The Legacy Banks Foundation Contributes to The Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Legacy Banks Foundation has contributed a grant of
$2,500 to the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), which operates two studios in Berkshire County – one in Lenox and one in Williamstown.

A national nonprofit, volunteer organization, for more than 60 years, RFB&D has been the leading accessible audiobook library for students with disabilities, such as visual impairment or dyslexia, that make reading standard print difficult or impossible. With titles available in every subject area and grade level, RFB&D’s digitally recorded audio textbooks on CD and downloadable audio textbooks help students challenged by the printed page.

Legacy’s grant specifically benefits the Berkshire County chapter’s operating expenses as well as their Every School Campaign, which supports the RFB&D’s national goal of reaching 1 million individuals struggling with print disabilities. Lynn Terelle, Director of Development of the RFB&D Berkshire Chapter, thanked Legacy for its donation saying, “Funds raised through our "Every School" Campaign will be used to deliver that service to schools and students with need. Generous partners such as the Legacy Banks Foundation are helping us to achieve this goal.”

Locally, RFB&D has nearly 200 volunteers donating their time to record audio texts. Recently, the organization has significantly expanded its educational outreach to serve more students with print disabilities, and to increase teacher/student training to ensure optimal use of the program. Nearly 600 students are serviced throughout Berkshire County at all grade levels including graduate, post-graduate and vocational.


Richard Sullivan, the president of The Legacy Banks Foundation commended RFB&D’s local chapter saying, “We applaud the Berkshire County offices of the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic. They fulfill an important need in our community and schools. We thank those who work at the studios and those who volunteer their time for their commitment to those who benefit from these valuable services.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the RFB&D, may contact the local office at 413-637-0889.

(l-r) Rebecca Flood, branch manager of Legacy’s Holmes Road Office; Jim Currie, Pre-Production Coordinator, Lenox Studio for RFB&D and Lynn Terelle, Director of Development for RFB&D.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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