Pittsfield Seeks Proposals for Human Services Funding

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield announced that applications are now available for funding to public service agencies to provide human service programs to benefit Pittsfield residents. 
 
Funding is for the program year beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
 
Annually, the City undertakes a process through its Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), an 11 member volunteer committee, which reviews the proposals and submits its recommendations
to the Mayor. 
 
Last year's recommendations resulted in 21 human service programs receiving a total of $206,250 from the City general fund and from the federal Community Development Block Grant Program. Programs and consumers assisted with those funds cover a wide range of services for a diverse population. 
 
Programs include but are not limited to: services for families with children, affordable child care vouchers, homeless services, housing stabilization programs, programs for residents with disabilities and senior citizens, and arts programs.
 
Applications can be obtained by email request to njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org. Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Community Development, Room 205 at Pittsfield City Hall no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 6, 2025.
 
In addition to submitting a written proposal, applicants will be invited to come before the HSAC to make a presentation during February or March that will be televised locally.
 
The Department of Community Development will be holding bidder's conferences to assist applicants with the application process. 
 
Conferences will be held on Monday, Nov. 18 at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10:00 a.m. All conferences will be held via zoom. To register for a conference, contact Nate Joyner at
(413) 499-9358 or at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org. New applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of these three conferences.
 

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Local Attorney Launches Bid for Berkshire County Register of Probate

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Ken Ferris has been 35 years of legal experience, including cases in probate court.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Longtime local attorney Ken Ferris has announced his candidacy for Berkshire County register of probate. 

The Register of Probate's office for the Berkshire Probate and Family Court manages administrative functions for cases, often involving significant and life-changing situations.  Ferris wants to ensure that the office is accessible, professional, and efficient, while serving the public with fairness and dignity. 

Ferris became a lawyer decades ago to help people, he said, and feels that he can improve the Register of Probate's office to benefit the public and employees. He kicked off his campaign at the Tavern at the A on Feb. 12. 

"The office runs very well, but there's got to be a way that I can improve this process to help people understand and navigate through the system so that at the end of the day, they get their justice, if you will," he said. 

"They've got to have access, and I think that I have some ideas that I believe will help people get the access they need." 

Ferris is an attorney with Hashim & Spinola and has 35 years of legal experience in Berkshire County.  He also served as the coordinator of the mediation program at the Berkshire County Probate and Family Court for several years.  

It is a little bittersweet, Ferris said, because as the Register of Probate, he would have to step down from law practice. 

"But practicing law, you're only helping that particular person, at that particular time," he explained. "I think, with the registry, I would be able to help a lot more people. That is what inspired me." 

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