The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires in partnership with The Berkshire Eagle presents Thankyou toour sponsors!
“Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place.”
Rosalynn Carter
Each year we look forward to celebrating the dedication, creativity and passion of the people who work in the Berkshires’ large nonprofit sector. A panel of 21 judges embarks on a challenging process of choosing one honoree in each of 7 categories from among many worthy nominations. It is clear that the nonprofit sector is home to many “rockstar” employees whose great work is so appreciated by their organizations. It is a privilege to gather at the 7th annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards on May 21st to recognize them all.
While the public may never see the extraordinary behind-the-scenes of nonprofit work, we know the positive impact on our community, and we can show our appreciation in a number of ways – through fi nancial contributions, attending events, volunteering and advocacy. May is not the ”giving” season per se, but if you value our healthcare workers, teachers, caregivers, food pantry organizers, mental health and housing providers, among others, consider donating or volunteering if you are able. Together, we CAN improve our world. – Liana Toscanini/Founder, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Watch the free Live Stream of the Awards event at 10:30 am on May 21. Register
Kids 4 Harmony will perform at the 7th Annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards. Kids 4 Harmony is a free, intensive classical music program for youth from some of the most under-resourced communities in Berkshire County.
These 21 judges from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors carefully ranked their choices from among 62 nominations, culminating in a virtual meeting to fi nalize 7 honorees. We thank them for their time and integrity.
TOP ROW (left to right): Jay Ogle/Adams Community Bank, Liana Toscanini/NPC (Facilitator), Sooja Whalen/Lee Bank, Karen Richards/Volunteer, Paul Farella/Moneco Advisors SECOND ROW (l to r): Emily Schiavoni/North Adams Public Schools, Glenda Matos/Volunteer, Francesca Olsen/Volunteer, Katherine von Haefen/Berkshire United Way, Jennifer Connor Shumsky/Greylock Federal Credit Union THIRD ROW (l to r): Lisa Dent/MASS MoCA, Francesca Stanmeyer/Student, Heather Heim/CATA, Lori Kiely/Berkshire Bank, Shela Levante/ MCLA FOURTH ROW (l to r): Meg Sanders/Canna Provisions, Sabrina Allard/RSYP, Rev. Mike Denton/United Church of Christ, Christine Hoyt/1Berkshire, Ny Whitaker/Du Bois Center for Freedom & Democracy Missing from photo (Lisa Donovan/MCLA, Jonah Sykes/BCC)
BOARD LEADERSHIP
Kate Barton, Berkshire Immigrant Center
Toni Buckley, WAM Theatre
Linda G. Conway, 18 Degrees
Benjamin Lamb, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
Teresa O’Brient, Berkshire Waldorf High School
Arthur M. Peisner, Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires
Daltrey Turner, Berkshire Community Diaper Project
Mike Zippel, Berkshire Arts Center
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Margaret Keller, Executive Director, Community Access to the Arts
Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub, Co-Presidents, Berkshire Bounty
Todd Mack , Music in Common
Molly Merrihew, Managing Director, WAM Theatre
Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director/CEO, Norman Rockwell Museum
Jessica Vecchia, Executive Director, Co-founder, Roots Rising
Barbara Viniar, President, Temple
Anshe Amunim
Nicki Wilson, President, Board of Directors, Triplex Cinema, Inc.
Susan Wissler, Executive Director, Edith Wharton Restoration (The Mount)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Chris Melski, Vice President Residential Services, Berkshire County Arc
Gail M. Molari, President, Molari Family Charitable Fund
Gary Pratt, Director South County Recovery Center
Debbie Caiola, Director–Center for Development, Berkshire County Arc
Ann Jon, Executive Director, Sculpture
Now
Haley Barbieri, Director of Operations, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum
Veronica Bone, Community & InSchool Program Manager and Teaching Artist, Berkshire Pulse
Carrie Brassard RN, Clinical Nurse Supervisor, UCP of Western
Massachusetts
Chris Ciepiela, Youth and Equine Wellness Guide, Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc.
Tonya Frazier, Lead Community Navigator, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
Maggie McRae, Hall Manager/ Dewey Memorial Hall
Shawn Mille, Vice President, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP)
Brenda Petell, Director of Volunteer Engagement, Berkshire United Way
Lauren Smith, Director of Community Relations and Development, Fairview Hospital
Melissa Helm, Executive Director, NAMI Berkshires
Abigail Allard, Director of Development, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center
Emma Demastrie, Home Base Visitor, Berkshire County Head Start
Carmen Guevara, Mentorship Program Coordinator and secretary, Latinas413
Lynne Newton, Community Navigator, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
Karen Richards (Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, WAM Theatre, Du Bois Freedom Center, & The Mount)
Susan Briggs, Executive Director, Williamstown Chamber
Isabelle Kaplan, Senior Volunteer, Berkshire Immigrant Center
VOLUNTEER
Jeanne Lemlin, Volunteer Tutor, Literacy Network
Catherine F. Mayne, Volunteer, 18 Degrees
Judith Wesselman, Community Program Lead Volunteer, Berkshire Community Action Council, Inc.
Chris Ortwein, Berkshire Pulse
Juliana Ospina, Kripalu Shop Manager, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Isabella Penna-Ward, Board member and Youth Crew Alumni, Roots Rising Noelia Salinetti, Monument High School senior/Inclusion Task Force
Intern and Student Advocate Railroad Street Youth Project
Lydia Shustack , Youth Leader/ Mentor, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
Cashey Young, Scholar (member)
Rites of Passage and Empowerment program, R.O.P.E.
Lucia Pantano, Youth Health Collaborative
Jacob Tullo, Volunteer / Mentor, AYJ Fund
The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016 by Liana Toscanini to help nonprofits connect, learn and grow. Through workshops, networking events, research and advocacy, the NPC is always connecting nonprofits to resources, including grant opportunities, pro bono consultants and people just like YOU, ready to jump in and help! Call us anytime at (413) 441-9542 to get involved or visit npcberkshires.org.
Liana Toscanini, Founder & Executive Director
NPC Board of Directors:
Dan Stanyon, Chair
Brian Berkel, Treasurer
Julia Dixon, Secretary
Kim Baker
Kevin Fleming
Randy Kinnas
Cass Santos-China
Emily Schiavoni
Tom Sharpe
Laurie Werner
Every dollar you deposit in Berkshire Bank is an investment. Your money may grow, and your entire community grows as well. It helps neighbors buy homes and enables volunteers to make a difference. And it funds new businesses and greener technologies.
Start making a difference today at any of our 100 financial centers or at berkshirebank.com. To learn more about the
Demonstrates Prudent Use of Assets
Kate ensures BIC’s money is spent strategically and understands the importance of not overusing the goodwill of others. She will ask a package store to donate wine or sparkling water, but won’t hesitate to support spending more when it stands to repay the Center in dividends.
Provides Oversight to Advance Effectiveness and Sustainability
Since joining the board in 2019, Kate has shepherded BIC through the most consequential reorganization in its 26-year history. Her steady leadership and good spirits helped keep Team BIC focused on the common goal of achieving independent nonprofit status, which came In October 2021.
Kate exercises thoughtful oversight and follows proper procedures in all her duties— from monthly board meetings to weekly check-ins with the executive director plus dozens of others. The time and energy she devotes to BIC stems from a deep personal commitment to serving immigrants, amidst a personal history as a white woman from a conservative Southern family steeped in decades of ingrained racism.
Service on Committees/Task Forces/Special Assignments
Kate helped grow our Annual Benefit from a concert to a gala, increasing revenue from $17,000 to $125,000 in four years. She played pivotal roles in both the executive director search and recent year-long strategic planning process.
“Kate inspires people to work hard, and to have fun doing it; she epitomizes a hands-on board member.”
—Sheryl Lechner, nominator
Roots Rising
Guiding Strategic Growth to Meet Community Needs
The Pittsfield Farmers Market, located in a “food desert” where access to healthy fresh food is limited, was born from Jess’ vision. Her passion for youth development, as evidenced by Roots Rising’s Youth Crews, has offered meaningful paid work to over 145 young people in Pittsfield.
Elevating the Mission
Jess embodies a vision where community members feel connected and cared for. She makes space for all—from Kids4Harmony performers to R.O.P.E.S scholars—and provides “Real Talk”, a goal-setting and feedback process for Youth Crews.
Nurture and Inspire Staff, Board, Donors, and Community Partners
Jess is a bold leader who inspires others. She champions staff benefits, affording muchneeded work-life balance, and does not hesitate to share resources and celebrate Pittsfield’s successes with community partners and donors. Above all else, Jess stands out for her ability to nurture Pittsfield’s emerging leaders.
Creative or Innovative Strategies to Overcome
When Covid hit, Jess made fresh, affordable food accessible to all. In doing so, she ensured farmers’ economic survival and built a meaningful way for people to come together during a difficult time. Her commitment to launching a youth farm in Pittsfield can be largely attributed to an ongoing ability to communicate a powerfully hopeful view of this community.
“Jess is an action-oriented doer whose passion for food justice and community building have informed every aspect of Roots Rising.”
—Susan Kelly, nominator
Berkshire United Way
Positive Impact on Organization
Brenda uses her passion and talent for building relationships to expand opportunities for others to give back in meaningful ways. Her own reputation and network of trusted relationships has secured BUW as the “go-to” resource for sharing time and talent in the community.
Personal Attributes Contributing to Achievement
An incredible and supportive team player, Brenda is focused and intentional about continuous improvement. She ensures our commitment to equity is clear and consistent and seeks creative and innovative ways to partner in the community. Her strong values lead the way, chief among them a commitment to service and inclusive engagement.
Commitment and Dedication to Organization/Mission
Brenda strengthens connections with the Pittsfield Public Schools surrounding career mentorship programs; partners with NPC Berkshires via volunteer fairs and board matching services; and coordinates with community providers to ensure new arrivals, including migrant families, feel supported.
Going “Above and Beyond” the Job
Brenda finds joy in helping others through the Central Berkshire Habitat For Humanity Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) program. She knows the precious dollars saved by maximizing credits and refunds can not only make a positive difference in people’s lives but also help break the cycle of poverty.
“Brenda regularly checks the pulse of the community to identify unmet and emerging needs…and ensure there is a rapid and effective response to meeting them and closing gaps.”
—Tom Bernard, nominator
ROCK STAR HONOREE
Monument Mountain Regional High School, senior
Impact on Organization and Community
As one of six interns for the Railroad Street Youth Project’s Inclusion Task Force, Noelia has been an empowered voice for their peers—partnering with administrators to build DEI capacity and address what students of color needed to feel safe and heard at school.
Demonstrates Passion and Commitment to Chosen Cause
Noelia consistently shows up around advocacy and education. They are focused and assured yet open to learning and growth. When they need to be leading the way, they do; when advocating for a peer, they can step back from the spotlight and be a strong and silent supporter.
Makes a Difference in the Community
Noelia brings issues adults are not considering to community spaces. Their work at school has led to great ripple effects of impact throughout the community as evidenced by outreach with RSYP, the Southern Berkshire Health Coalition as well as the Stoke Collective—all of which provide a platform to collaborate and present to constituents from throughout Berkshire County.
Shows Young People Can Make a Difference
Noelia has not only helped to change the culture of their school but also inspired others by modeling that when you are present and use your voice with astounding clarity, people will listen.
“Noelia has immense courage, conviction and a deep sense of empathy that converge to make them a formidable leader.”
—Sean Flynn, nominator
SAMYA ROSE STUMO YOUTH LEADERSHIP HONOREE
You go above and beyond for Berkshire United Way and our community every day!
Karen Richards
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center/ WAM Theatre/DuBois Center for Freedom and Democracy/The Mount
Importance of Role Within Organization
At the Mahaiwe, Karen is a highly valued employee whose formal title includes Playbill Marketing and Special Projects. At WAM, she’s the go-to person when help is needed, providing insight and connecting with valuesaligned community members. Karen’s volunteer support has been invaluable for the smooth running of The DuBois Center. At The Mount, Karen steps in when gaps arise— moving seamlessly from volunteer to staff, offering major administrative and organizational support.
Personal and Professional Qualities
A diligent work ethic and welcoming spirit set Karen apart. Others rely on her to perform vital tasks, and she is eager to assist wherever most needed—no matter if the job is glamorous or not.
Worthiness of Work and Attitude
Karen quietly puts her shoulder to the wheel at four nonprofits across the county, making a real difference at each but never drawing attention to herself. She works hard, is kind to everyone around her, and takes joy when others succeed.
Recognition: Internal vs. Public
Her deep contributions to the functioning of cultural organizations make Karen a role model for others. She is an exemplar of what it means to humbly do what is needed without expectation.
Berkshire Community Action Council
Annual Volunteer Hours: 295 Volunteer Activities
Jude’s impeccable organizational skills have proven pivotal in bringing The Elf Warm Clothing Program to the next level. For several months each year, she volunteers as many hours as paid employees work—meticulously labeling and organizing mountains of clothing for boys and girls ages 0-12. Her volunteerism extends to the Elks Lodge #272 where she dedicates her time to ensuring the success of community dinners and organizing the annual golf tournament, a vital fundraiser.
Jude’s passion for The Elf Program is evident and made opening our boutique a success. She helped to create a warm atmosphere in which families can shop for their children at no cost rather than receive pre-chosen articles of clothing. Jude’s support extends to helping with fundraisers, including sale of raffle tickets, and organizing a musical bingo.
“If Karen sets her mind to something, it gets done well. She is constantly pondering how to improve results the next time, and her positivity never flags.”
—Molly Merrihew, nominator
congratulations & gratitude to Karen Richards! Karen’s service to the Mahaiwe on special projects — amidst other roles at the Du Bois Freedom Center, WAM Theatre, and The Mount — is invaluable.
Jude is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Her work at BCAC ensures that children in need—a figure she’s grown to approximately 2,000 each year—receive warm clothing and feel confident during the winter season. Beyond our doors, Jude’s support of the Elks’ fundraising efforts have benefited organizations throughout Berkshire County.
“Jude’s spirit of generosity serves as an inspiration to us all; she is an example of what one person’s impact can have on an entire community.”
—Deborah Leonczyk, nominator
Chris Melski
Berkshire County Arc
Widespread and Ongoing Community Influence
As Vice President of Residential Services, Chris oversees the residential facilities at 50+ properties; the quality of life for 400+ individuals with disabilities; countless service providers; and a staff of 600+. It’s impossible to count the number of people to whom Chris has brought joy over his 38 years at BCArc.
Individual’s Exceptional Accomplishments
Chris is strategic in placing individuals in appropriate residential settings and started a successful “Men’s Group’’ to address a need. He was successful in merging two large BCArc departments (funded by different sources and with different requirements) and instrumental in BCArc receiving the highest marks available during the annual state review.
Commitment to Highest Values
Chris is successful because he follows ethical and regulatory guidelines. His first reflex is always in the best interest of the individuals BCArc serves—whose family members and neighbors he knows. Whether shopping in town or shoveling his walk, Chris is recognized throughout the community.
Exhibits Long-Term Courage and Perseverance
Human services work is not for the faint of heart. From loss of life after decades of care and friendship to challenging moments with families, staff and agency partners, Chris does not flinch when holding tough conversations.
“Chris has a heart of gold. He routinely takes individuals with disabilities to lunch, calls them on the phone, and visits them in the hospital…he asks for little attention and avoids recognition.”
—David Singer, nominator
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE
Check out our Giving Back guide online at npcberkshires.org. The directory of nonprofi ts is organized by category (arts, education, youth etc.) to match your interests. Profiles of nonprofi ts provide information on ways to help.
Thinking about serving on a board but don’t have much experience? Watch our “Intro to Board Service” videos on YouTube! Then check out our board matching service, Get on Board! More information at npcberkshires.org/join-a-board/ Want to volunteer? Attend our Volunteer Fair July 12 at Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfi eld.
(as of May 2024)
1 Berkshire
18 Degrees
Adams Theater Presents Aston Magna Foundation for Music & the Humanities
Austen Riggs Center
AYJ Fund
Bard College at Simon’s Rock Barrington Stage Company
Baseball in the Berkshires, Inc.
Becket Ar ts Center of The Hilltowns
Becket Athenaeum
BerkShares
Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
Berkshire AHEC, Inc.
Berkshire Ar t Center
Berkshire Ar t Museum
Berkshire Athenaeum
Berkshire Bach Society
Berkshire Botanical Garden
Berkshire Bounty
Berkshire Busk
Berkshire Center for Justice
Berkshire Children’s Chorus
Berkshire Choral International
Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention
Berkshire Communit y Action Council
Berkshire Communit y Diaper Project
Berkshire Communit y Land Trust
Berkshire Communit y Radio Alliance
Berkshire Concert Choir
Berkshire County Arc
Berkshire County Historical Society
Berkshire County Kids’ Place & Violence Prevention Center
Berkshire County Regional Housing Authorit y
Berkshire Dance Theatre
Berkshire Education & Correction Services
Berkshire Environmental Action Team
Berkshire Farm Sanctuar y
Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative
Berkshire Food Project
Berkshire Freedom Academy
Berkshire Grown
Berkshire Health Systems
Berkshire HorseWorks
Berkshire Housing Services
Berkshire Humane Society
Berkshire Immigrant Center
Berkshire Innovation Center
Abbie von Schlegell, CFRE
Ac risure (Toole Insurance)
Adams Community Bank
& Co. PC
Berkshire International Film Festival
Berkshire Museum
Berkshire Music School
Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire Nursing Families
Berkshire Opera Festival
Berkshire Place
Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic
Berkshire Pulse
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Berkshire Running Foundation, Inc.
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
Berkshire South Regional Communit y Center
Berkshire Taconic Communit y Foundation
Berkshire United Way
Berkshire Workforce Board (MassHire)
Berkshires Jazz
BFAIR
Bidwell House Museum
Black Rock Foundation
Blackshires Communit y Empowerment Foundation
Blue Rider Stables
BRIDGE
Canine Link, Inc.
Center for Peace Through Culture
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
Chesterwood
Child Care of the Berkshires
Choices Mentoring Initiative
Communit y Access to the Ar ts Communit y Development Corporation of South Berkshire
Communit y Health Programs
Communit y Television for the Southern Berkshires
Construct, Inc.
Coolidge Hill Foundation
Crescendo
Dalton Communit y Recreation Association
Dewey Memorial Hall
Dovecote Homes Inc.
Du Bois Freedom Center
Du Bois Statue Project
Elder Services of Berkshire County
ExtraSpecialTeas
Flying Cloud Institute
Freelance Investigative Reporters & Editors
Friends of Great Barrington Libraries
George B. Crane Memorial Center
Gladys Allen Brigham Communit y Center
Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires
Gould Farm
Great Barrington Historical Society Great Barrington Land Conser vancy
Greenagers
Guthrie Center
Hancock Shaker Village
Hillcrest Educational Centers
Hinsdale Food Pantry
HomeFarm at Undermountain
Hoosic River Revival
Hoosic River Watershed Association
HospiceCare in The Berkshires
Housatonic Valley Association, Inc.
Images Cinema
Integritus Healthcare
Invisible Together
Jacob’s Pillow
James Weldon Johnson Foundation
Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
Kimball Farms
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Latinas413
Lenox Histor y Literacy Network
Love of T Foundation
Mahaiwe Performing Ar ts Center
Mass Audubon Berkshire
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Massachusetts College of Liberal Ar ts
Millay Arts
Moon in the Pond Farm
Music in Common
NAMI Berkshire County
New England Musicians Relief Fund
Noble Hear t Sanctuar y
Norman Rock well Museum
Northern Berkshire Communit y Coalition
Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
Northern Berkshire Interfaith Action
Initiative - Friendship Center
Food Pantry
& Quinn, PC
Kwik Print Lamar
Northern Berkshire United Way
Oakdale Foundation
Otis Preser vation Trust
Pediatric Development Center
Philanthropy MA
Play to Lead Foundation
Racial Fairness Berkshires
Railroad Street Youth Project
Riverbrook Residence
Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds Inc.
Roots Rising
ROOTS Teen Center
R.O.P.E.
RSVP
Saint James Place
Schumacher Center for a New Economics
Second Street Second Chances
ServiceNet
South Communit y Food Pantry
Southern Berkshire Ambulance
Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
Stanton Home
Stockbridge Bowl Association
Tamarack Hollow
The Ar tist Book Foundation
The Brien Center
The Christian Center
The People’s Pantry
Triplex Cinema
TurnPark Ar t Space
United Cerebral Palsy
Ventfor t Hall
Villages of the Berkshires
Vocalis Youth Choir
Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires
Walking Our Talk
WAM Theatre
WBCR-lp
West Side Legends
West Stockbridge Historical Society
Williamstown Communit y Chest
O rganization, Inc.
Paper Crane Associates
Roge r Magnus Research
The Berkshir e E agle
The Berkshir e Edge
The Killoe Group
The Williams Inn
TL Phillips Consulting
Warrior Trading Willow Invest ment s
Brenda Lee Petell Rock Star
Berkshire United Way has been in my DNA for decades. I was very fortunate to be connected to service at a young age through GE and the Elfuns, helping others and giving a hand-up has always been important to me. One of the things I do best is to connect people and organizations with needs in our community.
Jude Wesselman VolunteerVolunteering at BCAC for the past 14 years has been the highlight of the winter season that turned into a fall season as well. We have worked hard to provide the best experience for the clients. The staff at BCAC is so committed, it’s an honor to work with them.
Chris Melski Lifetime Achievement
Working in this field – helping others live good lives – is incredibly gratifying. Many of us feel like it’s the most important job in the world. A lot of people have contributed to my success here – I share this award with them and with everyone who does this kind of work.
Karen Richards Unsung HeroI grew up with a great love for the arts, literature and history and am so pleased to be able to pursue those interests in my semi-retirement. That the organizations I am affiliated with (Mahaiwe, Mount, WAM, DuBois center) can use the skills I obtained in my career to their benefit has meant so much to me.
Kate Barton Board LeadershipJess Vecchia Executive Leadership
As a recipient of the Executive Leadership award, I’m deeply honored. I’m surrounded by inspiring colleagues and community partners who deserve recognition-- so this award truly humbles me. Roots Rising is my dream job. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and make a difference in our community.
This award is extremely important to me because I consider my work for BIC to be one of the most important things I’ve ever done. I am honored to be part of an outstanding team – staff, board, and volunteers – who support each other and serve our clients with such dedication and competence.
Noelia Salinetti Youth LeadershipIt is with immense gratitude that I receive this news. My experience as a multi-racial and queer person in this rural community has meant allowing complexity to exist as a strength. Thank you to all the people who saw me as a leader, and worked to foster my anger into action, my loss into love.