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We need your VOTE! 2025/26 Forum Topics

Thank you to everyone who attended the annual community needs assessment forum. It’s time to VOTE for the topics you care the most about having conversations about at this year’s forums. Below you will find a short survey asking you to prioritize your top 5 topics or issues that were brought to nbCC by the community on September 12th. We will use your responses to determine the focus of our community forums over the next 10 months. 

Please rank your top 5 priority topics & ideas from the list below. Please only choose 5 of the 14 to rank. Thank you so much for your participation. Your voice matters!

• Housing & Homelessness
• Substance Use, Treatment, & Recovery
• Food Security
• Transportation
• Volunteerism: Opportunities, Recruitment, & Maintenance
• Elevating Youth Voice & Engagement
• Accessing News & Information: Challenges & Assets
• Healthcare Services: Challenges & Preventive Care
• Convening Community: Opportunities & Challenges
• Bike Culture in North Berkshires: Building a Safe Community for Bikes & Vehicles
• “I heard that... my taxes should be going to good roads and infrastructure but they are paying for recreation centers and skateparks instead.”
• “I heard that... businesses in North Adams have a low cost to start up and it’s easy.”
• “I heard that... immigrants in our community are scared.”
• “I heard that... there will be huge cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, fuel assistance and other support programs after the mid-term elections.”

SUBMIT your votes by calling us at 413-663-7588, emailing us at 

info@nbccoalition.org or using this link online: https://bit.ly/2025-26-forums

Meet Our Newest Member of the Team!

Youth Support Worker - Merudjina Normil

1) In a few sentences, tell the community a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Haiti, and immigrated over to the U.S. when I was a year and a half old. I moved to the Berkshires at the age of seven. I’m an alum of Pittsfield High School and Williams College. I am an interdisciplinary artist and scholar who loves to spend time with my loved ones, especially my cat, Sol.



2) What is your favorite thing about living in the Berkshires?

My favorite thing about living in the Berkshires is the view and the community. I love exploring the natural scenery and experiencing the varying cultures in each region.

3) What are you most interested in about the work the Coalition does?

I am most interested in supporting the Northern Berkshire community through my work at the Coalition. I am really excited to create a safe and fun environment for the youth in this year’s programming. 

Who Will You Celebrate with a Neighborly Recognition Award?

Is there anyone you would like to thank this year for going above and beyond in the community? The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition has been collecting submissions throughout the year to recognize community members who have volunteered or supported their community in some way.

Please consider recognizing an individual in one of the following categories: 

• Businesses & Groups Pulling Together- These groups have helped a neighborhood or the wider community by working together for the benefit of others. 
• Youth Taking the Lead- Young people are making positive change in their neighborhood or community. 
• Family Support- These individuals have advocated and/or supported family units in a variety of ways. 
• Community Health and Wellness- These individuals have contributed to making their community a healthier place to live. 
• Neighborly Acts - These individuals go above and beyond for their neighborhood or community, helping others in many different ways. 

Everyone whose name is submitted will be recognized at the Celebration on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Here is a link to the nomination form, along with a physical copy which can be filled out and mailed or brought to our office at 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams, MA 01247. 

Fill out a Neighborly here: https://bit.ly/the_nbcc_neighborlies

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

Community Outreach Volunteer(COV) Training

Mondays, Oct. 6 - Dec. 8, 5:30 - 8PM, UNO Center, 157 River Street, North Adams

nbCC is seeking community-minded individuals who want to help their neighbors and be more engaged in their community. This training is for residents interested in exploring or expanding their community leadership by learning more about the available services and assets of the communities we live in, and how they can be a resource to others. Participants will learn about: 

Volunteering opportunities

Civic Engagement

Leadership Development

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. To register: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

Cooperative Parenting

Tuesdays, Oct. 7 - Nov. 18, 5:30 - 7:30PM, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

FREE PARENTING SERIES -The overall emphasis of Cooperative Parenting is to offer children the opportunity to grow in a home environment free from being caught in the middle of their parents’ hostility.

The goals of this program are to:

-Assist parents in shifting their role from former spouses to co-parents

-Educate parents regarding the impact of parental conflict on their child’s development

-Help parents identify their contribution to conflict while increasing impulse control

-Teach parents anger management, communication and conflict-resolution skills

-Educate parents about children’s issues in divorce. Transportation & child care are available with at least 24 hours notice. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. REGISTER OR MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 OR NKENNEDY@NBCCOALITION.ORG

Parenting Journey

Wednesdays, Oct. 8 - Dec. 17, 5:30 - 7:30PM, 61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams

FREE PARENTING SERIES -This is a 10-week program. Its mission is to create safer, more resilient families by supporting them in developing their inner strengths, life skills, and network of resources they need to succeed.

 Parents who have found value in the program are parents who struggle to manage personal and professional obligations, come from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, have experienced violence or childhood trauma, in recovery, experience mental health issues, or are working to regain custody of their children.

 Transportation & child care are available with at least 24 hours notice. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. REGISTER OR MORE INFO: 413-663-7588 OR NKENNEDY@NBCCOALITION.ORG

nbCC Monthly Forum: Project Updates

Friday, Oct. 10, 10:00AM-12:00PM, at Hotel Downstreet, 40 Main Street

All are welcome! Join us for our forum and learn about the latest developments in ongoing projects including the bike trail and, route 2 overpass status. Please join us!

The presentation will be preceded by a round of introductions and an opportunity for everyone to share announcements. For questions or more information, give us a call at 413-663-7588.

Learn Through Play: Leaves are Falling

Saturday, Oct. 11, 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 

nbCC Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Friday, Oct. 24, 4:30 - 6PM,Downtown, North Adams

It’s time for the annual downtown Trick-or-Treat in North Adams! This year a portion of Main Street will be closed off to traffic and we’re hoping even more businesses can join us downtown in the fun holiday celebration! To register your business to participate, please contact us at 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org

nbCC Hosts Coffee in the Courtyard

Thursday, Oct. 30, 7:30 - 9AM, Park St. Courtyard, Adams

Please join us for a hot coffee and a tasty breakfast treat as we continue our third season of early morning community networking events. Free of charge and open to the public, Coffee in the Court takes place in Armory Court on Park Street in downtown Adams. This is a great forum to celebrate all of the good things that are happening in Adams while enjoying a bite to eat and sipping on a hot coffee or tea. 

WEEKLY EVENTS & PROGRAMS

nbCC Youth Empowerment Program

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

 STARTING OCT. 20: 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. 21: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 Hours - LAST MONTH BEFORE CLOSING FOR THE WINTER 

*Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 PM, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams 

1st Tuesdays - OPEN HOURS

2nd & 3rd Tuesdays BY APPT.

Bring your own bike or work on a bike at the bike collective. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from other community members on basic bike fixes, or team up with more experienced bike mechanics to rebuild a bike. Tools and stands are provided. All NB residents are welcome! For more info, call us at 413-663-7588. 

FRC Parenting Together Group * NEW TIMES 

 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.

Teen Writing Workshop

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

STARTING OCT. 22: 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

Youth Health Collaborative

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

STARTING OCT. 23:(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 info@nbccoalition.org

*NEW LOCATIONS: 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.

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