Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The MMA Human Services Council will host its first program meeting of the year in-person on Thursday, April 28, at the Forbes Municipal Building at 45 West Main St. in Westborough.
The meeting will feature a presentation by UMass Amherst economist Marta Vicarelli about a recently released research report from the UMass School of Public Policy, “Impacts of COVID-19: A Survey of Massachusetts Households.” The research found that Massachusetts households experienced significant effects on income and careers, child care and educational outcomes, and mental and physical health during the pandemic’s first year.
Following the presentation, a panel of local human services professionals will discuss creative ways that municipalities are looking to use ARPA funds to address some of the socioeconomic challenges detailed in the UMass report.
The cost to attend the meeting, which includes breakfast and a morning snack, is $25 for HSC members and $30 for nonmembers. (Anyone who has not paid their HSC FY22 dues by April 27 will be charged the nonmember rate.) Payment can be made by cash or check at the meeting, and checks should be made out to MMA HSC. Payment can also be mailed to Acton Town Hall, ℅ Laura Ducharme, 472 Main St., Acton, MA 01720. Those who register online will receive a confirmation email that says a zero balance is due. Please ignore this automated response; it is incorrect and cannot be changed.
Due to COVID, attendees of this in-person meeting will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated (card, photo of card or QR code) on the day of the event. (Religious or medical exemptions are allowed with a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.) Masks are optional. These safety protocols are subject to change based on the latest public health data and guidance.
9:30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast and Registration
10 a.m.
Impacts of COVID-19: A Survey of Massachusetts Households
• Marta Vicarelli, Assistant Professor, UMass Amherst Department of Economics and School of Public Policy
11 a.m.
Municipal Approaches to Addressing Socioeconomic Impacts of COVID-19
• Anthony Serio, LCSW, Assistant Director of Youth and Family Services, Lexington
• Andrea Egmont, Director of Youth and Recreational Services, Newburyport
Additional panelists to be announced.
12:30 p.m.
Closing
Location
Forbes Municipal Building Great Hall, 45 West Main St., Westborough
Contact
MMA Senior Member Services Coordinator Isabelle Nichols, inichols@mma.org
MMA Human Services Council