BFAIR Promotes Two to Assistant Director

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — BFAIR promotes Deb Harpin to Assistant Director of Employment Services, and Savannah Lysko to Assistant Director of DDS (Department of Developmental Services) Residential Services. 
 
Deb Harpin is now taking on an advanced role and has been promoted to Assistant Director of Employment Services. 
 
As part of her new role, Deb will oversee the Employment Services department and manage all programs, including DDS and MRC Employment Services programs. She will also support the department’s Direct Support Professionals and the agency’s social enterprise, the BFAIR Bottle & Can Redemption Center located on Mass Ave. in North Adams.
 
Savannah Lysko joined BFAIR in 2013 and has gained a wide range of experience in various departments, including Employment, Day Habilitation, and Residential Services. In 2020, Savannah was promoted to the position of Residential House Manager. 
 
"She is an asset to the organization and ready for advancement to the next level in her career," said Andre Wallace, director of DDS Residential Services. 

Tags: BFAIR,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Clarksburg Joining Drug Prevention Coalition

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Select Board has agreed to join a collaborative effort for drug prevention and harm reduction.
 
The new coalition will hire a North County community coordinator who will be headquartered on the North Adams Regional Hospital campus and who oversee allocations for harm reduction, education and prevention efforts. Berkshire Health Systems has also committed about $120,000 over the next five years. 
 
Clarksburg, one of the first communities to sign on to the opioid lawsuit filed by a consortium of states several years ago, has so far received payouts of $23,594.78. It's expected to receive nearly $64,000 by the end of the 16-year payout. 
 
In October, the board had discussed whether to pool that money with other communities, expressing concerns that the small town would not receive enough benefits.
 
"Anytime there's a pooling of money I think countywide, I think we know where the bulk goes to," said member Colton Andrew said Monday. "I'm more open to the idea of keeping the money here but open to hearing your intentions and how the mony will be allocated."
 
Chair Robert Norcross said he felt there seemed to be a focus on harm reduction, such as the use of Narcan, and not enough for prevention or problem-solving.
 
But after hearing from members of the nascent coalition, members voted Monday night to partner with other Northern Berkshire communities.
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories