Berkshire is buzzing! A slew of local organizations is making strides with new funding and initiatives that promise to enhance community support.
The Berkshire Community Diaper Project has just secured a $10,000 grant from the Gilson Family Foundation. This funding will enable the project to provide approximately 60,000 diapers to families in need throughout the Berkshire region. With many families facing tough choices between purchasing food or diapers, this grant comes at a critical time, allowing them to alleviate some of that burden. Since its establishment in 2014, the Diaper Project has distributed over 2.7 million free diapers to families, thanks to collaboration with 27 partner agencies.
In another significant development, Berkshire Community College (BCC) received a substantial $132,825 TRAIN grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration aimed at enhancing workforce skills. This grant will focus on commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, an area where demand is soaring. According to the American Trucking Association, the industry is in dire need of more than 400,000 new truck drivers annually. BCC plans to conduct a comprehensive 40-hour training program, combining classroom learning with hands-on instruction to better prepare participants for the workforce.
Legal firm Considine Arnold & Schopp LLP has made headlines as well, welcoming new partners Haley Schopp and Adrienne Arnold. Both attorneys bring a wealth of experience in real estate and estate planning to the firm. Schopp, a graduate of George Washington University Law School, has a history of working as a paralegal and now practices in various legal areas including zoning and corporate issues. Arnold, who graduated from the University of Houston Law Center, has been practicing in Berkshire County since 2019, specializing in real estate law. Both partners are fluent in Spanish and committed to serving the local community.
In the educational sphere, Lenox Public Schools has announced a new alignment of its Pre-K schedule with Morris Elementary School. This change will provide families with a streamlined drop-off and pick-up process for children in grades Pre-K through five, easing the logistical challenges many parents face. The Pre-K program will now run from 8:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., simplifying transportation for families within the district.
Additionally, the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation is encouraging local farmers to apply for its Local Farmer Awards, which offer grants of up to $2,500 for essential improvements on their farms. This initiative aims to bolster local agriculture by providing funding for equipment and infrastructure enhancements, enabling farmers to be more competitive and efficient.
Lastly, on February 3rd, BCC will host a session titled ‘Artificial Intelligence for Marketing’ as part of its State of Work Summit Signature Series. This workshop is designed to empower local marketers by enhancing their skills in utilizing AI for their campaigns, promising attendees practical tools they can implement right away. With a strong focus on building confidence, this event aims to provide participants with valuable insights into the future of marketing in the digital age.
