BCArc Names New Director of Adult Family Care

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jessica Dunn has been named Berkshire County Arc's Director of the Adult Family Care Program. 
 
She will oversee the program and its staff which provides support to families in their homes who care for a person needing assistance with daily living. The program includes financial support for the caretaker, nursing oversight, and case management.
 
"This is a critical program for families in Western Massachusetts who need help with a family member in their home," said Maryann Hyatt, President & CEO. "Many families qualify and do not realize this help is available. Jessica has the experience to expand this program, strengthen the supports we offer, and make it more visible."
 
Most recently, Jessica managed the Remote Supports & Monitoring Department for UCP of Western Mass. Before that she worked in various human services positions, including a paraprofessional in the North Adams School District.  She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration, and a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Business, and a Minor in Leadership. 
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Dalton Becomes Purple Heart Community

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town has been home to many veterans and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service — a new proclamation honors their service and sacrifice.
 
The Select Board signed a proclamation declaring the town a Purple Heart Community, joining communities across the commonwealth to adopt this as a way to honor their local Purple Heart recipients. 
 
"This designation is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a public affirmation of Dalton's respect, gratitude, and enduring commitment to the men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces," Historical Commission co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said at the Select Board meeting Monday night. 
 
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration that is still awarded to service members, recognizing their sacrifice, courage, and an unwavering devotion to the nation.
 
The Purple Heart originated on Aug. 7, 1782, when Gen. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to recognize enlisted soldiers and noncommissioned officers for exceptional service during the Revolutionary War. 
 
It fell out of use after the war but was revived in 1932 on Washington's 200th birthday under the leadership of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.  
 
Under the revival, it was still awarded for meritorious service or for combat wounds but during World War II this narrowed to service members wounded or killed as a direct or indirect result of enemy action. That wounds-only standard has remained in place ever since.
 
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