Berkshire Meadows Celebrates Construction Of New Home
 Kevin Ierardi and his mother, Kate, attended the ribbon cutting. Kevin will be one of five to live in the home. |
He knew his son had special needs — needs above what one family can provide on their own. But still, he was worried. Will these people be able to give his son the support and care that he needs? Will they take care of him?
But the organization put him at ease.
"The staff has been great over the years. This has become Kevin's home," Ierardi said on Friday afternoon when the non-profit celebrated the new construction of an adult home for those with special needs.
The 4,000 square foot, five-bedroom, house tucked just outside of downtown on Christian Hill Road will be Kevin's new home. He and four others with developmental disabilities will receive 24/7 care.
"This home will be fully accessible and modern while still blending into the community," said Andy Pond, president of the Justice Resource Institute, which operates the Berkshire Meadows program.
Kevin and his roommates will be fully included in the community when he shops downtown or goes out for recreation.
"We do a lot of things in the community. It is learning not only in your house and day program but also in your community," said Liisa Kelly, Berkshire Meadows program director.
The house is set to open this summer and will be the program's sixth — all in Great Barrington. The program serves both children and adults with disabilities but the house is for adults who need to move past the services provided to children.
"When kids turn 22, it is time for them to move onto a different program. Over the years, it has been harder to find adult housing," Kelly said.
State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli remembers a time in American history when people like Kevin would be institutionalized. But that doesn't provide a good quality of life, he said.
"This building is about community," the Lenox Democrat said.
Pignatelli was flanked by state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, who echoed his sentiments. Downing said the new home is a "special place" that improves the quality of life for those involved.
Everybody has something to offer the community, Downing said, and Berkshire Meadow's new home helps those with disabilities contribute to society. And the town is supportive of the organization's programming.
"Great Barrington has a lot of offer and is an extremely welcoming place," said Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin. "This is no small action and the town is behind you."
Berkshire Meadows serves 66 people and is one of Great Barrington's largest employers with 180 staff members. It was one of the Justice Resource Institute's first programs. Now, the Needham-headquartered institute serves 20,000 people spanning four states and employs about 2,600.
"Berkshire Meadows is still a place where I send people if I want them to experience a place that really cares for people," Pond said. "Without Berkshire Meadows there would be no JRI."
Tags: construction, disabilities, nonprofits, residential housing,
