North Adams COA April Newsletter
Adams COA April Newsletter
Williamstown COA Facebook Page for Calendar & Updates
Child Care of the Berkshires April Calendar
North Adams Public Library Calendar
Milne Library Calendar
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MassHire Youth Works program! Youth Works is a PAID internship program, serving eligible youth ages 14-25! Please share!
Applications are located at: MassHire Berkshire Career Center, 160 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (3rd Floor) Walk-in application assistance is available!!!
April 12th to May 30th
Youth Employment Counselors are available on the following dates and time!
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
- · Mondays: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- · Tuesdays: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- · Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- · Fridays: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Please contact me if you have additional questions regarding our youth services! kskrocki@MassHireBerkshireCC.com
Williams College is hosting a week-long Summer Science Lab this summer 2024 for students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade for the 2023-2024 academic year. This wonderful hands-on science camp is run by Chemistry Faculty at Williams College using the fully equipped Chemistry Labs at Williams with the help of Williams students and two Berkshire County middle school teachers - Tim Herrmann and Stephen Bechtel.
Below is the basic information if you prefer to share information with your contacts via email or social media.
Williams College is hosting Summer Science Lab 2024 for current 4th, 5th, and 6th graders this summer. This week-long hands-on science experimentation runs the week of July 8-12, 2024 and July 15-19, 2024 from 9:00-3:00. Scholarships are available. To request scholarship funding, parents/guardians need to email sslab@williams.edu prior to completing the registration form. REGISTER HERE
ROOTS Teen Center is thrilled to announce our partnership with Savvy Hive, for an incredible initiative: the Wear It Forward 5 for $55 Match Campaign!
Here's the scoop: For every ticket purchased for our upcoming event, Show Your Teen Spirit, Savvy Hive will generously donate 5 items of clothing towards the creation of a free clothing closet right here at ROOTS! It's a win-win situation: you get to attend an amazing event and support our cause, while also contributing to a sustainable and inclusive clothing community.
Show Your Teen Spirit, our annual fundraiser, is happening on April 27th from 6 pm-10 pm, so grab your tickets now! By snagging your tickets at rootsteencenter.org, you're directly helping us empower local teens and create positive change in our community.
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:
Wild Oats:
Child Care of the Berkshires will be the recipient of "Every Penny Counts" at checkout.
Student Discount - Starting this week, through June 1, 2024, every Friday is “College Day” at Wild Oats, where students can enjoy 10% off on produce and prepared grab-n-go items with their college ID. Wild Oats, 320 Main St., Williamstown. 413-458-5317
Host families are needed for 13 more players for the Steeplecat Baseball Team.
The season is from June 2 to July 31, and if they are good enough to make the playoffs, those games would be played between Aug. 1-10.
The Steeplecats are collegiate baseball players from all over the country and hoping to be scouted for the MLB, which is the Major League of Baseball. They are dedicated and focused on baseball.
A Steeplecat host family needs to provide a bed, laundry facilities--although the players can do their own laundry, and some meals. They are fed after each of their 44 games. They take bus trips to the 12 teams located throughout New England for 22 games, or they play at home at Joe Wolf Field, AKA Noel Field on State Street in North Adams. Host families receive an FREE PASS FOR LIFE to all of the games in the New England League.
Both short term and long term housing is needed in the event some families cannot make the commitment for the season. JUDY BLAISDELL is the housing coordinator, and she can be reached at 413-652-2683 or judyblaisdell@roadrunner.com.
She welcomes your questions and concerns, both now and throughout the season.
Have Hope Peer Recovery Center
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to take this time to tell you that Have Hope Peer Recovery Center is Open. Our hours are 11:00 am - 7:00pm, Monday through Saturday. We are located at 37 Main St. Suite 201 (right above Berkshire Bank) in North Adams, MA. My phone number is (413) 346- 8896 cell or (413) 398-1388 office. (Becky Dodge)
I am excited to tell you that we welcome everyone here. This is a no judgement zone. I have attached an April calendar to this email but let me highlight some amazing things at the center. There is a super welcoming main room, with comfortable sitting areas for groups, lounging, watching our 75" TV, networking and sharing resources. You can also play ping pong. There is a member computer room to work on resumes, job searches, housing, or just look into things.
There is a Dining area with multiple uses, have a group meal together, groups, arts, or Community members may use it ,when available, for meetings and such.Utilize our ADA compliant kitchen. Come have a coffee and chat with friends.
Our calendar has something for everyone, Recovery meetings, Junk journaling, movie nights, to Karaoke. Members and guests can come for one activity, come for all activities, or just come to interact with people of multiple pathways. We are community driven.
Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market Coordinator
The Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market (BMFM) is a collaborative food access program with the mission of bringing fresh, local food to communities across Berkshire County.
We are hiring 2-3 Market Coordinators. This person will be the on-site lead for 1-3 Mobile Farmers Markets per week. They will be the primary liaison at the markets, coordinating the market logistics with site hosts, shoppers, market ambassadors and volunteers. You might be a good fit if you enjoy people and customer service, are passionate about local agriculture and food access, want physically active work and are comfortable with point-of-sale technology.
This is a seasonal, part-time position requiring 1-3 days/week, with on-site work at Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market sites from June - October, with a start date in late May. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, however applications received by March 31st will receive first consideration. For more information see the full job description at https://www.berkshiremobilefarmersmarket.org/
Community Health Needs Assessment 2024
Your Voice Matters.
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) is initiating a comprehensive health assessment of the communities it serves. Conducted every 3 years, the Community Health Needs Assessment allows SVMC to understand the current health needs of its region, assess the services available to residents, and identify where and how improvements can be made.
The short, anonymous survey will ascertain health and wellness information from respondents and will help to identify health-related priorities at the community-level. LINK TO SURVEY
Questions? Please email vista.svhealthcare@gmail.com
Full Well Farm vegetable CSA sign-ups are now open for the 2024 season! Small and full share sizes available. Each share includes 20 weekly pick-ups of organically-grown vegetables and herbs from June-October. Pick-ups are available in Williamstown, Adams, Pittsfield, and North Adams. To make our CSA shares affordable, we offer subsidies through community partners, sliding scale vegetable CSA pricing, and flexible payment options including using SNAP and HIP benefits to pay. Sign up at the following link: https://grownby.app/farms/HNEDj9Rp5XAKr9gjCsNR/shop contact us at fullwellfarm@gmail.com
Massachusetts State SNAP Supplement
The Department of Transitional Assistance is pleased to announce the launch of the new State SNAP Supplement effective February 14th, 2024. This supplement will help lawfully-present immigrants who are living in Massachusetts buy food. People who do not qualify for federal SNAP benefits may qualify for this. Starting February 14, many individuals and families will begin receiving the State SNAP Supplement.
- If a person applied for SNAP before December 4 and was denied, they should reapply.
- If a person applied for SNAP after December 4, they do not need to reapply, even if they were denied.
- If a person newly applies, DTA will contact them to process their application
The department has also set up a web page with FAQ and helpful information: mass.gov/statesnap For more information about SNAP and to apply: https://www.mass.gov/snap-benefits-formerly-food-stamps
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 or stop by the office at 99 Hospital Ave Suite 208, North Adams to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coverage Counselors.
Berkshire Bounty is hiring a North County Cooler Coordinator. Please see the job description attached. If interested, send a resume and cover letter to info@berkshirebounty.org.
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
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.
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
MassHire is now hosted in a satellite office in North Adams every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at 74 Church Street, at the North Adams Library, North Adams, MA. 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.
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
|