UCP Hires New Director of Marketing and Development

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County has hired Kristen Baker as its new director of marketing and development.

In this role, Baker will foster brand and program awareness across the Berkshires and beyond as well as spearhead fundraising campaigns and special events.

Baker, a native of the Berkshires, holds a bachelor’s degree in arts management from MCLA and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy with a specialty in development from Bay Path University. Before coming to UCP, Baker worked for organizations including Citi Performing Arts Center, Worcester Art Museum and the Berkshire Museum.


“Kristen’s skill sets will be put to great use by ensuring that anyone eligible for our services can find us, and get the best support possible," Christine Singer, executive director of UCP, said. "Additionally, Kristen brings significant experience in event planning, marketing and development which will complement the talents of our current staff. ”

Baker said the programs and the mission brought her to UCP.

"What UCP offers to those with disabilities is amazing," she said. "The advocacy, the passion and the drive of the team that keeps UCP running is very inspiring, and I am honored to be a part of it."

 

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Pittsfield Seeks Public Input for Draft CDBG Annual Action Plan

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development has released the draft Annual Action Plan outlining how federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be used to address housing and community development needs in Pittsfield for the city's 2025 fiscal year.
 
The Community Development Office, in conjunction with the City Council's subcommittee on Community and Economic Development, will hold a public hearing on May 21 at 6:00 p.m. on the proposed CDBG program budget and draft 2025 Annual Action Plan. The public hearing will be held at City Hall, 70 Allen Street, in the Council Chambers.
 
The hearing is part of a 30-day public review process that is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides an opportunity for public input on the draft plan. Through what HUD terms an entitlement grant, HUD provides the city with CDBG funding on an annual basis. The 30-day public review and comment period runs from Tuesday, April 23, 2024 until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
 
The draft 2025 Annual Action Plan proposed budget of $2.2 million consists of $1.3 million in estimated new CDBG funds and $140,000 in expected program income and reprogrammed funds as well as an estimated $470,567 in carryover funds.
 
Community Development has proposed using CDBG money during the upcoming 2025 fiscal year for projects that include public facilities, removal of architectural barriers, public services, housing rehabilitation, economic development, clearance, planning activities, and administrative costs.
 
Copies of the draft 2025 Annual Action Plan are available for public review in the Community Development office, and on the city's website: www.cityofpittsfield.org/departments/community_development/community_development_and_housing/index.php
 
If residents are unable to attend the public hearing, they may submit their written comments to Community Development at any time during the 30-day comment period via email at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or by mail to the Department of Community Development, 70 Allen St., Room 205, Pittsfield, MA, 01201.
 
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