ter, with its increased space, will enhance the opportunity for individuals involved in the program to work in smaller groups minus the distraction of other simultaneous activities. 
   The building in Dalton will also house the BCARC Training Room, the site for new staff training, CPR and first aid training, self-advocacy meetings and events, "Healthy Choices" meetings and many other functions throughout the year.  The new Training Room will also have two bathrooms, a kitchen and its own storage space. 

   Berkshire County Arc will be leasing the new space through Berkshire OMEGA, a real estate holding company.   The reasoning behind BCARC's chosing the new building is that it will provide more space and will be a permanent location for the Social Development Center and Training Room.
   Because Berkshire County Arc leases this space it will also be able to maintain it effectively, and therefore provide a better atmosphere for BCARC individuals and staff.  The move is planned to occur between the

   Effective November 2nd, 2004, Berkshire County Arc will be utilizing a $16,580 Workforce Training Grant received from the Workforce Training Fund.  This Commonwealth of Massachusetts fund is designed to give financial aid to both non-profit and for-profit businesses to  train their staff intensively and effectively.
  Berkshire County Arc has begun using funds received from this grant in its first project that has trained 6 residential staff as Certified Nursing Assistants through the American Red Cross.    BCARC would like to congratulate employees Mary Jane Ray, Michael Hopkins, Jen Foley-Buda, Amy Hutchinson, Theresa White and Jeanine Poulin in their certifications in the areas of Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aid, Alzheimer Care Giving, and Prevention of Disease Transmis

ing a new plan for agency fundraising.  A consultant will be hired sometime next year to help complete this part of the project.
   The agency has planned a third project to improve the management and hiring process at BCARC by using grant money to train front-line supervisors.  This effort will be an expansion on the "Train the Trainer" program on which some of the staff have participated in the past.
   The Workforce Training Fund has given Berkshire County Arc two years to complete training programs with the Workforce Training Grant.  BCARC is looking forward to providing these training opportunities to its staff who are the essence of the support that the agency is able to give the individuals that it serves. 

BCARC employees, with instructor Shirley Zawistowski, R..N. and Berkshire County Arc Special Projects Coordinator Peggy Fields, after receiving their C.N.A. and Alzheimer's Training certificates from the American Red Cross

sion. 
   These certified employees are a well-needed addition to the services that the agency is able to provide for some of our individuals who have more extensive medical needs. 
   BCARC has set a goal to certify a total of 25 employees as Certified Nursing Assistants with funding from the grant.
   Plans are also being made for the grant to be used in generat