FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Berkshire County Arc
395 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Berkshire County Arc Awarded $15k Grant for Collaborative Music Outreach Project with Berkshire Music School
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (February 1, 2017) – Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) has been awarded a $15,000 innovation grant for social and community inclusion for the Collaborative Music Outreach Project by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The project will be in partnership with Berkshire Music School.
In partnership with families, BCArc and Berkshire Music School will create musical opportunities through an innovative project so young adults with disabilities receive the support to participate in musical endeavors to enhance social and inclusion experiences.
The Collaborative Music Outreach Project strives to create experiences that combine personal choices and community integration with professional oversight and family involvement that helps those supported by BCArc flourish and grow. The design of the project is a music scholarship program to sponsor at least ten young adults that will have the benefit of a Person Centered Music Plan which will guide them as they enrich their musical talents and reach their personal goals.
Ken Singer, President & CEO of BCArc said of the project, “being able to give the gift of feeling the warmth of music in your soul, and the chance to experience this gift with a family member is truly special. We are thrilled to be partnering with Berkshire Music School to offer such a fantastic program to our individuals and their loved ones”.
According to Berkshire Music School’s long-time Executive Director, Tracy Wilson, “We are fortunate to have on staff Emily Chin, a licensed Music Therapist, to help the BCArc and BMS team customize these musical offerings, which include private or group lessons in guitar, ukulele, voice, drums or piano”. Berkshire Music School was founded on its commitment of providing quality education in music, and musical opportunities to people in the greater Berkshire community, regardless of race, sex, religion, ethnic origin, age, or disability.
About Berkshire County Arc
Founded in 1954, Berkshire County Arc is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization providing a broad range of community-based services to 650 individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism throughout Berkshire and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts. The agency offers three day programs, 37 residential programs, employment services, citizen- and self-advocacy programs, respite services, an adult family care program and Zip ‘N Sort Mail Services. For more information, media professionals may contact Katrina Cardillo at 413-499-4241, ext. 254 or kcardillo@bcarc.org, or visit https://bcarc.org.
About Berkshire Music School
Berkshire Music School is a private nonprofit organization with three full time staff members, four part time staff members, and 35 faculty members/employees. BMS has a 12 member Board of Trustees. Tracy Wilson is the Executive Director.
Celebrating the School’s 75th anniversary in 2016 is a testament to the quality of music instruction, an outstanding and involved Board of Trustees, engaged faculty members, dedicated and hardworking staff members, and a supportive community.
With its new Outreach program established in 2014, BMS began offering classes, lessons and performances to BCArc residences, day care facilities and private clients, and expanded its 55 year and older populations through its collaborations with the Age Friendly program through Home Instead, OLLI, Elder Services and the senior living facilities. The new outreach program includes a number of public elementary schools in Berkshire County, offering after school ukulele programs and in-school assemblies.
Contact:
Katrina Cardillo
Director of Marketing & Development
413-499-4241 ext. 254
kcardillo@bcarc.org
