nbCC May Newsletter: Coalition News

Dear Northern Berkshire,

Please enjoy a sampling of articles from our May 2025 newsletter. To read the entire issue and see lots of photos of what the Coalition was up to last month, download the PDF here.

Want WEEKLY updates on local events, resources & organizations in the northern Berkshires? Join Our Weekly E-zine (PH-Zine)! Stay up tp date on what's happening in the community with the nbCC and beyond.

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Letter from the Director’s Desk

This April, we proudly hosted the 413 Youth Conference—an inspiring day of connection, creativity, and empowerment for young people across Northern Berkshire County. The energy in the room reminded us of something we hold dear at nbCC: when we invest in our youth, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.

Our Youth Development work is rooted in Positive Youth Development principles. That means we focus on strengths, elevate youth voice, and create opportunities for all young people to grow into healthy, capable, and compassionate adults. Through programs like our Teen Writing Workshop and Showcases, annual Youth-Focused Workshops, Youth Development Training, and the Berkshire Youth Development Project partnership (413 Youth Conference), we’re building a network of support that uplifts, equips, and celebrates youth every step of the way.

This work doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it takes collaboration, consistency, and a shared belief that young people deserve a seat at the table. Whether we’re analyzing community data through the Prevention Needs Assessment or gathering local partners through the Youth Health Collaborative, our commitment is long-term, and it’s strong.

Join us by supporting youth. What can you do? The number one thing we hear is: they need us to listen. When we center youth, we build a better now—and a brighter future.

Warmly,

Amber

413 Youth Conference at MASS MoCA

On Tuesday, April 15th, the Berkshire Youth Development Project (BYDP) partnership and three student interns hosted the annual 413 Youth Conference at Mass MoCA. The BYDP partners who led the coordination of the conference include the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, the Railroad Street Youth Project (RSYP), and the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. Other BYDP partners who supported the planning include the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC), 18 Degrees, and Berkshire United Way. The 413 Youth Conference, formerly called the 411 in the 413, has been supporting and growing youth leaders in the Berkshires since 2007.

This year’s 413 Youth Conference interns were from Drury High School, Monument Mountain Regional High School, and Pittsfield High School. The conference was attended by students from BART Charter School, Drury High School, Hoosac Valley High School, Lee High School, Lenox Memorial High School, McCann Technical High School, Mount Everett Regional High School, Monument Mountain Regional High School, Mount Greylock Regional High School, and Wahconah Regional High School, with only a few Berkshire high schools not represented among the group.

This year’s theme was “World Tour,” and featured globally-inspired snacks, lunch including tofu rice bowls and Korean Bulgogi, and thematic swag items for attendees. A total of 109 high-school students from across Berkshire County attended the conference and enjoyed a day of networking and attending a variety of workshops to help learn new skills, be creative, and have fun!

The workshops included:

Sustainable Fashion & Upcycling with Greenagers
“Shining without Glitter” makeup tutorials
Business Learning with Leslye’s Chucherias
Post-High School Panel Discussion
“From Clash to Connection” Active Listening and Communication Skills with Upside 413
Building A Healthy Community
Strength & Coping Mask-Making
LGBTQIA+ Rights in School: Massachusetts and Beyond
Naloxone Training with Berkshire Harm Reduction
“Preparing Easy, Healthy, and Tasty Food on a Budget” with the Food Bank of Western MA
Erasure Poetry: The Banned Books Edition

We would like to thank all those involved who helped to make this year’s 413 Youth Conference possible! A special thank you to our host, MASS MoCA and their staff for helping ensure everything ran smoothly and for providing such exciting spaces to hold the workshops. We look forward to next year’s 413 Youth Conference!

If you’re interested in hearing a more in depth presentation of the 2025 Prevention Needs Assessment(PNA) data that the Youth Health Collaborative presented at the beginning of the conference, please join us for the annual Youth-led Forum: Prevention Needs Assessment Presentation on Thursday, May 8, from 4:00-6:00 p.m at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center in Adams. The event is free and open to the public.

The Heart of the Community: What Happens When We Gather

In a world that often moves too fast, with too much to juggle and not enough time to connect, something powerful happens when people simply come together. Whether it’s over a shared meal, at a park clean-up, or during a community forum, the act of gathering brings more than just warm conversation—it builds the foundation of a strong, healthy community.

Here in Northern Berkshire County, we know that connection matters. That’s why we at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition work hard to create spaces where people can show up just as they are—whether they are looking for resources, community support, a chance to get involved, or simply a friendly face.

When we gather, something shifts. A parent finds out about an after-school program. A resident sees their voice reflected in a town-wide conversation. A newcomer feels like they’ve finally found their place. These small moments aren’t just feel-good extras—they’re the heartbeat of a thriving community.

At nbCC, our events are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and rooted in the needs of our neighbors. We believe that access to connection should be easy—whether you stop by a neighborhood meeting, join a wellness workshop, or swing by a community picnic. These events create ripple effects: stronger relationships, greater resource sharing, and a deeper sense of belonging.

As we look ahead, we invite you to be a part of what happens when we gather. Whether it’s your first event or your fiftieth, there is a place for you at the table. Because when we come together, even for an hour, we’re not just attending—we’re building something lasting. We hope to see you there!

SOME OF THE UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Every Saturday - North Adams(5/17) & Williamstown Farmers Markets | 9am - 1pm

5/2 - FIRST Fridays: Flower Power @ downtown North Adams |

5-9pm

5/4 - FIRST Sundays FREE @ the Clark | 11am-5pm

5/8 - Youth Led Forum @ Greylock Glen Outdoor Center | 4-6pm

5/8 - FREE Outdoor Family Movie @ the Clark | Dusk 5/11 - Mothers Day Activities @ the Clark | 1-3pm

5/14 - Teen Writing Showcase @ Norad Mill | 5-7pm

5/21 - Outdoor Recreation Forum @ Greylock Glen Outdoor Center | 5-6:30pm

5/26 - Williamstown

Memorial Day Parade

The Clark, MASS MoCA, and nbCC Present: The Return of the UNO Drop-in Art Club!

After a fall and winter hiatus, we’re thrilled to welcome back the UNO Drop-in Art Club, a free weekly art program for youth, back by popular demand!

Wednesdays, May 7 – August 27, 2025

3:30–4:30 PM

UNO Community Center, North Adams

Young artists are invited to join us every week for a fun, supportive space to explore their creativity. Each session features a new hands-on project using a variety of art media and techniques—from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media.

No registration needed

All materials provided

Snacks included

Come create, connect, and express yourself through art—drop in anytime!

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, April 4, 5:00-9:00 PM, Downtown, North Adams

Join in the First Friday Fun! Visit downtown businesses for specials, sales and check out the new gallery exhibitions of 2025.

Drop-In Art Club Returns!

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 Aug. 27)

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

Monthly Forum: Annual Youth-led Forum

Thursday, May 8, 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, Gould Road, Adams

FREE & open to the public. All are welcome!

Join us for the annual forum planned, presented and led by the Youth Health Collaborative students. Once again we will gather in the beautiful Greylock Glen Outdoor Center to hear the YHC present their findings from the 2025 Prevention Needs Assessment, a survey taken every other year by Berkshire 8th, 10th & 12th graders.

Light refreshments served. More Info: 413-663-7588 or info@nbccoalition.org

Learn Through Play: How a Garden Grows

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

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

Teen Writing Workshop Showcase

Wednesday, May 14, 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 14th, 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 28th edition of Somewhere Between. Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP requested, but not required! For RSVPs:

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

Outdoor Recreation Forum

Wednesday, May 21, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, Gould Road, Adams

Join us for a special forum panel discussion on outdoor recreation in northern Berkshire County. Keep your fingers crossed for some lovely weather so we can present this gathering outdoors at the Greylock Glen Center.

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

WEEKLY EVENTS/PROGRAMS

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

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

STARTING OCT. 28: Free and open to youth, 6-8th grade, who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. A weekly group to talk about school, emotions, navigating teen years, making friends and more. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588

Youth Leadership Program

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

STARTING OCT. 22:Free and open to youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Young people are changing the world and you can too. Make a positive change in yourself and the world around you. Develop leadership skills, discuss what drives you, meet other young leaders and plan projects in your community. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register: call 413-663-7588

nbCC Bike Collective - TEMPORARILY ON BREAK

The Collective is taking a break for the next couple of months to reorganize the space, inventory and re-organize so we can better serve the community when we reopen this summer.

Teen Writing Workshop

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

STARTING OCT. 23: Free and open to youth ages 13-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Aspiring writers and poets! Join this incredibly supportive group and get 1-on-1 help with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. Register: 413-663-7588

Family Resource Center: Parenting Together Group

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, nbCC 61 Main Street, Ste. 218, North Adams

A peer-driven/peer-supported group in a judgement-free, confidential space. Snacks provided. Children welcome. 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org

Youth Health Collaborative

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

STARTING OCT. 24:(14-19 Yrs. Old) This program is intended to engage young people in supporting the health of their peers in the region. The aim of this program is to benefit the community by directly engaging young people in the act of bettering their environments. This is the only program with a limit on attendance, as there are only ten spots available!

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

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Coffee Time Group

1st & 3rd Fridays, 10 AM - 12 PM. UNO Center, 157 River Street, 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 light snacks provided. Please register: 413-663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org.

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.

Click here to see what's going on at nbCC in MAY