Mildred Elley Launch Hero Scholarship

04:27PM / Wednesday, October 20, 2021Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mildred Elley Pittsfield launched a new scholarship award opportunity, the HERO Scholarship.

The HERO scholarship stands for Hope to Engage in Education to Revitalize the Opportunity in Our Community and will be awarded to two Berkshire County residents who are looking to pursue an education that will lead to a career that will make a positive difference in this community.

Mildred Elley offers career training certificate programs in the areas of Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Practical Nurse, Medical Office Assistant, and Business Technologies Specialist.

"Mildred Elley has been providing quality career education to Pittsfield residents and Berkshire County for over 30 years," said Mildred Elley Chairwoman of the Board, Faith A. Takes.

To learn more about the HERO Scholarship, a list of requirements, and instructions on how to apply, visit: https://mildred-elley.edu/campus/pittsfield/scholarship or stop in to see an admissions representative and they will help you get started.

Applications are due by Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, no later than 5 P.M and can be dropped off at the Mildred Elley Pittsfield campus, at 100 West Street, Pittsfield MA.

Winners will be announced on Nov. 8 2021 and begin classes on Nov. 15, 2021. For questions, please contact Matthew Martin, Director of Admissions at Mildred Elley, mmartin@mildred-elley.edu or call (413) 442-0333.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story