Free Shamrock Craft Kit & Contest! Create your own Lucky Shamrock for St. Patrick's Day. Register for your free kit today by contacting Stephanie Puc at 413-663-7588 or [email protected]. Post your creation on our Facebook page to enter to win a Family Fun Basket!

New program alert! Northern Berkshire Youth Health Collaborative: Are you a young person who's passionate about making life better for other young people in your community? Do you want to put your skills to work to help your peers? The Northern Berkshire Youth Health Collaborative brings together young people from across north Berkshire to address issues relevant to youth in the region. In conjunction with the Northern Berkshire Youth Collaborative, a group of youth development and substance abuse prevention professionals committed to supporting young people in north Berkshire, the group will work on projects and initiatives that they deem important. The group will meet weekly from the week of April 5 to the week of May 28. Participants will receive a stipend of $50 a month for their contributions. Apply online here.

Curious about our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group? Let us introduce you! nbCC will host a special session on Tuesday, March 16, from 1:00-2:00pm. Sign up, join us, and receive a FREE pizza kit the day after. Many grandparents find themselves in the position of raising their grandchildren. This is a group offers grandparents a safe and confidential space to share experiences with their peers peers. For more information, or to register for the group, call Stephanie at 413-663-7588 or email [email protected].

Active Parenting of Teens Workshop, Tuesdays, March 2, 9 & 16, 3:30 - 5:30pm: Tips and tricks to get you through the teenage years! Learn how brain development affects teen behavior and decision-making, improve discipline and communication, learn about teens and technology and about how to spot and handle bullying. This workshop will be held in-person at our offices at 61 Main St., and virtually via Zoom. Give Stephanie Puc a call at 413-663-7588 or email [email protected] to register.

New virtual workshop for expectant parents, All Babies Cry, Friday, March 19, 10:00 -11:30 am: In collaboration with the Family Center-Child Care of the Berkshires, nbCC will offer this virtual workshop that will cover strategies to calm and comfort babies, how to recognize signs of a colic, and ways to calm yourself when baby is fussy. All participants will receive a Berkshire Baby Box. Sign up by March 15 to receive materials. Contact Stephanie Puc at 413-663-7588 or [email protected] to reserve your space!

nbCC's updated Community Resource Guide is out now in English and Spanish! 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, 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.

The Student Support Program at UNO Community Center is held on Wednesdays from 12:00pm-3:00pm, and Thursdays from 3:00pm-5:00pm. The purpose of this program is to provide guidance and support to students navigating remote learning. Any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Walk-ins are permitted if space is available. nbCC staff will be following all COVID safety protocols. Face masks are required for everyone. Space is limited. Please call to sign up a week in advance. Register with Stephanie Puc at 413-663-7588. Note: This program is staffed by community volunteers and nbCC staff, not trained tutors.

In-person All-Recovery Meetings at Terra Nova/the Green (85 Main Street, North Adams) on Wednesdays, from 1-2pm (with doors opening at 12:45) are now hybrid! That means you may attend in person (10-person limit, masks and social distancing required), or on Zoom. ALL are welcome. If you come in person, you will need to wear a mask (or face shield). If you forget yours at home, we will have some on hand. If you have any questions, please call Wendy at 413-663-7588.

Here is the link to the Wednesday all recovery meeting:

Meeting ID: 828 3858 5454

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,82838585454# US (Washington D.C)

+13126266799,,82838585454# US (Chicago)

All-Recovery phone-in/Zoom meetings continue on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1:30pm-2:30pm. The information for logging in follows:

or call in via one of these numbers: 312 626 6799, 929 205 6099, 301 715 8592, 346 248 7799, 669 900 6833, 253 215 8782 

If you have any questions about this meeting or other recovery resources available during these challenging days, please contact us at 413-663-7588 or [email protected].

The nbCC Bike Collective has open shop hours every Monday from 3:30-5:30pm (by appointment only for now, and following COVID-19 guidelines and procedures!) at The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Look for the garage in the back; we will be 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 will also accept bike donations. Email Bret Beattie at [email protected] to make an appointment. All residents from Northern Berkshire are welcome! 

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources (Updated 2/24): The following groups are now eligible for vaccination:

—people age 65+

—low income and affordable senior housing residents & staff

—people with two or more certain medical conditions (comorbidities)

Visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine for more details. Berkshire County has also launched a website to help folks find appointments. You can also search for vaccination sites across the Commonwealth using this website. If you're in North Berkshire and have questions about how to register, download this FAQ.

Local Councils on the Aging are assisting with registration. Please direct anyone who is having difficulty to their local COA for support:

ADAMS- (413) 743-8333

CHESHIRE- (413) 743-1172

CLARKSBURG- (413) 663-8353

FLORIDA- (413) 662-2811

NORTH ADAMS- (413) 662-3125

SAVOY- (413) 743-4290

WILLIAMSTOWN- (413) 458-8250

Vaccine Education and Outreach Materials are available for download here.

COVID-19 EMERGENCY ORDERS AND UPDATES: For more information, visit Mass.gov. Also visit Mass.gov for a weekly COVID-19 public health report.

COVID Eviction Help Project: Do you need help with an eviction in Massachusetts? The COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP) was formed to expand the capacity of legal aid organizations in Massachusetts, as well as the pro bono bar, to provide urgently needed legal assistance in COVID-related eviction cases. CELHP will provide referrals, legal information, assistance and legal representation in Housing Court, and where capacity allows in District Courts and for tenants at risk of losing their subsidized housing. The goal of representation is to achieve housing stability.

Child Mind Institute: Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis? Trauma, resilience and how parents can help. [En Español.]

The Neighbor to Neighbor Grant is available to assist with unforeseen costs, especially those associated with COVID. Individuals work with partner agencies to address costs associated with housing, medical bills, utilities and more.

The Ecu-Health Care office is currently ready to help support you with your health insurance needs. We are currently closed to in-person appointments however, should you need to drop off verifications to be forwarded to MassHealth or the Health Connector, please use the envelopes provided outside our office door and leave them in our drop box. Our staff is available to assist you over the phone during regular business hours of 8:30-5:00 Monday-Thursday and 8:30-4:00 on Friday. Please call 413-663-8711. For assistance please give us a call and we will do our best to help you. To contact MassHealth directly, call 1-800-841-2900. To contact the Health Connector directly, call 1-877-623-6765. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during this difficult time.

Northern Berkshire CDBG-CV Regional Microenterprise Assistance Program: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, the Town of Adams and their municipal partners are pleased to announce the FY19 Community Development Block Grant CDBG CV emergency grant assistance for microbusinesses in Adams and neighboring northern Berkshire communities. Learn more and apply here.

Governor Baker announced that free COVID-19 testing has expanded to North Adams through the Stop the Spread Campaign, at 98 Church St. For information on how to get tested there, visit the BHS website. To find a testing site near you, visit MDPH's interactive COVID-19 Test Site Locator map. To receive a test at Berkshire Health Systems sites around the county, call 855-262-5465. Many sites require pre-screening, a referral and/or an appointment; be sure to verify what you'll need ahead of going to the testing site.

The Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust has raised the ceiling on grants offered by the new Williamstown Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Grant amounts have increased from $1,000 to $2,500. The criteria remain the same: applicants have to be at or below 100% of AMI (preference for 80% or below); adversely affected financially by COVID-19 and must be renting in Williamstown. Online applications are available from the Berkshire Housing website at berkshirehousing.com or by calling 413-499-4887 to leave a message.

Community Legal Aid is now assisting low-income families and students in Berkshire County with educational issues. Our education law attorney will provide advice and assistance with COVID-related and other education issues families face now and in the future as schools reopen, including accessing technological devices and internet connection for remote learning; accessing materials and information in the parent's preferred language (information, notices, and academic materials); accessing special education instruction, accommodations, and services for students who are struggling, whether or not they have been diagnosed with a disability; disciplinary proceedings (such as suspensions and expulsions) or other removals from learning time; bullying; and barriers to school enrollment (such as lack of necessary documentation). Families can apply for services by calling 855-CLA-LEGAL (855-252-5342) or applying online at communitylegal.org/get-help.

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is offering an Unemployment Project to help people apply for benefits, especially if they are encountering technology or language barriers, or if they are otherwise having trouble getting approved. Call 855-CLA-LEGAL or visit communitylegal.org/get-help for help. Also, please contact us if your landlord is not following the new eviction moratorium law that prevents evictions in most cases. Click here for more information about the new law. Although CLA is closed to the public at this time, we are still open and taking cases involving public benefits, elder, housing, family, and immigration (through our subsidiary, Central West Justice Center). Please refer to our website at communitylegal.org for a full list of what we do.

The Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) and Berkshire Housing Development Corporation (BHDC) are partnering to distribute emergency rental assistance funding for eligible Williamstown residents who have suffered financial setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for details.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County has announced the addition of a Warm Line, 413-445-1136, a phone number that people can call to talk to  either a NAMI BC staff or a community trained volunteer having lived experience with mental health issues, trauma, and/or to assist individuals through a difficult time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. NAMI Berkshire County will provide support over the phone as well as resources as available. Calls will be accepted during the day and evening until 8 p.m. Callers experiencing isolation, fear, stress can speak to someone so they will not feel as isolated and find some coping strategies that have worked for the operators staffing the phone.  If operators are not available callers can leave their phone number and first name and they will be called back within 24 hours or sooner. The information is strictly confidential.

SafeLink is Massachusetts' statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. SafeLink hotline advocates are multilingual, and all calls to SafeLink are free, confidential and anonymous. Anyone can call for information, support and resources at 1-877-785-2020. For more resources, visit here.

The Northern Berkshire COVID-19 Operations Center serves as a centralized hub for the communities of North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Savoy, New Ashford, Florida, and Williamstown; Stamford, Vermont; as well as for MCLA and Williams College. The purpose of this Center is to coordinate efforts, resources, and information within the region. If individuals become aware of resources, needs or there are individuals who would like to volunteer, please call the Command Center at 413-662-3614 or email at [email protected] to share information. 

Al-ANON meetings will be held via Phone-In Meetings, Thursdays & Sundays at 7:00pm. The call-in information is 1-401-379-0339 PIN# 159328.

Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority's (BCRHA) Although BCRHA's 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 the following number (413) 443-7138. This number will be checked periodically throughout each weekday. You can also go to BCRHA's website www.bcrha.com to access the staff directory as well.

Adams Town Office Hours - Town offices will operate with essential staff on premises only from 9 to 1 Monday through Thursday via phone or email; the Community Development Office will operate remotely only through voicemail and email. The Adams Free Library is closed completely; parks are open but people are urged to remain at least 6 feet apart and be in groups of less than 10. 

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.

People should be mindful of potential fraud. Massachusetts 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 [email protected] or 888-221-6023. Members of the public can also contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911. The Consumer Protection Hotline is also available at (617) 727-8400 to address questions or concerns. 

Elizabeth Freeman Domestic Violence Prevention Center: (866) 401-2425

Department of Children and Families: (413) 236-1800

Berkshire Immigrant Center: (413) 445-4881

MassHealth has expanded eligibility and coverage in response to COVID19. See the MassHealth website for more information. 

Elder Services (413) 499-0524

Solider On: (413) 236-5644; info@wesoldieron.org

The Support Network is hosting virtual support groups. Click here for schedule.

New England Farmworkers Council (childcare vouchers) 413-236-5890; (866) 573-4684

Department of Early Education and Care: (413) 788-8401

Berkshire Nursing Families: (413) 743-5338, www.berkshirenursingfamilies.org

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 already have an upcoming appointment, we will call you in the near future to help you and to load your benefits onto your WIC Card. 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.

WIC: Nuestras oficinas de 510 North Street & North Adams WIC esta'n actualmente cerrados, pero estamos atendiendo a nuestros participants por tele'fono. Si ya tienes una pro'xima cita programada, lo llamaremos en un future cercano para ayudarlo y cargar sus beneficios en si tarjeta de WIC. Si no tiene una cita programada o si tiene preguntas, por favor llame a (413) 447-3495 deje una mensage de voz. Le devolveremos a llamada lo mas antes possible y le pedimos disculpas por cualquier retraso.

Need Diapers? The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition has teamed up with The Family Center at Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc., so that families can have access to diapers. If you need diapers, call the Coalition at 413-663-7588 to arrange a time for pick up.

Berkshire Community Diaper Project: We would be willing to bring diapers to sites for families who need them. The best way to do this is to have a person at the site be in touch with us directly so we know what size diapers and how many of each are needed. We can then deliver diapers to these sites. Please contact us by email ([email protected]) or call me at 413-446-5038 to let me know if we can be of help. 

Parents Helping Parents Massachusetts is offering online support groups for parents. Visit the Parents Helping Parents website for more information.

Parental Stress Line. The current national health emergency is causing many parents anxiety. How do I protect my children? What do I tell them? Or simply, how do I keep them busy when there is no school? The Parental stress line counselors are still there to listen to your concerns and problem-solve with you, 24-7, free and confidential. CALL: 800-632-8188.

Compared to adults, children are more vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their daily lives. Dr. Griffin, along with colleagues at Child Trends, developed a resource regarding how to safeguard the emotional and psychological health of children and families in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here.   

If you are working remotely during COVID-19, here are some tips for your mental health and well-being.

Stuck home with the kids? Berkshires Macaroni Kid has a Survival Guide for you! Click here.

Check out Kids2college 2.0- Are you looking for simple yet exciting activities and experiments to do with your child(ren)? They can follow along with me weekly to do fun science experiments using minimal and affordable materials!! Four new videos every week! Calendar attached with needed materials for each week attached. Click here.

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 the following number (413) 443-7138. This number will be checked periodically throughout each weekday. You can also go to BCRHA's website www.bcrha.com to access the staff directory as well.

Louison House, Inc. remains OPEN for services. For all Housing needs contact Louison House at 413-663-6323. Ext 4 has staff on duty 24/7. Louison House provides assistance for individuals for their immediate housing needs in order to support them in obtaining and/or maintaining safe affordable housing.   

The North Adams building, the Flood House, at 149 Church Street in North Adams remains open for services for housing assistance and Representative Payee services by appointment. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to be added to our newsletter list.  

Barton's Crossing (Shelter for Individuals, 18 yrs and older): 1307 North St, Pittsfield (413) 442-1445. On a first-come, first-serve basis a person starts out ISB (immediate shelter bed). In at 4 p.m., out at 7:00 a.m., they repeat this process until there are openings in the house. They get meals, a bed, shower and laundry. When a regular bed opens, they gain intensive case management to end their homelessness.

Our Friend's House (Shelter for Families): 292 West Street, Pittsfield (413) 499-2877. A homeless family is first triaged through Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority to see if they qualify for Emergency Assistance. While this could lead to their having to leave town, it also qualifies them for benefits they wouldn't ordinarily receive. If not qualifying, they are added to OFH's waitlist until an opening becomes available. Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority: (413) 443-7138.

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. The type of assistance is based on the individual needs of a family, and will be determined through an assessment. Families who are determined to be Emergency Assistance (EA) eligible by a DHCD Homeless Coordinator may be eligible for the HomeBase Program if the reason for homelessness relates to health and safety, overcrowding, asked to leave or evicted from housing, among other reasons. 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.

Dial 211 for general information about programs that may be available, or visit www.mass211help.org.