BFAIR Lauded as 'Forever Friend' of Developmentally Disabled
  Jamie Williams, center, was presented the Service Award by Northern Berkshire United Way's Joseph McGovern and BFAIR board Chairwoman Christina Barrett. Left, Peter Bedard, recipient of the Self-Determination Award, poses with family and friends. |
The director of Northern Berkshire United Way found inspiration in a poem about "The Special Friend," the friend who sticks with you through thick and thin, and lifts you up when you're down.
"You have a forever friend, and a forever friend has no end," he told the 140 or so employers, staff, volunteers and clients gathered at the Williams Inn on Friday morning to mark 17 years of operation and recognize staff and clients.
"A special friend, that's what I think of when I think of BFAIR," McGovern continued, "looking at how all of you make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and how you have become a special friend to so many is — and should be — an inspiration to all of us in our community."
BFAIR has been providing services for adults and children with developmental disabilities and brain injuries since being incorporated in 1994. The agency has grown significantly over the past decade, and particularly in the past five years.
Over the past decade, the organization has grown from four programs to nine and serves 386 clients, jumping nearly 20 percent in three years. Its board of directors has grown from three to 14, and the number attending the breakfast has tripled in five years.
McGovern said the nonprofit had a major impact not only on lives but on the North County economy. "Since 2005, this organization has added an average of 13 new positions each year and now as over 200 employees with a payroll of $4.5 million," he said. "The organization just purchased three new homes to increase its accessibility to people with disabilities."
With an operating budget of $6.5 million, "it's safe to say that BFAIR not only makes a difference to the clients it serves, it plays a major role in helping our economy," said McGovern.
He joshed that BFAIR Executive Director Rich Weisenflue was blushing in the corner.
 Some 140 attended BFAIR's annual breakfast meeting at the Williams Inn on Friday. |
The agency also recognized some of the people who made the past year a success despite economic troubles.
The Employer of the Year Award to David Moresi of Moresi & Associates for initiating a BFAIR operated-redemption center on Massachusetts Avenue. He and office manager Carolyn Meaney were recognized for supporting the center's employees and aiding the environment.
Peter Bedard, employed at the North Adams Housing Authority through Arcadia, was presented the Self-Determination Award for his positive outlook and confidence while struggling with health issues.
Eric Denette, senior behavior specialist, was presented the Leadership Award for commitment and professionalism.
Tina Suess, coordinator for the Community Residential Program, was presented the George A. Crosby Award for going above and beyond for clients, including helping one reconnect with her mother and family.
Al Castro, habilitation specialist and human rights officer, was presented the Armand Quintal Award for his strong advocacy of the rights of people with disabilities.
Jamie Williams was presented the Service Award by McGovern and BFAIR board Chairwoman Christina Barrett for her 10 years of spearheading the agency's Northern Berkshire United Way Workplace Campaign.
"It's not an easy time to fund raise and ask people to give," said McGovern. "But seeing Jamie work her magic with a smile is an example to everyone in our other workplace campaigns."
