Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Donates $1,000 to Goodwill

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(L-R) Kathy Anker, VP of Mission Services, Goodwill Industries; Jay Anderson, President and CEO, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank; Dana Robb, VP Branch Administration, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank; Kelly Brennan, Director of Mission Services, Goodwill Industries; Joe Maffuccio, VP Branch Administration; and Pam Bennett, Training and Management Accommodations, Goodwill Industries.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank recently made a $1,000 donation to Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont's Soar for Success program. 
 
The Soar for Success program focuses on job training in custodial skills, customer service, employability skills guidance for individuals preparing for job interviews, and provides interview and work attire.
 
Founded in 1902 by Dr. Edgar James Helms, Goodwill is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities reach their full vocational potential. Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items at a discounted price to aid in funding training and educational programs for individuals with barriers to employment.
 
"The Goodwill Industries of The Berkshires has been a foundational community organization for more than 66 years," said J. Jay Anderson, president and CEO of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. "Their dedication to helping members of our community and offering fair opportunities is admirable." 
 
Other programs of Goodwill Industries include seasonal operation of the Popcorn Wagon, a favorite Berkshire pastime, which is staffed by supported DDS employees and is a key part of Goodwill's customer service training program.
 
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Elder Services Marks 50 Years of Service to Aging Population

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Executive Director Chris McLaughlin reflects on the agency's growth over the past half century.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Elder Services of Berkshire County has assisted the aging local population for 50 years, growing exponentially from its roots with three employees on Wendell Avenue.

Hundreds gathered at the Country Club of Pittsfield on Friday for the agency's annual meeting. 

"We have been very busy since the last time we got together and we have a lot to celebrate ... For 50 years, Elder Services has been providing services to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers throughout Berkshire County," Executive Director Chris McLaughlin said

"Today, we are a $28 million organization supported by 140 employees and 260 active volunteers, working with community partners and our home care providers to provide support and services to the residents of the cities and towns throughout Berkshire County."  

Over the summer, the agency moved into a modern, more accessible office at 73 South Church St. (the Clock Tower building.)  Formerly the Wayfair call center, the two-story workplace offers a street-level entrance for those with mobility issues — compared to the fourth-floor office at 877 South St.

Mayor Peter Marchetti is glad to see Elder Services downtown.

"The downtown not only hosts a variety of places to eat, shop, and play but also it is the heart of our human and social service agencies to prioritize meeting people where they're at," he said.

"As many of you know, Elder Services recently moved into the Clock Tower building. I applaud Chris and the entire team for a space that will be more accessible to the people you serve. It is vital that our residents have access to social service agencies and organizations so they can access the services and programs that impact daily life. Thank you for choosing downtown as your home, and we are happy to welcome you there again."

Since a commercial kitchen was established in 1994, the agency has served more than 7 million meals to isolated or homebound Berkshire County residents.  

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