nbCC May 2026 Newsletter: Coalition News

Greetings!

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our May 2026 newsletter.

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Monthly Forum Recap: The Immigrant Experience in Berkshire County

The Northern Berkshire community came together for April’s forum on immigration, facilitated by Timothy Callahan, superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. The conversation brought together local immigrants, experts and advocates, including Marcela Urrea from Volunteers in Medicine, Sabina Chen from Greylock Together, and Melissa Canavan from Berkshire Immigration Center.

The forum struck a thoughtful and hopeful tone, emphasizing the importance of accurate information. Panelists noted that misinformation—especially when shared quickly on social media without verification—can unintentionally cause fear and harm. The group encouraged community members to seek out reliable sources and pause before passing along rumors.

Marcela shared insights from her firsthand experience supporting immigrants navigating life in a new country. She spoke about the challenges of learning unfamiliar systems, adapting to cultural shifts, and accessing healthcare. Through her work at VIM, she helps individuals and families connect to essential health services and feel more confident finding their way in a new environment.

A strong theme throughout the discussion was collaboration. All three organizations emphasized that none of them can meet every need alone, but by working together and sharing expertise, they are able to provide more comprehensive support. They also highlighted the encouraging outpouring of emotional and financial support from the community.

Panelists agreed that one of the most effective ways to reduce fear is simple but powerful: get to know your neighbors. Building relationships, listening to lived experiences, and staying informed can strengthen community trust. They also encouraged families to have preparedness plans in place. “Know your rights” red cards—small cards that outline basic rights if approached by immigration authorities—can be helpful tools, but they are not a complete plan. Schools and community networks can play an important role in creating clear communication and support systems.

The North Adams Police Department was also in attendance and clarified its role. NAPD does not enforce immigration law and is committed to supporting and protecting all members of the community. Like all local law enforcement, they may be required to cooperate with federal agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under specific circumstances, but their primary focus remains public safety and community trust.

Overall, the forum underscored that awareness, compassion, and connection are key. By sharing accurate information, supporting local organizations, and building relationships, community members can play an active role in creating a more informed and welcoming Northern Berkshire.

~ Sara Keagle, Office Coordinator

My Community Outreach Volunteer Experience

My journey of community involvement began three years ago, when I first participated in the Community Outreach Volunteer Training (COVT) as a newly employed staff member of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.

Although I was nervous about meeting a new group of people with whom I’d be spending Monday nights for the next six months, I grew fond of the weekly sessions and my fellow participants as the training continued. I also began to understand why the training had existed for over a decade: the knowledge I gained was incredibly useful. Despite having lived in the Berkshires my entire life, I had little idea of the many available resources and services, the diverse groups and civic organizations one could be part of, or that the biggest asset of a community is its people.

Looking back, one of my favorite parts about facilitating COV has been meeting each new group with their unique perspective, skills, and passions. Over 100 individuals have participated in COVT since its first run in 2009. With this year marking the Coalition’s 40th anniversary, it seems an appropriate time to reminisce and reconnect with the people who made the COVT program so special not only to me, but to all who participated.

This month, the Coalition will be hosting a reunion for everyone who has participated in the training. Facilitators, participants, and presenters are all welcome to attend, share memories from the training, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones!

On Saturday, May 9th, we will gather at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for brunch, followed by time to socialize, take photos, and participate in some COV-related activities. Past COVT participants who wish to join should RSVP by emailing gglasier@nbccoalition.org or calling the Coalition at (413) 663-7588.

~Gabby Glasier, Community Connections Coordinator

Participant Reflections on the 413 Youth Conference

The 413 was a great experience for all the youth in the community to learn and work together. I had a fun time facilitating a workshop for the teens to get their creative ideas flowing into poetry on paper. I met some really awesome kids and had great conversations with people from other areas; it really helped with networking for the future!

I was really anxious to facilitate for the first time, but having been to at least two 413 conferences before, having people around me helping, and resources at my disposal, I was able to get into the swing of things. By the time we got to the second round of workshops, I felt like a natural, having used my previous experience to help the new people.

I really recommend it to anyone, no matter what they’re interested in or planning on doing in the future, because you find a friend or a mentor no matter where you look. It was something I looked forward to every year, and I am so grateful I got to go.

~ Tim, Teen Writing Workshop Participant

I think the 413 Youth Conference of the Berkshires went beyond well this year; it was an amazing success from the very start back in November to the finish line on April 14th. The energy throughout the event was always up and engaging, and it was clear that a crazy amount of effort, passion, and collaboration went into putting it all together. Huge props to all the dawgs and dawgettes involved in bringing this awesomely unique once-a-year event to life. From the dedicated high-energy staff to the hardworking interns and the workshop facilitators who came up and made all these things possible, every single person played a vital role in creating such a meaningful and impactful experience, and it was so awesome getting to be a part of that and see it come together.

~Beau, 413 YC Intern

A Letter from the Director’s Desk

This year marks an exciting milestone—40 years of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. For four decades, our community has come together to support one another, share resources, and build stronger, healthier communities across northern Berkshire. That legacy belongs to all of us, and it’s something worth celebrating.

As we honor the past, we’re also stepping boldly into the future. Our 40th anniversary celebration on June 18th will be the “kick-off” to a major new effort: a community-wide fundraising campaign for the nbCC Community Center in North Adams. This project represents a shared vision for all the municipalities in our region—a welcoming, accessible space where people can connect, find support, and grow together.

The Community Center will be more than just a building. It will be a hub for opportunity, collaboration, and belonging—a place that reflects the strength and spirit of northern Berkshire.

Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating in ways big and small—through events, stories, and opportunities to get involved. Most importantly, we’re inviting you to be part of what comes next. Whether you’ve been connected to the Coalition for years or are just discovering our work, this is a moment to come together and make a lasting impact.

Forty years ago, this community laid the foundation for something powerful. Now, we have the chance to build on it—together.

~ Amber Besaw, Executive Director

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR TO THE COALITION?

Contributions can be made online or mailed to:

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

61 Main Street, Suite 218

North Adams, MA 01247

nbCC Events and Programming this Month

First Fridays North Adams: Flower Power

Friday, May 1, 5:00-9:00 PM, Downtown, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Visit downtown businesses for specials, sales and check out the gallery exhibitions

W.o.W. Workshop: Pets & Pots

Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, North Adams Clay, Beaver Mills, 189 Beaver St, Studio 301, North Adams, MA 01247 (the studio is located on the third floor, no elevator)

Get creative and celebrate your favorite furry friend with clay!

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll sculpt a one-of-a-kind jar inspired by your pet—or any animal you love. Bring a photo of your furry, feathered, or scaly friend (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish... all are welcome!) and we’ll guide you through the process of turning their likeness into a fun and functional ceramic vessel.

No clay experience? No problem! This workshop is perfect for first-timers and animal lovers alike.

All materials are provided, and finished pieces will be fired and ready for pickup in 2–3 weeks.Come for the creativity—leave with a paw-sitively adorable keepsake!

Cost: $20 (scholarships available, please contact nbCC)

Limit: 10 participants

SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://forms.gle/snbnHEBERLeCXLsN6

MORE INFO: 413-663-7588

COV Alumni Reunion

Saturday, May 9, 11 AM - 1 PM, at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, 165 Gould Rd., Adams

Calling all C.O.V. alumni! nbCC is celebrating our 40th anniversary, and we’re gathering former Community Outreach Volunteer Training participants to join us for this reunion.

Please join us at the Greylock Glen Center for brunch, photos, and games with your fellow alumni! 11AM to 1PM.

Please let us know if you will be attending so we can get an accurate headcount for catering. 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: How a Garden Grows

Saturday, May 9, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

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

Monthly Community Forum: Community Picnic

Thursday, May 14, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, at the lawn at Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main Street, North Adams

FREE & open to the public. All are welcome! We’re doing it a little different this month for the community forum. Join us at 40 Main Street, North Adams, for a community picnic & conversation. We’ll have some games, tables & chairs set up.

Rain location will be inside Hotel Downstreet.

We’ll have some snacks and light refreshments, but we also encourage you to stop into a downtown business to pick up some dinner to-go, or pack your own picnic.

This event is free and open to the public.

MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 / info@nbccoalition.org

Annual Spring Scavenger Hunt on Spring St.

Saturday, May 16, 9 AM - 1 PM, Williamstown Community Chest, 84 Spring Street, Williamstown

Meet us at the Williamstown Community Chest to begin the fun and get the first clue! Clues will lead from one location to the next on Spring Street. Prizes for those who reach the end! The scavenger hunt begins at 84 Spring Street. Questions? Call us at 413-663-7588 or email gglasier@nbccoalition.org

Teen Writing Workshop Showcase

Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 - 7:00 PM, 3 West Event Space, Norad Mill, 60 Roberts Road, North Adams

FREE & open to the public. All are welcome!

Please join us on Wednesday, May 20th, from 5 to 7 PM for the final Teen Writing Workshop Showcase. Experience true creative expression from our incredible group of teens, and see the unveiling of the new edition of Somewhere Between. Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP requested, but not required! For RSVPs:

(413)663-7588 or csacherski@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Community Panel Discussions: Local Government

Thursday, May 28, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, at UNO Community Center, 157 River Street

All are welcome! Join us for this community panel discussion. This month, the topic will be resources for parents and youth. This panel discussion features local representatives from city and town governments.

The presentation will be preceded by a round of introductions and end with Q & A. Space is limited. Please register. For questions or to register for the event, give us a call at 413-663-7588 / info@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Youth Programming Alumni Reunion

Saturday, May 30, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, at UNO Community Center, 157 River Street

Our youth programming has been going on since 1994. We can’t believe it...Over THIRTY years! This year, as we celebrate our organization’s 40th anniversary, we invite any and all past participants to join us for a reunion!

UNiTY, Teen Writing Workshop, Youth Leadership Program, Youth Empowerment Program, Youth Health Collaborative, Art Doors, NB21, etc.

We’ll be gathering at the UNO Center/park at 157 River Street for a celebration with food, games, photos and more!

RSVP is not required, but it will help us plan for food and beverages, so it is appreciated. RSVP: 413-663-7588 or csacherski@nbccoalition.org

WEEKLY EVENTS & PROGRAMS

FRC Parenting Together Group

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

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

UNO Drop-In Art Club

Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30 PM, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

Join us at the UNO Center (157 River Street, North Adams) for this FREE weekly drop-in program facilitated by MASS MoCA and The Clark. 3:30-4:30PM on Wednesdays (thru August) Snacks and supplies provided! Children under 8yrs MUST be accompanied by an adult. Program facilitators are not responsible for child care. MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time

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

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

This is a group for grandparents who are actively parenting their grandchildren, giving them a safe and confidential space to share similar experiences with other grandparents. Coffee and snacks provided.

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

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

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