BCC Offers Peer Recovery Coach Training

07:53AM / Monday, July 13, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a Peer Recovery Coach training session beginning Aug. 3, 2026.

Course times are flexible, tailored for each student. Tuition is free for Pittsfield residents and $1,343 for non-Pittsfield residents. To learn more, fill out an interest form at www.berkshirecc.edu/peer-recovery.

The comprehensive training program prepares participants to effectively support individuals in recovery through a combination of core certification, ethical guidance and specialized learning opportunities. It is geared towards individuals in long-term recovery, family members or loved ones of people in recovery, recovery support staff, community health workers and outreach specialists.

"This program represents more than workforce development; it is the creation of a recovery infrastructure for Pittsfield. By training local residents as peer recovery coaches, we are investing in sustainable support systems that will change lives and strengthen our community," said Andi Cambi, Pittsfield Director of Public Health.

Core training elements include:

Recovery coach academy: Build essential skills to mentor and support individuals in recovery while fostering personal and professional growth.
Ethical considerations: Develop a strong ethical framework and practical strategies to navigate real-world challenges with confidence and professionalism.

Supplemental training includes the choice of one of the following:

Spirituality for recovery coaches
Professionalism in peer support roles
Recovery coaching in emergency departments
Coachervision (supervisory training)
Recovery coaching in justice settings

In addition, students who complete the program will receive a one-year webinar membership, featuring relevant topics informed by industry trends and participant feedback.

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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