Nonprofit Center Launches Equity Academy

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — In more than one survey, Berkshire nonprofit leaders indicated strong demand for training in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging). As a result, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is partnering with André Lynch and the Berkshire Equity Association to launch a training series that runs from September 2025 through April 2026.

The Agents of Change: Equity Academy includes 6 workshops, individual coaching to assist in achieving organizational goals, and a culminating sharing and "Equity Activator" certificate presentation.

The cost of the series is largely underwritten by The Barr Foundation, Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Guardian Life, and Milltown Foundation. The cost per organization (for up to three participating individuals) is $500. Some scholarships may be available based on financial need.

"This type of robust training is normally very expensive," said NPC executive director Liana Toscanini.  "By partnering with a group of local funders, we are able to offer a high-quality program that’s affordable for nonprofit organizations and work alongside the Berkshire Equity Association as they pilot their framework for fostering equitable practices."

The 6 workshops (3 in-person and 3 virtual) address the following topics: DEI Fundamentals, recognizing and addressing microaggressions, unpacking organizational culture, serving diverse communities, measuring and communicating DEIB impact, reflection and presentation. 

Facilitators include André Lynch (DEIB consultant and coach, and Vice Provost of Institutional Equity & Belonging at MCLA), Michael Obasohan (M.Ed, Chief Diversity Officer for City of Pittsfield), and Sharron Frazier-McClain (Director of Community Engagement & DEIA at Barrington Stage Co.).

Berkshire nonprofit organizations are invited to apply through July 15 and will be notified by the end of July. A maximum of 20 organizations will be chosen for this initial cohort. More information about the program and application process can be found online https://npcberkshires.org/workshops/agents-of-change-equity-academy/

Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:21AM / Friday, June 26, 2026

Some 55 Avangrid/Berkshire Gas employees spent the day sawing, hammering and painting at Prosperity Way.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Prosperity Way was founded on the dream of creating an affordable neighborhood where local working families can own a home, build a future, and create lasting memories. Soon, that vision will become reality as homeowners begin moving in.

 

Nearly a year ago, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its three-phase affordable housing project. Now, volunteers are putting the final touches on the six homes and have already begun phase two. 

 

"One of the homeowners is closing on her house tomorrow, so she's moving in this weekend, and then the other family is moving in next week," said Habitat CEO Carolyn Valli. 

 

During Phase 2, seven additional homes will be built, the first modular ranch for that phase has been set, and the stick-built ranch is currently in construction. There are two additional ranches on site, to be set once foundations are cured and two colonial homes are scheduled for delivery on Monday, she said. 

 

Phase 3 will have the construction of another seven homes. Central Berkshire Habitat hopes to finish the project before 2028, dependent on securing sufficient grant funding to bridge the gap between construction costs and affordable sale prices, Valli said. 

 

Energy ran high on Thursday, as more than than 50 employee volunteers from Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., spent the day helping move the project forward through painting, landscaping, and construction work.

 

"We are an energy company in all aspects. We generate wind energy, we have electric utilities and gas utilities, and this crew is demonstrating their energy for a good cause today to support home building for folks who might otherwise never be able to afford a home," said Chris Farrell, Berkshire Gas' communications and government relations manager.