We’re incredibly excited and honored to share that BFAIR has been selected as the September recipient of Wild Oats Market's 'Every Penny Counts' Program!
Throughout the month of September, customers at Wild Oats Market will have the opportunity to round up their purchases at checkout, with those extra pennies adding up to make a BIG difference for the people we serve.
These donations help BFAIR promote independence, increase accessibility, and enhance the programs and resources we provide to people of all abilities throughout our community.
We are so grateful to Wild Oats for choosing BFAIR and for their continued commitment to supporting local organizations.
So, if you’re shopping at Wild Oats this September, consider rounding up your purchase and helping us make every penny count!
Thank you, Wild Oats, for helping us create more possibilities for the people we serve!
ABOUT BFAIR
BFAIR is is a national and state accredited human service agency responsive to the unique needs of people with disabilities and their families through:
A Dedication to Excellence
Fiscal Responsibility
Diverse Service Options
Community Partnerships
Safe and Healthy Environments
Career Opportunities and Advancement
These are the principles that guide us at Berkshire Family And Individual Resources. We strive to be the Berkshires premier service provider for persons with cognitive disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries. It’s in our DNA and we are constantly looking for new ways to be the best at serving members of our community.
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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.
The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.
"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."
Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.
Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.
The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.
Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.
Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.
The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.
The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.
"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."
Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.
"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."
He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.
"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."
The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office. click for more
That was the list of grievances that current and former tenants of the North Adams Housing Authority's high rise laid before the City Council on Tuesday.
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