Community Development Corporation South Berkshire Becomes Impact South County

Print Story | Email Story
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. After more than four decades, Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB) has announced a new name: Impact South County.
 
The new name reflects the organization's evolution while reaffirming the mission that has guided its work since its founding, stated a press release. 
 
While affordable housing remains at the heart of the organization, its work today also includes small business support, community partnerships, and strategic investments that strengthen the region's long-term vitality.
 
"We have really begun to move the needle on affordability in the Berkshires" said Jim Harwood,
interim executive director. "And not only on housing. Our mission includes much more than building homes- it's about creating opportunities for people to live, work, and thrive."
 
"As our work has grown, we wanted a name that better reflects the impact we're making across South County while honoring the commitment we've had to this community for more than 40 years," he added.
 
That impact is reflected in projects across the region, including the recently launched Egremont Duplex Homes workforce homeownership development, the planned 69-unit affordable housing community on West Center Street in Lee, the preservation of Thornewood as workforce housing, and technical assistance that helps local entrepreneurs build stronger businesses.
 
While the organization's name is changing, its mission, staff, board, and commitment to South Berkshire County remain the same. 
 
During the transition, the organization will use the name Impact South County, formerly Community Development Corporation South Berkshire, to ensure continuity and recognition.
 
The community is invited to celebrate this next chapter at Impact South County's annual End of Summer Block Party on Sunday, Aug. 30, featuring live music, local food, children's activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations working to build a stronger South
County.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories