Summary

<h2><strong>Friday, September 18, 2026 |&nbsp;Westfield State University</strong></h2> <h2><strong>Event address: Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, Westfield, Massachusetts&nbsp;</strong></h2> <h3>For your GPS, <strong>use 715 Western Ave, Westfield, MA, 01085.</strong></h3> <h3>It will bring you to the Catherine Dower Center. The South Parking lot is directly across from the Center. Signs will be posted there.</h3> <h3><strong>Arrival:</strong>&nbsp;9:00&nbsp;- 9:30 AM</h3> <h3><strong>Event start time:</strong>&nbsp;10:00 AM&nbsp;</h3> <h5>The Caring Force is back for a third year at&nbsp;Westfield State University&nbsp;to demand increased funding and fair wages for human services workers &mdash; this upcoming event will once again unite the sector to raise our voices together.</h5> <h5>We'll begin with a light breakfast, followed by remarks from human services workers and the people we serve, then you'll have the opportunity to speak with legislators and network with fellow attendees.&nbsp;</h5> <h3>Our Legislative&nbsp;Priorities:&nbsp;</h3> <h4><strong><a href="https://providers.org/bill/livable-wage-for-human-service-workers/">S.130 | H.223</a>&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; An act relative to a livable wage for human services workers.</h4> <h4><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://providers.org/bill/loan-repayment-program/">S.119 | H.283</a></span>&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; An act relative to a loan repayment program for human services workers&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4> <h3>Thank you to&nbsp;18 Degrees, BFAIR, Gandara Center, JRI, Key Program, MHA Inc, ServiceNet, UCP of Western MA, and Viability for sponsoring this rally.</h3>