Berkshire United Way celebrates 100 Years of Service

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — The board of directors and staff of Berkshire United Way invite members of the community to attend the organization's 100th anniversary celebration 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at The Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., Pittsfield. 
 
During the celebration Berkshire United Way will present the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award to Mary Wheat. She has been an active volunteer and guiding light with the South Community Food Pantry for more than 20 years. She also was a founder and longtime chair of the Thanksgiving Angels meal program. 
 
The event also will feature guest speaker Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed, professor emeritus of History and Political Science at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, who will reflect on the shared history of Berkshire United Way and the over the past 100 years. Jones-Sneed is a scholar and local history expert whose research and writing has focused extensively on the Berkshires and the local dimensions of African American history. 
 
Berkshire United Way was founded on April 7, 1924, as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association.
 
According to a press release:
 
As times and needs have changed, Berkshire United Way has adapted and evolved to remain relevant and effective in responding to the most pressing challenges facing people in Berkshire County. This anniversary event provides an opportunity to celebrate?100?years?of spirit and generosity in the Berkshires and to look forward to a bright, equitable, and vibrant future where everyone in our community can thrive.  
 
For event tickets and more information visit http://www.berkshireunitedway.org/centennial-celebration or call 413-442-6948 x12.

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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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