Southern Berkshire County Resource Guide Released

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LEE, Mass. — A collaboration between the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative, Families Like Ours Inc., and the Tri-Town Health Department has resulted in the release of the Southern Berkshire County Resource Guide.
 
The Southern Berkshire County Resource Guide is designed to connect individuals and families with essential services. It helps to navigate services such as food access, housing support, mental health support, special needs services, and transportation options. 
 
Additional sections are being developed for future printings of the guide, and the Resource Guide will be regularly updated online throughout the year.    
 
The Southern Berkshire County Resource Guide is available in both print and digital formats. The printed version will be distributed in March 2025 to first responders, town clerks, libraries, boards of health, and council on aging offices.
 
 
Suggested changes or additions or requests for printed copies can be directed to Rania Markham at Rania@familieslikeoursinc.com. This resource is free of charge.    
 
Jayne Smith of SBPHC stated that the guide was initially developed for first responders, public health officials, and service providers, but is a valuable tool for everyone.    
 
The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative is a shared services arrangement providing support to the local boards of health in its 12 member towns, including Alford, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, and Tyringham.  Services provided by SBPHC to member towns include public health nursing, inspectional and health agent services, car seat fittings, sharps disposal, and community collaboration.    
 
Families Like Ours is a non-profit organization that supports families of individuals with special needs in Berkshire County.    
 
Tri-Town Health Department is a regional health department providing public health services to Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge.  Tri-Town, through the Town of Lee, is the fiscal host for the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative.   
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

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