Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation % Berkshire Life Insurance

THE TENANCY PRESERVATION PROGRAM CONTINUES TO FILL A CRITICAL GAP IN SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES IN THE BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY WHO ARE AT RISK OF EVICTION OR ARE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSTABILITY. WITHOUT THE SUPPORTS TPP PROVIDES, THESE VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO PRESERVE THEIR TENANCIES OR ACCESS HOUSING DUE TO THEIR MENTAL ILLNESS, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND/OR AGING RELATED ISSUES. TPP ALLOWS TENANTS WITH DISABILITIES TO OVERCOME WHAT ARE OFTEN SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS TO ACCESSING MAINSTREAM HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION PROGRAMS NEEDED TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE RISK OF HOMELESSNESS FOR THIS VULNERABLE POPULATION. SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PROGRAM, BERKSHIRE TPP HAS PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO OVER 1900 BERKSHIRE COUNTY HOUSEHOLDS AND PRESERVED OVER 1250 THESE HOUSEHOLDS' TENANCIES THROUGH TPP'S.

UCP OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS WAS FOUNDED IN 1961 BY PARENTS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY WHO HAD CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND WERE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN SERVICES. IN THE EARLY YEARS, SERVICES WERE FOCUSED ON WHEELCHAIR REPAIR AND INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR THESE CHILDREN. TODAY, UCP CELEBRATES OUR 63RD ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE AND HAS EXPANDED OUR $8 MILLION OPERATION TO INCLUDE SUPPORTED LIVING, ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY REGIONAL CENTER, FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES, AND EARLY INTERVENTION. WHILE SERVICES HAVE EXPANDED, THE FOCUS HAS ALWAYS REMAINED THE SAME: HELPING CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ACHIEVE "LIVES WITHOUT LIMITS." WHILE THE NAME UCP OFTEN GIVES THE SENSE THAT WE SERVE ONLY PERSONS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY, IN FACT, UCP HAS GROWN TO SUPPORT A VARIETY OF DISABILITIES IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS. THESE DISABILITIES INCLUDE PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS, VISUAL AND HEARING IMPAIRMENTS, IMPAIRMENTS OF COGNITION.

COMMUNITY ACCESS TO THE ARTS (CATA) REQUESTS FUNDING FROM BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO UNDERWRITE 125 CATA VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2024 AND MAY 2025 WITH A GRANT OF $15,000. THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 25% OVER RECENT YEARS' WORKSHOPS UNDERWRITTEN BY BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION. IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF YOUR SUPPORT, CATA WILL RECOGNIZE BERKSHIRE LIFE AS A LEAD UNDERWRITER OF I AM A PART OF ART, CATA'S ANNUAL ART EXHIBITS AT THE CLARK ART INSTITUTE IN WILLIAMSTOWN AND THE LICHTENSTEIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN PITTSFIELD DURING THE SUMMER OF 2025. THESE PUBLIC EXHIBITS SHOWCASE ARTWORK CREATED BY CATA ARTISTS WITH DISABILITIES DURING THE PREVIOUS PROGRAM YEAR. ALL WORK IN THE EXHIBITS IS PROFESSIONALLY MATTED, FRAMED, AND OFFERED FOR SALE, WITH PROCEEDS PROVIDING COMMISSIONS TO INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS.

WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST SUPPORT FROM THE BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,000 FOR OUR SWIM WITH US ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS AND AQUA THRILLS CLASSES, AQUATICS PROGRAMS SERVING THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE DIFFICULTIES PARTICIPATING IN TRADITIONAL LESSONS AND AQUATICS EXPERIENCES.

BLUE RIDER STABLES' ADAPTIVE RIDING PROGRAMS SERVE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT BERKSHIRE COUNTY AND THE TRI-STATE AREA. PROGRAMS SUCH AS OURS HAVE PROVEN TO BE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE IN REACHING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE OTHERWISE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS OR MANY OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. A GERMAN STUDY (BAROLIN, G.S., & SAMBORSKI R. (1991). THE HORSE AS AN AID IN THERAPY. WIENER MEDIZINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT,) STATES "PHYSIOTHERAPY ON THE BACK OF THE MOVED HORSE HAS TWO IMPORTANT DIMENSIONS: 1) THE SOMATOTROPIC EFFECT REGARDS MAINLY SPASTICITY, ATAXIA, THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN, THE BASIS OF THE PELVIS AND THE SKIN. 2) A GENERAL PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC AND PSYCHO HYGIENIC EFFECT IS CREATED BY JOY, CHANGE AND NEW IMPETUS IN REHABILITATION AND BY THE EMOTIONAL CONTACT WITH THE "COMRADE ANIMAL".

IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSING COURT, TPP WORKS WITH PROPERTY OWNERS AND TENANTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER A DISABLED TENANT CAN BE REASONABLY ACCOMMODATED TO PRESERVE AN EXISTING TENANCY. TPP STAFF ASSESS THE REASONS FOR EVICTION, IDENTIFY NEEDED SERVICES AND SUPPORTS, DEVELOP A PLAN TO ENGAGE SERVICES, OR IN SOME CASES RE-ENGAGE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES, FOR THE HOUSEHOLD, AND THEN MONITOR THE STABILIZATION PROCESS. PRESERVING EACH HOUSEHOLD'S TENANCY IS THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF TPP. HOWEVER, SHOULD A TENANCY BE UNSUSTAINABLE, TPP WILL ASSIST THE TENANTS IN ACCESSING MORE APPROPRIATE HOUSING OPTIONS.

GROWING FARM PRODUCE AND FARMER'S MARKET VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM. STANTON HOME CONTINUES TO EXPAND THE GARDENS AND GROWING ORGANIC PRODUCE TO SELL AT FARMER'S MARKET AND IN SUPPORT OF OUR GROWING COMMUNITY. WE ARE SEEKING FUNDS TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT EFFORT TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY AS ORGANIZATION AND CONTINUE TO TEACH VITAL LIFE SKILLS TO OUR RESIDENTS THROUGH THE FARMER'S MARKET VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM. IF FUNDED, OUR RESIDENTS WOULD BENEFIT IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: GAINING INDEPENDENCE AND EMPLOYMENT AT AND OUTSIDE OF STANTON HOME; DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL AND SKILLS RELATED TO SELLING RETAIL PRODUCTS; SOCIAL SKILLS AND ESSENTIAL INTERACTION WITH THE GREATER BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY; INCREASED SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM.

LIFE NEEDS COOP, INC., DBA STANTON HOME SERVES 27 ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL AND DAY PROGRAMS LOCATED IN SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE COUNTY. ALL INDIVIDUALS SERVED BY STANTON HOME HAVE RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND ARE FUNDED THROUGH WAIVERS WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES. STANTON HOME CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS COMPOSTING CONNECTION VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM. WE ARE SEEKING FUNDING TO SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE.

EVENING PROGRAM STARTED IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2023. IT OFFERS AN UNMET NEED FOR YOUNG ADULTS WHO LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES. THE EVENING PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WHO MAY NOT HAVE ANY SUPPORTS DURING THOSE EVENING HOURS, WHEN DAYTIME SERVICES END (APPROX. 2:30PM) AND THE PARENTS/CAREGIVERS WORKDAY ENDS (APPROX. 6:00PM). THE NEW PROGRAM SERVES SIX INDIVIDUALS RIGHT NOW, WITH THE SUPPORT OF TWO STAFF MEMBERS. WE CAN POTENTIALLY SERVE 30 INDIVIDUALS, AND HOPE TO INTEGRATE ACTIVITIES WITH THE COMMUNITY. CURRENTLY, THE BUDGET FOR THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT ALLOW FOR EXPANSION OR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE MUSIC CLASSES, A DRUM CIRCLE, ART AND DANCE CLASSES, MUSEUM VISITS, SPORTING EVENTS, AND MORE. THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES WE TEACH COMMUNICATION, DECISION MAKING, PERSONAL FINANCE AND MANAGING MONEY, SOCIAL SKILLS, WORKING TOGETHER, SAFETY SKILLS, ADVOCATING FOR ONESELF, AND MORE.

BERKSHIRE MUSIC SCHOOL BELIEVES IN THE HEALING BENEFITS OF BOTH LISTENING TO MUSIC AND MAKING MUSIC. THESE DOCUMENTED BENEFITS INCLUDE INCREASED COGNITIVE ACTIVITY, LANGUAGE RETENTION, LOWERED BLOOD PRESSURE, REDUCED STRESS AND PAIN LEVELS, AND INCREASED SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE. ADDITIONALLY, EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN MUSICAL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE LOWERED ANXIETY AND IMPROVED MOOD. FOR THESE REASONS, BERKSHIRE COUNTY ARC, A NON-PROFIT HUMAN SERVICES ORGANIZATION, REACHED OUT TO BMS TO CREATE A SPECIAL PROGRAM TO SERVE THIS SPECIAL POPULATION. SINCE THAT TIME MAKING MUSIC: CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS HAS GROWN INTO AN ONGOING PROGRAM, AND A CORNERSTONE OF BMS'S OUTREACH OFFERINGS. PROVIDING MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE TO ALL POPULATIONS IS A TOP PRIORITY OF THE BERKSHIRE MUSIC SCHOOL, AND OUR MAKING MUSIC: CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS.

"SHELTER FROM THE STORM PROJECT" - THE STORM PROJECT PROVIDES AFFIRMING, ACCESSIBLE AND ADAPTABLE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY WITH DISABILITIES WHO HAVE SUFFERED DOMESTIC AND/OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE (WHOM WE CALL "SURVIVORS"). NOW IN ITS TENTH YEAR, THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES LIFE-SAVING SERVICES WITH INCREASINGLY INTENSIVE SUPPORTS FOR SURVIVORS WHO ARE MOST IN DANGER AND MOST AT RISK OF FAILURE WITHOUT FOCUSED ACTION. THIS PROJECT WORKS IN COORDINATION WITH OUR COMMUNITY-BASED DISABILITY JUSTICE ACCESS PROJECT TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY WITH THE GREATEST NEEDS AND TO DEVELOP CLOSER COLLABORATION BETWEEN DISABILITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND EFC VICTIM SERVICES.

THIS REQUEST IS TO PROVIDE TIMELY, LOCAL DIAGNOSIS FOR CHILDREN WHO MAY HAVE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD). A NEW COLLABORATION BETWEEN PDC CLINICIANS AND DR. DEB BUCCINO, A LOCAL PEDIATRICIAN WITH ADVANCED TRAINING IN ASD, HAS THE POTENTIAL TO ELIMINATE LENGTHY WAITING LISTS IN BOSTON FOR BERKSHIRE COUNTY FAMILIES. THIS IS A NEW PROGRAM.

COMMUNITY ACCESS TO THE ARTS (CATA) INVITES BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO UNDERWRITE 100 CATA VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2023 AND MAY 2024 WITH A GRANT OF $12,000. IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF YOUR SUPPORT, CATA WILL RECOGNIZE BERKSHIRE LIFE AS AN UNDERWRITER OF I AM A PART OF ART, CATA'S ANNUAL ART EXHIBITS AT THE CLARK ART INSTITUTE IN WILLIAMSTOWN AND THE LICHTENSTEIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN PITTSFIELD DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL OF 2024. THESE PUBLIC EXHIBITS CELEBRATE STUNNING ARTWORK CREATED BY CATA ARTISTS DURING THE PROGRAM YEAR. ALL WORK IN THE EXHIBITS IS PROFESSIONALLY MATTED, FRAMED, AND OFFERED FOR SALE, WITH PROCEEDS PROVIDING COMMISSIONS TO INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS.

THIS REQUEST IS TO ASSIST US WITH MOVING OUR AGENCY FROM PAPER DOCUMENTATION TO A FULLY ELECTRONIC CLIENT RECORD SYSTEM, AS REQUIRED BY THE MASS. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, OUR LEAD AGENCY STATEWIDE.

CLA SEEKS FUNDING FROM THE BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT OUR WORK WITH LOW-INCOME DISABLED TENANTS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY WHO ARE FACING TERMINATION OF THEIR RENTAL SUBSIDIES OR ARE FACING EVICTION AND HOMELESSNESS. CLA LAWYERS ARE EXPERTS IN FAIR HOUSING LAW AND ARE VERY EFFECTIVE BOTH AT IDENTIFYING SERVICES TO PUT IN PLACE TO STABILIZE THE TENANT AND THEREFORE THE TENANCY, AND AT UTILIZING THE LAW TO PRESERVE THE TENANCY AND AVOID EVICTION AND HOMELESSNESS.3 AS CHALLENGING AS THESE CASES ARE, THEY ARE ALSO VERY REWARDING, AS WE ARE OFTEN ABLE TO BOTH PREVENT EVICTION AND HOMELESSNESS, AND ALSO ADDRESS THE CLIENT'S UNDERLYING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN A WAY THAT IMPROVES THEIR OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE. WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO HAVE RECENTLY HIRED AN ATTORNEY WHO IS WORKING EXCLUSIVELY ON FAIR HOUSING ISSUES. MANY OF HIS CASES FOCUS ON DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN THE CONTEXT OF EVICTION.

CLA IS SEEKING FUNDING FROM THE BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO HELP SUPPORT OUR WORK WITH LOW-INCOME DISABLED TENANTS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY WHO ARE FACING TERMINATION OF THEIR RENTAL SUBSIDIES, ARE BEING DENIED PUBLIC AND SUBSIDIZED HOUSING, OR ARE FACING EVICTION AND HOMELESSNESS.

WE ARE SEEKING FUNDING FOR AN EXISTING PROGRAM. THE BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER CONTINUES ITS PROGRAM RESPONSE TO DISABLED YOUNGSTERS. WE OFFER PROGRAMMING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY WHICH WE COULD NOT DO WITHOUT CONTINUED GRANT SUPPORT. THE AIDES ALLOW CHILDREN TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN ALL FACETS OF BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER ABC SCHOOL AGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (ABC), CAMP STEVENSON-WITAWENTIN (CSW) AND GIRLS INC. WHICH ALL SUPPORT SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN THE OUT OF SCHOOL TIME HOURS. WE OFFER FULL INCLUSION OF SEVERELY, MODERATELY AND MILDLY DISABLED YOUTH, THROUGHOUT THE YEAR INCLUDING AFTER SCHOOL, SUMMER, SCHOOL VACATIONS AND SNOW DAYS. THE PROGRAM IS LICENSED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EARLY EDUCATION & CARE AND ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN [NAEYC].

THE COMMUNITY RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS (CRA) ADAPTIVE PROGRAM GIVES INDIVIDUALS WITH A RANGE OF DISABILITIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH BOTH TYPICAL AND NON-TYPICAL INDIVIDUALS. MANY OF THE CLASSES AND EVENTS OFFERED PROVIDE THESE INDIVIDUALS WITH A ONE-ON-ONE HIGH SCHOOL MENTOR. THE MENTEES WITH ADAPTIVE NEEDS BUILD CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH A STUDENT MENTOR WHILE THE MENTORS AND MENTEES MEET AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK AS A GROUP AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT VARY FROM BASEBALL, KICKBALL, YOGA, SWIMMING, GYM GAMES, DANCES, AND MANY ART FORMS. FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ALL EVENTS AND WE HAVE ABOUT 100% PARENTAL PARTICIPATION EACH WEEK.

WE ARE SEEKING FUNDING FOR AN EXISTING PROGRAM. THE BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER CONTINUES ITS PROGRAM RESPONSE TO DISABLED YOUNGSTERS. WE OFFER PROGRAMMING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY WHICH WE COULD NOT DO WITHOUT CONTINUED GRANT SUPPORT. THE AIDES ALLOW CHILDREN TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN ALL FACETS OF BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER ABC SCHOOL AGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (ABC), CAMP STEVENSON-WITAWENTIN (CSW) AND GIRLS INC. WHICH ALL SUPPORT SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN IN THE OUT OF SCHOOL TIME HOURS. WE OFFER FULL INCLUSION OF SEVERELY, MODERATELY AND MILDLY DISABLED YOUTH, THROUGHOUT THE YEAR INCLUDING AFTER SCHOOL, SUMMER, SCHOOL VACATIONS AND SNOW DAYS. THE PROGRAM IS LICENSED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EARLY EDUCATION & CARE AND ACCREDITED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN [NAEYC].

GUDIEWIRE'S SOLUTIONS PROGRAM COLLABORATES WITH PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT. THESE PROGRAMS INCLUDE GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, ADVANTAGE EMPLOYEE NETWORK, AND BERKSHIRE VOCATIONAL SERVICES. ULTIMATELY OUR GOAL IS SIMPLISTIC IN IDEA, SOMETIMES CHALLENGING IN IMPLEMENTATION: TO PROVIDE THE PATHWAY FOR EVERY SUPPORTED INDIVIDUAL TO LIVE A MEANINGFUL, PARTIIPATORY, PURPOSEFUL LIFE WHERE THEY ARE IN THOUGHT AND PRACTICE RIGHT NOW AND TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THEM AS THEY ARE READY.

THE CAMP WORDS UNSPOKEN RECREATION AND FLUENCY PROGRAMS ARE EXISTING PROGRAMS THAT HAPPEN IN AUGUST EACH YEAR. WITH THIS FUNDING CWU WILL BE ABLE TO CREATE A MORE ENJOYABLE AND IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTHS AND TEENS WHO STUTTER. WE WOULD BE ABLE TO FUND MORE LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO ATTEND CAMP, REACH MORE YOUTHS WHO STUTTER AND INTERESTED PROFESSIONALS, CREATE A BALANCED AND EFFICIENT STAFF, AND FACILITATE FUN AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR THE CAMPERS.

THE CAMP WORDS UNSPOKEN RECREATION AND FLUENCY PROGRAMS ARE EXISTING PROGRAMS THAT HAPPEN IN AUGUST EACH YEAR. WITH THIS FUNDING CWU WILL BE ABLE TO CREATE A MORE ENJOYABLE AND IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTHS AND TEENS WHO STUTTER. WE WOULD BE ABLE TO FUND MORE LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO ATTEND CAMP, REACH MORE YOUTHS WHO STUTTER AND INTERESTED PROFESSIONALS, CREATE A BALANCED AND EFFICIENT STAFF, AND FACILITATE FUN AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR THE CAMPERS.

OUR SHELTER FROM THE STORM PROJECT PROVIDES AFFIRMING, ACCESSIBLE AND ADAPTABLE SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OFBERKSHIRE COUNTY WITH DISABILITIES WHO HAVE SUFFERED DOMESTIC AND/OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE (WHOM WE CALL"SURVIVORS").

COMMUNITY ACCESS TO THE ARTS (CATA) INVITES BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO UNDERWRITE 100 CATA VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2022 AND MAY 2023 THROUGH A GRANT OF $12,000:WITH YOUR SUPPORT, 500 - 520 PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ACROSS THE BERKSHIRES WILL EXPRESS THEIR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES IN PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, COLLAGE, PORTRAITURE, AND TACTILE ARTS.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING (AUTISM SERVICES, EARLY INTERVENTION, AND NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROMECHILDREN'S AUTISM PROGRAMMING IN 2021, UCP CONTINUED OUR FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THEBERKSHIRE COUNTY COMMUNITY. BERKSHIRE COUNTY, LIKE MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATESCONTINUE TO SEE A HIGH RATE OF CHILDREN BORN WITH AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS. SO PREVALENT IS THE CONCERN INMASSACHUSETTS, THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PUT OUT A REQUEST FOR SERVICE FOR CHILDREN DIAGNOSEDWITH AUTISM AS EARLY AS TWO YEARS OLD. THESE SPECIALTY SERVICES PARALLEL THE SUPPORT RECEIVED IN AN EARLYINTERVENTION PROGRAM SO THAT CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN LEARN HEALTHY COPING SKILLS TO LIVEAND GROW. EARLY INTERVENTION EARLY INTERVENTION IS A CHILDREN'S PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DESIGNED TO ASSIST CHILDREN WHO ARE EXPERIENCING DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS.

STANTON HOME EMPLOYMENT SKILLS PROGRAMTHE STANTON HOME TRAINING PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE GARDEN, WEAVERY AND ARTS AND CRAFTS,AND COMPOST VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS WITH THE STANTON HOME EMPLOYMENT SKILLS PROGRAM .

BLUE RIDER STABLES' THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAMS SERVE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT BERKSHIRECOUNTY AND THE TRI-STATE AREA. PROGRAMS SUCH AS OURS HAVE PROVEN TO BE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE IN REACHING THOSE WITHDISABILITIES WHO ARE OTHERWISE UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS OR MANY OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES.

PROVIDING MEANINGFUL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE TO ALL POPULATIONS IS A TOP PRIORITY OF THE BERKSHIRE MUSIC SCHOOL, ANDOUR MAKING MUSIC: CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OURCOMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, AS WELL AS SENIOR ADULTS LIVINGWITH LIMITATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AGING. THE COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPSBRING BMS FACULTY MEMBERS INTO RESIDENCES AND DAY FACILITIES MANAGED BY BERKSHIRE COUNTY ARC AND OTHERASSISTED LIVING AND ADULT DAY-TIME CARE CENTERS.

FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS WE HAVE OFFERED A SATURDAY PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL-AGED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES,WITH A FOCUS OF CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. THE PROGRAM WORKS ONE-ON-ONE WITH KIDS OFFERING HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE STRATEGIES TO HELP THE CHILD ACHIEVE IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE: THIS CAN INCLUDESOCIAL SKILLS, SENSORY DEVELOPMENT, MANAGING EMOTIONS, PRACTICING PATIENCE, MANAGING LOSS (AS IN A GAMESITUATION), WHO TO TRUST, UNDERSTANDING BOUNDARIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA, AND MORE. THE PROGRAM HAS NOW BEEN CLOSED FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS ASA RESULT OF COVID.WE ARE GRADUALLY STARTING IT AGAIN, AND REALIZE WE ARE ATTRACTING A WIDER RANGE OF AGES AND FUNCTION LEVELS, MAKING IT HARD TO CONDUCT THE PROGRAM IN ONE GROUP. WE SEE WE WILL NEED TWO OR THREE GROUPS MOVINGFORWARD. THIS WILL REQUIRE A STAFF MEMBER FOR EACH GROUP, DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CURRICULA, DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ACTIVITIES AND SUPPLIES, DIFFERENT TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE, ETC.

WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST SUPPORT FROM THE BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION IN THEAMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR OUR ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS AND AQUA THRILLS CLASSES, AN AQUATICPROGRAM SERVING THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE DIFFICULTIES PARTICIPATING IN TRADITIONAL LESSONS. BERKSHIRE SOUTH IS THE ONLY FACILITY WITH A WARM-WATER THERAPY POOL OF ITS TYPE IN SOUTH COUNTY,AND OUR AQUATICS CENTER IS HEAVILY USED BY MANY LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, AS WELL ASAGENCIES BRINGING THEIR PATIENTS AND CLIENTS FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY, THERAPEUTIC SWIMMING, ANDWATER-BASED EXERCISE.

CLA IS SEEKING FUNDING FROM THE BERKSHIRE LIFE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TO HELP SUPPORT OUR WORK WITH LOW-INCOME

RECIPIENTS OF MEALS ON WHEELS MUST BE 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER OR BE UNDER THE AGE OF 60 WITH A DISABILITY. THEPROFILE FOR SENIORS WHO RECEIVE HOME DELIVERED MEALS AND MEALS AT SENIOR MEAL SITES ARE: 75+ YEARS OF AGE ANDOLDER, LIVE ALONE, ARE LONELY AND VULNERABLE, LIVE IN RURAL AREAS, 7 4% LIVE ON FIXED INCOMES AND/OR ARE LOW INCOME, AREFOOD INSECURE AND 60% ARE IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES.

BCRHA IS REQUESTING FUNDING THIS YEAR TO CONTINUE SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH BCRHA'S TENANCY PRESERVATIONPROGRAM (TPP).IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSING COURT, TPP WORKS WITH PROPERTY OWNERS AND TENANTS TO DETERMINEWHETHER A DISABLED TENANT CAN BE REASONABLY ACCOMMODATED TO PRESERVE AN EXISTING TENANCY. TPP STAFF ASSESSTHE REASONS FOR EVICTION, IDENTIFY NEEDED SERVICES AND SUPPORTS, DEVELOP A PLAN TO ENGAGE SERVICES, OR IN SOMECASES RE-ENGAGE SUPPORTS AND SERVICES, FOR THE HOUSEHOLD, AND THEN MONITOR THE STABILIZATION PROCESS. PRESERVING EACH HOUSEHOLD'S TENANCY IS THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF TPP. HOWEVER, SHOULD A TENANCY BE UNSUSTAINABLE, TPP WILLASSIST THE TENANTS IN ACCESSING MORE APPROPRIATE HOUSING OPTIONS.

TO FUND WILL ALLOW US TO PURCHASE ITEMS TO BE USED TO INCREASE THE HEALTH AND FOR 8-10 NEW SUPPORTED EMPLOYEESOF GOODWILL AND DEFRAY SOME OF THE COSTS THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY THE DDS CONTRACT. ITEMS WILL INCLUDE STRESSRELIEVING MATS, 8 SORTING/WORK TABLES, 10 BINS FOR PRODUCTION, A CONFERENCE TABLE FOR MEETINGS, 15 STACKABLECHAIRS, A 2 DRAWER FILING CABINET, DESK, BOOKCASE AND DESK CHAIR.

THE BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER CONTINUES ITS PROGRAM RESPONSE TO DISABLED YOUNGSTERS. WE OFFERPROGRAMMING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY WHICH WE COULD NOT DO WITHOUT CONTINUED GRANT SUPPORT. THE AIDESALLOW CHILDREN TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN ALL FACETS OF BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER ABC SCHOOL AGE ENRICHMENTPROGRAM (ABC), CAMP STEVENSON-WITAWENTIN (CSW) AND GIRLS INC. WHICH ALL SUPPORT SCHOOL AGE CHILDRENIN THE OUT OF SCHOOL TIME HOURS.

THE COMMUNITY RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS (CRA) ADAPTIVE PROGRAM SERVES CHILDREN WITH AN ARRAY OF DISABILITIES BYPROVIDING THEM WITH A ONE-ON-ONE HIGH SCHOOL MENTOR. THROUGH A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, MENTEES WITH ADAPTIVENEEDS BUILD CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH A STUDENT MENTOR. THE MENTORS AND MENTEES MEET AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK AS AGROUP AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT VARY FROM BASEBALL, YOGA, SWIMMING, GYM GAMES, DANCE, AND MANY ARTFORMS. FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ALL EVENTS AND WE HAVE ALMOST 100% PARTICIPATION EACH WEEK.

BRANCHES SCHOOL OF THE BERKSHIRES IS A NONPROFIT PRIVATE SCHOOL SPECIFICALLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH A DIAGNOSISBY A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER. BRANCHES SCHOOL OPENED IN JULY, 2021WITH ITS FIRST STUDENT. BRANCHES SCHOOL WAS DEVELOPED FROM THE GROUND UP BY HELEN BLOOMER AND KASSYVORCE. THE REQUESTED FUNDING IS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY MATERIALS TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONALSERVICES FOR THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ATTEND BRANCHES. THIS INCLUDES: PAINT AND SERVICE TO PAINT FOR 2 NEWCLASSROOMS -- VOCATIONAL AND LIFE SKILLS, AND FURNITURE AND MATERIALS FOR THESE ROOMS.