CARING FORCE COALITION RALLIES FOR WESTERN MA HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS

Katrina Cardillo • September 8, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Caroline O’Neill, Manager of Public Policy and Communications

caroline@providers.org

508.598.9686

***MEDIA ADVISORY***


CARING FORCE COALITION RALLIES FOR WESTERN MA HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS


Westfield, MA - September 19, 2025 –  The Caring Force is proud to host its second Western MA Rally to recognize and uplift the essential work of human services workers in the region.


This event, sponsored by 18 Degrees, Berkshire Family & Individual Resources, Inc. (BFAIR), Gándara Center, Justice Resource Institute (JRI), Key Program, Mental Health Association, Inc., and Viability, will spotlight stories from the field and call for continued funding and support for this critical workforce.


Highlights of the rally include:

·        Personal stories from sector professionals, including Robert Wild (Viability) and Yamila Sycz (Gándara Center)

·        A Legislator Q&A Session allowing direct engagement with policymakers

·        Remarks from public officials and university leaders


Confirmed Speakers:

·        Linda Thompson, President, Westfield State University

·        Senator John Velis, Hampden and Hampshire District

·        Representative Carlos González, Hampden County

·        Robert Wild, Viability (Human services provider and recipient)

·        Yamila Sycz, Gándara Center (Human services provider)

 

What: Western MA Caring Force Rally
 When: Friday, September 19, 2025

·        9:00 a.m. – Networking and light breakfast

·        10:00 a.m. – Speaking program begins

Where: Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall 715 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085

 

Media representatives are encouraged to attend. To RSVP, please visit https://tinyurl.com/WesternMARally.  

The Caring Force is the grassroots advocacy initiative of the Providers' Council. The Caring Force seeks to empower those who care about the human services sector to advance an agenda that creates an environment in Massachusetts that protects our most vulnerable neighbors and creates a stronger economy with the pay, recognition, and respect our workers deserve.

Sponsor logos for the Western MA Caring Force Rally
By Katrina Cardillo August 19, 2026
300+ workers, individuals served, and advocates to gather at Westfield State University, joined by Western MA legislators
By Katrina Cardillo August 18, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Katrina Cardillo Senior Director of Marketing & PR BFAIR 771 South Church Street North Adams, MA 01247 413.664.9382 kcardillo@bfair.org www.bfair.org BFAIR Names Theresa Denette, MBA, as Chief Operating Officer Tues. Aug. 18, 2026 (North Adams, MA) — BFAIR announced today that Theresa Denette, MBA, has been named the organization's permanent Chief Operating Officer (COO), following her tenure in the role on an interim basis since earlier this year. The appointment reflects Denette's proven leadership and the confidence BFAIR's board and executive team have in her ability to guide the organization's operations going forward. Denette has spent nearly 25 years with BFAIR, steadily advancing from Assistant Program Director to a series of senior leadership roles spanning Day Services, Quality Assurance, Clinical Services, and agency-wide Operations. Throughout her career, she has been a driving force behind program growth, operational quality, and organizational innovation. "Theresa has proven, time and again, that she is the right person for this role," said Randall Kinnas, Chief Executive Officer. "Her deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and genuine dedication to the individuals and families we serve have already made a real impact across our organization. I'm confident that with Theresa in this position permanently, BFAIR is exceptionally well-positioned for continued growth and excellence in the years ahead." Denette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Westfield State College, an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Fitchburg State University. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and is a member of the McCann Business Technology Advisory Board. She lives in Clarksburg with her husband and children. ###
By Katrina Cardillo June 25, 2026
BFAIR’s “BFAIR in Bloom” Signature Fundraising Event Raises $40,000
More Posts