Organization Still In Need of Financial Support

By Jen Thomas12:00PM / Tuesday, August 28, 2007Print Story | Email Story

Renovations are underway at 81 Linden Street/1-5 Hayes Place, the future location of the SIOGA Club's headquarters.

PITTSFIELD - There's still more work to be done, but a local non-profit's dream of offering a safe and supportive meeting place for community members in need is almost realized. The SIOGA Club(Sobriety Is Our Greatest Asset) of Berkshire County, Inc. is one step closer to completing the renovations of its headquarters with the help of a $7,500 grant from the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Located at 81 Linden St./1-5 Hayes Place, the 7,000-square foot building will eventually feature at least three meeting rooms, office space, a conference room and an activity hall on two floors. "The mission of SIOGA is to provide a suitable, substance-free environment for our recovering community," said Douglas Malins, SIOGA's president, at a Monday morning press conference. The club's former meeting place, located on First Street, was destroyed by a fire in 2004 and the Linden Street property was purchased later that year. Considered an eyesore in the West Side neighborhood, the three-story house had been abandoned for more than 10 years and was in severe disrepair. To date, SIOGA has begun work on Phase 1 of the project, which includes installing a new roof and vinyl siding to some portions of the structure, replacing broken windows and partially insulating the interior. Mayor James M. Ruberto said he was impressed with SIOGAâ€™s dedication to the community and he urged others to help the organization move into the next phase of the project. â€œIt isnâ€™t just brick and mortar and a roof and windows; itâ€™s a manifestation of all the effort and energy and love and hard work of a community who cares,â€ he said. The Berkshire Bank grant will be used to purchase materials for the project and most of the labor will be provided by volunteers. â€œThe SIOGA Club is a major contributor to this community and Iâ€™m glad the community recognizes this and gives back to those who contribute to it,â€ said Michael P. Daly, president and CEO of Berkshire Bank. â€œThis was once an eyesore, but today, it looks like a sight for sore eyes.â€ The SIOGA Club was created in the 1970s and was established as a non-profit in 1977. With a mission to help members of the community overcome addictions, SIOGA works to provide safe and healthy activities for those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. With help from the cityâ€™s Office of Community Development and a combination of business and private donations, SIOGA has been able to work toward completing the $150,000 Phase 1 of the Linden Street project, but more needs to be done. â€œThey can accept any amount from anybody and itâ€™s critical,â€ said Ruberto. Sen. Benjamin B. Downing and Rep. Christopher Speranzo both attended the Monday press conference and applauded the efforts of SIOGA to give back. â€œWhile sobriety is your greatest asset, we in the Berkshires know that community is our greatest asset,â€ said Downing. Parties interested in supporting the ongoing project may send checks to The SIOGA Club at P.O. Box 4392, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or call 443-9231.

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BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

06:38AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.

The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner.

This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.

They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.

Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system.

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