nbCC E-Zine - News & Events in Northern Berkshire

e-Zine: Weekly Updates for Northern Berkshire

September 1, 2022

Dear Northern Berkshire,

The weekly e-zine offers updates about our upcoming programming, local events of interest, and area agencies and resources. As things are constantly changing, please call these agencies to get the most up-to-date information.

IN THIS EDITION

Events for today through next Wednesday
Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Food Access & Distribution Sites
Additional resources and resource updates

For a more comprehensive guide to ongoing area resources, please download the nbCC's Community Resource Guide.

Do you have an event or resource you'd like to see included? Send an email to phzine@nbccoalition.org.

Want to read this email in your browser? View this as a web page.

Thank you and stay healthy,

The Staff at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

NOTE: Remember to click on the "[Message clipped] View entire message" link at the bottom of the page to read the entire newsletter.

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nbCC's Community Resource Guide is out now in English 2022 Edition and Spanish 2020 Edition (2022 version will be ready by September)!

It's a FREE, comprehensive, 44-page booklet that can help you find the right community resource to help yourself or your neighbor, whether it's food access, legal services, elder services, veterans services, immigrant support services, health care, substance use, or youth programming (just to name a few).

Call us at 413-663-7588 to pick up a copy (or multiple copies), or download the PDF of the English version here, and the Spanish version here.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: THURS. 9/1 - WED. 9/7

9/1 THURSDAY

1 PM | Balance Exercise Class | Ages 55+

All Saint's Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

1 PM | OH Teen Art Therapy Group at ROOTS Teen Center | Ages 13-19 51 Ashland Street, North Adams. Give your teen some routine, unplugged time to connect and socialize with peers! FREE. Space it limited, reserve an intake meeting today! Text 413-398-2929

3-6:30 PM | ROOTS Teen Center Drop-In Hours | Ages 13-19 51 Ashland Street, North Adams. Play games or foosball, watch movies, use art supplies, eat snacks, and hang out with your friends! FREE. No registration required. Open to all youth ages 13-19. info@rootsteencenter.org or 413-663-0250

4-5 PM | CCB Born to Learn Playgroup | Ages 1-5 yrs.

Born to Learn Playgroup, Thursdays 4 to 5 pm outside of the Haskins Center at 210 State Street, North Adams. For children ages 1 to 5 years old. Call 413-664-4821 for more information. Drop in Playgroup.

6PM | Party in the Park | Critical Mass | Everyone This is the LAST concert in the season! WUPE FM/WNAW's Free summer concert series is back! Every Thursday evening at Noel Field, North Adams. For more details.

9/2 FRIDAY

7:30-9 AM | NAMAzing Friday Coffee Date | Everyone

Join us Fridays at the Eagle Street parklet. These events are FREE and open to the public, so come on by, and bring a friend!

10AM | CCB Baby Group | 0-12 Months

Friday mornings 10-11am outside of the Haskins Center at 210 State Street, North Adams. For parents and children under 12 months. Call 413-664-4821 for more information. Drop in group.

1-4 PM | UNO Community Center Coffee Time | Everyone

157 River St., North Adams: Each Friday, 1-4pm. Come on over and join the UNO neighbors for coffee and conversation. All are welcome.

4-9PM | First Fridays Community Picnic | Everyone

All North Adams residents and visitors are invited to dine together on Eagle Street for our September 2 FIRST Fridays Community Picnic event. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic or order takeout from local restaurants, and sit and dine right on Eagle Street, which will be closed to car traffic during the entirety of the event, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Beer and wine will be served by Desperado’s on the sidewalk next to the NAMAzing Initiative parklet. More info

6-8 PM | Common Craft Night | Everyone

Open invitation for creators and makers to work on projects in our space to build connections and friendships within the creative community. All are welcome!

9/3 SATURDAY

9AM - 1PM | North Adams Farmers Market

The market is BACK in our summer home at the St. Anthony parking lot (corner of St. Anthony Dr./ Marshall St.)

Join us every Saturday through October, rain or shine, to shop local farms and food producers for fresh local veggies, fruits, eggs, breads, baked goods, meats, honey, syrup, jams, jellies, pickles and more, plus a rotating variety of local crafters.

The market PROUDLY accepts HIP, Wic & Senior Coupons, and SNAP and we DOUBLE SNAP up to $30! https://www.facebook.com/NorthAdamsFarmersMarket

9AM - 1PM | Williamstown Farmers Market

The market is BACK in its summer home at the parking lot by Lickety Split at the bottom of Spring Street in Williamstown.

Join us every Saturday , rain or shine, to shop local farms and food producers for fresh local veggies, fruits, eggs, breads, baked goods, meats, honey, syrup, jams, jellies, pickles and more, plus a rotating variety of local crafters. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamstownFarmersMarket

9:30-11AM | Growing Healthy Gardens Community Gardening

Join other gardening enthusiasts in caring for and enjoying the many community garden beds near the UNO Community Center and River Street. The group meets every Saturday. For more information call: 413-663-8131

1- 4PM | Free Tours & Concert at All Saints Episcopal Church | Everyone

Tour an Historic Building and enjoy the Tiffany Priceless Artworks! Open free to the public from 1:00pm-4:00pm every Saturday in July All Saints Episcopal Church, 159 Summer Street,North Adams, MA . Concert following the tour by Dr. Matthew McConnell.

9/4 SUNDAY

1-2 PM | Pups At the Park | Dogs and their Humans

Berkshire Pup People, we love to play and meet other pups (and humans) who feel the same. That’s why we’re headed to the North Adams dog park every Sunday from 1 - 2pm (ish)! Why don’t you meet us there?

4-5PM | CLASSICAL CONCERT: THE KNIGHTS ORCHESTRA | Everyone

Free. Bring a picnic and your own seating. Inclement weather postpones this event until Monday, September 5, 4 pm. at the Clark. More info.

9/5 MONDAY - LABOR DAY

9:30AM-12:30PM | Employability Workshop (Pittsfield/virtual)

Job training programs open to all residents of North County interested in learning about the skills that employers are most interested in. September 5th, 6th, and 7th from 9:30am to 12:30pm or virtually. What are the skills? Effective communication, organization skills, time management, accepting feedback from others, and problem solving. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants are awarded a certificate and a $25.00 gift card. Call Kathy Anker about full scholarships 413-442-0061 x14. Sign-up here

NO GROUP TODAY IN OBSERVATION OF LABOR DAY

10-11AM | The CCB Family Center's Drop-In Playgroup at Broad Brook Playground on Harrison Ave, Williamstown. For families with children ages 1 to 5 years. Call 413-664-4821.

12PM | Free THE KNIGHTS ORCHESTRA: FAMILY CONCERT | Everyone

at The Clark Art Institute. Free but ticket reservation required. The family-friendly program follows a large-scale outdoor concert by the Knights on the Clark’s Férnandez Terrace on September 4. Reserve tickets

NO GROUP TODAY IN OBSERVATION OF LABOR DAY

3:30-5:30 PM | The nbCC Bike Collective, located at the North Adams Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Look for the garage in the back; outside weather permitting. If you are in need of a bike, we have bikes to sell or that can be earned. If you are looking to fix, maintain or tune your bike, we can help with that too. We accept bike donations. All residents from Northern Berkshire are welcome!

5:30-6:00 PM | nbCC Downtown Bike Around | Everyone Meet at the North Adams Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Look for the garage in the back; weather permitting. If you are in need of a bike, we have bikes to borrow. Safety gear highly encouraged. Join us for this all ages community bike ride in downtown North Adams.

9/6 TUESDAY

9-11AM | BNF Drop-In Playgroup | Nursing families 9-11am in the Family Center’s Playroom space, 210 State Street North Adams. Call BNF at 413-743-5338 with any questions.

9:30AM-12:30PM | Employability Workshop (Pittsfield/virtual)

10:30-11:30AM | Toddler Time at the North Adams Public Library located at 74 Church Street. Let's read some stories and get the wiggles out! No registration required. Masks please.

3-6 PM | ROOTS Teen Center Drop-In Hours, 51 Ashland Street, North Adams. Play games or foosball, watch movies, use art supplies, eat snacks, and hang out with your friends! FREE. No registration required. Open to all youth ages 13-19. info@rootsteencenter.org or 413-663-0250

3:30-5:00 PM | ROOTS Gardening Group | 13-19YR

at the North Adams Public Library. Gardening sessions will happen once a week throughout the summer. FREE. No registration required. Open to all youth ages 13-19. info@rootsteencenter.org or 413-663-0250

3:30-4:30 PM | Drop-in Art Club! UNO Community Center, 157 River Street. A drop-in after-school art club for youth, ages 8 & up. Supplies and snacks provided. Caregivers are not required to be present, but program facilitators are not responsible for childcare. No registration required. For more information: 413-663-7588 or bhantman@nbccoalition.org

4-6 PM | Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

nbCC Family Resource Center Living Room, 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. Many grandparents find themselves in the position of raising their grandchildren. While this journey can of course be extremely rewarding, there are challenges that present themselves in doing so. This is a group for grandparents who are actively parenting their grandchildren, giving them a safe and confidential space to share similar experiences with other grandparents. Light meals and childcare provided, but you must register beforehand. dsenecal@nbccoalition.org

9/7 WEDNESDAY

9:30 AM | Tai Chi | Ages 55+

St. Elizabeth's Parish Center, 70 Marshall St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

9:30AM-12:30PM | Employability Workshop (Pittsfield/virtual)

10-11 AM | Baby & Me at the Y | Ages 6-18 months

22 Brickyard Ct., North Adams. This is a program for children ages 6-18 months and their parents. All parents are welcome! FREE to Y members. Y membership required. 30-minutes of optional swim time in a dedicated pool space with you, your child, and other playtime members! To register: Brandon, 413-663-6529, brousseau@bfymca.org

10:30-11:30 AM | Family Center's Toddler/Preschool Playgroup | Ages 16mo. - 4yrs

The Family Center playroom at 210 State Street. For families with children 16 months through 4 years in the Family Center Playroom at 210 State Street. Drop In playgroup. Call 413-664-4821 with any questions.

10:30 AM | Summer Story and Craft Time with Nora | 4yrs+

At the North Adams Public Library. 10:30AM. Read a story and make a craft with community guests and library staff. Drop in Wednesdays at 10:30am, June 29th-July 27th. More info.

1 PM | Chair Yoga | Ages 55+

All Saint's Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

4-6PM | Bee Friendly Williamstown Weekly Meet-up | is now hosting a weekly opportunity to learn about caring for pollinators and growing pollinator-friendly plants, while working in the pollinator garden at the Spruces: Wednesdays, 4–6pm. Please join us for any amount of time to learn about gardening with pollinators in mind. Heavy rain postpones to Thursdays, same time. Questions? beefriendlywilliamstown@gmail.com. To sign up for Bee Friendly Williamstown's newsletter, visit beefriendlywilliamstown.org.

5-6:30PM | Bike Rodeo | K-8 Graders in NB schools

Greylock Elementary School (but not limited to GES Students!)

Learn bike & helmet fitting. Skills to bike safely. Basic bike maintenance and more!

This event is for K-8th Grade. Students need to bring their bike and a helmet. Free bike helmets available to those who

need a helmet. Please register your student ahead of time.

To Register: 413-663-7588 or https://bit.ly/greylockbike

In coordination with Safe Routes to School, North Adams Public Schools

SAVE THE DATES!

Sept 8 - 9-11AM | nbCC Bike Trail Ride

Sept 10 - 10-11:30AM | nbCC Budgeting 101 | Co-sponsored with Adams Community Bank

Sept 11 - 2-5PM | AYJ Fund Wine Chocolate & Craft Beer Tasting Fundraiser - More info.

Sept 12/19/26 - 10-11:30AM | nbCC Parenting Workshop: Magic 1-2-3 | 3 part An easy-to-learn, evidence-based parenting program for 2-12 year olds.REG. REQUIRED: 413.663.7588

Sept 12 - 6:30PM | Common Folk Open Mic at GreylockWORKS

Sept 14 - 8-9:30AM | Coffee with the Coalition | Adams Visitors Center

Sept 14 - 8:30-10:30AM | nbCC Bike Trail Ride

Sept 18 - 11AM-6PM | Revel in Recovery Event | Pittsfield Commons (free transportation by nbCC)

Sept 20 - 4-6 PM | nbCC Bike Trail Ride

Sept 20 - 4:30PM | Lots of LEGOs | CCB at Cheshire library

Sept 21 - 10:30AM | Balls, Beads, Blocks & Books | Ages 1-5yrs. CCB Family Center

Sept 21 - 4PM | CCB Family Center Parents' Night Craft (via zoom) | Register 413-664-4821

Sept 24 - 10-11AM | Learn Thru Play | Ages 0-5 at UNO center. Reg. Requierd: 413-663-7588

Sept 25 - 6-7PM | Lots of LEGOs | CCB at Lanesborough library

Sept 27 - 4:30PM | Virtual Playgroup "Being You" - More info.

Sept 27 - 11AM | Apple Picking with the Family Center | Register : 413-664-4821

Sept 30 - 10AM-12PM | nbCC Bike Trail Ride

New Resources and Agency Updates

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Berkshire Food Project. Food Prep, Dishwashing, Cleaning Helpers Needed The Berkshire Food Project has various jobs for volunteers to fill. Among the most needed are for dishwashers, food preparers, and cleaners. Contact Mark: 413-329-4960 or director@berkshirefoodproject.org

BCAC 2022 ELF/Warm Clothing Program Applications are Available! DEADLINE TO APPLY: SEPT. 30, 2022 Download Application

BCAC is seeking volunteer van drivers! For those interest in learning more of applying please contact Michelle Sylvester at (413) 418-3675 or email: msylvester@bcacinc.org

They are also seeking volunteer to help “KEEP OUR KIDS, BERKSHIRE WARM!!”

2022 ELF/Warm Clothing Program (Pittsfield office only)

Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-K through 12th grade live on campus. Students receive an exceptional educational experience, nurturing home life, college and career readiness support, and comprehensive health and wellness care, including medical and dental services, food, and clothing—with all costs covered. For more information, visit mhskids.org.

Food Access and Distribution Sites

FOOD PANTRIES & MEAL SITES

Download a PDF of county-wide food pantry and meal site resources here. (Updated APRIL 18, 2022)

ADAMS

2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 10-11 AM: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank PANTRY, Adams: Adams Council on Aging/Adams Visitors’ Center, 3 Hoosac Street 413-247-9738, ext. 121; No proof of eligibility required. Must be Berkshire County resident. One distribution per household.
WEDNESDAYS, 11AM - 1PM: St. John Paul II Charity Center PANTRY, Rte. 8 across from Walgreens, Adams, 413-743-0577. Assistance to residents of Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy.
MON. - THURS. Congregate meals MEAL SITE at 11:30AM. FRI. GRAB & GO MEALS: Adams COA, 3 Hoosac Street, Adams 413-743-8333. Mondays thru Fridays. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Adams COA 24 hours prior.

CHESHIRE

1st SATURDAYS, 11AM-Noon: Cheshire Food PANTRY at the Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Available to all Cheshire residents with proof of residency. Emergency food is also available.
MON. thru FRI., 10:15AM-Noon: GRAB & GO MEAL SITE: Cheshire COA Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Cheshire COA.

NORTH ADAMS

TUESDAY, Noon-3 PM for In-Person / (*WEDNESDAYS, Noon-2 PM for delivery) | PANTRY The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center 393 River Street, North Adams. For Emergency Pantry please call 413-663-7987. Deliveries on Wednesdays.*Call 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays 10:00am-noon to schedule a delivery. For North County residents only.
WEDNESDAYS, 10 AM - 2 PM for In-Person / *THURSDAYS, 9:30AM -Noon for Delivery | PANTRY Al Nelson Friendship Center 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, 413-664-0123. Go to the First Baptist Church (Eagles St. entrance) for intake and menu completion. *Those who cannot physically come to the pantry may call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday from 9:30am-2:00pm to set up a delivery for Thursday between 9:30am-Noon. Boxes are pre-packaged based on household size for Thursday deliveries. Please specify cans or no cans. Due to COVID rates we can no longer offer rides home. We will post updates on FACEBOOK. IF UNVACCINATED, PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
4th WEDNESDAYS, 5 - 6:30 PM (multiple locations) | PANTRY Berkshire Dream Center Mobile Food 413-522-3495. North Adams Locations: Mohawk Forest at 5:00pm, Brayton Hill at 5:45pm, Greylock at 6:30pm. No requirements.
1st & 3rd FRIDAYS, 10-11 AM | PANTRY The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Brien Center Lot, 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121; No proof of eligibility required. One distribution per household.
Berkshire Food Project GRAB & GO MEAL SITE | MON./WED./FRI. 11:30 AM - 1 PM: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378.
First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen MEAL SITE | SATURDAY, 11 AM - 12:30 PM: Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-652-7619.
North Adams COA Brown Bag distribution will be at the Harper Center, 118 Church St. in Williamstown on 4th Fridays from 12:30-1:30PM..

WILLIAMSTOWN

Williamstown Food PANTRY | 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 9AM-Noon: at St. Patrick & St. Raphael Parish, 53 Southworth Street, Williamstown, 413-458-4946, x11 or 413-458-3149. Drive or walk-thru. Assistance to residents of Hancock, New Ashford, Williamstown, and Pownal, VT.
Community Bible Church PANTRY. 3rd WEDNESDAYS, Noon-2 PM: 160 Bridges Road, Williamstown, 413-458-5556. Must be a Mass. residents.

OTHER FOOD PROGRAMS

Brown Bag Program: Supplemental monthly food program for eligible 55+ yr. olds, free or for a small donation. For income eligibility requirements or more information, call your Council on Aging.

Elder Services’ Elder Nutrition Program: Noontime meals for those 60+ years of age at several senior centers throughout the County.Call Elder Services of Berkshire County for details and locations at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-981-5201.

Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels Program: Nutritious, hot noontime meals offered Monday - Friday to homebound Berkshire seniors, 60 years of age or older. A suggested donation of $2.00 is requested to help cover the cost of food preparation and delivery. There are eligibility requirements. Please call Elder Services of Berkshire County at 413-499-0524 to make a referral for yourself, family member or friend.

Take and Eat Program: For homebound individuals 60+ years of age, unable to prepare meals, shop, or get out. Meals are delivered on Sundays and are provided for weekends and three-day holiday weekends. More info.: Kathleen Ryan at 413-672-1404 or 413-664-1041

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & ANNOUCEMENTS

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Ecu-Health Care office doors are open. Due to our office being in a medical complex, masks are required when you enter the building. If you or someone you know is looking for public health insurance options such as coverage through MassHealth of Massachusetts Health Connector we may be able to help. MassHealth not only provides health insurance coverage but may also provide “Premium Assistance” to qualifying individuals who are enrolled in employer plans. Ecu-Health Care provides a free public service and is available to assist with applications, annual reviews and renewals, plan selection and enrollment, submission of requests for information or just general information. Give us a call at 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coverage Counselors. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during this difficult time.”
MassHealth has expanded eligibility and coverage in response to COVID19. See the MassHealth website for more information.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County Warm Line, 413-445-1136 Call center accepts calls until 8PM. If operators are not available, callers will receive a callback within 24 hrs. Information is confidential.
SafeLink is Massachusetts's statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. Confidential and anonymous. 1-877-785-2020. For more resources, visit here.
Elizabeth Freeman Domestic Violence Prevention Center: (866) 401-2425; website
Department of Children and Families: (413) 236-1800; website
Al-Anon meetings are being held virtually. Visit the Berkshire Al-Anon website .
The Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline Receive up to $50(total) of gift cards for completing coaching call series. More info. or call 1-800-Quit-Now to enroll.
For more info. on nicotine addiction email Joyce Brewer jbrewer@berkshireahec.org.
MA residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney's Office at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov or 888-221-6023. Members of the public can also contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov The Consumer Protection Hotline: (617) 727-8400
Wheels for Wellness - 413-395-0109 Free rides for the elderly, prioritizing health-related activities. For more info., visit the website or call 413-395-0109.
UPDATED COVID-19 Guidelines: The CDC Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html.
Funds available for funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths. Applications for the benefit begin by calling FEMA's hotline.
FREE COVID TESTS: Each household is entitled to 4 testing kits. These rapid antigen at-home tests can be ordered online at COVID Home Tests | USPS.
Digital Vaccination Records: Check out MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone. Register yourself or your child at maimmunizations.org. Download this list of vaccination locations and opportunities.
CDC COVID Data Tracker: Visit the CDC website for national-, state-, and county-level data on COVID-19.
Need free transportation to get a vaccine? AdLib, Inc. and County Rainbow Taxi (CRT), offer no-cost transportation to vaccine appointments for Berk. County residents with disabilities. If interested, please call AdLib at 413-442-7047 and leave a message.

YOUTH

ROOTS Youth Board is looking for new members to join! Participants need to be between 15 and 21 years old. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, contact Youth Board president Alexa Macdonald at rootsybpresident@gmail.com
Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP): The program is an emergency preparedness module designed to empower youth to prepare for disasters and to train them to become leaders in family preparedness. The program is geared for youth or students in the 4th and 5th grade but can be adapted for other age groups. Materials are available for download here. For further information contact Arlene.magoon@fema.dhs.gov or Jedidiah.fiato@associates.fema.dhs.gov.

FOOD ACCESS

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is issuing emergency SNAP (food stamp) supplements to many SNAP households to help buy food during the pandemic crisis. Click here to see if you will get extra SNAP benefits.
If you are in need of or would like to check on your eligibility for SNAP, please call 413-992-6204. Visit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website for more information.
Lower Cost CSA Shares Available - High quality, fresh produce grown locally available now through a CSA. Shares are usually for 20 weeks (June-October). Lower Cost Shares Available based on income through Hoosac Harvest at local farms. Contact Hoosac Harvest via kathykeeser@gmail.com for more information on lower cost shares. Some farms accept SNAP/HIP for share payments.

FAMILY SUPPORT

The nbCC Family Resource Center is open! Give us a call at 413-663-7588 if you'd like to learn more about the services we provide, or stop in during our office hours.
The Family Center, a program of Child Care of the Berkshires, is offering virtual and in-person parent and child groups. Open to the public. Families can call The Family Center to access our FREE Children's Clothing Exchange with sizes 0-10. We can still provide diapers or formula through contactless pick up. Please contact the office by calling 413-664-4821. Visit the Family Center's Facebook page and Instagram page for updates on programming. FREE and open to northern Berkshire families with children under age 8.
Want to learn more about your child’s development and different activities to help your child learn? Take our free Ages and Stages Questionnaire! Answer questions about your child’s development here: ASQ Online . One of our team members will follow up with your child’s results and different activities you can do to keep your child learning while playing! Questions? Email mbelanger@ccberkshire.org
Berkshire Community Diaper Project: We would be willing to bring diapers to sites for families who need them. Please contact us by email (daltreyt@gmail.com) or call me at 413-446-5038
Berkshire Nursing Families: 413-743 5338, www.berkshirenursingfamilies.org
Childcare Vouchers are available from Seven Hills Foundation by calling 413-236-5890; or contacting Jean at 508-796-0270, jburris@sevenhills.org, or Mabel at 508-796-0271, mcimini@sevehills.org.
Department of Early Education and Care: (413) 788-8401
WIC: 510 North Street & North Adams WIC sites are currently closed until further notice, but we are serving our Participants over the phone. If you do not have a scheduled appointment or if you have questions, please call our Pittsfield office at (413) 447-3495 - if we are unable to answer, please leave a voicemail. We will call you back as soon as possible and apologize for the delay. Find the income eligibility guidelines here. Available in Spanish
Parents Helping Parents Massachusetts is offering online support groups for parents. Visit the Parents Helping Parents website for more information.
Parental Stress Line. 24-7, free and confidential. CALL: 800-632-8188.
Child Mind Institute: Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis? Trauma, resilience and how parents can help. [En Español.]

Adult Education, Job Readiness, Housing and Other Assistance

The Department of Unemployment Assistance can be reached at (877) 626-6800. Please reach out if you need assistance. You should apply for unemployment benefits during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Most claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing
HOUSING
Housing Navigator website: This newly launched website offers information on 2000+ affordable properties across Massachusetts.
End-of-Eviction-Moratorium Resources: There are resources that can be accessed to support individuals and families that are facing eviction or already in the eviction process. The Housing Consumer Education Center intake forms [PDF] are the entry point for the suite of programs offered through Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority. This is an outline of the various programs that are offered [PDF], including Tenancy Preservation Programs (which can be particularly helpful in cases where there is an eviction due to condemnation by the Board of Health) and the Dispute Resolution Program/Mediation Center. For more information or to access the forms online please visit www.bcrha.com. Folks can call Community Legal Aid staff specializing in housing related issues, toll free (855-252-5342), and can apply online to access services. nbCC's Family Resource Center (FRC) can support families with filing for housing support, housing search and programs that might be helpful through their Family Support Workers. Download their referral form here.
Community Legal Aid’s CORI and Re-Entry Project of Berkshire County: Having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)? We may be able to help by assisting you with: sealing and expungement of CORI, public and subsidized housing denials, public and subsidized housing terminations, employment denials, and/or housing discrimination based on substance and alcohol use disorder issues. Contact us at 413-499-1950 or apply online www.communitylegal.org. Download a flyer here.
If you are concerned about being able to pay your rent or mortgage arrears when the eviction and foreclosure moratorium ends, Berkshire Housing services are available to help you, including tenant/landlord/homeowner housing counseling; dispute resolution; tenancy preservation; financial assistance if eligible; and much more! The first step is to complete the Assessment Form found here. Available in English and Spanish and can be submitted via PDF. If a household must print the form it can be faxed to 413-496-9831 or mailed to Berkshire Housing Development Corp./Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority; ATTN: HCEC Assessment, P.O. Box 1180, Pittsfield, MA 01202. If you don't have a computer or need additional guidance, please call (413) 499-1630, ext. 157, and leave a message. The phone line is checked multiple times during the week Monday through Friday.
Although Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority's (BCRHA) physical office space will be closed to the public, BCRHA staff will continue to work with households in need of assistance through telephone and video conferences, when possible. You may leave a message at (413) 443-7138. Messages will be checked periodically throughout each weekday. You can also go to BCRHA's website www.bcrha.com for a staff directory.
Louison House, Inc. remains OPEN for services and has returned to the Church Street Flood House. For all Housing needs contact Louison House at 413-663-6323, ext. 3 during regular hours. Ext 4 has staff on duty 24/7 for after hours. Louison House provides assistance for individuals for their immediate housing needs in order to support them in obtaining and/or maintaining safe affordable housing. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to be added to our newsletter list.
St Joe’s (Pittsfield Emergency Shelter) Pittsfield, 413-320-6550, website
Our Friend's House (Shelter for Families) 292 West Street, Pittsfield (413) 499-2877
The HomeBase Program is a new program designed to provide a housing solution to families who are at serious risk of homelessness, and provide an alternative to going to a family shelter or motel. IF YOU KNOW OF A FAMILY IN A HOUSING CRISIS WHO NEEDS HELP, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HOMEBASE PROGRAM, YOU CAN CONTACT BCRHA: 1-800-248-9002.
UTILITY & TAX ASSISTANCE
The Neighbor to Neighbor Grant is available to assist with unforeseen costs. Individuals work with partner agencies to address costs associated with housing, medical bills, utilities and more.
Dial 211 for general information about programs that may be available, or visit www.mass211help.org.

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

61 Main Street, Suite 218

North Adams. MA 01247

Tel: (413) 663-7588 | Fax: (413) 663-9877

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