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e-Zine: Weekly Updates for Northern Berkshire

December 28, 2023

Dear Northern Berkshire,


The weekly e-zine offers updates about our upcoming programming, local events of interest, and area agencies and resources


IN THIS EDITION

  1. Events for today through next Wednesday
  2. Save the Date: Upcoming Events
  3. New Resources & Agency Updates
  4. Food Access & Distribution Sites
  5. Additional resources and resource updates


For a more comprehensive guide to ongoing area resources, please download the nbCC's Community Resource Guide. The guide can be found in both English and Spanish versions on our site and linked in the section below.


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


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

WE'RE HIRING! Join the nbCC Team... FOR MORE INFO.
Join Our Mailing List!

nbCC's Community Resource Guide is out now in English 2022 Edition and Spanish 2022 Edition is available for download below.


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. 12/28 - WED. 1/3

12/28 THURSDAY

10:30 AM | 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 Thursdays at 10:30am. More info.

PROGRAM NOT RUNNING THIS WEEK

11:30 AM | Chair Yoga | 60+ Years

Chair yoga; Thursdays at 11:30 for everyone 60 and over. 712 West Cross Road, Clarksburg. Work at your own level and pace. Donation.The class is open to everyone age 60 and over.

1-3 PM | WINTER WONDERLAND ACTIVITY DAY!

at Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237. Tel. (413) 499-4262.

Join us for a fun-packed time of winter activities for all ages. This event offers winter crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and sledding if weather permits. Designed as self-guided activities but may be led by a Park Interpreter. Please bring your own sled if you have one. Call for more information and weather updates.

1 PM | Balance Exercise Class | Ages 55+

 Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

3-5PM - Movie Time at UNO Community Center!

This is most appropriate from youth aged 13-19. 157 River Street, North Adams. More info: 413-663-7588

NO PROGRAMMING THIS WEEK

4-5 PM | Jumping Beans Playgroup | Ages 1-8 yrs.

Inside the Family Center at 210 State Street North Adams. For children ages 1 to 8 years old. Join us for activities, story time and songs. Free drop in Playgroup, use doorbell for entering building. Call 413-664-4821 for more information.

12/29 FRIDAY

10AM | Adams Free Library Storytime | Preschoolers

Every Friday at 10AM in the Lower Annex Meeting RoomTalk, sing, read, write, and play with us! Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join us for fun songs, rhymes, stories, finger plays, and crafts all designed to build early literacy skills.This is a free program hosted by the Adams Free Library

NO PROGRAMMING THIS WEEK

10AM | Babies & Beyond | 0-24 Months

Friday mornings 10-11am inside of the Family Center at 210 State Street, North Adams. For parents and children 0-24 months. Siblings always welcome. Meet other parents, gain support and enjoy play with your baby. Free drop in Playgroup, use doorbell for entering building. Call 413-664-4821 for more information.  

12-4PM | Winter Break Drop-in Hours

‘Tis the season for great news! ROOTS Drop-In hours have returned and we are excited to launch the program during winter break. Join us from 12-4pm on 12/27 and 12/29 for a cozy hang out featuring pizza, hot cocoa, games, winter art activities, and more! We can’t wait to welcome you back into the space and would love your help in spreading the word. Stay tuned for more news on our 2024 programming!*

*January Drop-In hours will be held from 2:30-7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays


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.  

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!

6-8 PM | Kids Night Out!

22 Brickyard Court. $3 for members/ $10 for non-members. Dinner provided. Whether your kids, age 7-12, are looking to extend the fun at the Y or you want to enjoy a night out, BFYMCA’s Kids Night Out is the perfect way to give yourself some TLC while your kids enjoy time socializing with their peers. Rest easy knowing that your children are engaged in activities such as group games, active play, time in the pool, and pizza in a safe, trusted place instead of home with a babysitter. Children not only develop social skills, creativity, and self-confidence but also look forward to Kids Night Out. We hear rave reviews from kids and parents awaiting Kids Night Out! So go ahead and RSVP to that girls’ night, queue up your Netflix show or make a reservation at that restaurant you love. Our trained staff has got you covered. More info: bvallone@bfymca.org

6:15-10:15 | Friday Night Magic: The Gathering

at the UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams. 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.

12/30 SATURDAY

12/31 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?

2:15-5:15 PM | RPG Games Group

Open to the Public. UNO Center, 157 River Street, N. Adams

$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.

8PM | North Adams First Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop

Join us for the 1st Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop in North Adams with Mayor Macksey!

This is a kid-friendly event and free to the public! We will gather in the Center Street parking lot behind 85 Main Street where residents can grab New Year's Eve swag and help count down to the New Year! The ball will drop at 8 pm rather than midnight for all to enjoy and then still be able to make it to your New Year's Eve gatherings.

We thank North Adams Sheet Metal for creating and donating this beautiful New Year's Ball.

Thank you to North Adams Wire & Alarm, North Adams Police Department, and Libby Macksey for helping bring this event to life.

For more information on the New Year's Eve Ball Drop contact the Office of Tourism & Community Events at tourism@northadams-ma.gov

1/1 MONDAY

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please check with organizations to find out if programs and events are running on this holiday.

10-11 AM | Busy Bees Playgroup Drop-In Playgroup

Williamstown Youth Center, 66 School Street Williamstown.

For children ages infant to 8 years old. Join us for activities, story time and songs. Free drop in Playgroup. Siblings are always welcome.

Call 413-664-4821 with any questions.

10AM | Cribbage | Ages 55+ Don't know how to play? We'll teach you.

12:30 PM | Bridge Games | Ages 55+

Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

11AM - 12PM | Al Anon Meeting

AlAnon Meeting

Meeting - Monday @11:00am-12:00pm

All Saints Episcopal Church (door closest to the post office)

59 Summer Street, North Adams.

12PM | Balance Class | 60+ Years

Balance Class at the 60+Center (712 West Cross Road) in Clarksburg on Mondays at 12:30.

The class is free and open to everyone age 60 and over.

1/2 TUESDAY

10AM-12PM | Berkshire Nursing Families Baby Group | Breast Feeding Families

free breastfeeding support - hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families Staff in Family Center playroom at 210 State Street North Adams - Call (413) 743-5338 For more information.

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.

11AM | FREE Workshop - Create Your Resume

 Are you planning to attend the Fresh Beginnings Job Fair? Want to make sure you stand out in a competitive field?

 Supercharge your job search with our FREE workshop designed to help you outshine the competition!

 Learn the secrets to beat the 'resume robots' and leave a lasting impression on recruiters. Plus, workshop attendees enjoy express check-in to the job fair! 

Secure your spot now! Click the tickets link to register and kickstart your journey to career success. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

at the North Adams Public Library located at 74 Church Street. Let's read some stories and get the wiggles out! No registration required.

12:10 PM | Bingo | Ages 55+

Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

2-4PM | Knot Only Knitters Group at the North Adams Public Library located at 74 Church Street. All ages and abilities welcome! Love to crochet or needlepoint? No problem. You do you. Whatever fiber craft you can do from an easy chair, you're welcome to join in! 

3:30-4:30 PM | Preschool Pals playgroup

Tuesday Preschool Pals playgroup 3:30pm-4:30pm

At The Family Center playroom, 210 State Street, North Adams

For children ages 3-5 years old. Activities for PreK and kindergarten classroom readiness. Join us for activities, story time and songs. Free drop in Playgroup, use doorbell for entering building. Siblings are always welcome.

Register: 413-664-4821 or bprince@ccberkshire.org

1/3 WEDNESDAY

9:30 AM | Tai Chi | Ages 55+

Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

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. To register: Brandon, 413-663-6529, brousseau@bfymca.org

10:30AM | Family Storytime

Families with children up to 6 years old are invited to join MASS MoCA Museum Educators for a storytime and related exploration in the galleries. Each storytime will feature a different children’s book about contemporary art, creativity, and/or the themes of the exhibitions on display. A brief gallery walk-through and discussion of the art will follow. This program is in partnership with the North Adams Public Library.

Free; RSVP to reserve your spot. Please note that caregivers should stay with their children at all times. Older siblings are welcome to attend.

At this time we cannot accommodate large groups in storytime. To arrange a group visit to the museum and discuss educational components that could be included in your visit, please contact studentgroups@massmoca.org.

10:30-11:30 AM | Terrific Toddlers Play & Learn Group | Ages 16mo. - 4yrs

The Family Center playroom at 210 State Street. For families with children 18 months through 4 years in the Family Center Playroom at 210 State Street. Drop In playgroup. Call 413-664-4821 with any questions. Siblings always welcome.

1 PM | Chair Yoga | Ages 55+

Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125

5:30 PM | Peer Recovery Support Center Meeting

 at the Recovery Center, 37 Main St. 2nd Floor, North Adams. Join the community. Join the conversation. Learn the latest recovery center updates and help build this amazing community! *Use entrance nearest to the post office on Summer Street. For more info: John Crane, 413-629-1184 or John.crane@briencenter.org

6:30-10:30 PM | Berkshire Gamers - Board Game Night

No Admission fee. Open to the Public. UNO Center, 157 River Street, N. Adams

Learn new board games from around the world! Taught by our friendly welcoming table leaders! We also circle back to favorites like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, Just One, 7 Wonders, Sushi Go! and more!

Expect a theme every other week!- in the past we’ve done evenings on Trains, Dogs, Auctions, City Building, Ancient Egypt & Greece, Space, game of the year winners, Roll & Writes, cooperative games, games of famous authors, plants & flowers, Cats, bees & pollen, food, racing, Art and Galleries, movies & plays....and more.

SAVE THE DATES!

12/28 - 3-5PM | Movie Time at the UNO Center

12/31 - 8PM | North Adams 1st Annual NYE Ball Drop

1/15 - 8:30AM-2PM | Northern Berkshire MLK Day of Service

1/27 - 10AM-5PM | Free Day at MASS MoCA

New Resources & Agency Updates

North Adams COA January Newsletter

Adams COA December Newsletter

Williamstown COA Facebook Page for Calendar & Updates

Child Care of the Berkshires December Calendar

North Adams Public Library Calendar

Milne Library Calendar




NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:

2024 Williams College Winter Basketball Clinic through Special Olympics MA

Basketball clinic for athletes ages 5 through 18 at Williams College. Both Traditional Athletes and Unified Partners are welcome! A traditional athlete is an individual diagnosed with an intellectual disability. A Unified Partner is an individual not diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The program will run on Sunday mornings from 11 am to 12:30 pm in the Chandler Gymnasium on the following dates: January 7th, January 14th and January 21st.

Register here: https://www.specialolympicsma.org/play-sports/find-sports-programs-near-you?*=williams

If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering, please contact Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org


PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is working with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute on a long-term plan to improve internet and electronic device access, affordability, and digital literacy. We identified your organization as either one currently providing residents digital support, or a trusted community resource positioned to do so.

We would like to know your interest in expanding your work or starting new programs. Please take this short survey about your capacity to provide digital services and what you need to bolster your work in these areas.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/digitaldivideBerkshires


BRTA Service will be FREE from November 24 through December 31, 2023.


Open Enrollment is now through January 23, 2023. Now is the time Massachusetts individuals and families can apply and enroll in health and dental coverage and see if you qualify for free or lower-cost coverage like MassHealth, ConnectorCare plans, or a tax credit.  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 holiday season.



Social Service’s Funding Opportunity


The City of North Adams is soliciting proposals from not-for-profit social service agencies and licensed providers to provide funding for their agency services that will be part of its upcoming FY’24 CDBG program year. This will be for a 12-month program with total moneys available at $40,000.


Project RFP packets are available at its Office of Community Development (OCD), Bid # NA-2023-017, City Hall on Monday, November 13, 2023, or viewed on the website of www.northadams-ma.gov. Proposals must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the OCD (Room 107) in City Hall - 10 Main Street, North Adams. This project is contingent upon funding from the City’s FY’2024 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, pursuant to Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, which is anticipated on or about 7/1/2024.

Any questions concerning the proposed project should be directed to Michael Nuvallie, Director of the OCD, at 413-662-3000 (x-3227) or emailed at ocd@northadams-ma.gov.


Child Care of the Berkshires is conducting their Share the Warmth Winter Coat Drive. New or gently used children's winter coats can be dropped off at the clothing exchange, lower level, 210 State Street, North Adams. More info: 413-664-4821


Remedy Hall, a new charitable organization in Williamstown, MA., offering basic life necessities to those in need, free of charge. The “shop” will open on November 1 in room B4 of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street.

Remedy Hall plans to offer non-food necessities, such as personal hygiene items, winter clothing (hats, scarves, mittens, jackets), kitchenware, towels, blankets, etc. We will also stock tents and sleeping bags for those in the most dire of situations. We welcome tangible donations from the community.

If we don’t have something that satisfies an urgent need, we will work to find it.

Starting November 1st our hours are 1 to 5 Monday through Friday (subjectto expand as we get going).  For those with urgent need, we are always available and can be reached through phone/text and Facebook messenger. 413-884-3051. 


Join your neighbors, and start with a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment. You may be eligible for:

  • No-cost energy-saving products
  • Programmable thermostats, high-efficiency faucet aerators and showerheads, and advanced power strips
  • Discounts on high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment and appliances
  • No-cost air sealing
  • 100% off for rental units and moderate income
  • households
  • 75-100% off approved insulation upgrades

If you or your tenants qualify as low-income, you may be eligible for

additional benefits through your Community Action Program (CAP)

agency. There are also benefits for 5+ unit buildings. Learn more on

the website below. Get your energy assessment today:

masssave.com/berkshires , (413) 613-4937


Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.


SEEKING PARTICIPANTS:In this research study, supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, we are interested in learning how parents pass on anxiety to their kids and whether a smartphone app can help parents develop healthier mental habits and feel less anxious.

This is a fully remote study. If eligible, parents will be able to earn up to $360 in compensation. Here are some of the questions we are interested in: 

  • How do parents and kids mental habits and anxiety relate to each other?
  • Can a smartphone app help parents develop healthier mental habits?
  • Can helping parents with mental habits positively impact their kids?

Participation in this study includes:

(1) Completing an initial set of interviews, cognitive tasks and surveys on your home computer, tablet, or smartphone (2-3 hours).

(2) Completing brief exercises and assessments on your smartphone up to 3 times per week for 4 weeks.

(3) A post-assessment with tasks and surveys. 

(4) A brief follow-up assessment and comprehensive report of your responses.

People can reach out to this email (mclcarelabstudies@partners.org) or call 617-855-2036. The direct link to our screening survey (which details the study and assesses eligibility) is https://redcap.link/rnpwi9n0, if you'd like to include that as well.


NB EMS has a partnership with Berkshire Post Overdose Program (BPOP) to send teams out and provide outreach to those who have recently experienced an overdose and/or are at risk for future overdose. 

 Outreach:

  • Wellness checks
  • Overdose education and Narcan leave behind
  • Linkage to recovery supports
  • Harm Reduction
  • Treatment resources
  • Linkage to additional community resources

 

Services to be offered in the field include, but are not limited to:

• Naloxone leave-behind/ training

• Provide a written resource guide such as the BOAPC palm card

• Provide a wellness check, including wound care and other health needs that can be addressed in the field by EMTs and Paramedics

• Check-in on current use / recovery. This could include offering harm reduction supplies, such as clean needles or safer smoking supplies, and a “warm hand-off” to a treatment/ recovery provider if the person is interested.

• Create an “Overdose Safety Plan” for the person, potentially involving family, friends and/or others in the building

• For those who voluntarily disclose they are in treatment, discuss challenges they may be facing and provide direct support to help overcome them (ie connection to transportation, assistance with forms,

etc) as well as additional options to consider (ie other recovery options, connection to Sublocade, etc)

• Linkage for other needs, such as social workers, housing agencies, mental health services and/or domestic violence resources, along with other ways to get them out into the community

 

Communities serviced at this time: North Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, Williamstown, Hancock, New Ashford, Monroe and Rowe. Please return any referrals directly to aoneil@northadamsambulance.com or they can be dropped off at 10 Harris St North Adams Ma. 


The Mass Department of Public Health’s Community Health Equity Survey (CHES) has just been launched. We need to make sure we have rural voices and experiences in the survey results too! We sincerely hope you will take the survey, and that as a trusted partner in public health, that you will help us spread the word about it.

Some ways you can help: 

  • Send a link to family, friends, and colleagues in Massachusetts 
  • Promote the survey on organizational mailing lists 
  • Post about survey on social media  
  • Post flyers about the survey in places like beauty/barber shops, food pantries, grocery stores 
  • Use staff or volunteers to identify and support survey takers 
  • Promote the survey in your email signature. Just add “Take the Community Health Equity Survey: mass.gov/HealthSurvey” to your email signature. 




Berkshire United Way is collecting a list of opportunities that are teen friendly.

https://www.volunteerberkshireuw.org/manager/need/edit/?need_id=821940

To add to the list contact Brenda Petell (she/her/hers)

Director of Volunteer Engagement, M: 413-212-1431


Message from NB EMS: Know someone who recently overdosed? Have you overdosed recently? We can help! NB EMS, in partnership with the Berkshire Post Overdose Program, will outreach to anyone who has recently experienced an overdose and/or is at risk for future overdose. We can provide wellness checks, overdose education and naloxone kits, links to recovery support, harm reduction (including supplies), treatment resource, community engagement outlets, overdose safety plans.. Find out more: 413-398-9155 or aoneil@northadamsambulance.com


The Adams Theater is offering FREE student tickets and community passes to their 2023 season. Available upon request at info@adamstheater.org


Welcome North County Residents!

Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont would love to meet you. Our career center is open on Thursday from 9:00-4:00 p.m.

 Drop in and meet Kelly Brennan, Director of Mission Services and learn how she can

help you get ready for a job, build your resume or coach you for your interview.

 (You can also call 413-442-0061 x35 to arrange an appointment on another day)


Is there room in your home and heart for a foster child? There are over 7,000 children in the MA foster care system. The Department of Children and Families is actively recruiting foster parents for children in your community.  We are searching for individuals or families with the love and patience to help foster children. You can be single, married, partnered, divorced or widowed. You can own your home or rent.

Our goal is to provide our foster children with a supportive and healing environment in a home in their own community until they can be reunited with their families or another plan can be made on their behalf. The rewards of providing daily care, guidance and acceptance are immeasurable.

If you are thinking about becoming a foster parent, we urge you to call us today! Your local recruiter can be reached at

(413)387-7192

1800-KIDS-508/ mass.gov/dcf


BCAC has also launched a community needs survey to get feedback to inform their program planning for the next three years.

Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) would like your input.  

Your responses will help us to design or modify our programs to better meet your needs and the needs of our community. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. The information you provide will be confidential and you will/cannot be identified. Your input will help us with our program planning for the next three years. To take the survey, please go to the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T6K8G9N.


MassHire is now hosted in a satellite office in North Adams every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at 85 Main Street, Suite 2, North Adams, MA (within the BCAC Office) to offer nearby support to residents of North County by appointment. The following services are available:

·         Career Planning

  • Employment Counseling
  • Local Job Listings – Updated Daily
  • Job Search Assistance
  • Online Job Application Assistance
  • Labor Market Information
  • Occupational Skills Training Information (Eligibility Applies)

And if a customer contacts us needing something that is not listed, we are more than happy to discuss accommodations.CALL TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME TODAY! REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call MassHire Berkshire Career Center at (413) 499-2220 Ext. 110 to book an appointment time. Appointment duration: 30 Minutes


The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development understands that our schools are often called upon to assist in connecting families to key resources such as housing, health services and access to food. To assist in helping to connect you with these resources I wanted to share the links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. This guide is also available in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide includes information on a number of different housing and homeless services that are available to assist families. All of this information and a fillable online form to request housing support is also available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com


Housing Navigator MA,Inc. is a tech nonprofit that aims to connect housing, tech, and design. Working with owners and public sector partners, we’ve built a database of income-restricted rentals from all over the state. Our work aims to connect people to a place called home by expanding access to affordable rental housing in MA through our work with 40+ owners who list their properties with us.For more information or to explore the site please visit https://housingnavigatorma.org

 

Mass Health has launched a new program called Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH).The program will allow clients to receive funds to support moving into a new apartment. This would include all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, CommonWealth Care Alliance, MBHP). 

  • Eligible families can receive up to $5500 per member in their family. This means a family of four could get as much as $22,000
  • To qualify you must be entering the community:
  • Renting an apartment that is not currently in your name (just moving in/new lease)
  • This could include new members to the community
  • People house sharing
  • People just getting out of Rehab, Prison or a Psychiatric Hospitalization
  • Homeless and moving into an apartment

For more information and to review eligibility criteria please visit Masshealth's MATCH website. 


North Adams Public Schools is establishing a roster of volunteers for a variety of opportunities in grades PK-12. Volunteer opportunities will vary with regard to time commitment and age groups of students that volunteers will work with. Opportunities can be tailored to meet all interests of all parties and can be short-term or longer-term commitments. Even if you are only available for only a few hours a year, opportunities that are low-commitment but high-impact arise all the time! We will reach out as matching volunteer positions become available. We ask any interested parties to complete this form. If you have questions about the questionnaire or volunteering with NAPS, please email familysupports@napsk12.org.


The Massachusetts telehealth service for COVID-19 treatment can now be accessed by a telephone number (833-273-6330) in addition to the website below. The telehealth service can tell you if the COVID-19 pill is right for you, and the pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home for free.Please see this new flyer and share this new resource with your residents. Translated versions will be ready soon.

Easy, free care for COVID-19 (color.com)


COVID-19 In-Home Vaccination Program (info link below). This is for anyone who has difficulty getting to,or using a community vaccination location, for whatever reason. This program is available statewide, including the Islands. Ages 6 months and up. (What a great way to get an entire busy family with young kids vaccinated – or folks who have transportation issues- or homebound elders!) More Information. All vaccine types (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, and J&J) and boosters are available. You can sign up for an appointment by phone at (833) 983-0485 or online. 

 COVID-19 In-Home Vaccination Program | Mass.gov


MassHire is now sitting at the BCAC office every Tuesdays (9am-3pm). They are offering help with job searches (not unemployment). People can make an appointment by calling 413-499-2220. They do also accept walk-ins. Masks are required.


DTA North Adams Satellite Office located at 45 Main Street in North Adams. Effective October 1, the North Adams Satellite Office will be open for business on Tuesdays from 8:45am – 5:00pm; the office will no longer be open on Thursdays, after October 1. The agency will have signs on the door to notify clients and will be updating the mass.gov website.Clients can continue to use the DTA Assistance line 877-382-2363, DTA Connect mobile app and DTAConnect.com for their DTA needs.


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

 

Food Access and Distribution Sites

FOOD PANTRIES & MEAL SITES

Download a PDF of county-wide food pantry and meal site resources here. (Version Updated December 15, 2023)

En Espanol


ADAMS

  • 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 12:30-1:30PM: 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.
  • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 5-7PM: First Congregational Church of Adams PANTRY, Adams: 42 Park Street Adams 413-346-8884
  • 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

  • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS, 1-2:30 PM MOBILE FARM STAND CHP North Adams Family Medical and Dental, 71 Hospital Avenue, North Adams. Free bag of fresh farm produce. For CHP clients/patients ONLY.
  • 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
  • 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, 11AM-12PM | 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 MEAL SITE | MON./WED./THURS./FRI. 11:30 AM - 1 PM: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378. * Now returned to in-house seated dining.
  • 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 Congregate meals are Monday through Friday starting at 11:30am.
  • North Adams COA Brown Bag distribution will be at the Spitzer Center at 116 Ashland Street 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 Massachusetts telehealth service for COVID-19 treatment can now be accessed by a telephone number (833-273-6330) in addition to the website below. The telehealth service can tell you if the COVID-19 pill is right for you, and the pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home for free.Please see this new flyer and share this new resource with your residents. Translated versions will be ready soon.Easy, free care for COVID-19 (color.com)
  • Open Enrollment is now through January 23, 2023. Now is the time Massachusetts individuals and families can apply and enroll in health and dental coverage and see if you qualify for free or lower-cost coverage like MassHealth, ConnectorCare plans, or a tax credit.  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 holiday season.
  • 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.


  • Funds available for funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths. Applications for the benefit begin by calling FEMA's hotline.
  • 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.

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

  • Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program, located at the North Adams Armory (206 Ashland St.) has openings for In-Person and Online Remote Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED Preparation, Individualized Tutoring, College & Career Readiness, Digital & Fnancial Literacy, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We offer morning, afternoon, evening, and remote class options. Prepare to take and pass your GED tests or your TOEFL test and get ready to enroll in post-secondary education or career development. Contact our Program Director, Annie Pecor, at (413) 412 – 1118 or via email at apecor@napsk12.org, and visit us online at https://www.napsk12.org/page/adult-education
  • 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
  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development understands that our schools are often called upon to assist in connecting families to key resources such as housing, health services and access to food. To assist in helping to connect you with these resources I wanted to share the links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. This guide is also available in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide includes information on a number of different housing and homeless services that are available to assist families.
  • Attached is the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority scope of services and HCEC intake forms. All of this information and a fillable online form to request housing support is also available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com
  • Mass Health has launched a new program called Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH).The program will allow clients to receive funds to support moving into a new apartment. This would include all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, CommonWealth Care Alliance, MBHP). 
  • Eligible families can receive up to $5500 per member in their family. This means a family of four could get as much as $22,000
  • To qualify you must be entering the community:
  • Renting an apartment that is not currently in your name (just moving in/new lease)
  • This could include new members to the community
  • People house sharing
  • People just getting out of Rehab, Prison or a Psychiatric Hospitalization
  • Homeless and moving into an apartment

For more information and to review eligibility criteria please visit Masshealth's MATCH website. 

  • 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.
  • Louison House, Inc. 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.
61 Main Street, Suite 218
North Adams. MA 01247
Tel: (413) 663-7588 | Fax: (413) 663-9877
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