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Three Local Nonprofits Partner Together to Deliver Pet Food to the Elderly

Katrina Cardillo • March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024 (North Adams MA) – In partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Assistance Program, BFAIR and Elder Services of Berkshire County are helping elders feed their pets in conjunction with their Meals on Wheels program, which provides a hot lunch-time meal for people aged 60 and older .

The Pet Assistance program kicks off on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield, MA at 10:30 AM. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services Program (CBDS) participants will fill a vehicle at Berkshire Humane Society, before they embark on a journey throughout Pittsfield and Dalton to deliver pet food to over twenty elders in the Berkshire Community. The program will run monthly, where BFAIR program participants will continue to deliver this much-needed item.

BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services program helps adults with disabilities participate in their community and improve their skills by providing access to regular, meaningful social contact and stimulating activities. Community-Based Day Services are designed to maximize a person’s ability to manage everyday life activities in their community.

According to Kayla Brown-Wood at Elder Services of Berkshire County, “For us at Elder Services, we’re excited to be able to offer this to the people receiving Meals on Wheels while also strengthening our community partnerships and helping people with disabilities make an impact through this experience.”

Laura Baran recently appointed Senior Director of CBDS and Employment at BFAIR states, “Our CBDS program adds value to our local community in multiple ways; providing an opportunity for participants to interact in the community, and with that, comes wonderful volunteer service in the Berkshires, to help those in need.”

John Perreault at the Berkshire Humane Society remarks “It’s impressive how three very different non-profit organizations can come together in this way to provide a meaningful service to people, and pets, in our community.”

To be eligible to receive pet assistance through this program, the individual must receive services through Elder Service’s Meals on Wheels program. For more information on how to get started, please visit esbci.org or by calling 413-499-0524.

About Elder Services of Berkshire County

Elder Services of Berkshire County Inc. (ESBCI) is a private, non-profit agency with a mission to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life. ESBCI is designated as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) for all of Berkshire County and carries out its mission through services including Information and Referral, Home Care, Caregiver Support, Housing Options, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Advocacy, Money Management, and the Senior Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels).

About Berkshire Humane Society

Berkshire Humane Society is at 501(c)3 nonprofit, open-admission animal support organization. Our mission is to ensure the compassionate care, treatment, and placement of companion animals, while promoting and improving the welfare of all animals through education and outreach.

About BFAIR

For thirty years, BFAIR has provided Adult Family Care (AFC), Residential, Clinical, Employment and Day Services for adults 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.

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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. ###