MLKFS

2025 Social Justice Awards
2025-10-18 12:00 UTC | Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow, MA, 01106, United States
2025 MLKFS Annual Social Justice Awards
SAVE-THE-DATE and Purchase YOUR Tickets Today!
Saturday, October 18, 2025, Noon at Twin Hills Country Club
Championing Social Justice Together
“We are determined…to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Justice thrives when we take action. How will you stand for social change?
Sponsorships available. Let us put the spotlight on you!
Learn more about attending & supporting our 2025 Social Justice Awards at our event web page.

Food & Wellness Fair
2025-11-20 08:00 - 12:00 | MLK Jr. Family Services Community Center, 106 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
Join Us for the Food & Wellness Fair!
As we witness rising pantry needs, especially with our dwindling USDA food supplies and SNAP benefits paused, many families are struggling to access the nutritious food they need. This fair is a vital opportunity to support our community!
This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Made possible by the partnership support of Baystate Health and the UMass Chan Medical School.
What to Expect:
Cooking Demonstrations
Resources from Local Health Organizations including:
New North Citizens Council
Greater Springfield Senior Services
Caring Health Center
The Performance Project
Salvation Army
Born Free
Tapestry health

Engagement with UMass Medical School Students
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: MLK Jr. Family Services Food Pantry, 3 Rutland St, Springfield, MA 01109
Together, we can ensure our neighbors have access to the nutritious food and resources they deserve.

Lunch Fundraiser at LugNutz Café: Shannon As the Guest Chef
2025-11-20 11:30 - 13:30 | Marcotte Ford, LugNutz Cafe, 1025 Main St., Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Join Us for a Special Lunch at LugNutz Café: Panini’s For our Pantry!
We’re thrilled to announce that on Thursday, November 20th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, our guest chef, Shannon M. Rudder, MBA, President & CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, will be serving a delicious Buffalo Chicken Panini!
For every order placed during lunch, LugNutz will donate **$2** to Shannon’s charity of choice, supporting Emergency Food Pantry of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services.
Come enjoy a great meal for a great cause! All menu items will be available. We can’t wait to see you there.

Panel Discussion on Why HBCU’s Matter
2025-11-22 11:00 - 14:00 | MLK Jr. Family Services Community Center, 106 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
Join us for an enlightening Panel Discussion on Why HBCUs Matter, hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services HBCU Experience Committee.
This engaging event will feature a lineup of HBCU graduates sharing their unique experiences and insights about attending HBCU’s.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Community Center, 3 Rutland Street, Springfield, MA 01109
FREE to attend
In addition to the personal stories from our panelists, we will discuss the 2026 HBCU Tour itinerary and upcoming workshops designed to empower and inform prospective students. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the rich history and vibrant culture of HBCUs, and how they can shape your educational journey.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, don’t miss this chance to connect and engage with our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

3rd Annual DYS Holiday Tree Jubilee!
2025-11-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA, 01115, United States
Join Us for the 3rd Annual DYS Holiday Tree Jubilee!
New Location, Same Magical Partners!
We are excited to partner again with DYS to bring the magic of the season to our youth and families.
This year’s festivities will be held at Tower Square, 1500 Main St, Springfield on Tuesday, November 25th, from 5 PM to 8 PM! CHD’s Community Services Network (formerly the Adolescent Re-Entry Program) is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS), Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services,and Give Music for a special event this holiday season to bring you an unforgettable evening that is FREE and open to the public.
Enjoy a free raffle featuring over 100 beautifully decorated holiday trees. This event helps individuals and families, especially those experiencing financial hardship, share in the joy of the season with a festive tree of their own.
Event Highlights:
– Free entry
– Decorated tree raffle
– Live performances
– Photos with Santa
– Letters to Santa
– Cookie decorating
– Face painting
Bring your family and friends for a night of fun, community spirit, and holiday cheer! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Interested in Donating a Tree?
Would you and your family, your work family or your church family like to donate a fully decorated tree? Tree themes encouraged with gift cards and or gifts as part of the theme. Support a local business when you purchase and support a local family when you donate your tree to the Jubilee
Can’t Buy a Tree But Want to Contribute to the Wish List?
Jubilee Tree Wish List Here

MLK DAY 2026!
2026-01-19 12:30 - 16:00 | MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
MLK Day is January 19, 2026!

Each year, as we gather to honor the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the life, legacy and unshakeable moral leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme, “Restoring Justice. Reclaiming the Dream.,” invites us all to rise together in a moment when Dr. King’s vision urgently calls for renewed commitment, courage, and collective action.

The MLK Day Collaborative invites you to “MLK Day 2026: Restoring Justice. Reclaiming the Dream.” On Monday, January 19, 2026 at the MassMutual Center for an Arts & Wellness Expo from 12:30pm to 2:00pm with the program beginning at 2:00pm.
12:30 – 2:00pm – Arts & Wellness Expo, MassMutual Center
2:00 – 4:00pm – MLK Day Program, MassMutual Center
All are welcome as we open the doors of the MassMutual Center to the public at 12:30pm with artistic expressions, exhibitions, and vendors in the lobby entrance followed by an awe-inspiring, purpose driven program where over 800 youth and supporting adult participants will manifest our theme through inspiring spoken word, dance & music presentations featuring: MLK Charter School of Excellence, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services’ Youth & Clemente Program, Community Music School of Springfield’s Sonido Musica, String City Festival Orchestra, Springfield CommUnity Chorale, Children’s Chorus of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools students, and more.
The MLK Day Collaborative is comprised of the following organizations: ​City of Springfield, Community Music School of Springfield, D.R.E.A.M. Studios,​ FOCUS Springfield, Inclusive Strategies, Legacy Sounds, ​Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Martin Luther King Jr., Charter School of Excellence, ​NAACP of Springfield, Parent Villages, Springfield College, Springfield Public Schools, ​Springfield Cultural Council, Springfield Cultural Partnership, Trust Transfer Project, Urban League of Springfield, and Inclusive Strategies, who are all working in unity together to ensure this is a memorable community experience.
This collaboration demonstrates the power of coming together, transcending boundaries, and working toward the common goal of justice with and for our Beloved Community. Let’s demonstrate the power of empowering youth leadership, amplifying community voices, and sustaining the momentum of Dr. King’s dream in our region. Together, we reclaim the Dream!
This is a free event and open to the public.

Right now, hope alone isn’t enough. Action is required.
This is our moment to step forward as the Living Legacies of Dr. King—to confront what’s broken, amplify what’s possible, and push the moral arc with intention and power.

Join us at the events that will shape this year’s MLK Day and the next chapter of our movement:

Thursday, January 15 | 7:00 PM – Annual MLK Worship Celebration Service, hosted by the Pastors’ Council of Greater Springfield

Friday, January 16 | 11:00 AM – NAACP Annual Flag Raising at City Hall

Saturday, January 17 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, Wesley United Methodist Church

Saturday, January 17 – Springfield Symphony Orchestra MLK Day Concert featuring MoTown & The Philly Sound

Sunday, January 18 – MLK Presbyterian Church Weekly Fellowship

Monday, January 19 – MLK Day Celebration at the MassMutual Center
Theme: “Restoring Justice. Reclaiming the Dream.” Our call to do the work—now.

For inquiries, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org.

MLKFS GIVE$ Day - June 3, 2026
2026-06-03
Announcing Our
MLKFS GIVE$ DAY!
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 All Day Online Giving Event!
Presented by PeoplesBank
Every dollar raised through MLKFS GIVE$ Day directly sustains our inter-generational programs that meet children, families, and community members where they are — from STEAM to Social Emotional Learning and food access to mental health support, and economic opportunity.
Over the next few weeks you will be showered with love from our MLKFS family and champions who will share what MLKFS GIVES to them.
A true celebration of our purpose, inspiring YOU to give and share our mission with others.
When you GIVE, MLKFS GIVE$
MLKFS GIVE$ Day is our all‑day online giving event, but you don’t have to wait — the portal is open right now. Mailing a check instead? Just note MLKFS GIVE$ Day in the memo line.
GIVE HERE!
Topping off our MLKFS GIVE$ Day with our friends at White Lion Brewing!

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 4:30-6:30pm
Give whatever amount makes you feel good, share with friends and neighbors, and make it a day to celebrate Beloved Community in the 4‑1‑3.
Enjoy a community celebration – special celebratory cocktail, nibbles, DJ, raffle, and a whole lot of gratitude as we gather in joy and purpose.
A portion of beverage proceeds will go to MLKFS GIVE$ Day!
Then head on over to PrideLands on Mane Street and keep the party going with live music.
Give inside. Shine outside! One night and two ways to celebrate the Beloved Community is alive in Springfield!
Become a sponsor. Get your shine while shining on others.
Inspiring MLKFS GIVE$ Day sponsorships available!
Send any inquiries to Claudia Pazmany
