Hampden County Sheriff’s Workforce Initiative

09/28/2026

Workforce just finished this upholstery job for a local customer. We were contacted and asked if we’d help this elderly couple return their dining room chairs to the original look. Of course we said yes knowing our staff and participants had decades of experience in upholstery and never say no to folks in need. Feel free to reach out to us for your upholstery needs at (413)439-7460 or visit our website at https://workforce-initiative.org .

09/17/2026

Looking to get some embroidered apparel done for your team, nonprofit, charity, guys/girls trip, small business, etc? The Workforce has decades of embroidery experience and is a work training program located in Springfield’s Indian Orchard Mills. From no minimum to commercial subcontract work, look at the pictures of our samples and call us with any questions at (413)439-7460 or visit our website at https://workforce-initiative.org .

09/17/2026

What a great day today! From the weather to the company to the cause, Saluting Branches, volunteering tree work at the veterans cemetery in Agawam. The Sheriff’s Workforce and the Arbor Apprenticeship program were glad to spend the day trimming and taking down trees to provide a safe space for friends and family visiting their loved veterans. We were also glad to work alongside several area tree companies such as Arbor Tech, ArborMax, East Meadow and others. Working alongside potential employers gives our apprentices and participants a chance to showcase their skills attained in our program and hopefully lead to successful employment opportunities down the road. You know things went well when you feel you gave back and look forward to next years Saluting Branches event.

09/13/2026

Looking forward to supporting Sheriffs Workforce architect Rich Devine and other celebrity bartenders raise money for Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program on September 24th at Nathan Bill's Bar&Restaurant. Hope to see you there to raising a glass to addressing Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Join us Thursday, September 24th at Nathan Bill's Bar&Restaurant from 5:30–8:30 PM for a fun, philanthropic night! We are raising funds to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Why it Matters:
Social day programs, like those offered at Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program, create a warm, welcoming environment where individuals can receive professional care while staying in a comforting home setting. This approach not only enriches the lives of those with dementia but also provides essential respite for caregivers.

Join our celebrity bartenders and us as we build a supportive community that understands and values the challenges faced by those affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

09/02/2026

“It’s a major award!” A big shout out to our Sheriffs Workforce board member Denise Jordan and staff member Denise Kelcey on receiving the Age of Excellence award from Glenmeadow this evening. These two women give so much to the Workforce, their community and seniors honored to work with them and privileged to say thank you.

08/30/2026

Tomorrow is Overdose Awareness Day.

Tomorrow, the Michael J. Dias Foundation will wear purple to remember the lives lost to addiction and overdose, honor the families who carry that loss, and stand in support of those fighting for recovery.

But awareness has to lead to action.

We are just $100,000 away from opening the doors to our first women’s sober home.

Tomorrow, we’ll be asking our community to help us take another step toward making that dream a reality.

Because recovery needs a place to begin. 💜

Please wear purple with us tomorrow, share this post, and help us spread hope.

Donate- https://app.fluidpay.com/spp/MJ-Dias

08/27/2026

Yesterday the legislature toured the Sheriffs woman’s facility in Chicopee. The Workforce would like to give a big shoutout to our woman’s industries instructor Elaine P and woman’s food services instructor Elaine A on the great work they do preparing the workers in their areas for returning to and contributing to the community and supporting their families. Thank you.

08/26/2026

After picking up needles in some of Springfield’s parks there’s nothing better then puppy kisses from Maggie during our lunch break. Maggie is one of the Sheriff’s emotional support dogs that travels with her handler Pat between Department sites to visit staff and inmates as well as events in the community and area schools.

08/18/2026

Great morning assisting the Michael J Dias Foundation prepare their new women’s house in the Orchard. This is such a great organization that helps so many men and women in recovery and in our community. The Sheriff’s Workforce is glad to be a community partner of there’s and wishes them and their participants nothing but success.

08/05/2026

Justin is another one of our Sheriffs Workforce participants. We couldn’t be more happy and proud for him and his success given his hard work and dedication. We wish you and your family nothing but the best and positivity. And last a big thank you to the Michael J Dias on the great work you do. Our program is proud to work with you.