of brain injuries, ServiceNet's Strive Clinic, an outpatient rehabilitation clinic specializing in care for individuals with brain injuries, hosted an open house and advocacy day on March 20!

Folks visiting had the chance to see how individuals with brain injuries spend their time at the clinic, learning about how brain injuries can affect an individual and how different types of assistive technology can help. Thank you to everyone who came out to learn more and support Brain Injury Awareness Month!

03/27/2026

Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Mass' dance party in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day was such a joy! 🎉🙌

Folks really embraced this year's theme "Together We Shine" and saw so many people celebrating together, fully embracing this beautiful community.

Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make this such a warm and memorable event!

03/25/2026

The 27th Annual Shared Living & Adult Family Care Conference Returns April 14!

✨As caregiving continues to evolve, with new tools, technologies, and increasing demands, the heart of this work remains the same: connection, dignity, and relationships.

Throughout the day, attendees may participate in workshops covering a wide range of topics, including:
• Caregiver resilience and self-care
• Trauma-informed care
• Supporting healthy relationships and boundaries
• Aging, dementia, and long-term support needs
• Assistive technology and innovation
• Gender diversity and inclusive practices
• Person-centered and community-based support
• And more!

🎓 Professionals can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

🏆 The day will also include a caregiver recognition ceremony honoring exceptional Shared Living and AFC caregivers across the state.

🎤 This year's keynote speaker is Melody Vachal, Author of Still, I Rise: A Guide to Navigating the Caregiver Journey and Director of Aging Services & Outreach at Arise Cares

🤝 This conference is collaboratively hosted by: Advocates, Inc., HopeWell Inc. Incompass Human Services, Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC), Open Sky Community Services, ServiceNet, and Seven Hills Foundation.

👉 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! More information and tickets are available online: https://hubs.la/Q048gZnZ0

03/24/2026

Clay, a resident of one of ServiceNet's Developmental and Brain Injury Services (DBIS) homes, earned a gold medal during the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament on March 15 in Auburn, Massachusetts!🎳🥇

Clay was accompanied by two staff members, Kofi Akuffo and Andrews Afoakwah, who brought Clay to the event, supporting and cheering for him as he worked hard for his gold medal.

Congratulations Clay! All your hard work paid off!

03/23/2026

Spring class registration is open at Whole Children and Milestones!

Favorite classes fill quickly, so explore the schedule and register now at https://hubs.la/Q047ZSf40 or call 413-585-8010 for help finding the right fit.

From age 3 to 73, there is something for everyone in our fun, welcoming classes designed for people of all abilities, with a special focus on children, teens, and adults with disabilities and autism. With small groups and lots of support, it is easy to jump in, try something new, and have a great time. Scholarships and payment plans are always available so everyone has a chance to join.

03/23/2026

ServiceNet is excited to be partnering with MassHire Berkshire Career Center to be part of this amazing event! Connect with our agency and learn more about our services and explore how we can be part of your success story!

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 10 am-noon
Location: Holiday Inn & Suites, 1 West Street, Pittsfield, MA

Learn more and register online at: https://hubs.la/Q047X4pq0

03/19/2026

Our 34th annual Autism Connections Conference in downtown Springfield, MA is on April 30 and tickets are going fast! This conference is for you if you are a social worker, agency professional, educator, medical professional, therapist, family, friend, caregiver, or are autistic yourself.

The day-long conference features a keynote address by an autistic psychologist, a variety of 18 breakout topics in three sessions, and an exhibitor showcase to collect resources and find supports. Tickets include breakfast, a snack break, and a networking lunch. Once again, we'll also have a quiet sensory room to decompress and recharge.

Professional credits (PDPs, ABA credits and CEUs) are available for professionals working in the autism field.

We are committed to making this conference as accessible as possible. A discounted general admission ticket is available for $50 for those who may need financial assistance — you can find this option on the registration page. If cost remains a barrier, please email autismconference@servicenet.org.

Tickets and info:

This conference is for you if you are an agency or education professional, family or caregiver of an autistic individual, or are autistic yourself.

03/19/2026

The Enrichment Center felt extra lucky for St. Patrick's Day! 🍀🌈

The Chicopee Police Department visited for "Coffee with a Cop." Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and hear some stories about the police officers' experiences.

03/11/2026

Autism Connections was featured in Mass Appeal on WWLP earlier today. Rhonda Setkewich and Cat McEachern spoke with Priscilla Ress about Autism Connections, and the upcoming Autism Connections Autism Conference on April 30!

(MASS APPEAL) – The Autism Connections Conference brings together families, educators, and professionals to share resources, ideas, and support for those impacted by autism. This year’s…