Sheylida feels particularly connected to the Southwick house she works. She is part of the original team that opened the new house over a year ago. “We all came here with different experiences taking care of people,” she said. “So we’ve shaped this program together. Every house is different, but this [...]
It began as an off-the-cuff comment at the start of the pandemic. “What if one of the ladies got sick?” a co-worker asked Vicki Richardson. “Hek," she said, "I’d move in and take good care of them.” “Soon enough someone asked if I was serious. I thought about it and said, Sure. Next thing I knew, I [...]
Julie Sanchez in Westfield taking the temperature of an individual. Tiquel Miller volunteered to work in a quarantined house for his first shift at BCArc. “He could have said ‘no,’ he could have said he just got out of orientation and was looking to start in two weeks,” said Amber Steele, Director [...]
From the right, Lorna, Stephanie, and Noel keeping everyone safe and healthy. The November surge that swept through Massachusetts did not spare Berkshire County Arc, forcing numerous programs to quarantine. But due to safe practices, teamwork, and commitment to their individuals, the houses [...]
Ebenezer Arhinful takes care of people. He did it in Ghana, and he does it in Pittsfield. So when he was awarded BCArc’s 2020 Employee of the Year, chosen from 750 employees, he felt his life’s work had been validated. “I have it in my heart to care for people,” Ebenezer told 80 coworkers on Zoom. “I [...]
Susanne was named 2020 Employment Services Exemplary Employment Award. She poses here with her award at the Staff Appreciation Drive-Thru Event. Susanne Brelsford manages individuals with disabilities who work with employers across the Berkshires. Employers, she explained, appreciate the arrangeme [...]
BCArc is pleased to announce Lisa H. Hopsicker as its new Director of Staff Development & Training, who returns to her native Berkshires after three decades away. Lisa has a diverse 35-year career in the human and social services field, starting at BCArc 35 years ago. She has spent her career ded [...]
After earning a degree as a vetnarian technician and working in the field, Haille Burkart decided to try a position at BCArc’s Center for Development. “It’s my favorite place to be,” Haille says, a year into the job. “It has a light, happy vibe. It’s a welcoming place for anyone. I still love animals [...]
Call him ambitious. He is clear in his goals, and he dreams of what most young men dream: Independence, his own family, a successful career. He faces two challenges that he welcomes: turning art into money, and Down Syndrome. “I dream big,” said Dylan. “This is good and not good. I want my photos to [...]
Deb Wagner and Marka go somewhere every week. Sometimes for two hours, sometimes for an entire day. “Typically we go to lunch, wherever she wants to go, then maybe shopping at Target or bowling,” says Deb. “On Thursday nights we used to go to a ceramics class. Also, my dog loves her, so they play at [...]