MassHire receives $500K to train older adults in health care roles
SPRINGFIELD — MassHire Franklin Hampshire (MHFH) has been awarded $500,000 to launch the Rural Workforce Healthcare Training Program for Older Adults, an innovative effort designed to address health care workforce shortages across rural Franklin and Hampshire counties by training and employing adults aged 55 and older in entry-level health care office roles such as patient representative, medical secretary and receptionist.
The grant is one of $7.4 million announced recently by the Healey-Driscoll administration for 16 initiatives across Massachusetts as part of the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants. The grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation through the state’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund.
The program will operate from November 2025 through 2028, in partnership with LifePath, the region’s federally qualified health centers, and other employer partners including Community Health Center of Franklin County, Hilltown Community Health Center, Valley Medical Group and additional employers to be announced.
Participants will complete a six-week, full-time (30 hours/week) paid training that blends technical instruction and hands-on experience.
MassHire Franklin Hampshire will deliver core work-readiness, digital literacy, OSHA 10, and customer-service training. LifePath will provide coursework in medical terminology, insurance basics, HIPAA, and infection control. Partner health centers will offer electronic health record training and on-the-job practice.
Support services will include bi-weekly career coaching, transportation stipends, and peer cohort activities, ensuring participants are supported through training and transition into permanent employment. Over three years, 50 older adults will complete the program, gaining new skills and stable jobs in the local healthcare sector.
Colonial Carpentry adds consultant, production manager
SOUTH HADLEY — Colonial Carpentry Innovations Inc. has announced that Jason Urban has joined the company as consultant and production manager.
Urban brings more than 20 years of experience in cabinetry design, leadership and home improvement. He is recognized for his organization, communication and commitment to quality, perfectly aligning with the core principles of craftsmanship and integrity that define Colonial Carpentry Innovations.
Before joining CCI, Urban spent years with Michael Humphries Woodworking, collaborating with architects, builders, and homeowners to bring custom projects to life. Prior to this role, he served clients throughout western Massachusetts with rk MILES, earning a reputation for reliability and care in every stage of a project.
A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Urban received the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. His military background helped shape his leadership, teamwork and problem-solving approach — qualities he now brings to CCI’s growing operation.
D. Hotel completes renovations to modernize
HOLYOKE — The D. Hotel & Suites, a 60-room boutique hotel located on the grounds of The Delaney House, has completed a series of renovations designed to enhance comfort, security, and style for its guests. The project, which began in January 2025 and concluded recently, brings a fresh, modern feel to the property while preserving its boutique charm.
The extensive updates include a reimagined breakfast area, providing guests with a welcoming and contemporary space to start their day. The hotel’s lobby has also been redesigned, creating a brighter and more inviting first impression for both leisure and business travelers.
Guest rooms and hallways received significant improvements as well. Most rooms now feature new flooring, updated fixtures, modern furniture, and fresh paint.
As part of the renovations, the D. Hotel also invested in upgraded door lock technology, providing guests with an added layer of security. The integration of these modern systems reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to guest safety and convenience.
In addition to the hotel renovations, the property’s on-site D. Hotel Spa continues to offer a full range of services, including massages, facials and body treatments.
Conveniently located next to The Delaney House, an iconic restaurant, wedding, and event venue, the D. Hotel continues to serve as a destination.
bankESB sponsors hospital’s golf tournament
NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s annual Golf FORE Health Tournament recently received a $10,000 sponsorship from bankESB.
The tournament, which was held on Sept. 16 at The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, brought together businesses, community leaders, and supporters for a day of golf, camaraderie, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Cooley Dickinson Hospital, helping to ensure patients in Hampshire and surrounding counties have access to high-quality, compassionate care.
This year’s tournament funded programs that enhance patient services, expand access to advanced treatments, and strengthen Cooley Dickinson’s commitment to community health and wellness.
The sponsorship was made through the bank’s community giving initiative, The Giving Tree.
CSO committee lauded for work
FRAMINGHAM — The CSO Best Practices Committee of Northampton-based Clinical & Support Options Inc. was recently honored by the Association for Behavioral Healthcare (ABH) with one of its Salute to Excellence Awards. ABH is a statewide nonprofit organization representing over 80 community-based behavioral healthcare providers.
Since 2013, the CSO Best Practices Committee has driven innovations in care, integration of new models, and sustainability of high-quality treatment through robust evaluation and collaboration to achieve extraordinary outcomes for the individuals served by CSO.
By continuously analyzing program outcomes and service delivery data, the committee remains agile in addressing evolving community needs while staying firmly grounded in best practice standards. The team’s success is evidenced by statistically significant outcome improvements among children and youth served, as identified by independent evaluators.