BCArc Hires New Director and Advances Family Support Manager

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Jessica Russo and Nancy Willey
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Arc hired new director Jessica Russo and promoted Nancy Willey to Family Support Manager.
 
Jessica Russo has been named BCArc's Director of Family Support & Advocacy. As Director, she will oversee BCArc's Family Support Center, the Adult Family (Foster) Care program, help families navigate the Commonwealth's referral services, advocate for students for their education, and create networking and social opportunities for families.
 
Previously she served as Director of Admissions and Business Office Manager for BaneCare, and before that Director of Admissions, Marketing & Business Office for North Adams Commons. Other posts she held were with Advocacy for Access and the Animal ER of the Berkshires. She holds a B.A. from Mass. College of Liberal Arts.
 
Nancy Willey has been promoted to Family Support Manager from Family Support Advocate. She will oversee family support events, support the Outreach staff, manage intake of the Respite House, and serve as overall point-person for families.     
 
Willey started with Berkshire County Arc in 2010 as a Community Advocate, a Community Health Worker and a Human Rights Officer. She brings a layer of support that assists families to identify their challenges and strengths with visits to each family. A lifelong Berkshire County resident, Willey has more than 30 years in the field of human services.

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Pittsfield Hosting Housing Resource Fair

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Homeless Advisory Committee is sponsoring their third Housing Resource Fair. 
 
The fair will take place at Zion Lutheran Church at 74 First Street, on Thursday, May 9 between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The fair will offer a variety of resources and assistance to those in the community who are seeking help with accessing stable and secure housing.
 
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local housing organizations and agencies, learn about affordable housing options, and receive information on resources for rental assistance. 
 
Participating agencies include Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, Berkshire Housing, the Chistian Center, Elder Services, Pittsfield Housing Authority, Second Street Second Chances and ServiceNet.
 
Kim Borden, Chairperson of the city's Homeless Advisory Committee, says that the Committee is committed to holding these events regularly, based on the success of the previous Housing Resource Fairs. 
 
"The purpose of the fair is to bring together community organizations and the residents they serve to create meaningful community connections and provide support for those in need," Kim Borden, chairperson of the city's Homeless Advisory Committee.
 
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