CHP Celebrates 50 Years

11:06AM / Thursday, July 31, 2025Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGRTON, Mass. — In 2025, Community Health Programs (CHP) celebrates its 50th anniversary.

"Our beginnings were modest and centered on our mission," reflects CMO Dr. Andrew Beckwith. "We're very proud that we've grown into this size, expanded our services, and made them accessible to all of the Berkshires while maintaining our focus on our mission."

According to a press release:

Founded in 1975 by pediatrician Dr. Thomas Whitfield, CHP was born out of an urgent need. After seeing an alarming number of rural children who had never seen a doctor, Dr. Whitfield launched the Children's Health Program with a mission to bring care directly to families, searching for signs of need, such as diapers on clotheslines and toys in the yard.

With the support of its first executive director, Linda Small, CHP grew to include parent education, nutrition assistance, and early intervention services. Over time, the organization expanded to serve people of all ages, becoming a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in 2000, which resulted in a nearly threefold increase in the number of people they could serve.

"By the time the FQHC idea was presented, we had children we'd cared for since birth now entering adulthood," recalls Small. "It was a natural next step to continue caring for them."

Today, CHP provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, and family services to over 35,000 patients annually, regardless of their income, insurance status, or background.

"This milestone isn't just about our history—it's about the people and partnerships that shaped us," said CHP CEO Bethany Kieley. "And it's about building the next 50 years of inclusive, community-driven care. It's the perfect opportunity to remind our community that we're here to care for all who need us."

To mark this, CHP has launched a year-long anniversary campaign, sharing powerful stories and hosting events across the region.

Highlights include:

Live on the Lake – Free family concert on Aug. 6 at Lake Onota in Pittsfield. Join CHP staff for an evening of music, giveaways, face painting, and more.
National Health Center Week (Aug 3–9) – Giveaways and special events at all CHP sites.
Community Day of Service – In November, CHP staff will assist Thanksgiving Angels in providing Thanksgiving meals.

Learn more and watch a mini-documentary at chpberkshires.org/fifty

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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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 Robin'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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