MHA (Mental Health Association)

Yesterday, we proudly hosted our 11th Annual Mental Health Awareness Month Conference at our headquarters in Chicopee. This year’s theme, The Work & the Well-Being, explored how mental health intersects with work and daily life through workshops centered on mindfulness, resilience, creativity, self-care, and connection. Participants were encouraged to reflect, recharge, prioritize intentional well-being, and strengthen how they support themselves and one another in both work and life. We were honored to welcome keynote speaker Jackie Lightner, LICSW, MSW , RYT 200, CEO/Managing Partner of LightWork Therapy and Recovery, whose insights sparked meaningful dialogue around healing, resilience, and emotional wellness. The conference also featured workshops led by MHA staff, offering space to learn, engage, and connect throughout the day. Thank you to our Conference Committee, workshop facilitators, guest speakers, and everyone who attended and helped make this event so meaningful. Together, we continue leading with empathy while strengthening our community through awareness, support, and care. 💚 #MentalHealthAwareness #NMHAM2026

🎓 Congratulations, graduates! 🎓 Your degree is just the beginning—now it’s time to put it to work. Start a career with purpose at MHA and make a real difference in your community every day. If you’re ready for meaningful work where you can grow, support others, and build your future, we want to hear from you. Explore open positions and apply today: https://lnkd.in/ey6GUymi

We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community—everyone deserves to live authentically, safely, and free from discrimination or violence. MHA is proud to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals and remains committed to advancing equality, acceptance, and dignity for all. #IDAHOTB #TransRightsAreHumanRights

We’re thrilled to congratulate Gandara Center on the opening of Hermanas del Río (“Sisters of the River”), their new recovery program for women in South Hadley. Inspired by the river across the street, the program’s name symbolizes resilience, healing, and the power of support and sisterhood. Congratulations to Lois Nesci, President and CEO of Gandara, and her entire team for bringing this vital resource to our community. MHA is proud to support their mission and celebrate this meaningful milestone.💜

May is #StrokeAwarenessMonth 🧠 Having a stroke can lead to a series of lifelong complications or be potentially fatal, so it is crucial that we recognize the signs of a stroke. Remember this acronym: F.A.S.T. 🧠 🧠 Face droops 💪 Arm weakness 🗣️ Speech difficulty ⏱️ Time is critical MHA’s New Way program offers residential programming for individuals with acquired brain injuries, such as stroke survivors. We also offer a Day Service program at our Resource Center that supports individuals in meeting their personal goals, including returning to work, regaining their ability to walk, or improving attention, memory, and language. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ePd6Hphg https://lnkd.in/dsd8HbSJ

Today, over a dozen of our MHA staff members made their way to Beacon Hill to join hundreds of human services workers and advocates at the 14th Annual The Caring Force State House Rally & Lobby Day in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House. Together, we advocated for a livable wage for human services workers (S.130/H.223) and expanded student loan repayment—critical investments in the workforce that provides essential mental health and human services across Massachusetts. We are proud to stand alongside advocates from across the Commonwealth in support of those who dedicate their careers to caring for others. 💙 #TheCaringForce #AdvocacyInAction #MentalHealthMatters #HumanServices

We had an incredible time at the first Western Massachusetts EmpowerHER Recovery Conference at Greenfield Community College last week. 💜 The conference created a safe, healing, and empowering space centered on holistic recovery, connection, and community. Participants courageously shared their stories, reinforcing the importance of staying connected and continuing to break the stigma surrounding recovery. At MHA, we believe in that same mission — fostering connection, providing support, and reminding individuals that recovery is possible and no one has to navigate the journey alone. Through the collaboration of the courts, probation, and dedicated community partners, one message stood above the rest: recovery is possible. #EmpowerHER #RecoveryIsPossible #BreakingTheStigma #CommunitySupport

🌺 May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our communities and society. Please join MHA in celebrating and honoring the invaluable contributions that #AAPI communities have made to our Nation’s culture and the arts, law, science and technology, sports and public service. To learn more visit https://lnkd.in/gDSnvdS #AAPIHeritageMonth #CelebrateDiversity

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing women who have shaped us, inspired us, and love us unconditionally! 🌸 Today, we celebrate the love, strength, and endless sacrifices you make every day. 💖

We had an amazing Spring Fling cookout at our Chicopee headquarters to kick off the season with great food and even better company 🌷☀️ At MHA, we foster connection and community—not just within our programs, but also across our staff family. It was a wonderful way to welcome spring, and we’re feeling energized for all that’s ahead. Here’s to a season of continued growth, connection, and impact together.