Goodwill to Host Workshops for Workforce Development Month

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 2, 2022) — Throughout September, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont is celebrating National Workforce Development Month, which recognizes the hard work and significant impact made by workforce professionals in advancing national and local economies today, with two workshops.

Goodwill will hold two employability skills workshops this month, from Sept. 6 through 8 in Pittsfield, and Sept. 20 through 22 in North Adams, from 1 to 4 p.m. The training programs, which will be offered in person and virtually, focus on assisting participants to acquire the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

"From résumé building and interview preparation to connecting job seekers to local employers and community colleges, Goodwill provides a range of services to help job seekers find good, sustainable jobs," said Kathy Anker, vice president of Mission Services.

To register and apply for a scholarship, go to goodwill-berkshires.org/programs/employability-workshops.html or 413-442-0061 x14.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s latest jobs report, nationally, unemployment has remained the same for months (currently at 3.7 percent) and wages are growing; however, millions of workers across the country still struggle with underemployment and low wages and more than 11 million jobs currently remain unfilled.

To learn more, visit www.goodwill-berkshires.org.


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Pittsfield Man Sentenced On Multiple Rape, Indecent Assault Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Wednesday, May 15 Douglas Agyeh, age 44 ofPittsfield, pleaded guilty to 23 charges. 
 
Agyeh pleaded guilty to:
  • 5 counts of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person Over 14
  • 9 counts of Rape of a Child with Force
  • 9 counts of Rape of a Child, Aggravated by Age
The Defendant was sentenced to 10 to 12 years for the charges of rape and 3 to 5 years concurrent for the charges of indecent assault and battery. The Defendant will serve his sentence in state prison.
 
According to a report, in 2021 Agyeh was employed at a residential school for youth. Over a period of several weeks Agyeh was responsible for monitoring a student's safety as they (singular) slept.  During this time, he raped the student. In a separate incident, Agyeh was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a student under the guise of helping the student fold their (singular) laundry.
 
The Defendant was originally set to stand trial on January 30, 2023 but fled to Canada in attempt to avoid justice. The Defendant was arrested as he entered Canda. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office worked closely with the United States Department of Justice and Canadian authorities to successfully extradite the Defendant back to Massachusetts. Authorities allege the Defendant was traveling to Canda in an attempt to return to Ghana, Agyeh's native country.
 
The Great Barrington Police Department served as the lead law enforcement agency in the case. The Department of Justice and Canadian law enforcement agencies assisted the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, including the State Police Detective Unit, in the extradition of the Defendant.
 
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Kristen Rapkowicz served as a victim witness advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center played a central role in the investigation. Emily Zoltan was the Multidisciplinary Team Leader in coordinating the law enforcement response.
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