Berkshire United Way Renews Over $1 Million in Funding for 40 Programs

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire United Way has announced $1,029,500 in renewed funding for 40 programs across 24 community partner organizations. 

This funding will be for a one-year period, from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2023, and will continue to stabilize BUW’s three main Community Impact areas: Early Childhood Development, Positive Youth Development, and Economic Prosperity. Learn more about the 40 programs.

"Through BUW’s relationships with currently funded partners, we understand how critical the timing of this funding is as the ripple effect of the pandemic still lingers. I am proud of our commitment to these organizations who have endured many challenges and continue to serve our community in innovative and creative ways," said Laurie Gallagher, board member and chair of the Community Impact Committee.

BUW’s investments in these programs support family well-being and are meant to address gaps in services in the community. Programs generate a whole-family, integrated approach that focus on educational advancement and economic mobility.

This assistance helps to fund programs such as Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s Community Navigator Program, which is designed to assist marginalized residents with connections to resources that will enable them to remain economically resilient.

"The funds support staffing for the Community Navigator Program. We appreciate that Berkshire United Way values the impact of the Community Navigator Model," said Carolyn Valli, chief executive officer of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

A new round of funding requests will be announced in early 2023. Those interested can donate at www.berkshireunitedway.org/donate.


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Sturgeon Named Grand Marshal For Pittsfield Parade

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William P. "Bill" Sturgeon is the latest honoree chosen by the Pittsfield Parade Committee to be the grand marshal of the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade.
 
He joins a list of  local people to be so honored including retired city police and fire chiefs Michael Wynn and Robert Czerwinski, respectively, as well as Julianne Boyd, the artistic director for Barrington Stage Company.
 
"I'm blown away," Sturgeon said when asked about his reaction to his selection. There are so many deserving people," he said, adding, "It's such an honor. It's the one non-family event I missed the most when I was in the Army." 
 
Sturgeon served a tour with the 101st Airborne Airmobile in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal before his 1971 discharge. 
 
His career in criminal justice has spanned more than 45 years locally and with the U.S. Department of Justice. Sturgeon also had assignments with foreign governments including South Africa, the United Kingdon, Haiti, the Netherlands, and the Philippines.
 
Sturgeon co-authored two books with the late Barry Glick, Ph.D., "No Time to Play" and "Recess is Over." In 2023 he co-authored with Francesca Spina, Ph.D., "Think Like a Terrorist to Combat Terrorism" and "Radicalization in Prison."  
 
Sturgeon has a bachelor of science and master of arts degrees in criminal justice administration and has worked for the Pittsfield and Lanesborough Police Departments.
 
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