2nd Street Elects New Executive Director

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 2nd Street Board of Directors has elected Sergeant Lindsay Maynard as its new executive director following the departure of Jason Cuyler, who recently announced he has taken a position as Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Community Engagement at the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office. Maynard will take the reins at 2nd Street on April 1, 2024.
 
"Jason's leadership has been a key element in the extraordinary success of 2nd Street. His knowledge of our clients' needs and available services, as well as his vast network and credibility in the community, assured a level of trust and confidence from those we serve and those who support us. We are happy to see him advance in his career," said Mark Gold, president of the 2nd Street board of directors. "We look forward to working under the leadership of Lindsay, who brings considerable skills and ability to lead 2nd Street into the next phase of its growth."
 
Maynard, a native of Lanesborough, is currently a corrections officer and corrections caseworker for the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office. She holds a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation and disabilities studies with a minor in psychology, along with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, from Springfield College. She is also a graduate of the Western Massachusetts County Correctional Officers Academy.
 
Maynard has been "an integral part of 2nd Street since its inception," Gold said, noting that the organization works closely with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to place referrals, facilitate aftercare case management, create workshops and other events, and help maintain a seamless transition between incarceration and reentry into the community.
 
"Gratitude fuels my excitement as I step into the role of Executive Director of 2nd Street. I'm grateful for the trust of Sheriff Tom Bowler and the advocacy of Mark Gold, and I give special thanks to Jason Cuyler for his leadership and guidance," Maynard said. "I am ready to carry forward the community 2nd Street has created."
 
Jason Cuyler said his experience at 2nd Street will help drive him forward at his new position.
 
"Working collaboratively with fellow Berkshire County community agencies and the 2nd Street support staff has been an honor, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to sustain these partnerships in my new capacity with the Sheriff's Office," Cuyler said. "Providing services and support for formerly incarcerated clients has been a rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing this vital work for the betterment of our community."
 
Sheriff Thomas Bowler praised both Cuyler and Maynard for their accomplishments.
 
"I am extremely proud of the incredible work Jason Cuyler has done as executive director of 2nd Street. What started as a simple vision — to work collaboratively with community agencies to address the needs of the formerly incarcerated — resulted in the creation of something very special," Bowler said.
 
"Jason proved to be the right fit at the right moment in time. The time has come, however, for Jason to take on an even bigger role within the Sheriff's Office," Bowler continued. "I could not think of a better person to assume his role than Sergeant Lindsay Maynard. Lindsay is extremely qualified and is respected by her clients and her peers. I am confident that she will continue what Jason has started with great success. Our community is blessed to have such talented individuals devote their lives to helping others in need."
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Letter: Berkshire Community Action Council Rumors Hurt Fundraising Efforts

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Most of you are familiar with BCAC. We are the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Berkshire County, serving nearly 12,000 families each year. We work hard to maintain the trust and respect of the communities we serve.

Overseen by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, we are required to comply each year with a rigorous 78 performance standards which govern all aspects of our organization. Proudly, we can boast that we are consistently 100 percent compliant with these standards which range from our community involvement, our transparency in reporting, our administration of programs, our financial accountability and much more. This positions us as one of the best run agencies in the commonwealth. Furthermore, as part of these standards, we are required to survey the community each year to assess satisfaction with our services.

This year, as in years past, we received an overwhelmingly positive response from our community. We just closed our online survey. With 436 individuals responding, 96.7 percent of those surveyed reported that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the services they received and for how families were treated. We pride ourselves on our accountability using less than 10 percent of our revenues each year to pay for administration.

Given this, we were shocked to hear that there are members of our community who are spreading untruthful accusations about our programs. We pride ourselves on the collaborative way we work with our partners in the community. We have always recognized that we can accomplish more when we work together. We have shared our resources with the community, not looking for recognition but for the sheer satisfaction of knowing that we are able to help close service gaps and serve more families in need of help. So, these rumors are not only hurtful but very damaging to our programming and reputation.

This year, donors have reported that they have heard these damaging rumors, and it is impacting our ability to raise funds to purchase the coats and boots for our Children's Warm Clothing program. I want to assure you that we administer our programs under the highest standards and always with the utmost respect for our families and their well-being. I am asking if anyone is concerned about rumors you have heard, to please contact me directly so that I can address these issues personally.

I can be reached at dleonczyk@bcacinc.org or call the office at 413-445-4503.

Deborah Leonczyk
Pittsfield, Mass. 

 

 

 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories