By Lisa Chen
When Claire first stepped through the doors of Northview — one of BCArc’s Community Based Day Service (CBDS) Programs — an individual told her, “You’re going to have so much fun here.” They were right.
Originally from the West Coast, Claire’s studies at Boston College brought her East. Growing up listening to stories from her grandmother who worked as an occupational therapist, Claire knew she wanted to work with people. That was what brought her to the Berkshires, to BCArc.
As one of BCArc’s interns, Claire’s time was split between four different programs: Northview, Transitions, Evening Program, and Summer Series. At Northview, every day began with a check-in: of feelings, ideas and plans for the day, always ending with someone saying, “I hope everyone has a wonderful day.” This would be followed by 45-minute blocks of activities, such as singing karaoke, walking at the lake, and returning bottles in hopes of raising money for ice cream or movie tickets for everyone.
“They remember the things I say, they ask, they care about me.”
Claire also helped with Transitions — BCArc’s CBDS program for young adults — where they had life skills classes, took trips to the library, food pantry, and museums, and volunteer opportunities such as helping hand out meals for Meals on Wheels.
The Summer Series Program led her across Berkshire County, from MASS MoCA to Pine Grove Park, while Evening Program gave her more time to bond with and stories to tell the individuals.
“They support me as I’m supporting them.”
Claire’s favorite part of BCArc was meeting all the individuals. She states, “When I talk to them, it is so refreshing… they remember the things I say, they ask, they care about me.”
Through BCArc, Claire learned patience. She learned to find “beauty in long stories and side-tracked conversations… [which] helped me learn a lot more about them.” Whether it be painting nails or celebrating 
birthdays, sharing stories or cracking jokes together, Claire shares, “The individuals were really patient with me — they taught me; they took care of me. They support me as I’m supporting them.”
“BCArc fits so well into my lifestyle – It gave me friends, a family…I’m starting to build a home here because of BCArc.”
Coming from California, the Berkshires that once felt isolating to Claire no longer does. She concludes, “BCArc fits so well into my lifestyle. It gave me friends, a family… I’m starting to build a home here because of BCArc.”
“I hope everyone has a wonderful day.”
