South County Walks for the Homeless

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. —  Hundreds of supporters gathered at Ski Butternut to participate in Construct Inc.'s 22nd annual Walk for the Homeless.

Proceeds from the walk, a three-mile trek from Butternut basin to Construct’s home base on Mahaiwe Street, go toward replenishing Construct’s emergency fund, which dried up in June this year, much earlier than expected because of the more than 5,000 calls the agency received requesting emergency financial assistance.

In addition to its emergency services, Construct also provides comprehensive housing, counseling and educational services to those in need. In 2009, the organization provided more than $43,000 in immediate financial aid to prevent homelessness, found shelter for more than 46 residents and helped nearly 200 people avoid eviction. According to walker Brian Sisco, Construct’s relentless hard work has earned a reputation in all spheres of the Southern Berkshire community.

“I’m here to support a good cause,” he said, awaiting his orange “walk” sticker. “I know Construct does good things for the community. This is my first time walking and I’m definitely going to come back.”

Walkers of all ages gathered to support the cause. The elderly, area teens, families with strollers (and dogs) in tow and even a few clowns all converged on Route 23 to the surprise and curiosity of passers-by. In addition to individual walkers, groups representing businesses and community organizations also gathered in a show of solidarity. One such group, the “Get Fit” team from Berkshire South Regional Community Center, raised more than $300 for the cause while pursuing the goal of personal fitness.

"This is really good for our mission and for the community,” said team member Tammy Schmidt, proudly wearing the team’s yellow T-shirt. “Get Fit is an eight-week challenge that encourages people to live a healthier life. We're in week six and so far for the group we’ve had a total weight loss of 323 pounds."

The reward of good exercise for a good cause was also matched by gorgeous weather and a feast of food donated by area restaurants. As walkers approached the “finish line” volunteers were there to greet them with the triumphant ringing of cowbells and the cheering of onlookers for a job well done.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.