BCArc Awarded $1 Million Over Five Years

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Arc was awarded a five-year contract totaling $1 million from the Mass. Department of Developmental Services to support Berkshire County families whose members have an intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The contract funds BCArc to continue supporting more than 300 families in Central and Southern Berkshire County through a series of trainings, two support centers, networking activities, respite services, and help accessing the system of services available to them. 

"We appreciate the state once again recognizing the value BCArc brings to families of the Berkshires," Kenneth Singer, BCArc president & CEO said. "For 66 years we have been fortunate to be doing this work in an area where the disability community is embraced and integrated."

Some of the services will include:

  • Family Support Centers that act as a hub to offer a wide range of general family support and activities to families of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
  • Services to families to help identify and navigate resources—including financial options—locally, statewide, and federally. 
  • Other services include educational events and trainings, and networking opportunities for caregivers and individuals. These include support groups, recreational events, workshops, an after school program, Spring Break Camp, and more. For calendar of activities, go here: https://bcarc.org/upcoming-events/

"You can be sure that we will once again provide far more than the contract requires," Maryann Hyatt, chief operating officer, who oversees the program said. "Our rich relationships with the families makes the work incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to continuing to support every one of them."

 

 

 


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Pittsfield Seeks CPA Funds for Bike Racks, AED

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for park bike racks and an AED machine at the pickleball fields. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed Pittsfield’s applications for CPA funds. 

"Both of those projects are certainly, relative to CPA funds, low cost but high benefit," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Through CPA, bike racks are proposed for a few city parks, and the Berkshire Mountain Pickleball league is looking to place an automatic external defibrillator at the Benedict Avenue pickleball fields. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath and Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer presented the two small project applications, which will go through an eligibility period before full consideration in the spring of 2027. 

During the city’s free, six-week, summer playground program, it was observed that many kids access parks by bicycle. The plan is to buy between six and eight racks to be placed at Durant Park, the Common, and Clapp Park; other parks are being considered as well. 

McGrath explained that the three parks hosting the playground program don’t have bike racks, and they wind up on the ground and sometimes become a distraction. 

"The ancillary benefit to having bike racks is that it encourages that mode of transportation for folks that want to come to the park on their bike," he said. 

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