OLLI at BCC: Intersections of Faith, Feminism, and Activism

03:45PM / Friday, March 27, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) announces the next installment of its Distinguished Speakers Series, "Intersections of Faith, Feminism, and Activism: Progressive Islam and Social Justice" with Ani Zonneveld on Monday, March 30 at 7 p.m.

The free talk, open to all, will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 74 First Street, Pittsfield. It will also be live streamed. For more information and to register, visit https://berkshireolli.org/event-6577427.

Zonneveld, an award-winning songwriter and the founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, will share her personal and professional experiences as an advocate for human rights, gender equality, and religious freedom. The insightful lecture will bring theory to life in an in-depth application of progressive Islamic theology and human rights norms in her work.

Zonneveld will explore her compelling book, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist." Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between faith, feminism, and activism and the various initiatives Zonneveld created in countering patriarchy and sexism in society, including her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and in opposing the misuse of religion to justify prejudice.

This talk is sponsored by Kimball Farms Life Care.

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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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