BCArc Names New Director of Adult Family Care

07:31AM / Wednesday, July 15, 2026Print Story | Email Story

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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UPDATE: Juvenile in Custody After Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires
12:00PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Updated on 08252026 at noon: Pittsfield police provided an update indicating a juvenile allegedly connected to the shooting is in custody.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue.

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry.

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer.

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday.

The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings.

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote.

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Attempted murder
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

Attempted murder
Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday.

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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