Brien Center Sets Annual Fundraising Dinner
The Brien Center has achieved 98 percent of its $500,000 campaign goal.
In 2010, it purchased the former Mount Carmel Parish and these funds supported the renovation of two of the four buildings, allowing more Berkshire County residents in need of mental health and/or addiction services to receive them in an accessible, pleasant location.
The first phase of the renovation, the former Rectory, allowed consolidation of administrative functions and reduced expenses. The completed Administration Building now houses the administrative, finance, billing, information technology, and human resources offices that support Brien services throughout the county. The new Dr. Stuart Bartle Library and Technology Center is also located in the Administration Building.
Another building, formerly the convent, was recently renovated and now provides services to families and children through the Children's Behavioral Health Initiative. The Brien Center served more than 4,000 children last year and expects to exceed that number in 2012. The building also houses Community Based Flexible Supports, which provides a wide range of support services to adults who suffer from chronic mental illness.
"This project would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of the Berkshire community. It allows us to make these services even more accessible to those who need them so we want to celebrate their generosity and the success of the campaign at the dinner," said Christine Macbeth, interim CEO of the Brien Center.
"In addition, the dinner is the kickoff of our 2012 annual Fund Drive. These funds will aid in the next phase of our Mount Carmel renovations as well as help raise awareness of Brien services and aid in the elimination the stigma attached to receiving help for mental illness or addiction. With the support of UNICO, our sponsors and friends, we know that we are off to a great start."
For information about tickets for the dinner contact the Brien Center at 413-629-1272 or go to www.briencenter.org.
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