Latina314 Grateful for Grants, Collaborative Work

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Latinas413, an organization dedicated to empowering and representing Latina women, extends heartfelt appreciation to Milltown Capital for supporting the Earth & Fire Initiative, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for Arts & Culture programs, & reaching a third year of sponsorship from Lee Bank Foundation for the bilingual Mentoring Program. 
 
"These grants will enable us to continue making a positive difference in the lives of countless Latina individuals, helping them unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams," Board Chair Liliana Atanacio said. 
 
Latinas413 collaborates with a number of local organizations to expand culturally diverse programming in the Berkshires.  In their third year of partnership with Jacob's Pillow, Latinas413 is proud to highlight its dedication to establish standards of Language Justice & inclusive programming. In another innovative collaboration Latinas413 is joining forces with Artist at Work & Luiza Follegati for the project "Immigrant Mothers & Daughters,"  Berkshire Busk for supporting immigrant talent, and WAM Theatre for "Devising Theatre in Spanish."  
 
"These grants & partnerships strengthen our leadership and amplify impact to expand programming, providing courageous spaces and advocacy for Latina individuals striving to achieve their goals and flourish in the community," said Atanacio. 
 
Through initiatives such as Bilingual Mentoring for entrepreneurs, Rest & Reading Circle (Book Club), Earth & Fire (Outdoors), and Arts & Culture, Latinas413 is committed to fostering a community where Latina women are celebrated, empowered, and encouraged. 
 
"With our funding partners supporting our mission, we will continue to build a brighter, more equitable future for all," said Atanacio.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

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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