BCC Welcomes All to Free Film Screening

08:07AM / Thursday, March 05, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) welcomes the community to a free screening of "The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause (Perimenopause)" on Thursday, March 12 at 4:30 p.m.

The film will be shown in Room 111 of the Koussevitzky Arts Center, located on BCC's main campus at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. To register, visit https://TheMFactor2BCC.eventbrite.com.

According to a press release:

"Before the Pause" reveals the hidden reality of perimenopause — the overlooked decade before menopause — through the voices of women whose lives are disrupted and dismissed. A teacher is told her symptoms are "all in her head" even as she struggles at home and in the classroom. A firefighter navigates heavy periods with no women's bathroom in sight. Doctors themselves admit they lack the knowledge to adequately help their patients. By centering these stories alongside leading experts, the film exposes a systemic blind spot and makes a powerful case for why early awareness can transform women's health, careers, and sense of self.

The screening will be followed by a facilitated community conversation.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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