Center for Human Development (CHD)

It's National Foster Care Month! Our Foster Care program held an appreciation dinner last Wednesday at La Cucina di Hampden House in Hampden to celebrate our foster parents and their incredible contributions in the lives of foster youth. Speaking were CHD Foster Care Program Director Rhonda Young, Vice President of Community Based Services Dr. William Dávila, and President and CEO Jim Goodwin. “I’ve always said that there’s a special place in heaven for parents who open their home for kids in need—kids who are in the most difficult times in their lives,” said Goodwin. To learn how you can make a difference as a CHD foster parent, visit chd.org/fosterparent. #fostercare #fosterlove #fosterparents #NationalFosterCareMonth

Our Disability and Elder Services division held its annual retreat at the Summit View Banquet House in Holyoke on May 12 with a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) theme that featured an interactive program led by Andre Santiago, founder and CEO of Allegro Strategies. There were awards galore, including kudos to the clinical and nursing teams in recognition of National Mental Health Providers Day and Nurses Week. The clinical team that was honored consisted of (Photo 1, L-R) Amanda Bennett, Andrew Murphy, Kaia Hoague, Shawntea Crudup, and Jeremmy Torres. The nursing team included (Photo 2) Kathryn Roy, Nicole McGrath, Sarah Miller, and Emily Boucher. Also receiving recognition: Shawntea Crudup and Renee Joseph (Superstar Award-Photo 3), Antonia Stewart (Helpful Person Award), Jeremmy Torres (Personal Impact for Person Supported Award), and Sarah Miller (Creative Person Award-Photo 4). Congratulations everyone!

It's National Foster Care Month! Nearly 50 members of CHD foster families and guests enjoyed a Red Sox game at Fenway Park on May 7, thanks to the team and the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Community Initiative, as well as MaryAnne’s Kids, a special CHD fund that provides opportunities for foster children that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Although the Tampa Bay Rays won, 8-4, participants enjoyed a great night of baseball. “The seats were absolutely amazing and we couldn't have asked for better weather,” said foster parent Rhonda Lemoyne. “We took our 14-year-old foster son Yanziel with us, and we got lucky and caught a foul ball.” It was Yanziel’s first major league baseball game. “He kept saying, 'I can't believe I'm here.' We had such a great time,” said Lemoyne. Read more about MaryAnne's Kids at https://lnkd.in/eZDQGunR. #fostercare #fosterlove #fosterparents #NationalFosterCareMonth

Former UConn Football running back Arkeel Newsome recently led a chair exercise session at the CHD Hospitality Center in Waterbury, CT. Newsome played for both the Waterbury Knights and Waterbury Patriots youth football teams, and then for nearby Ansonia High School, where he set state rushing records. Newsome is a prolific volunteer who teaches football skills to inner city youth and hosts an annual school supplies giveaway. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” he said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi. The Hospitality Center is a safe haven where people experiencing homelessness can take care of basic needs so they can move toward stability. Participants have access to laundry, showers, food, and computers, and they also receive vital social services from case managers. #homelessnessawareness #homelessness #endhomelessness #waterburyct

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Scott Feldman, a clinician at CHD’s Pine Street Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Springfield: “The most rewarding sessions are when, within the midst of conversations, clients come to realizations on their own, and make improvements in their lives.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/erH6hMdD. #mentalhealthawarenessmoth #mentalhealthawarenessmoth2026

Registration is now open for the 𝑪𝑯𝑫 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆'𝒔 𝟮𝟮𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕! Join CHH on September 14 at Twin Hills Country Club, for a great day of golf and fun at one of the region’s premier charity golf tournaments. All foursome opportunities are structured as sponsorships. Click here to register today: https://lnkd.in/ekkiMDMP From VIP perks for top sponsors to a day of fun and golf for all, you are making a significant impact in the lives of those in our community affected by cancer. Learn more at chd.org/golfingforhope.

Foster parents offer a safe, stable home environment to help children find a sense of normalcy as they develop life skills. Our foster parents make a world of difference for foster youth, and at CHD, they’re fully supported by our dedicated caseworkers and homefinders along the way. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ef_w-cpY. #fostercare #fosterlove #fosterparents #NationalFosterCareMonth

Communications Specialist Brian Fitzgerald (center in photo) is one of our Employees of the Month! According to the nomination, “Brian continues to impress with the way he shows up for our programs. When he comes out to events, it’s never just about taking a few photos and heading out the door. He stays. He listens. He engages. He takes the time to truly get to know the individuals we support and the staff who serve them. He introduces himself, makes meaningful connections, and ensures that the stories he shares on social media or in The Pulse newsletter are thoughtful, respectful, and authentic. You can see the intention behind his work—the way he captures not just images, but moments, pride, joy, and community.” Pictured are (L-R) Vice President of Community Engagement Ben Craft, Director of Marketing and Service Growth Lisa Brecher, Fitzgerald, Fundraising & Events Specialist Kristin Sleeper, and Cancer House of Hope Program Director Margaret Toomey.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Meet Nicole Albano, who has been receiving services from CHD’s Park Street Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in West Springfield. Albano has Wilson disease, a rare genetic condition, which caused dystonia, a movement disorder where involuntary muscle contractions affect various parts of the body. “I don’t let my medical condition control my life, and even though it is a big part of my life, it doesn’t define me,” she said. She has found comfort telling her story to others, and that has included writing a book about her experience. “I hope I can help people with depression and anxiety,” she said. “I think a lot of people aren’t getting the help they need. They keep it all to themselves. So, if I can help someone, why not share it?” Read more at https://lnkd.in/eFV6reGP. #mentalhealthawarenessmoth #mentalhealthawarenessmoth2026

May is National Foster Care Month! CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. There will be virtual information sessions on Wednesday, May 13, Wednesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 27 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. These sessions will help prospective volunteers learn more about the role in advance of the program’s next round of training. The program works with Springfield and Holyoke Juvenile Courts—through one-on-one advocacy—to improve stability, opportunities, and permanency outcomes for children in foster care. Read more and register for an info session at https://lnkd.in/eSzk29qc. #fostercaresupport #FosterCareYouth #fostercare