Louison House Shelter to Host First Annual 'Bunny Run'

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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The homeless shelter is trying to increase their funding efforts in hopes of expanding services.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Louison House is putting people on the street to keep people off the streets.

The homeless shelter is holding a 5K road race and one mile walk through the downtown on Saturday, March 30.

The Bunny Run aims to raise money to increase the shelter's services and maintain operations.

"This is the first one and we plan on doing this every year," said Louison House Board of Directors Chairman Mark Farrington on Thursday. "We are trying to step up our fundraising."

Runners will start at 11 a.m. at Holden Street, head up Main Street to Ashland and then turn around, go down American Legion Drive to Main Street and end back at Holden. Walkers will start at 10:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, there will be live bands playing on the street as well as at The Local and food and beverages will be available.

"We're trying to make it more of an experience," Farrington said.

The event came together quickly with planning only beginning in January. Farrington said the organizers are still finalizing bands and business sponsors.

Being the first, shelter officials don't know what to expect but envision it growing to become a major source of revenue for the shelter. For years, about 70 percent of the Louison House's budget has been level-funded by the federal government. The rest comes from fundraising and donations.


"It really is a cut because level funded doesn't keep up with cost increases," said Executive Director Paul Gage. "Each year the gap grows even more."

In January, the Board of Directors decided to become more aggressive in fundraising efforts. Currently, the organization hosts the Berkshire Idol competition, a comedy show, raffles and individual solicitations. Now, the board is looking to do more.

"Fundraising, of all things, is what we have the most control over," Gage said. "There is no guarantee that the grants will come back the next year."

The shelter has been operating on a balanced budget for the last few years but have had little to set aside. Gage said the shelter wants to increase current programming — particularly a newer program aimed to prevent former clients who have found permanent housing avoid becoming homeless again — start new initiatives and set money aside for capital repairs.

"That way it will help us make sure we have a balanced budget and put some money in reserves," Gage said. "While we have operated on a balanced budget the last few years, we're not generating a surplus."

The increased focus on fundraising is also proactive, Gage said, because the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development now has more of a focus on preventing homelessness instead of shelters.

"That could divert funds from the Louison House," Gage said.

Runners or walkers can register for the race online or by calling 413-743-7957 ext. 11. Same day registration will begin at 9 :30 a.m. The first 100 who register will be given a t-shirt.


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McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. 
 
In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire.
 
"We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires."
 
In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc.
 
"Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy."
 
The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. 
 
"Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state."  
 
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