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BFAIR Holds Annual Meeting

Katrina Cardillo • June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023 (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources) held its Annual Meeting of the corporation on May 16th at the Williams Inn. The meeting was led by Pete Mirante, Board Chairperson, who welcomed guests and State Representative John Barrett. Newly elected Board members introduced at the meeting included Barbara Chaput, Jake Dabrowski, Dana Johnson, and Marissa Kirchner.

Rich Weisenflue, CEO, remarked that a dynamic team of agency staff have driven the organization forward through both challenging and exciting times, are critical to providing high quality services and that “our staff’s compassion and human connection placing the person served first is the BFAIR difference.”

The meeting included awards for employees with five or more years of service, with special recognition of Terry Blair, Liz Rolland, Nancy Torres, and Jackie Thomas for twenty-five years of service and their commitment to people with disabilities receiving support from BFAIR.

In addition, Rebecca Ritcher, HR Generalist, received a Leadership award in recognition of her professional accomplishments, Isaac Otchere, Residential House Manager, received the Crosby/Quintal Memorial award, and Bill Hensley and Matt Girard both received the Edward Frampton Award presented to people served in recognition of self-determination and accomplishing personal goals.

Berkshire Scenic Railway was presented with a Community Partner award for hosting a high school intern receiving services through BFAIR’s Pre-Employment Training program. Also, for his prior years of Board work and role as Chairperson, Brittany Dorwin on behalf of ‘We are the People,’ a self-advocacy group, presented Alex Kastrinakis with a copy of a book the group created: Inclusion Is. Brittany noted, “We dedicated this book to Alex for all his support, dedication, and advocacy on behalf of BFAIR.”

Tara Jacobsen, Director of Development, shared how donors and community support furthers the BFAIR mission in several ways, including promoting independence, creating accessibility, and enhancing program resources on an individual basis and program wide. “As we work towards the equity of people of all abilities, your support is essential. Whether you are one of the many staff present tonight who put their heart and soul into this work, or you are a community member who expands BFAIR’s work through providing opportunities or donating – you are making a difference. Each of you in this room is the heart of BFAIR, and we are so thankful.”

About BFAIR

Since 1994, BFAIR has been providing Adult Family Care (AFC), Residential, Employment and Day Services for adults and children with developmental disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury and Autism. BFAIR is a proud member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.

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BFAIR 30th anniversary staff group photo

BFAIR Raises Over $140,000 in Celebration of 30 Years of Service

By Katrina Cardillo • February 12, 2025

BFAIR proudly celebrates 30 years of service with a milestone year of fundraising, raising over $140,000 through its 30th Anniversary Celebration, Giving Tuesday, and the annual Heart of BFAIR Campaign.

BFAIR Promotes Kayla Brown-Wood to Director of Community Services

By Katrina Cardillo • February 12, 2025

Wed. Feb. 12, 2025 - (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR is pleased to announce the promotion of Kayla Brown-Wood to Director of Community Services in recognition of her dedication, expertise, and leadership within the organization. Kayla has been an invaluable member of the BFAIR team, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the agency’s mission. Her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for learning have significantly impacted both her colleagues and the individuals she serves. In her new role, Kayla will oversee the Adult Family Care (AFC) and Shared Living programs while continuing to lead the Community Living program. Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening these essential services and ensuring they continue to meet the needs of the community. A 2021 graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program, Kayla remains actively engaged in professional development. She serves on the Berkshire Leadership Program Steering Committee and the McCann Advisory Committee for Business Technology, where her insights are highly valued. Additionally, she plans to further her education with graduate studies in Healthcare Administration. "Kayla continues to demonstrate strong leadership, a forward-thinking approach, and an unwavering passion for human services," said Kristen Wampler, VP of Community Services. "She is deeply committed to BFAIR’s mission, and we are thrilled to have her in this role." BFAIR congratulates Kayla on this well-earned promotion and looks forward to the continued impact of her leadership in the community.

BFAIR Announces Promotions of Kaitlyn Moresi & Christine Meiklejohn

By Katrina Cardillo • January 14, 2025

BFAIR is proud to announce the promotions of Kaitlyn Moresi to Vice President of Clinical Services and Christine Meiklejohn to Senior Director of Residential Services.

BFAIR Launches 2024 Heart of BFAIR Campaign

By Katrina Cardillo • December 3, 2024

Tues. Dec. 3, 2024 (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR launches the 2024 Heart of BFAIR Campaign as their annual appeal. With a focus on community inclusion BFAIR is committed to the people served, and this Annual Heart of BFAIR campaign shows a day-in-the-life of a people who participate in BFAIR’s services. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on Tuesday, December 3rd, which is a perfect match to launch our campaign. In 2023, on Giving Tuesday, a National Day of Giving, with a generous match of $5,000 from Adams Community Bank, BFAIR raised over $11,500 in a single day. Marissa Kirchner, BFAIR’s Board Development chair stated, "As a board member of BFAIR, I’ve seen firsthand how every contribution can transform lives. I'm choosing to give to BFAIR, and I hope you will, too. Your support helps provide services to individuals with disabilities and empowers them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. I encourage you to join me in making an impact that lasts well beyond today." Support our Heart of BFAIR campaign through 12/31 and you will help to promote accessibility, create independence, and enhance program resources for over 400 people served by BFAIR. Donations can be made at www.bfair.org/heart-of-bfair-campaign About BFAIR For over thirty years, BFAIR has been providing Adult Family Care (AFC), Residential, Employment and Day Services for adults and children with developmental disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury and Autism. BFAIR is a proud member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest. ###