They didn’t meet at the Berkshire County Arc. By the time he talked her into applying for a position, they were engaged. Since starting the job, they’ve married, bought a house, and are now expecting a baby. Julianna Kishko and Yevgeney Pyshnyak are one of several married couples who work at BCArc, [...]
On weekday mornings like clockwork Gene Foisy walks to Pittsfield’s City Hall, where he shreds documents for the City’s Treasurer’s Office. Commuters can measure if they are early or late based on where on South Street they pass Gene. Gene walks with a wide and uneven gait-- it’s hard to drive by him [...]
Erwin Figueroa spent his grade-school years in the Guatemalan coffee fields, slashing through farm rows with his machete. By fifth grade he wanted more from life than coffee picking. After watching episodes of Miami Vice on a shared television in his rural village, he knew he needed to find his way t [...]
This week, across the nation, we celebrate 2019 Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. At Berkshire County Arc we recognize the value of our direct support professionals every day. It is our core service. The consistent quality of our direct support staff—the caring, professionalism, and commi [...]
Jane Wick’s friend at the Berkshire County Arc repeatedly told her to apply for a job at the agency. “I had never worked with the disabilities population, I was nervous to get involved,” she told him. “Now I realize I should have done it a long time ago.” Today, more than a year later, she refers to [...]
They met at MCLA and parted ways after graduation. Nhi Lam moved back to her hometown Boston after a few years working in behavioral health. Seven years later she and Ryan began talking on the phone, fell into a full relationship, and Nhi moved back to the Berkshires. Nhi, a Buddhist whose parents ca [...]
Jada Pridgen Residential Support Elm Street, Pittsfield Jada takes her individuals from Elm Street to Health Choices every week. While the opportunity is there for Jada to relax and enjoy downtime, instead Jada helps the staff during the session, and works with any individuals who may need help. Her [...]
From left, standing: Amber Steele, Dir. of Brain Injury Services, Ken Singer, BCArc president, Sen. Chandler, Commissioner Wolfe, Nicole Godaire, Director, BIAMA, Helene Robilard, survivor, Marilyn Price Spivack, family member, Spaulding Rehabilition Hospital. Sitting: Individuals : Jeri and Jay. T [...]
Mary, left, with her sister Helen, at a Crossroads art show this summer. Mary Manzolini is not only the longest-standing individual of any BCArc program—this includes some 1,000 people—she is a founding member. An original. Her parents were part of the initial group that conceived and launched BCAr [...]
Cliff Love likes to keep the energy high. He also thinks everyone deserves opportunity. This summer he took 14 individuals from the Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) on an overnight camping trip. He’s done a lot of things like this in his past 25 years in human services, 14 of those years at BCArc. But o [...]