Jane Wick’s friend at the Berkshire County Arc repeatedly told her to apply for a job at the agency. “I had never worked with the disabilities population, I was nervous to get involved,” she told him. “Now I realize I should have done it a long time ago.” Today, more than a year later, she refers to [...]
They met at MCLA and parted ways after graduation. Nhi Lam moved back to her hometown Boston after a few years working in behavioral health. Seven years later she and Ryan began talking on the phone, fell into a full relationship, and Nhi moved back to the Berkshires. Nhi, a Buddhist whose parents ca [...]
Jada Pridgen Residential Support Elm Street, Pittsfield Jada takes her individuals from Elm Street to Health Choices every week. While the opportunity is there for Jada to relax and enjoy downtime, instead Jada helps the staff during the session, and works with any individuals who may need help. Her [...]
From left, standing: Amber Steele, Dir. of Brain Injury Services, Ken Singer, BCArc president, Sen. Chandler, Commissioner Wolfe, Nicole Godaire, Director, BIAMA, Helene Robilard, survivor, Marilyn Price Spivack, family member, Spaulding Rehabilition Hospital. Sitting: Individuals : Jeri and Jay. T [...]
Mary, left, with her sister Helen, at a Crossroads art show this summer. Mary Manzolini is not only the longest-standing individual of any BCArc program—this includes some 1,000 people—she is a founding member. An original. Her parents were part of the initial group that conceived and launched BCAr [...]
Cliff Love likes to keep the energy high. He also thinks everyone deserves opportunity. This summer he took 14 individuals from the Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) on an overnight camping trip. He’s done a lot of things like this in his past 25 years in human services, 14 of those years at BCArc. But o [...]
Her experience will enhance employer - individual relationships for Employment Services Berkshire County Arc announced today that Kyle Harvey has been named Senior Employment Manager of Employment Services. She will oversee the three Employment Managers, as well as her own caseload of some 35 individ [...]
When Jose Taveras entered McCann Technical School as a 10th grader, he felt like a total stranger coming from a Bronx high school. Hispanic, long-haired, unfamiliar with life outside a city, he had not a friend in the world. As a gay teenager, he chose to keep this private. “I confided in a classmat [...]