Freedom Credit Union collecting donations for Griffin’s Friends

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations through March 30 to benefit Griffin’s Friends, a volunteer-led group dedicated to providing relief and support to children with cancer and their families.

“This is a cause we support annually because it is near and dear to the hearts of our members and staff,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said in a statement. “Griffin’s Friends is committed to helping ease the hardships of children in treatment for cancer, and the families who love and support them.”

All funds raised throughout the March Month of Giving campaign will benefit the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation Inc.

Established in 1994, Griffin’s Friends is named for Griffin D. Kelleher who died from cancer when he was 14 months old. This fund is his legacy, supporting children in treatment for cancer and their families by providing small acts of kindness. Examples include trips to stage performances and sporting events; in-hospital and outpatient entertainment; massage therapy; and activities such as art, computers and games.

“We encourage our employees, members and community to donate to this worthy cause at any Freedom branch this month,” Welch said. “Together, we can help ease the all-consuming burden of a child’s cancer diagnosis for local families by providing them with moments of comfort and happiness.”

Freedom Credit Union has branches across western Massachusetts, including in Greenfield and Turners Falls.

Reed to direct ServiceNet’s Wellness Program

NORTHAMPTON — ServiceNet has appointed Megan Reed as director of its Wellness Program, a new venture that will be for adults receiving services through ServiceNet’s outpatient clinics.

After completing her undergraduate degree in studio art at Wooster College in Ohio, Reed moved east to Smith College where she earned her master’s degree in exercise science and sports studies in 2009.

“When I first got to Smith, I thought I wanted to be a college lacrosse coach and teach art,” Reed recounted. “But as I got more into the science of it, I realized that I wanted to help people in a different way.”

Reed went on to work as a private trainer for people with a range of wellness goals, from college athletes to retirees, including those with chronic pain, autoimmune diseases and other health challenges.

“Through ServiceNet’s Wellness Program, I will be bringing all that experience into play,” she noted, “helping participants identify activities that are pleasing, rewarding, that make them curious to know more and that inspire them to keep going.”

For more information about ServiceNet’s Wellness Program, email wellness@servicenet.org or call 413-588-4522.