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.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Now Has 3 Splash Pads

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:26PM / Sunday, August 09, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— New facilities are coming to city parks.

A splash pad is now running at Durant Park, and a mini-pitch soccer field will be installed at Crane Park this fall. During the last Parks Commission meeting, Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath delivered project updates.

"We want to see these parks utilized. This is all about healthy Pittsfield," he said during the commission's July 21 meeting.

"Let's activate our parks and use the commission to really sensibly look at other improvements."

This is Pittsfield's third splash pad, the others at Clapp Park and The Common. Constructed by Baskin Builders, the outdoor water attraction is button-operated and has a variety of water elements for different ages.

The facility soft-opened recently, and Pittsfield plans to host a formal ribbon-cutting this month with the Westside Legends and Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

"That project went really well, and we're really looking forward to offering a splash pad down at that great little park," McGrath said.

Durant Park, a 2.1-acre park at 30 John St., also hosts a 4,750-square-foot playground, basketball court, softball field, picnic area, and sitting areas. It is located in the heart of the West Side neighborhood and is within walking distance of many households.

In December, the City Council accepted $215,980 from the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to install a stormwater treatment system on Francis Avenue and a splash pad at the park. BRPC agreed with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program to administer the funds.

View Full Story