NEWS RELEASES

Tues. Jan. 14, 2025 - (North Adams, MA) – 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. Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to the agency’s mission of enhancing the lives of those they serve. Kaitlyn Moresi: Vice President of Clinical Services Kaitlyn Moresi brings a wealth of expertise to her new role as Vice President of Clinical Services. She holds a bachelor's degree in communication and science Disorders from The College of Saint Rose and a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a minor in Autism from Endicott College. Kaitlyn is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a licensed Applied Behavior Analyst in Massachusetts. Kaitlyn began her career providing in-home ABA therapy with Positive Behavior Supports Corporation and later served as a BCBA for the Hoosac Valley Regional School District. She joined BFAIR in 2022 as the Director of Clinical Services, where she made significant strides in advancing the organization’s clinical programming. Beyond her professional achievements, Kaitlyn is deeply committed to community engagement. A graduate of The Berkshire Leadership Program in 2024, she serves on the Fundraising Committee for No Paws Left Behind and the board of the Love of T Foundation. Christine Meiklejohn: Senior Director of Residential Services Christine Meiklejohn, who has been with BFAIR for nine years, has been promoted to Senior Director of Residential Services. In this role, she will oversee both the ABI and DDS Residential Services departments, continuing her work to expand residential programming and support individuals transitioning from nursing homes to community living. Christine’s dedication to BFAIR’s mission is evident in her hands-on approach, participating o numerous agency committees and volunteering at community events. She is an active advocate for livable wages and respect of the work of Direct Support Professionals through the Providers Council's Caring Force initiative and works tirelessly to represent the interests of the people BFAIR serves. Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Christine plans to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree. Her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth makes her a key leader in the organization. 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. ###

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. ###

Thur. Nov. 21, 2024 (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR announces that Rich Weisenflue, its long-serving CEO, will retire effective March 27, 2025. Rich’s departure marks the end of a remarkable career spanning over three decades of leadership in human services, including 25 years with BFAIR. Rich’s tenure at BFAIR has been transformative. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its offerings to include a wide range of Residential, Day, Employment, Community Based, Family, and Individual Support services, as well as a Bottle and Can Redemption Center which offers employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Today, BFAIR serves over 400 clients and employs more than 300 staff members, making it a vital part of the region’s human services landscape. Originally from Pennsylvania, Rich began his career in the Human Service field as a live-in House Manager with Keystone City Residence and later developed innovative recreation and community inclusion programs for people with disabilities through the Deutsch Institute. After relocating to Berkshire County, Rich dedicated 35 years to nonprofit human services, joining BFAIR in 2000 as Associate Executive Director. He was promoted to Executive Director in 2001 and to CEO in 2018. Rich earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Human Resource Administration from the University of Scranton, complemented by nonprofit management coursework at the Harvard Business School Executive Education. In 2019, he was honored for Executive Leadership by the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and most recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement award by UCP of Western Massachusetts. An active member of the community, Rich serves on the Board of Directors of the Provider’s Council, a statewide association of community-based organizations, and previously on the Northern Berkshire United Way. His past board roles include the Employers Association of the Northeast, the Human Service Forum, the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of North Adams, among others. Reflecting on his tenure, Rich stated, "It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead BFAIR and work alongside such talented and compassionate colleagues. Committed and caring professionals throughout are to be commended for their work contributing to BFAIR ’s success offering quality services for the past thirty years. I am confident the organization’s mission and positive culture will continue to thrive under new leadership." Pete Mirante, Board Chair, remarked that “the Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Rich for his dedication and leadership. It was a pleasure working together along with the Senior leadership team focused on service excellence and options, staff recognition and professional development and building community partnerships.” The search for BFAIR’s next CEO is being managed by the Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE). This transition will ensure that the organization continues to provide exceptional support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries throughout Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley. 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. ###

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. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: Caroline O’Neill, Manager of Public Policy and Communications caroline@providers.org 508.598.9686 ***MEDIA ADVISORY*** WESTERN MA CARING FORCE RALLY TO CELEBRATE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS WEEK AND ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN SERVICES WORKERS Westfield, MA - September 17, 2024 – The Caring Force is thrilled to announce the first ever Western MA Caring Force Rally, taking place on Tuesday, September 17th, at Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event, sponsored by 18 Degrees, BFAIR, Gándara Center, MHA, and Viability, will celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week and honor the broader human services sector, highlighting the essential work being done by these dedicated professionals and the ongoing need for continued funding and support. The rally will feature compelling stories from the sector, with speakers from Viability and Gándara Center sharing their personal experiences as both providers and recipients of human services. Additionally, the event will include a legislator Q&A session, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with elected officials on the issues affecting the human services workforce. Rally speakers: President Linda Thompson, President of Westfield State University Mayor Mike McCabe, Mayor of Westfield Representative Carlos Gonzalez, Hampden County Senator John Velis, Hampden and Hampshire Stories from the Sector by Speakers from Viability and Gándara Center  To attend, please RSVP at https://bit.ly/WesternMARally. Media representatives are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Caroline O’Neill caroline@providers.org.

July 22, 2024 (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR celebrates 30 years of success with Celebration at the Williams Inn, on Friday, October 25th at 5:30 PM, sponsored by Sourcepass. The fundraiser will include a VIP Hour, live auction, 90’s theme music, and great food. "Celebrating 30 years of service is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team at BFAIR. We've worked tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities and our communities, and this milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. As we look ahead, we remain inspired by our past achievements and are driven to continue building a brighter future for everyone we serve." - Rich Weisenflue, CEO For more information about the event, to register, or to sponsor, please visit https://www.bfair.org/30th-anniversary-celebration or contact Tara Jacobsen, Director of Development at tjacobsen@bfair.org .  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. ###

July 17, 2024 (North Adams, MA) – BFAIR is happy to announce the appointment of Noelle Crawford as the new Director of Learning and Employee Development. Noelle brings a wealth of experience in Human Resources and Customer Service to the organization, along with a strong educational background. Noelle holds a BA in Sociology from MCLA and has built a diverse professional portfolio with roles including Customer Service Representative for 403b plans, Marketing Specialist, and Group Benefits Coordinator. She is well-versed in training, licensing, onboarding, leadership, HR coordination, and HRIS systems. In her new role, Noelle will spearhead the development of comprehensive training programs designed to support employee career growth, foster leadership skills, and align with BFAIR’s strategic objectives. Her proven expertise in operational efficiency, cross-functional leadership, and process improvement solutions positions her as an excellent fit for this vital role. “Please join us in welcoming Noelle to her new role with BFAIR,” said Michelle Baity, SVP of Human Resources. “We are excited to have her join our team to further enhance our Human Resources department to ensure that we are providing support for our employees through training and development to better assist the individuals and families supported by BFAIR.” Noelle's appointment underscores BFAIR’s dedication to investing in its employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 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. ###