Pittsfield Shares profiles of ARPA Recipients

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield shared a new series of profiles of the 37 non-profit organizations that were awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. 
 
The City of Pittsfield received $40.6 million dollars in federal funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding has been used to create new housing options ($8.6 million), address negative impacts from the pandemic ($6.5 million), make infrastructure improvements ($6.6 million), invest in public health ($4.9 million) and to offset lost revenue ($2.2 million).
 
$8.8 million dollars of ARPA funding was awarded to 37 non-profit organizations that serve Pittsfield residents and small businesses. These community partners have worked to help achieve the city's mission of creating a city where people are able to live up to their greatest potential, achieve prosperity and experience health, well-being, and joy. These profiles highlight the deep impact of the pandemic while showcasing the significance of working together to help support people who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by racial inequity and generational poverty.
 
"Amazing work is being done by all 37 of the city's community partners," said Deanna Ruffer, ARPA Special Projects Co-Manager. "Together, these organizations have helped hundreds of people throughout the city, many of whom were severely affected by the pandemic. The profiles raise awareness about this work and let others know about the resources available."
 
Five community partners have been profiled to date including South Community Food Pantry, George B. Crane Memorial Center, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Family YMCA and Berkshire Civic Ballet.
 
The city released the sixth profile, highlighting the work of Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY).
 
"These profiles capture the story of how the organization experienced the impact of the pandemic and how they built up their services and programs with ARPA funding to support Pittsfield residents in a variety of ways. It is important for the community to know that these funded projects are working to help build resiliency and address the needs we often talk about such as childcare, mental health, job training, etc.," said Gina Armstrong, ARPA Special Projects Co-Manager.
 
New profiles will be shared at least bi-monthly on the city's website: ARPA Community Partner Profiles.

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Berkshire Veterans Mark 50 Years Since Vietnam War End

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — County veterans gathered over the weekend to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's conclusion, recognizing the horrors that soldiers endured long after returning home.

Master of ceremonies Lenwood "Woody" Vaspra said when most Vietnam veterans returned, there were no tributes, recognition, speeches, parades, or even handshakes.

"For many of them, it was a horrible return home from Vietnam in a very chaotic time," he said to a crowd in Park Square on Saturday, National Vietnam Veterans Day.

The Vietnam War officially ended 50 years ago in May 1975. Fifty-two years ago, the last American troops departed Vietnam. The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 designated March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

"We're here to join together as a people, to honor the brave men and women who have stood in defense of our country and for all the countless men and women who are still serving in harm's way all around the world," Vaspra said.

He explained that this day provides the opportunity to pay special tribute to the many Americans who served in the war, the 58,281 names memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and to those who never received the recognition they deserve.

"It is time to say thank you and honor all Vietnam veterans," he said.

During his remarks, Vaspra explained that many veterans have been able to re-enter society, go to school, find a job, and raise a family, but their war experience never went away.

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