Berkshire United Way Awarded $400K in Funding to Expand Employer-Supported Childcare

10:49AM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $400,000 in funding to Berkshire United Way through the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund (ECCIF) pilot.

The ECCIF pilot is intended to support partnerships between employers, child care providers, and local organizations with the goal of increasing access to affordable childcare. The pilot program was launched in 2024 to encourage employer-led childcare solutions and advance family-friendly workplace policies.

"This is an exciting opportunity for employees in our community to find affordable, high-quality childcare. While Berkshire United Way will serve as the hub, our partners will be crucial to our success. The collaborative includes Berkshire County Head Start, Child Care of the Berkshires, 18 Degrees, Youth Development Center, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Luminary Evaluation, TOURISTS, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Berkshire Community College Early Childhood Department, Berkshire Funding Focus/Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Porches Inn, and Rep. Farley-Bouvier and team. As one of only four funded projects across the state, we look forward to being a beacon for innovative childcare solutions," said Katherine von Haefen, President and CEO at Berkshire United Way.

This pilot funding will enable the implementation of employer-supported child care models tailored to the needs of Greylock Federal Credit Union and the hospitality industry. This includes expanded child-care, coverage for non-traditional business hours, and employer-funded child care assistance.

"A workplace that uplifts parents drives economic opportunity not just for that family but for the whole community,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "So much credit goes to Berkshire United Way for prioritizing solutions and committing to partnerships that promote affordable, reliable childcare for employees. This award is a result of many months of thoughtful collaboration and hard work between Berkshire United Way, local childcare providers, and our extraordinary local employer partners. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for investing in affordable childcare for the people of Pittsfield and Berkshire County,” said State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, 2nd Berkshire District)

In total, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $2 million in funding to four different organizations across the state. These projects will support workers in industries such as health care, human services and hospitality while testing scalable models for statewide implementation.

Later this summer, the Healey-Driscoll administration will recognize Berkshire United Way at an event to be announced.

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not."

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys. It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged.

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter.

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service.

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them. The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources.

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