Gandara Center

On Saturday, Jennifer White represented Gándara Center at the Simply the Best 3v3 Basketball Tournament in Springfield, where youth from across the 413 came together for a day of teamwork, competition, and community.

As a proud event sponsor, Gándara was honored to support this incredible tournament, which provided local youth ages 12–16 with a positive space to build confidence, showcase their talents, and connect with mentors and peers. From exciting games and halftime entertainment to food, prizes, and community resources, the event was a true celebration of our young people.

A heartfelt thank you to Sasha Clark and Kissa Owens for representing our agency and sharing the life-changing impact of foster care. During the interview, they highlighted inspiring success stories and emphasized the ongoing need for compassionate individuals and families to open their hearts and homes to children and youth in need.

If you or someone you know are a foster parent, or thinking of becoming one, you don’t have to do it alone! @gandaracenter is there to help foster parents just as much as their children. Sasha Clark shares her experience watching growth at @gandaracenter 🙌🏼 #Gandarafostercare #theq997 #hope

August is Black Business Month!
Black-owned businesses are essential to building vibrant communities, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and expanding economic opportunity.
This month, we celebrate the entrepreneurs whose vision, resilience, and leadership continue to make a lasting impact. Supporting Black-owned businesses isn't just about making a purchase; it's about investing in stronger local economies and more equitable communities.
Join us in recognizing and supporting Black-owned businesses throughout August and beyond.

Today, CEO Lois Nesci, Uduak Enyiema, and Amanda Lesnick were honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating Friends of the Homeless' new permanent supportive housing units on Worthington Street for adults experiencing homelessness.

Congratulations to Friends of the Homeless on this important milestone. Expanding access to safe, stable housing is a meaningful step toward strengthening our community and supporting individuals on their journey to stability, wellness, and hope.

We are grateful to celebrate this achievement alongside our community partners and look forward to the positive impact these new homes will have for years to come.

Today, the Westfield Family Resource Center had the pleasure of welcoming Gándara Center CEO, Lois Nesci.

It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, share the important work happening at the Center, and highlight the incredible impact our team is making in the lives of children, families, and our community every day.

Thank you, Lois, for taking the time to visit, listen, and support the meaningful work of our dedicated staff. Your presence and encouragement are truly appreciated.

@topfans
https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116759/mindful-miles-5k

Today, our Comprehensive Foster Care Program was featured on Q99.7 FM with On-Air DJ Jazmynne!

A heartfelt thank you to Sasha Clark and Kissa Owens for representing our agency and sharing the life-changing impact of foster care. During the interview, they highlighted inspiring success stories and emphasized the ongoing need for compassionate individuals and families to open their hearts and homes to children and youth in need.

Every child deserves a safe, supportive, and loving environment where they can grow, heal, and thrive. By becoming a foster parent, you have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child's life.

Interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent? Call our Comprehensive Foster Care Program at (413) 296-6187. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Thank you, Q99.7 FM and On-Air DJ Jazmynne, for helping us raise awareness and inspire others to answer the call.

Thank you to Enrique Vargas, Emily English, Emily Matney, and Damaris Pérez Pizarro for representing the organization at the Convoy of Hope event at the Big E on Saturday, July 18!

It was a wonderful day connecting with members of our community and partnering with many other organizations from across Western Massachusetts that are committed to supporting individuals and families. Events like these strengthen community connections, increase awareness of available resources, and remind us of the power of working together.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table—we're grateful for the opportunity to share our mission and connect with you!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining Bill Trudeau, Senior Vice President at HUB International, on Mass Appeal to talk about the 12th Annual Mindful Miles 5K Run/Walk. As our Presenting Sponsor, HUB International continues to help make this event possible.

Mindful Miles brings our community together to support mental health and recovery services across Massachusetts. Every sponsor, participant, volunteer, and community partner plays a part in that impact. Thank you for standing with Gándara Center.

This year, we're excited to welcome everyone to Forest Park as we celebrate our theme, On the Road to Our Golden Jubilee, leading us toward Gándara Center's 50th anniversary in 2027.

Watch the interview here: https://www.wwlp.com/video/mass-appeal-the-g%c3%a1ndara-center-mindful-miles-5k/11966219/

Join us on Saturday, August 15. Run. Walk. Volunteer. Cheer us on. Every step helps strengthen our community.