Berkshire County Arc

02/10/2026

BCArc will be holding a hiring event on Friday, Feb. 27 from 10 AM - 3 PM at our Pittsfield and Westfield offices.

Register for a guaranteed interview at www.bcarc.org/careers

02/04/2026

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an $80,000 grant award to Berkshire County Arc.

BCArc’s grant will provide 12 individuals a structured pathway to employment in the healthcare sector. Through partnerships with Sugar Hill and Craneville Place of Dalton, participants will receive hands-on training for entry-level healthcare positions.

“This grant will give young adults with disabilities in Western Massachusetts an opportunity to gain real hands-on work experience and learn specific skills for employment,” said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc President & CEO. “This kind of education can be life-changing for many of them and lead to new opportunities. This grant will have impact far into their futures.”

Nicole Negri, Manager of Evaluation and Placement Services, and Pam Kight, Director of Employment & Community-Based Day Services, attended the announcement. Cybele Kilby, Vice President of Day & Employment Services, not pictured, also attended.

This program is funded/partially funded by the Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities FY26 Appropriation grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and is administered by the Commonwealth Corporation.

Click for full announcement

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-900000-to-help-young-adults-with-disabilities-prepare-for-employment-0

01/26/2026

01/21/2026

Ken recently put together care packages for the Suffield Community Aid Center. Each package had a comb, body wash, tissues, soap, hand lotion, wash cloths, and body wipes. The staff at the center were very appreciative of his kind gift.

Ken loves giving back to his community by volunteering at the Westfield Animal Control and Shelter and the food pantry, and making baked goods for local police officers.

01/19/2026

Support BCArc through the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program!

For the entire month of January, BCArc will receive a $1 donation for every $2.50 reusable community bag sold at Stop & Shop's Pittsfield store at 660 Merrill Road.

Thank you for your support.

01/16/2026

Anita spent 10 years touring the world and singing back-up for Natalie Cole in the late 70s and early 80s, but now feels that the work she's done at BCArc is more rewarding.

"Touring was exciting, but taking care of people like this, that feels important," she said. "I love the ladies and they love me.”

Read the full story: https://bcarc.org/anita/

01/15/2026

BCArc’s Respite House provides a break for family members while at the same time enhancing community opportunities for their loved one. Matthew (first photo), recently celebrated his 41st birthday in the Respite House.

Learn more about the Respite House in the latest issue of Visions, BCArc's quarterly newsletter, coming to your mailbox soon.

01/09/2026

Join BCArc's Adult Family Care team and support individuals with disabilities in their homes.

Apply now: https://bcarc.org/careers/

Supporting people. Enriching lives. Serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism, and brain injuries, and individuals who need assistance with daily living. Services & Programs

01/09/2026

Since joining a BCArc group home last month as residential support staff, connections have come naturally for Alex, and it’s not a mystery why. Anyone who meets Alex is greeted with his contagious smile and positive energy, energy he is quick to share with residents.

Read the full story: https://bcarc.org/alex/

01/05/2026

01/02/2026

12/31/2025

Stan started this painting back in the fall when the leaves started to change. Using 97 colors, he tried painting this the way he believed things should be -- always changing.

He chose to gift it to his Nu-Opps program director Liz because he sees her as “vibrant like the painting.”

Stan gave up painting 47 years ago, when he had to work and raise a family. Two years after his injury, his wife Mary brought him to a place in Great Barrington where he was able to start painting again in a group setting. Stan realized then that he had the ability to paint again and started doing things on his own. Mary says he has thrived since joining Nu-Opps.

"Painting is something I do that relaxes me and takes my mind off of things," said Stan. "This picture is a leaf that I created and I am quite proud of this piece."

He added that he finds joy in gifting his artwork.