PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The George B. Crane Memorial Center runs Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs. But, because so many granting organizations require detailed information about the use of any funds, the organization struggles to find funding.

 

On Monday, the city's contracted trash hauler Republic Services gave the organization a $500 gift to help fund those programs.

 

"We do not get grants like this very often. The nature of what we do dealing with AA and NA programs, the anonymity clause precludes us from obtaining most grants. They need to know the who, where, and how much. It's very difficult," said Crane Center President Doug Malins.

 

Malins said the organization is growing and launching new community programs including alternatives to suicide, church groups, and bringing in a yoga dance instructor from Kripalu to hold classes. The group's mission is focused on sobriety. 

 

"One of our most important issues in modern times is giving people their lives back by giving them opportunities to survive addiction and to get back to their lives and families," Mayor Linda Tyer said.

 

The $500 gift was just one of three gifts Republic Services gave out on Monday. Youth Alive was given a $1,000 donation and the Rites of Passage Empowerment Program was given another $1,000.

 

"There are so many people doing great things and funding is hard to come by," Shirley Edgerton, who represented both ROPE and Youth Alive, said.

 

The ROPE program is aimed at mentoring young girls to become upstanding citizens. Through a series of trips, retreats, and conversations, the organization supports young girls "as they transition into young women and our hope is they become solid young citizens," according to Edgerton.

 

"We are holistic in our approach. We have conversations on a weekly basis about different life topics. We teach some public speaking. We do a session on sex and sexuality, self-esteem building. We have great partnerships with different art space and organizations. We take them to the theater. They have an appreciation for the arts. We have an incredible relationship with Chimney Corners, YMCA. We take the young ladies there on a yearly basis to do a retreat," Edgerton said.

 

Tyer called the program "very critical and very successful" in leading the young girls to success both academically and in the community.

 

Youth Alive is a 25-year-old step dance and drum corp. program. Edgerton said the funding will go toward "forging ahead" with that program, which is also focused on the city's youth.

 

"Ninety percent of the kids involved in Youth Alive have graduated from high school and gone off to college. I think that pretty much says it all. This is an organization that provides opportunities for kids to be engaged in healthy activities that then sets them on a path to success for life," Tyer said.

 

In total, Republic Services gifted $2,500 to help programs in the city — programs the mayor said are vital to providing opportunities to local citizens.

 

"I, as the mayor of the city of Pittsfield, know how some of our citizens struggle with life and your generosity is giving them opportunities they may not otherwise have," Tyer said.

 

"Oftentimes it is difficult to find funding to support these programs but with generous partners like Republic Services, we can continue to help you do all the good work that you do in our city."

 

Republic Services has a long history of giving back to the city of Pittsfield. Just last month, the organization made a donation to the South Congregation Food Pantry of both money and boxes on boxes of food. The organization also sponsored last week's tree lighting ceremony. 

 

In the past the organization has made gifts to Berkshire Community Action Council, the Boy Scouts, the Christian Center, the Crane Memorial Center, the Marilyn Hamilton Literacy Program, the Rites of Passage Empowerment Program, Youth Alive, the 4th of July Parade, the Farmer's Market and even to replace decorations on the city's Christmas tree. The organization works with the mayor's office to determine which programs will receive gifts each year.