Berkshire United Way Welcomes New Director of Development

11:07AM / Wednesday, January 28, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire United Way (BUW) welcomes Jennifer Baril as the new Director of Development.

"This opportunity feels like a natural and meaningful next step. I've always been drawn to work that centers people, partnerships, and real-world solutions, and this has been BUW's way of being for the past century," said Baril. "I'm energized to help strengthen partnerships, grow community investment, and advance this important work, and I'm looking forward to learning, listening, and building alongside an incredible community."

Baril has over 25 years of fundraising experience designing and implementing results-driven programs for community service, education, and healthcare organizations. Previous positions include director of fund development for Health Equity Solutions, senior director of fundraising for the Center for Human Development, senior major gift officer at Western New England University, philanthropy officer at Baystate Health, director of development for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and at Smith College as assistant director of the alumnae fund followed by major gifts officer.

She currently serves as president of Holyoke's only free after-school program, Homework House Board of Directors, and previously served with Volunteers in Service to America in Los Angeles, Calif.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the team as we continue to strengthen our stewardship, diversify our funding streams, and build long-term funding resiliency," said Katherine von Haefen, BUW president and CEO. "We're excited to hear her ideas and connect her with our incredible supporters."

Baril earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master's degree from UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management.

To connect with Baril, email jbaril@berkshireunitedway.org or call (413) 442-6948 x18.

Tags: Berkshire United Way,

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not."

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys. It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged.

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter.

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service.

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them. The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources.

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