Berkshire Benchmarks Releases State of the County Update

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Benchmarks data team recently released a State of the County Update for 2023. 
 
This brief report builds on the Berkshire Benchmarks State of the County Report published in May 2022 and highlights notable changes in regional indicators over the past year. The berkshirebenchmarks.org website has also been updated to reflect the most current available data. 
 
The purpose of the Benchmarks initiative and report is to highlight the region's successes and challenges.
 
The 2022 Berkshire Benchmarks State of the County report provided a comprehensive overview of our region's performance across eight sectors: Economy, Education, Environment, Government, Health, Housing, Social Environment, and Transportation.  
 
In the future, the Berkshire Benchmarks team will continue to monitor these and other indicators to aid with the regional understanding of changes in these sectors and whether the work happening throughout the region is having the intended impact. 
 
Berkshire Benchmarks is a collaborative initiative managed through Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC). Our sources are publicly available data, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the American Community Survey, various Massachusetts data sets, and periodic surveys of Berkshire County residents. 
 
Berkshire Benchmarks aims to work with the community to understand priorities and help inform the region on how we are doing and if we are improving. Berkshire Benchmarks enhances the region's access to quality data and analysis. 

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BCAC Seeks Sponsors to Provide Winter Clothing for Berkshire Children

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For some, winter is a time for snow-covered landscapes, cozy nights by the fire and outdoor activities. For others, the colder months bring additional financial burdens as families struggle to afford necessities such as winter coats, boots and warm clothing.
 
The Berkshire Community Action Council's Elf Warm Clothing Program works to alleviate that burden by connecting children in need with community members willing to lead collection initiatives or purchase warm winter clothing for the drive. 
 
According to the council's website, last year, it served more than 2,300 children across Berkshire County.  
 
Those interested in sponsoring a child will receive the chid's age and clothing sizes to purchase a winter coat, boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Donations can be dropped off at a BCAC office by arrangement.
 
For more information or to sponsor a child, contact BCAC at 413-418-3685 for Pittsfield and Central Berkshire or 413-663-3014 for Northern Berkshire.
 
For 15 years, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier has partnered with BCAC by soliciting donations for the program, helping match approximately 50 children each year with donors who provide the clothing needed to stay warm.
 
"The growth in the need is unbelievable," she said.
 
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