Founded in 1954, Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) is a non-profit, tax-exempt, human services organization offering a broad range of community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism throughout Berkshire and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts. BCArc serves more than 1,000 individuals annually through the following programs:
Residential Services: BCArc manages 43 group homes through Berkshire County and Pioneer Valley. The programs are designed to provide a productive, engaging life for the individuals living in the homes, and provide 24-hour support.
Advocacy and Family Support: The Advocacy and Family Support Department includes Central and Southern Berkshire County Family Support Center, Respite Services, and an array of advocacy supports. Advocacy services include educational advocacy, family education, service navigation, support groups, social/recreational opportunities, and self-advocacy groups.
Adult Family Care (AFC): AFC is a caregiving program for individuals needing assistance with daily living skills. AFC provides support from a multi-disciplinary team including a registered nurse and a case manager. This is a MassHealth funded program.
Day Habilitation: BCArc’s day habilitation services are designed for individuals with a wide range of abilities, talents and interests. Individuals supported by BCArc may require intensive supports and skill development in areas of communication, relationship building, self-care, community integration, self-direction, health maintenance, safety and leisure.
Berkshire County Arc has four day habilitation programs:
Center for Development (Lee, MA)
Social Development Center (Dalton, MA)
Crossroads Center for Enrichment (Pittsfield, MA)
Nu-Opps (Lee, MA)
Community-Based Day Services: BCArc offers two CBDS programs: Transitions offers multiple opportunities for growth and personal development, with a strong focus on employment, for young adults leaving the school system and entering the next phase of their lives. Northview seeks to enrich the lives of individuals through a full range of person-centered activities to help individuals maintain personal, social, and community growth.
The Brain Injury Community Center: The BICC of Western Mass, located in downtown Westfield, provides a Center for individuals with brain injuries to meet, fraternize, share experiences, and develop skills and tools for success.
Employment: Employment Services fosters joint public/private partnerships for the purpose of increasing and maintaining employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Individual’s personal interests and skills are matched with desired work settings.
Special Needs Pooled Trusts: Berkshire County Arc administers two Special Needs Pooled Trusts: Master Special Needs Pooled Trust; and Family Special Needs Pooled Trust. These trusts protect your family member’s assets while preserving their public benefits.
