Virtual Meeting on Baby Bonds Program Findings

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A study on establishing a "baby bonds" program will be released on Monday during a virtual event beginning at noon. 
 
State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg convened a Baby Bonds Task Force earlier this year to explore the creation of the bonds in Massachusetts.
 
The release of the findings is open to the public; register here.
 
Baby bonds is a term used to describe trust funds set up by governments intended to build assets for low-to-moderate income residents and narrow the racial wealth gap. These trust funds are established at birth and grow until recipients reach adulthood. Account holders can then access their funds for asset-building activities such as post-secondary education, homebuying, or investing in a business.
 
Berkshire United Way Community Impact Director Katherine von Haefen served on the task force
 
"Berkshire United Way works to ensure economic stability for our most vulnerable families, and this program will help provide a financial foundation for the youngest members of these families," said von Haefen in a statement.
 
The task force will release its findings report detailing its recommendations on establishing an at-birth baby bonds program and provide an overview of its findings. Goldberg will offer opening remarks before panelists dive into the highlights of the findings report.
 
The Baby Bonds Task Force is a diverse cross-sector collaboration with members who have work, research, or volunteer experience in racial wealth equity, child welfare, public policy, community engagement, and asset-building initiatives. The task force also serves as an instrument to engage with impacted communities to allow community participation in the design of the program.

 


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Dalton Hosts Decluttering, Hoarding Programs

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Although spring has long come and gone, that does not mean decluttering has to wait until next year. 
 
The town will soon offer programming to help residents of Dalton and the surrounding areas declutter their homes. 
 
These are great programs, the town's Health Agent Health Agent Agnes Witkowski said. 
 
On Thursday, Sept. 19, there will be a decluttering workshop at the Dalton Free Public Library. During the workshop, former teacher Jane Kavanau will demonstrate seven techniques to tackle clutter and stay organized.
 
"As a former real estate agent, she has seen the pitfalls of having a disorganized home and mind," the flyer says. 
 
"She believes that each person and situation is different, requiring that organizing strategies be flexible and simple — definitely not "one size fits all."
 
For more information, contact 413-684-6112 or email
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