Gandara Center

06/17/2026

Chicopee Support & Stabilization's Juneteenth celebration was filled with great food, fellowship, and history. Thank you to all who attended!

06/17/2026

We’re excited to share the official commercial for the Mindful Miles 5K.

A special thank you to our Premier Presenting Sponsor, Westfield Bank, for partnering with us and joining us on screen. Their support helps bring greater awareness to the importance of mental health and wellness in our community.

We are also grateful to WWLP-22News, our Media Sponsor, for helping us spread the word. Keep an eye out for our commercial airing throughout the season and watch for upcoming appearances on Mass Appeal as we continue building excitement for this year’s event.

Partnerships like these help make a lasting impact, and we are thankful for everyone helping us move this mission forward.

Join us on Saturday, August 15, at Forest Park for the 2026 Mindful Miles 5K. Every step supports mental health and wellness in our community.
Register today: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116759/mindful-miles-5k

06/17/2026

🎉 Don’t forget! Our Juneteenth Celebration is this Thursday at Stanley Park! 🎉

Come celebrate freedom, culture, and community with us!

🌟 FREE food
🎵 Live DJ
📚 An educational experience to learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth

📅 Thursday, June 18
📍 Stanley Park

Bring your family and friends and join us for a day of fun, celebration, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! ❤️🖤💚

06/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Lisa Hill to the Gándara Center team.

Lisa joins our Fiscal Department as a Senior Financial Analyst and brings valuable experience, dedication, and a commitment to supporting our mission. We are excited to have her as part of the Gándara family and look forward to the contributions she will make in support of the individuals, families, and communities we serve.

Welcome to Gándara, Lisa. We are glad you're here.

06/15/2026

Last Friday, Western Mass Substance Addiction Providers Association (WMSAPA) held its annual luncheon. Gándara had a large presence at the event and there was a lot to celebrate.

Charles DiRosa, Program Director at Valor recovery Center nominated Nicolas Alicea, Program Director of Hope for Holyoke for the Mike Donohoe Award. Nico was selected as one of two award receipts. The Mike Donohoe award goes to someone who is presently in recovery and doing well. They have to had completed one Western Mass treatment programs and presently be working in the field. Charles shared his heart warming nomination and Nico gave an inspirational speech about his journey.

Jennifer Glenowicz, lead case manager at GRSW was nominated by Jennifer Barnaby of DCF for outstanding service. This award is given to someone presently working in the field. Jen Barnaby shared about the passion she witnessed within Jenny with regards to working with moms and babies. Jen brought the plan of safe care to Western Ma only a few years ago and Jenny has embraced it and DCF in being a collaborative partner.

It was truly an amazing day to and proud to be a part of the wonderful and impactful working happening in Western MA as well as Gándara.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day!

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

"Reduce the Noise, Hear Our Voices"

What an inspiring evening at the Youth Prevention of Problem Gambling Photovoice Exhibition hosted by Gándara Center.

Through powerful photos and personal stories, local youth shared their experiences and perspectives on preventing problem gambling and underage gambling. Their courage, creativity, and honesty made for a truly impactful event.

Thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for funding this project and to everyone who joined us in support. A special thank you to Priscilla Martinez Munoz for her leadership in creating such a meaningful experience.

The youth voices were the heart of the evening, reminding us of the power of storytelling, prevention, and community.

06/09/2026

Today, we celebrated a remarkable woman and an extraordinary career.

As Ana begins her well-earned retirement, we spent time reflecting on the many lives she has touched throughout her years at Gándara Center. From hearing Lois share stories about the early beginnings of their friendship and professional journey together, to Ana's sons expressing their love, admiration, and gratitude, the evening was filled with heartfelt moments that reminded us all of the impact one person can have.

We laughed, reminisced, shared stories, and listened as Ana reflected on what she will miss most. Not the titles or the responsibilities, but the people, the relationships, and the sense of purpose that comes from serving others.

Ana's kindness, leadership, wisdom, and dedication have left a lasting mark on our organization and on all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.

Thank you, Ana, for your years of service, your unwavering commitment, and the countless ways you have made Gándara Center stronger. We wish you happiness, good health, new adventures, and every blessing as you begin this next chapter.

Happy Retirement, Ana. You will always be part of the Gándara family.

06/09/2026

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. At Gándara Center, we recognize that affirming, inclusive, and culturally responsive care plays a vital role in supporting mental health and well-being. During Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating safe spaces where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We celebrate diversity, promote equity, and stand alongside LGBTQIA+ individuals in fostering healthy, thriving communities.