BCARc Grant Helps Support New Home

04:09PM / Saturday, January 27, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Arc (BCARc) received a $250,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank to help offset the cost of building a new home in Southhampton to give new lives to four men with brain injuries.

"This program is part of a statewide effort to move people with brain injuries into communities to live more independently," said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc President and CEO. "The list is long for individuals waiting for a residential program. BCArc will continue to do its part to support people with brain injury."

BCArc runs 43 residential programs in Western Massachusetts supporting individuals with brain injuries and development disabilities, along with numerous other programs, employing 800 people and supporting more than 1,000 people with disabilities.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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