Girls Inc. of the Berkshires Announces Scholarship Winners

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, home of Girls Inc. of the Berkshires, will honor its scholarship recipients at the annual Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening to be held at the Colonial Theatre on Thursday, May 7.

The organization also will be honoring Ellen Kennedy, president of Berkshire Community College, with the She Knows Where She's Going Award. Presented annually since 1990, the award recognizes strong, smart and bold Berkshire County women leaders who exemplify the vision and values of Girls Inc.

This year, the Brigham Center is awarding $10,000 in scholarships, which represents the greatest amount of scholarship funds to be awarded in the event's 25-year history.

These scholarships are based on financial need and demonstrated involvement in community service. Scholarships are generously underwritten by: Ruth P. Boraski Fund for Girls Inc. of the Berkshires, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), Rotary Club of Pittsfield and Zonta Club of Berkshire County.

Tickets to this year's Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening may be purchased by calling 413-442-5174, Ext. 12.
 

Ruth P. Boraski Fund Scholarships

* Lucy Barrett, Mt. Greylock Regional High School

* Katherine Davis, Mt. Greylock Regional High School

* Nar Lin, Taconic High School

Berkshire Community College Foundation Scholarship

* Jessica Bilotta, Taconic High School

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Scholarship

* Mollie DiNicola, Pittsfield High School

Rotary Club of Pittsfield Scholarship

* Clarissa Mitchell, St. Joseph High School

Zonta Club of Berkshire County Scholarship

* Jamie Downer, Wahconah Regional High School

 
 

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.