Berkshire United Way kicks off 2022-2023 Campaign Year

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At Interprint’s workplace campaign kickoff, employees could enter a raffle and play games to support Berkshire United Way, while BUW’s Brenda Petell, right, assisted with campaign pledges.
PITTSFIELD, Mass.  — Berkshire United Way (BUW) launched its 2022-2023 fundraising campaign to support 40 programs and more than 10,000 neighbors in need. 
 
BUW workplace campaign partners engage their employees with recreational opportunities, programs, and recognition events that connect philanthropy and camaraderie. The team at BUW works with nearly 140 workplace campaigns to offer simple, efficient, and enjoyable ways for employees to make a difference in the community, according to a press release.  
 
"Workplace campaigns are the backbone of BUW's fundraising. Each contribution enables us to invest in our partner organizations and support the incredible work happening every day to improve the quality of life here in Berkshire County," said Brenda Petell, BUW director of volunteer engagement. 
 
David Hall, founding partner and president of CompuWorks, said the company prides itself on having 100 percent participation in Berkshire United Way's workplace campaign.
 
"We make sure new employees are aware of this during their orientation. It's our way of introducing and connecting them to the community. We have a lot of young professionals and it's important to get them involved," he said. "We are committed to supporting the community and leading by example, and contributing through the workplace campaign is a good way to get that spark going." 
 
"Running a workplace campaign requires tremendous commitment from leadership, tireless dedication from volunteer employee campaign coordinators, and inspiriting generosity from the workforce," added BUW President and CEO Tom Bernard. "We ask a lot from our campaign partners because we know the need in our community is great and that the most vulnerable members of our community are facing challenges and inequities." 
 
Continuing a partnership with Mill Town, anyone who pledges through their workplace campaign this year will be entered for a chance to win a Berkshire Experience at Gateways Inn in Lenox. To learn how to establish a workplace campaign, contact Pamela Knisley at pknisley@berkshireunitedway.org or (413) 442-6948 x15. Learn more about BUW’s work in the community at www.berkshireunitedway.org.

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Springside Rehabilitation Awarded Grant

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Springside Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center recieved a $234,500 workforce development grant.
 
The grant will provide Springside Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center with funds to provide training and placement services to prepare 40 un/underemployed participants for CNA positions. 
 
They will partner with Craneville Place Skilled Nursing Home & Rehabilitation and Springside Skilled Nursing Home and Rehabilitation.
 
The grant is part of $4.2 million in workforce development grant funding for nine initiatives across Massachusetts, representing partnerships with employers, training providers, and regional collaborators to train, upskill, and provide job placement for 621 workers for in-demand occupations in health care, life sciences, technology, construction, and more. As part of the awards, $250,000 will support planning grants for training providers.
 
"These Workforce Success Grants are designed to improve access to good-paying jobs and long-term career success for all Massachusetts residents," said Governor Maura Healey. "By investing in the skill development for underemployed and unemployed jobseekers, we are unlocking their potential, meeting the needs of employers, and strengthening the competitiveness of our workforce and regional economies."
 
In addition to the $4 million investment in the Workforce Success Grants, Commonwealth Corporation also awarded approximately $250,000 in total to six partnerships to fund planning and program design activities that may lead to the future implementation of workforce development job training and employment opportunities.
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