Berkshire County Arc

Movie night at Onota!

Popcorn, soda, and pajamas while waiting for the darkness to set in.

BCArc offers summer internship opportunities to local college students, tailoring each position based on their interns’ studies and interests.

“I have experienced a bit of everything at BCArc,” said Neve, a returning intern. “From direct care, planning, and community relations, to just having a good time with our individuals, I feel I have strengthened skills in leadership, communication, and adaptability.”

Click to read the full story: bcarc.org/internships

BCArc will be holding a hiring event on August 23 from 10 AM - 3 PM at our Pittsfield and Westfield offices.
Guaranteed interviews and walk-ins welcome! Register online at bcarc.org/careers.

Staff, friends, and family gathered for the annual staff appreciation picnic. Despite the rainy weather, everyone had a great time celebrating staff achievements, eating delicious food from Ozzie's Steak & Eggs, and spending time with one another.

Red Sox vs Yankees! Individuals repped their teams for Favorite Sports Team Day at CFD. ⚾

Kyle, known to many as "Kyle Smiles" says his most important goal is to keep smiling through life. He loves using photography as a way to document his passion for life and adventure.

Read the full story: https://bcarc.org/smiling-through-the-lens-of-life/

Attendees of the Westfield picnic had a great time eating, socializing, and dancing.

Keysa is a doer. As a mom to three kids and a BCArc employee of fifteen years, she feels she has “been put on the planet to care for people and give love.”

Read the full story here: https://bcarc.org/keysa/

The Outreach crew went to Fenway Stadium to watch the Red Sox vs Yankees game, and even had the chance to see themselves on the Jumbotron. ⚾️

Roger, Tony, and staff member Karen enjoyed a trip to Onota Lake this weekend to have a picnic by the water.

For Ann, working was not about the money but the opportunity to help people, socialize with co-workers, and meet new people. After 19 years of service at Walmart, she is celebrating her retirement and ready to enter a new chapter of her life.

Read the full story here: https://bcarc.org/anns-retirement/

Folks at Northview have been taking part in fun activities such as picking blueberries at Second Drop Farm in Lanesborough and tie-dying shirts.

BCArc's very own DeSean Scales was pictured on the Berkshire Eagle front page today with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Caption to the photo reads: "Photographer Desean Scales gets a photo taken with Warren." Photo by Eagle's Ben Garver.

You can read more about Desean's passion for his work at BCArc and his growing photography business here: https://bcarc.org/desean/

“I have a passion for helping people, I feel my superpower is being able to form that bond to understand how to help.”

Click here to read the full story here: https://bcarc.org/patty/

BICC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!

When Hoyt was twenty-four years old, he had to confront a new reality. After a fun night out with his friends, he was involved in a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
From that point on, Hoyt knew his life would be forever changed. After his accident, he realized his life was no longer going to be independent.
Hoyt said, “It was hard and still is hard to ask others for help when I used to be able to do those things on my own.”
However, he explained that coming to the Brain Injury Community Center (BICC)
through BCArc has changed his mindset on asking for assistance. The BICC provides him with a sense of purpose and belonging, helping him regain some of his independence.
The BICC has also brought lifelong friends. Hoyt has enjoyed meeting many new people who show him that he is just a normal person like everyone else. The center goes on outings to familiar places like Louie B’s, one of Hoyt's favorite restaurants.
Hoyt lived on his own for 10 years and has goals of getting back to a more independent life. With the help of the BICC, he sees his plans coming together. He wants to be more present in everyday life and continue learning from the people around him. Hoyt's story is one of resilience and hope, demonstrating the power of community and support in overcoming life's challenges.

Olga Borsh, Mutual of America Financial Group, in her Hartford Office, standing with the company’s collection of plaques that recognize their support over the years of BCArc’s Golf Tournament.

Thank you Olga, and her colleague Sadie Gross, for their support every year.

BICC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT!

When recovering from her traumatic brain injury, Mary turned to her faith for guidance. But at around the age of 20, Mary started to struggle with the faith she was raised in and decided to explore a different path in her spiritual journey.

Click here to read the full story: https://bcarc.org/marys-story

Wishing a very happy birthday to Mark and Pat! They recently celebrated together with a joint party. 🎉

Thank you to Greylock Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the Buddy Walk once again. We appreciate your support!

Robert has been studying hard, taking pre-tests online, and studying the manuals for his Learner’s Permit. While testing can make anyone nervous, he stuck with it and passed on his first try!

Congratulations!

Berkshire County Arc celebrated July 4 in the Pittsfield Parade this year. Happy July 4 from BCArc.

At 23 years old, Bryce is the youngest Brain Injury Site Manager at BCArc and has goals to keep advancing her career further within the agency.

“Working with people with brain injuries requires a different sort of empathy and understanding since they were not born this way and have to adjust to their new normal.”

Read the full story here: https://bcarc.org/bryce/

Diane, an Elvis Presley fan, has hoped to visit Graceland. When her health started to decrease, plans for the trip fell away. This weekend, BCArc staff brought Graceland to Diane. Elvis impersonator Rob E., from West Haven, Conn., performed for 90 minutes, and spent time with Diane and the audience after the show.
“Diane loved the show,” said Supervisor Robin Brown, who put the event together with staff help. “It was great to see her enjoying her favorite music.”

Finding Solace — and Inspiration — in Photos and BCArc

"When I lost her, I lost a lot of myself. So after she passed, I locked into photography. I made a choice to go for it."

"They help fill my cup in life, and I get to fill theirs. Where else do you get to experience that feeling?”

Read full story:
https://bcarc.org/desean/

Berkshire County Arc The Agency provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injury, & autism.

At BCArc’s Annual Golf Tournament, Marc won the auction prize of a 30-minute flight with Lyon Aviation Inc.. Marc’s mother surprised him on the day of the flight, not telling him until they pulled into the airport. Marc had a great time flying with his sister, Hannah, and pilot Yulia. Thanks to BCArc Board member Michael Lyon for donating the flight.

Happy Summer! Folks at Northview enjoyed some sweet treats thanks to Officer Derby and the Pittsfield Police Department's ice cream truck. 🍦

Adult Family Care Case Managers, from left, Michele Dawson-Macchi, Doménica Gomez, and Nancy Burt, helped build legislative support at the State House in Boston at the Massachusetts Adult Family Care State Awareness Day.

The Summer Series gang had a fun day out enjoying pizza from CRUST and froyo from Ayelada Inc. 🍕🍦

Following Andrea's anoxic brain injury five years ago, she could not even hold up her own head. After years of using a wheelchair, she is now able to walk again and loves to stay active by going to the gym.

Read the full story here: https://bcarc.org/andrea/

BCArc's Rainbow Group had a great time at Berkshire Pride in Pittsfield. 🌈