Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of people with disabilities, BFAIR was incorporated in 1994 when the agency opened its first residential home for people with developmental disabilities. A Day Habilitation program was launched two years later, offering individualized day services for adults with disabilities.
In 2000, the agency was awarded its first vocational contract. Today, BFAIR’s Employment Services program offers employment, training, and job placement services for adults and students with disabilities. Additionally, BFAIR owns and operates a bottle and can redemption center located in North Adams, providing employment and vocational training services for adults with disabilities.
Moving forward, in 2009, the agency relocated its administrative office and Day Habilitation program to a new facility on South Church Street, North Adams. Simultaneously, a satellite office was opened in Pittsfield to offer community living support services for adults with disabilities and outreach services to families.
In 2014, BFAIR experienced significant expansion. A residence was opened for four women with acquired brain injuries (ABI) previously residing in nursing homes. This initial home led to the development of five additional homes, three located in the Pioneer Valley, dedicated to caring for people living with ABI. In total, BFAIR operates twelve residential homes for adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and ABI. The agency’s Adult Family Care and Shared Living programs offer people with medical, physical, and/or intellectual disabilities in-home support provided by a family member or qualified caregiver.
With continued growth and need for services, in 2015 BFAIR opened a Community-Based Day Services (CBDS) center in north Berkshire. Services are focused on providing community integration opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and autism. One year later our Family and Individual Supports program relocated to property the agency acquired which is centrally located in Pittsfield.
Our Clinical Department offers supports for the agency’s day and residential services using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). The department is comprised of Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analysts as well as Registered Behavior Technicians.
Serving nearly 600 residents of our communities and 340 staff the agency is a significant local employer. BFAIR is a Member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.