Letters from the President & CEO
Year 1: Grateful for Growing Together
February 1, 2024 – In my first full year as President & CEO of Berkshire County Arc, 17 new individuals moved into our residential programs, the most transition the program has experienced in recent memory.
Moving to a new home for anyone is an emotional event. At BCArc, the family meets with the staff, the individual meets their house peers, spends some time together, and maybe spends a night or two before making any decisions.
Often the new individuals are overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. A recently moved-in resident was so taken with joy, that a staff person said to me, “It’s days like this that make this job 100% worthwhile.” (see page 5 for more). We are lucky to watch the happiness on their faces, watch them make new friends, help them furnish and arrange their room, and watch them bask in the comfort of their new home.
Working at BCArc also includes loss. This year several people dear to us passed away. During these times BCArc staff spend time in hospitals offering comfort, experience hospice together, make funeral arrangements, and console friends and housemates. Despite these trying times, our staff perform with grace and dignity.
We tell our new employees that this is not easy work. During all these deeply emotional days, staff still need to keep meticulous records for state agencies, administer medicines, attend doctor appointments, prepare meals, tend to financial matters, and perform countless more tasks. Despite all this, we have more than 40 employees who have been with BCArc 20-plus years, and 130 employees more than 10 years. Some, like myself, have been doing this work for more than 30 years. We experience the growth of individuals over decades, and they watch our growth as well.
I am grateful to be leading this team. Caring for people the way our staff does seems to me as important as any work can be. I am proud of what we accomplished this year, and look forward to growing together next year.
Maryann Hyatt
President & CEO
Sometimes We Need to Be Loud and Visible
September 1, 2023 – At BCArc, we feel that the disabilities population should be engaged and visible to the general population. That remains an important part of the BCArc mission. The BuddyWalk serves as our largest effort to rally community support and promote the presence of the disabilities population.
It is important that the public sees us — in the stores, at the parks, at restaurants, and in the workplace. In all our programs — and in each individuals’ stated annual goals — we promote strategies to stay active, volunteer, participate, and for many, have paid employment. People need to know that the disabilities population is part of their community. We live here with you. At the same time, we have no signs on BCArc houses, nor on BCArc vehicles, and no uniforms on BCArc staff. We do this to protect the integrity of the people we serve. We are fortunate to live in very supportive communities.
Sometimes we need to be loud for our elected officials, for our community presence, and for the pride of our individuals. So thank you everyone who walked in our BuddyWalk this year, and supported our event. Occasionally it’s nice — and important — to be heard and seen.
Maryann Hyatt
President & CEO
Finding Small Moments to Celebrate is Critical
June 1, 2023 – Rewards come in many forms at BCArc, and it’s important we recognize them. But we do not get to rest on our laurels for long. We celebrate, appreciate one another, and get back to work because people depend on our support 24/7, seven days a week.
This year we were fortunate to end our fiscal year with a financial reward to our staff. People work at BCArc for many different reasons, but primarily because they are caretakers — they help others at work and outside work. This is what they do. But they also deserve to get paid for their hard work and inherent compassion. They deserve a pay rate more than a career in human services offers (we take this fight to the state throughout the year).
Our staff will continue to provide great care for the individuals we serve –- that’s who they are –- and we will continue to do everything we can to pay them what they deserve. Thank you to our friends and families in the community who support us through the year. We can’t do this without you.
Maryann Hyatt
President & CEO
Leading BCArc Toward its Future
March 1, 2023 – The staff at BCArc are inspiring. We recently opened a new residential program for individuals with brain injury, and launched a program to support families who need extra time after work. It is the drive and initiative of BCArc’s staff — its future leaders — that make these new programs possible.
This Agency is structured to provide clear career paths for staff to grow and advance. Ideally we want to retain our staff for a meaningful and lifelong career. Last year alone we promoted 49 employees. We have more than 40 employees who have been with BCArc 20-plus years, and 130 employees over 10 years. Those stats tell a powerful and positive story about the staff at BCArc. I started at BCArc in a residential program and took advantage of the career path and opportunities for advancement that BCArc offers.
Because of our committed, determined staff, we are well-positioned to serving the growing disability population for generations to come.
Maryann Hyatt
President & CEO
Community Partners Make BCArc Stronger
September 1, 2022 – BCArc thrives because it enjoys tremendous support from its community. For more than 60 years organizations, businesses, government agencies, and residents of Western Mass have helped strengthen and grow BCArc.
Our programs depend on community partners. The individuals we serve work as employees with area businesses; they volunteer with community services. Every day they engage in the community in some form. Volunteers take them to plays, concerts, and sporting events. And our partners provide the financial support that lead to new opportunities and experiences.
During the tough COVID days, staff and the individuals we serve spent time inside, staying safe. When programs opened up, we again realized how critical our partners are, and their role in enriching the lives of the individuals at BCArc. Community engagement is integrated with everything we do at BCArc. And because of the support we receive, the opportunities are boundless. Thank you.
Maryann Hyatt
President & CEO