The Caring Force Returns to Westfield for Third Annual Rally Advocating for Fair Wages and Human Services Funding

Katrina Cardillo • August 19, 2026

 

The Caring Force Returns to Westfield for Third Annual Rally Advocating for Fair Wages and Human Services Funding

300+ workers, individuals served, and advocates to gather at Westfield State University, joined by Western MA legislators


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact:

Isabella A. Lee

ilee@providers.org 

508-598-9966


(WESTFIELD, MA) September 18, 2026 – The Caring Force, the grassroots advocacy initiative of the Dorchester-based Providers' Council, will host the Western MA Rally on Friday, September 18, bringing together over 300 human services workers, individuals served, and advocates from across the region to call for increased funding and fair wages for the human services workforce.


Now in its third year, the rally unites the sector in a powerful show of advocacy, highlighting the essential role human services workers play in supporting Massachusetts' most vulnerable communities while urging policymakers to act on key workforce priorities to help improve working conditions in the sector.


The rally is sponsored by 18 Degrees, Berkshire County Arc, BFAIR, Center for Human Development, Gandara Center, JRI, Key Program, Inc., MHA Inc., River Valley Counseling Center, Riverside Industries Inc., ServiceNet, The Brien Center, UCP of Western MA, and Viability.


Attendees will begin the morning with a light breakfast, followed by remarks from human services workers and the individuals served. The program will also provide opportunities for participants to engage directly with legislators and connect with fellow advocates.


Highlights of the rally include:

  1. Personal stories delivered by human services staff and individuals served from sponsoring agencies
  2. A legislative panel with representatives of the Western MA delegation, including: 
  • Senator John Velis, Hampden and Hampshire District
  • Senator Adam Gomez, Hampden District 
  • Representative Patricia Duffy, 1st Hampden District
  • Representative Brian Asche, 2nd Hampden District
  • Representative Mindy Domb, 3rd Hampshire District
  • Representative Kelly Pease, 4th Hampden District
  • Representative Michael Finn, 6th Hampden District
  • Representative Shirley Arriaga, 8th Hampden District
  • Representative Carlos Gonzalez, 10th Hampden District
  1. A unified call to legislators for increased investment in the community-based human services sector


Event Details:

What: Third Western MA Caring Force Rally
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
9:00 a.m. – Doors open / Networking
10:00 a.m. – Speaking program begins
Where: Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, Westfield, MA 01085. Parking is available across the street from 715 Western Ave, Westfield, MA 01085. Signage will direct attendees to the parking lot.

RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/WesternMARally2026


Media representatives are encouraged to attend. For more information or to request an interview, please contact Isabella Lee at isabella@providers.org.


About The Caring Force
The Caring Force, the grassroots advocacy initiative of the Providers' Council, empowers supporters of the human services sector to drive meaningful change. Our mission is to create a stronger Massachusetts, one that protects our most vulnerable neighbors while ensuring human services workers receive the pay, recognition, and respect they deserve.

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