Northern Berkshire United Way Awards Community Needs and Special Grants to Five Local Organizations

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way (NBUW)  announced the recipients of its annual Community Needs and Special Grants (CNSG), awarding funding to five local organizations for projects that address pressing community needs across Northern Berkshire.
 
Community Needs and Special Grants are designed to support one-time, short-term initiatives that respond to emerging or unmet needs in the region. Each year, applications are evaluated with careful consideration, with priority given to projects that serve low- to moderate-income populations and promote inclusivity.
 
This year's grant recipients include:
  • Berkshire Food Project, to support the purchase and installation of a much-needed three-bay sink, enhancing food safety and operational efficiency.
  • BArT Charter Public School, to fund a more accessible conference room table, improving inclusivity and accessibility for students, staff, and community members.
  • Youth Center Inc., to provide outdoor play equipment for its infant and toddler program, supporting early childhood development.
  • Berkshire Nursing Families, to expand access to its Bringing Home Baby Guide through translation services and printing, ensuring more families can benefit from critical early parenting resources.
  • Hoosac Valley Regional School District, to help fund a pilot Environmental Summer Enrichment Camp at the Greylock Glen, connecting students with outdoor learning opportunities.
"We are proud to support these projects," said Leah Thompson, VP of Community Needs and Special Grants of NBUW. "These initiatives reflect the strength and commitment of our local organizations to meet emerging needs and expand opportunities for all."
 
Organizations awarded CNSG funding may request up to $1,500 and are not required to be member agencies of Northern Berkshire United Way.
 

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Companion Corner Grey Boy at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a cat No Paws Left Behind still waiting for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. He was previously highlighted but he now has new information.

Grey Boy is 10 years old and is a gray and white domestic shorthair and was previously highlighted on Companion Corner.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him and his long journey to be ready for adoption.

"He's been here a couple months. He was a transfer from a rescue in Bennington. They were out of space, so we had taken him in with a few other cats. So he's been here a couple months. He came in with what we believed was a respiratory infection," she said. "So it took us a little bit to get him ready, and then he also needed a dental. So he has nice, clean teeth. He had some teeth removed, and then he has to go back in and have one more dental. So he'll be all ready to go."

It was previously thought that he has feline herpes but he was recently diagnosed with a palette fracture because of how bad his dental disease was, which is what is causing his sneezing. He can now go home with cats, a cat-savvy dog and children.

"He has had two dentals since being with us. Due to the palate fracture he will be sneezy for the rest of his life, not contagious sneezing, but that doesn’t stop him from living a perfectly happy life. He should be on wet food with chunks due to this and since he has had many teeth removed," Howland said.

Grey Boy loves to play with toys and enjoy treats. He would also love to have a window to lounge or bird-watch in.

"He is not afraid of anything. He's very curious, so I'm sure he'd love if you have windows for him to look out of. He still plays, even though he's 10 it does not stop him. So any home would be a good fit for him."

Now that he is ready to be adopted, he is excited. When you walk into the room with him he will rub up against your leg introducing himself and asking to be pet.

"Usually, I would say, when you're walking, he'll bonk into you so he might catch you off guard a little bit. He constantly is rubbing against you," Howland said. "He really, I would say he's lazy when you want him to be, and he's active when you want him to be. He'll play with toys. He's usually lounging away. And then when he comes out he'll play. He loves it. So, very friendly, easy going cat."

He is now perfectly healthy with his dentals all done and veterinary care up to date and is ready to find his forever family.

"I would say the friendliest, easiest cat you could have. He's just, he's just gonna be a little sneezy sometimes, but that doesn't stop him from doing anything," she said.

Grey Boy's adoption fee is sponsored by Rooted in Balance Counseling LLC.

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