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Notes from November’s Community Summit

On Friday, November 14th, we held a community summit in coordination with Williamstown Community Chest, Northern Berkshire United Way, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. We invited the community to learn more about how local resources are being affected by the federal shutdown and funding cuts, as well as what is being done about it, and how we can best support each other. 

MCLA President Jamie Birge made a brief welcome and expressed gratitude to see the room coming together for this discussion, expressing that 30% of MCLA students identify as either being or having been food insecure. State Rep. John Barrett spoke about how recent changes will mean thousands will get kicked off the Health Connector due to cost increases that they can’t afford. Senator Paul Mark said we are experiencing a lack of stability similar to when we went through COVID. The difference is that there is no lifeline coming from the federal government, like in the unpredictable times of COVID. He encouraged everyone to try to partner more within the region and pool resources.

Representatives from Berkshire Community Action Council and the Foodbank of Western Mass were scheduled to offer a few updates to the group, and representatives from many local resources were present to participate in the conversation. Below are notes from the rest of the summit. 

Berkshire Community Action Council (Aleta Moncecchi): Open, still processing applications. No one is going without heat for the time being. The ELF program is ongoing. 

National Grid: discount rate could go up to 71% based on income level 

Western MA Foodbank (Christina Maxwell): A Food Pantry is a place where people can go to receive food and groceries to take home. A Foodbank supports local food Pantries by bringing in millions of lbs of food into warehouses and distributing to local food pantries. There are 200 member food pantries in Western MA. Food donations come from large retailers, food drives, etc ... 

Q: How has the government shutdown impacted the Foodbank?

A: Orders went through until December - should still be able to continue orders as scheduled. There has been a higher volume of people utilizing the Foodbank as a result of SNAP freeze. We were able to increase the amount of food distributed - fortunately, the SNAP benefits were reinstated by Governor Healey. Previously exempted individuals will no longer be exempt from work requirements. These NEW Rules are in place as of Nov 1 - effects of rules won’t kick in until an individual’s recertification if they are not found exempt, they will have 3 months to fulfill work requirements. The Foodbank has SNAP Outreach workers dedicated to helping individuals navigate the SNAP system. Individuals can also volunteer to fulfill the new requirements. Non-profits should consider signing up as an official Path to Work Provider: https://snappathtowork.org/become-a-provider/

There is a need to provide employment opportunities and provide support to those wanting to reenter the workforce

Q: Should we be going over work requirements with clients or refer to DTA? 

A: Refer them to DTA.

What work is being done, and where do you need help/support?

Al Nelson Friendship Center: Concerned, looking to reopen after deliveries on Thursdays and may need more volunteers on Thursday nights if they reopen.

St Vincent DePaul Society: Can help with financial assistance - can help with car repairs. Need a younger volunteer base. It has been difficult to help those calling at the last minute regarding heat or bills and need people reaching out before it becomes an immediate emergency.

North Adams Public Schools: Maintaining free breakfast, lunch and dinner - that program is not connected to SNAP funding. Need  information out there about school food programs and how they’re operating.

First Baptist Church of North Adams: Free lunch on Saturday mornings, and an outdoor food pantry on Eagle Street. Need funds and donations of food to keep the outdoor pantry running and volunteers for Saturdays.

Berkshire Food Project: Provide free meals and a space for social connection every weekday from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. There is a waitlist of volunteers, community members can sign up to volunteer. Working to collaborate with programs and organizations like WRAPS MCLA, Williams, and BHS to ensure no food goes to waste. Need organizations to come table at food pantries and Berkshire Food Project

United Way: We need collaboration. Sharing knowledge and information between agencies.Call each other, get on the radio, get on local tv, share information in whatever way possible.

Goodwill: Has a truck to help deliver up to 9,000 lbs of food to food pantries and meal sites within Northern Berkshire. Need funding to maintain the truck delivery program.

ECU Healthcare: Can help share information when doing outreach

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition: The Community Resource Guide is due for updates, need resource providers to send us updates, additions or corrections. Copies will be mailed to every household in Northern Berkshire County in summer 2026.

Wild Oats Market: Offer discounts for low income individuals. Redirected “Every Penny Counts” funds towards food insecurity. Accepting donations of ANY kind. Families Feeding Families program - over 200 families will be receiving holiday meals. Nourishing Neighbors: & bringing food to local pantries. Need a grant writer. There is a drop box for donations at the front of the store. Organizations can table at Wild Oats.

First Congregational Church of North Adams: “Share the Love” program every January/February raises funds for Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Raised $10,000 last year. Need help spreading the word about “Share the Love” Program 

Elder Services: Runs Meals on Wheels. Can help elders with housing applications, SNAP, heating assistance. Need volunteers for Meals on Wheels: all meals are prepared and stored in Williamstown and delivered throughout Berkshire county. 

Democratic Socialists of America: Local leftist and anticapitalist space. Can support local unions in the Berkshires

Louison House: Federal funding for some housing is in jeopardy. Will not know whether there is federal funding for permanent supportive housing until June

Headstart: Harvest for Headstart: send produce boxes to families and staff every other month and Nutritional education

MLK Jr. Day of Service Committee Welcomes Nominations for the 2026 Peacemaker Award

The MLK Jr. Day of Service Committee is also seeking nominations for the 2026 Peacemaker Award to be presented at the 2026 MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The Peacemaker Award is given annually to an individual or group in Northern Berkshire. The award, which originated as part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, is made to persons who have contributed substantially to peace in our region. In general, the Peacemaker Award recognizes persons who have a history of working with people and/or neighborhoods and communities to provide for greater tolerance, understanding, and caring. While the award may be made to a person or group well known in the region, those making nominations are particularly urged to consider those who have worked hard and have made contributions without much recognition.

Past Peacemakers include Don Quinn Kelley, Mark Rondeau, Mark Lincourt, Pastor Dave Anderson, Al & Cindi McLain, PopCares, Inc., Dick Alcombright, Bilal Ansari, Kerri Nicoll, Mary Lou Accetta, Mary Francis Curns and Gina Coleman.

The MLK Jr. Day of Service Committee is also seeking new members interested in helping to plan the January 2026 event. To join the committee, please call the Coalition at (413) 663-7588. To nominate a Peacemaker, pick up a form at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition office at 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams or nominate online at: https://bit.ly/2026peacemaker 

The submissions will be reviewed by the committee and the recipient will be announced in January 2026, before the event. Please join us at the MLK Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR TO THE COALITION?

Contributions can be made online or mailed to:

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

  61 Main Street, Suite 218

  North Adams, MA 01247

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trip to Look Park Holiday Lights

Friday, Dec. 5, 5:00PM-9:00PM, Transportation provided to Look Park

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren welcomes all grandparents to join us with their grandchildren for this trip to see the holiday lights at Look Park!

SPACE IS LIMITED. Registration is required: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Charter bus transportation will be provided to and from the event. The bus will pick up participants from the St. Anthony’s Municipal Lot in North Adams. A light dinner will be provided. Adults MUST be accompanied by a grandchild.

Family Winter Craft Making 

Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Artsy Avenue, 151 Eagle Street, North Adams

Registration required. Space is limited. Room for 16 participants. One ornament per child. Contact us at 413663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Community Outreach Volunteer Graduation

Monday, Dec. 8, 5:30 - 8:00 PM, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

Join us to celebrate the COV graduates for this season. All are welcome! No registration required. Snacks provided. Questions? Contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org 

Monthly Forum: Transportation

Friday, Dec. 12, 10AM-12PM, Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main Street, North Adams

Join us this month to discuss transportation in our community. What’s new, what’s coming, what works, and what are our continuing challenges and barriers? The forum will begin with a round of introductions and an opportunity for announcements before the presentation begins. Light refreshments served.

FREE & open to the public.

more info: 413-663-7588

info@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: Bakery

Saturday, Dec. 13, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Activities and circle time with sensory activities. Best for ages 0-5 years. No registration required. Contact us at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org 

W.o.W. Workshop: Mindful Movement 

Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2:00 - 4:00 PM, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

In collaboration with Child Care of the Berkshires. Join us in the UNO Center for a workshop focused on practicing mindfulness through movement and dance. We will begin with light stretching and a warm-up to get our bodies ready. Each member is asked to set their own intention, meaning a goal they have for the session. With fun background music, we will explore the different ways our bodies can move, rest, and release. This class is led by Merudjina Normil, nbCC’s Youth Support Worker, who is a former dance teacher. All are welcome!

Space is limited, please register at 413-663-7588 or Merudjina (mnormil@nbccoalition.org)

Family Skate Day

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:00 -1:00 PM, North Adams Ice Rink, 1267 South Church Street

Join the nbCC during the holiday break for FREE skating, skate rentals (while supplies last) and snacks! No registration needed. For more info: 413-663-7588

WEEKLY EVENTS & PROGRAMS

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 PM, 61 Main Street, #218, North Adams

 STARTING OCT. 20: Free and open to youth, 6-8th grade, who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. A weekly group to talk about school, emotions, navigating teen years, making friends and more. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588

Youth Leadership Program

Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams

STARTING OCT. 21:Free and open to youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Young people are changing the world and you can too. Make a positive change in yourself and the world around you. Develop leadership skills, discuss what drives you, meet other young leaders and plan projects in your community. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588

FRC Parenting Together Group * NEW TIMES 

 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10AM - 12PM,UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams 

A peer-driven/peer-supported group in a judgment-free, confidential space. Snacks provided. Children welcome.

Teen Writing Workshop

Wednesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, held at nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams

Free and open to youth ages 13-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Aspiring writers and poets! Join this incredibly supportive group and get 1-on-1 help with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. Register: 413-663-7588

Youth Health Collaborative

Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. 

(14-19 Yrs. Old) This program is intended to engage young people in supporting the health of their peers in the region. The aim of this program is to benefit the community by directly engaging young people in the act of bettering their environments. This is the only program with a limit on attendance, as there are only ten spots available! 

Participants will receive a stipend for completing this program. Please call or email to apply: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

*NEW LOCATIONS: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time

1st Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Adams COA, 3 Hoosac St., Adams

3rd Friday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. North Adams COA/Spitzer Center, 116 Ashland St., North Adams

 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. Coffee and snacks provided. 

Here are a few other upcoming and recurring events happening at the UNO Center at no, or low cost to participants:



• Every Wed: 6:30-10:30 PM | Berkshire Gamers - Board Game Night (No Admission fee. Open to the Public)

• Every Sun: 2:00-6:00 pm | RPG Game Night - $2 Admission Fee. A collaborative storytelling game where one person plays the narrator and supporting cast to the ensemble played by the other players. Open to the public to drop in, learn how to play and connect with the community of gamers.