Berkshire County Arc was awarded a five-year contract totaling $1 million from the Mass. Department of Developmental Services to support Berkshire County families whose members have an intellectual or developmental disabilities. The contract funds BCArc to continue supporting more than 300 families in Central and Southern Berkshire County through a series of trainings, two support centers, networking activities, respite services, and help accessing the system of services available to them.
“We appreciate the state once again recognizing the value BCArc brings to families of the Berkshires,” said Kenneth Singer, BCArc president & CEO. “For 66 years we have been fortunate to be doing this work in an area where the disability community is embraced and integrated.”
“You can be sure that we will once again provide far more than the contract requires,” said Maryann Hyatt, chief operating officer, who oversees the program. “Our rich relationships with the families makes the work incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to continuing to support every one of them.”
Some of the services will include:
- Family Support Centers that act as a hub to offer a wide range of general family support and activities to families of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Services to families to help identify and navigate resources—including financial options—locally, statewide, and federally.
- Other services include educational events and trainings, and networking opportunities for caregivers and individuals. These include support groups, recreational events, workshops, an after school program, Spring Break Camp, and more. For calendar of activities, go here: https://bcarc.org/upcoming-events/
About BCArc
Founded in 1954, Berkshire County Arc provides a broad range of community-based services to 1,000-plus individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and autism throughout Berkshire and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts. With nearly 800 employees, the agency offers four day-programs, 43 residential programs, employment services, respite services, family support services, community-based day services, transitional services, an adult family care program, and a mail business called Zip-n-Sort Mail Services, partly staffed by individuals with disabilities.
www.bcarc.org
