Berkshire HorseWorks Reopens With COVID-19 Precautions

04:10PM / Tuesday, June 09, 2020Print Story | Email Story

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RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks is reopened its facility to the public on Monday and implemented new "COVID Clean" restrictions while allowing clients to receive mental health treatment and engage in fun outdoor activities safely.

Specializing in Eagala's Model Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Team Building, the nonprofit ranch will make programs available while implementing social distancing, the use of masks and hand-sanitizer, and the sanitizing of facilities before and after appointments.

"Everyone is hurting on so many levels. We would be remiss if we hadn't found a way to offer our services and activities in the 'new normal,'" said Hayley Sumner, founder and executive director. "We've taken the last few months to regroup and focus on our therapy herd's mental and physical well-being and to repair storm damage. We've devised new programming both for those with mental health needs and also for friends, visitors and families who are looking for something fun, safe and challenging to do outdoors. All precautions mandated by the governor are in place to move forward and have people come out to the ranch. Animal lovers can get their fix, too."

Wellness has always been considered integral to Berkshire HorseWorks offerings, where the philosophy of getting out of your head and into your body reigns. Equine-assisted psychotherapy, which integrates horses in ground-based metaphorical activities to facilitate change, can be an effective modality for individuals, couples or groups working on a specific treatment goal.

Tailored workshops use the interaction between people and horses as the basis for personal growth. Equine-assisted team building is available for both families and companies looking to create cohesion, reinforce teamwork and explore group dynamics before returning to school or the office, and for health-care workers and their families through the "Healers and Horses" workshop.

Sessions are by appointment only: email info@Berkshirehorseworks.com or call 310-488-9777.

Tags: horses, mental health,

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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:01PM / Monday, December 29, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First.

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said.

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers.

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center. It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said.

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it."

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County.

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle. The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said.

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