Berkshire Residents Who "Fall Through The Cracks"11:31AM / Thursday, September 03, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. - The Cross Cultural Action Network (CCAN) will feature a panel discussion entitled "Falling Through the Cracks" at their next forum on Thursday, Sept 17 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 88 South Street, Pittsfield.
The forum is designed to address the impact of our economic crisis as more and more Berkshire County residents are just one bill away from financial disaster. An unexpected medical expense or an increase in fuel prices often means someone cannot pay their rent or buy food that month. Minorities, immigrants and refugees are even more vulnerable than other citizens, because they do not always meet traditional guidelines for services, do not know how to seek those services, and sometimes are unable to ask for help due to a language barrier.
CCAN has gathered a panel of experienced providers to discuss some of the supports available to citizens who are at risk of falling through the cracks, with a particular emphasis on resources for immigrants and minorities. Food pantries, meal sites, FEMA rental assistance, WMECO programs, shelter services, emergency relief funds, and employment support services will be highlighted. Panelists will include Kate Agin, Community Outreach Representative at Western Mass Electric, Maeve O’Dea, Program Director of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Tom Speckert, Executive Director of Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, Carol Demayo, Community Advocate at St. Patrick's Church Food Pantry, Linda Greenbush, Quality Assurance Director at Berkshire Community Action Council, Lara Denmark, Family Support Program Supervisor at Berkshire Children & Families, and Tom McDonough, Business Representative at Berkshire Works.
The general public is invited to attend, and light refreshments will be provided. There will be opportunities for questions as well as networking among the more than 40 agencies that provide services to multicultural populations throughout the County.
Attendees are asked to enter the First Baptist Church through the side entrance near the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
CCAN is an informal network of cross cultural individuals and organizations that support immigrants and other minority groups in the Berkshires and are committed to making the Berkshires a welcoming community through education, advocacy and events. Steering Committee members include representatives from the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Adult Learning Center, Berkshire Adult Literacy Committee, BRIDGE, and the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative.
For more information about the September 17 event, please contact Brooke Mead at the Berkshire Immigrant Center at (413) 445 4881. |
