BCC Earthseed Series Presentation to focus On Integrated Healing

10:40AM / Wednesday, April 08, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) presents its Earthseed Series spring speaker, Brooke Marie Bridges, on Wednesday, April 15 at 12:30 p.m.

Bridges will speak on "The Mind-Body-Earth Protocol: A Radical Framework for Integrated Healing." The talk will take place on BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, in Room K111.

The talk is free and open to all, and registration is not required.

According to a press release:

Bridges is a holistic coach dedicated to the intersection of internal wellness and ancestral wisdom. By integrating Earth-based healing, such as herbalism and nature immersion, with evidence-based modalities like somatic and cognitive behavioral therapies, she facilitates a deep, restorative connection between the self and the natural world.

In her talk, Bridges asks, how do we lead when the ground is shifting? Her immersive keynote speech blends somatic healing, storytelling and herbal wisdom. Grounded in the mind-body-Earth framework, Bridges guides listeners through a sensory journey to reclaim resilience. Attendees will experience a collective tea ritual, somatic rooting and ecological mentorship as they learn to adapt, grow and thrive together. Every attendee will receive a signature grounding tea blend.

Earthseed Speaker events are open to students, staff, faculty, alumni, OLLI members and the public. The next Skillshare component, Farm and Forage for Holistic Healing, will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Details and registration are forthcoming.

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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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