BCC Offers Peer Recovery Coach Training

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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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Combined No-HItter Lifts Pittsfield Babe Ruth Team to Regional Tourney

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Kevin Smith was dominant, and the Pittsfield Babe Ruth 16-year-old All-Stars offense gave him just enough support to secure a 2-1 win over Westfield in the Western Massachusetts Championship Game on Sunday afternoon.
 
Smith struck out 11 in six innings before Cooper Reed delivered a scoreless seventh as the pair combined on a no-hitter and Pittsfield claimed a berth in next weekend’s New England Regional Championship in Stamford, Conn.
 
“I felt pretty good,” Smith said after his second outing of the three-team tournament. “I was mainly throwing fastballs until they started hitting it, and then I went with the off-speed.”
 
Smith threw two innings in Pittsfield’s five-inning win over Southern Berkshire in the tournament opener.
 
Sunday afternoon, when the game was in the balance on every pitch, was more his speed.
 
“I love it,” he said of the one-run game. “I like feeling the pressure on me and I’m getting the job done. It feels good afterwards.”
 
Smith struck out eight of the first 10 batters he faced, pitching around walks in the first and second innings and facing just two over the minimum through three.
 
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