HospiceCare Offers Grief Support Groups

PITTSFIELD, Mass. - HospiceCare in the Berkshires is hosting a new round of support groups across Berkshire County.

For more information on any of the groups, call 413-443-2994.

A weekly support group runs Tuesdays from Sept. 5 through Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St. This grouup is open to anyone who experienced any loss.

A free monthly drop-in support group for those who are grieving the loss of any loved one is held the second Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Dalton Senior Center, 40 Field St. Ext. The next meeting is Sept. 13.

A group called "New to Grief: What to Expect," a free informational meeting to learn about the grief process and how to cope, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at HospiceCare in the Berkshires. Another one will be held Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.

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.