The Caring Force Returning to Westfield for Third Annual Rally on Sept. 18

WESTFIELD — The Caring Force, the grassroots advocacy initiative of the Dorchester-based Providers’ Council, will host a Western Mass. rally on Friday, Sept. 18 at Westfield State University’s Scanlon Hall, bringing together more than 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, the Brien Center, the Center for Human Development, Gándara Center, JRI, Key Program Inc., MHA Inc., River Valley Counseling Center, Riverside Industries Inc., ServiceNet, UCP of Western Massachusetts, 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 a panel of state legislators from the Western Mass. delegation and connect with fellow advocates.

Doors open and networking begins at 9 a.m., followed by the speaking program at 10 a.m. Parking is available across the street from 715 Western Ave., Westfield. Signage will direct attendees to the parking lot. Click here to RSVP.