NAMI Berkshire County to Host Annual Meeting, Awards Ceremony

11:00AM / Tuesday, September 29, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — NAMI Berkshire County will host its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Zucchini's Restaurant, 1331 North St.

NAMI Berkshire County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness and their families through education, support, and advocacy. The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the organization's accomplishments over the past year while recognizing individuals whose dedication has strengthened mental health awareness and support throughout Berkshire County.

This year's featured speaker is Kayla Allen of Upside 413, who will present on "Navigating Differences During Challenging Times" offering insights into understanding conflict.

As part of the evening's program, NAMI Berkshire County will present three annual awards established in memory of Eunice Zorbo, a longtime champion of NAMI whose commitment, along with that of her husband, helped advance the organization's mission in the Berkshires.

2026 Award Recipients include:

Member of the Year
Ruth Healy

Board President, NAMI Berkshire County

Citizen of the Year
Deborah Sadowy

Past Board President, NAMI Berkshire County
Silver Ribbon Mental Health Advocate of the Year

Maureen Logan
Berkshire Health Systems

The evening will include light refreshments, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and entry into a grand prize drawing provided by Lyon Aviation. Admission is $25 per person.

Tickets may be purchased online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999733996214?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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