1Berkshire Announces Technical Assistance Offerings

11:12AM / Wednesday, May 08, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire, thanks in part to funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, announced their next slate of technical assistance offerings through the Berkshire Economic Recovery Program (BERP).

Through a series of three years of cohorts since 2021, the Berkshire Economic Recovery Program Technical Assistance series has been able to support more than 110 businesses through targeted training offerings, resulting in notable business improvements, and quantified by the over $2,000,000 in funding collectively accessed by businesses through their participation.

Going into the Spring/Summer of 2024, the series continues with the next two cohorts: "Jumpstarting Your Crowdfunding Campaign" with Laura Christensen, and "Be Press Ready" with Cathy Husid.

Participants in each topical cohort will join a scheduled kickoff workshop with the technical assistance provider. Upon completion of the workshop, each participant will be provided up to two hours of free one-on-one technical assistance from the consultant leading the workshop.

The BERP Technical Assistance series is free, and offered to any business in the Berkshires. Each cohort has a capacity of seven participating businesses, so space is very limited and registration is required. For details on these technical assistance offerings and to register, visit: https://1berkshire.com/1berkshire-programs/berkshire-economic-recovery-project-technical-assistance-program/

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Seeks Community Input on Services, Name

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:57PM / Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Worker Dionisio Kelly, left, board member Kenny Warren, Executive Director Jessica Jones, and Food and Services Director Karen Ryan.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's a new year, and The Christian Center is looking at how it can serve the area in 2026 and beyond.

This includes a possible new name fueled by community forums in late January and early February.

"We're hoping people will come in and talk about the name, talk about what programs, what services they would like to see from us. What would be most meaningful," Executive Director Jessica Jones said.

"Because the population in this area has changed quite a bit, and we no longer serve just the West Side. We serve people from other parts of Berkshire County. So the hope is just to make it more inclusive."

The Christian Center was a stop on Berkshire Community College and NAACP Berkshires' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

The nonprofit will hold three input sessions at 193 Robbins Ave. to inform future programs and branding, and ensure that West Side voices are heard.

The sessions will be held on:

Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The center dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission started by the Methodist Church to serve newly arrived immigrants and help them assimilate. The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974.

Over the decades, it has drifted away from a faith-based organization to a space for anyone who needs a meal, a warm jacket, a place to bring their child, or a meeting place. A space for everyone.

This is what center officials wanted reflected in the name.

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