Berkshire United Way Renews Over $1 Million in Funding for 40 Programs

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire United Way has announced $1,029,500 in renewed funding for 40 programs across 24 community partner organizations. 

This funding will be for a one-year period, from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2023, and will continue to stabilize BUW’s three main Community Impact areas: Early Childhood Development, Positive Youth Development, and Economic Prosperity. Learn more about the 40 programs.

"Through BUW’s relationships with currently funded partners, we understand how critical the timing of this funding is as the ripple effect of the pandemic still lingers. I am proud of our commitment to these organizations who have endured many challenges and continue to serve our community in innovative and creative ways," said Laurie Gallagher, board member and chair of the Community Impact Committee.

BUW’s investments in these programs support family well-being and are meant to address gaps in services in the community. Programs generate a whole-family, integrated approach that focus on educational advancement and economic mobility.

This assistance helps to fund programs such as Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s Community Navigator Program, which is designed to assist marginalized residents with connections to resources that will enable them to remain economically resilient.

"The funds support staffing for the Community Navigator Program. We appreciate that Berkshire United Way values the impact of the Community Navigator Model," said Carolyn Valli, chief executive officer of Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

A new round of funding requests will be announced in early 2023. Those interested can donate at www.berkshireunitedway.org/donate.

Dalton Commits ARPA Funds Toward Police Station Repair, Design

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:45AM / Thursday, June 27, 2024

The police station has had to deal with toilet backups; the tiles in the bathroom next dispatch have asbestos. 

DALTON, Mass. — Cost estimates have come in to address some of the Police Department's building issues. 

 

The town needs to address safety issues within the police station, including plumbing, mold, ventilation, mice, water damage, heating, and cell damage.

 

During the Select Board meeting on Monday,

 

Building and Grounds Superintendent Jeff Burch informed the Select Board on Monday that the floor tiles, mastic, and the right exterior wall in the bathroom next to the police dispatch office are contaminated with asbestos. The flooring in the dispatch office tested negative. 

 

The Select Board approved using $4,925 of the American Rescue Plan Act funding to address this. 

 

It also approved utilizing ARPA funds up to $82,000 for the design and engineering of the police station's sanitary plumbing upgrade and ventilation system installation. 

 

Burch received quotes from Hill Engineering of $35,000 for the plumbing upgrade and $47,000 for the ventilation system. He is still seeking one more engineering quote at a potentially lower price.