2025 Annual Report (1) (1)

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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Finding Hope & Happiness After Brain Injury Recognizing the Strength of BCArc Staff Twenty Years of Sensory Program

Board of Directors Mike Ferry, Chair Michael Lyon, Vice Chair Bruce Marzotto, Treasurer Thomas J. Hamel, Esq., Assistant Treasurer Joanne Spence, Clerk

Board Members Linda Carnevale Kathy Clark Douglas Craighead Eric Harlow Anthony Mazzeo

The Power of Strong Staff This year belongs to our staff. Yes, every year does. But this year more than most.

They started new programs, expanded existing services, introduced innovative offerings, and enriched lives with the quality care and support that BCArc has been known for since 1954.

When we can afford it, we pay staff above and beyond their salary (the actual value of their work is priceless to the families they support). This past fiscal year, for example – which ended June 30, 2025 – we paid employees nearly $5 million above their regular pay. Four rounds of bonuses totaled $8400 above the regular pay for a full-time staff who provide direct care to individuals supported by BCArc. More than half of our workforce received this bonus amount.

People work here for many different reasons. Some come to BCArc knowing that caregiving is their calling. Others come because they need a job, or they need a job with hours that works for their family, or they are in transition. Many –- thousands over the years -- stay on for decades because they fall in love with the work and the people they support.

Keeping great employees requires intentional effort -- it is not a given that they stay, we need to earn their commitment.

Bob Sinopoli

President & CEO Maryann Hyatt, DBA

Contacts: Editor David Singer dsinger@bcarc.org Assistant Editor Nicole Lemire nlemire@bcarc.org

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2025 Annual Report

Maintaining a full workforce in the field of human services is historically difficult, particularly in Western Mass. BCArc is no exception.

Ironically, we are at our highest number of staff since our inception 70 years ago – 840 employees, making us one of the largest employers in the region. We do not take this situation lightly. We know retaining staff is as difficult as recruiting staff. Keeping great employees requires intentional effort -- it is not a given that they stay, we need to earn their commitment.

The staff at Berkshire County Arc are a true reflection of the community.

We come from all walks of life, to support individuals from all walks of life.

And while the political and financial climate is changing quickly for nonprofits like us, as It has many times over the decades, one thing always stays the same –- the relentless dedication of caregivers at Berkshire County Arc.

President & CEO

10 Move Into Their Forever Homes

Nathan

Harold

Rabeya

BCArc’s staff welcomed and settled 10 new individuals into residential programs this past year.

Three of these individuals – Harold, Nathan, and Rabeya – recently moved into homes in the Pioneer Valley. Their feedback to date: they are loving it.

Still Standing: How Nikki Found the Light After Paralysis

By Samantha Goudey Nikki’s life changed in an instant. After falling ill with the Coronavirus, she suffered an unexpected fall that left her in a coma for two months and paralyzed from the neck down.

What was supposed to be a brief illness quickly turned into a nightmare – she had obtained a brain stem injury.

Upon waking up, Nikki was unable to walk, talk, write, or even remember her ABCs. After living in different facilities for several years, Nikki endured years of unhappiness.

That’s when Nikki found BCArc. She soon moved into a BCArc house and started attending the NuOpps program.

“BCArc saved me. I had finally felt loved again . . . and saw the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“BCArc saved me. I had finally felt loved again, started to love myself, and saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I had pretty much lost hope until they came around.”

Despite facing such adversity and hardship, Nikki retains a positive attitude, saying, “Since being sick, every day is a happy day! After going through darkness and hitting rock bottom, you can only go up. “ 2025 Annual Report

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BCArc by the Numbers 260

162

105

People supported at BCArc programs during the day.

Families relying on BCArc’s Pooled Trusts to manage the assets of individuals with disabilities.

Families supported by the Adult Family Care program.

99

196

779

People employed in the community supported by BCArc.

Individuals living in a BCArc program.

Families participating in Family Support activities throughout the year.

852

$8400

0

Total staff working at BCArc.

Bonus pay above regular salary to most full-time direct care staff

Increase in health care coverage costs for eligible staff this year

A Year of Celebration, Advocacy, & New Beginnings

BCArc Celebrated 70 Years of Supporting the Community 4

2025 Annual Report

Legislative Breakfast Returned, Uniting BCArc with Lawmakers

Training Deprtment opened the Assistive Tech Lending Library

Annual Staff Appreciation Picnic Staff, family, and friends gathered for BCArc’s Annual Staff Appreciation picnic. The event was held at Onota Lake and was attended by over 400 people.

Staff achievements were celebrated, good food was had, and smiles were shared!

2025

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2025 Annual Report

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Children in Sensory Program 20 Years Ago Now Benefit as Adults in Other BCArc Programs The Saturday Sensory Program for children started two decades ago and continues today.

These young children – ages 5 to 10 at the time – are now young adults working through BCArc’s Employment Services, pursuing goals in community-based day services, or attending day habilitation programs.

“It’s been remarkable to watch so many of these kids develop,” said Kristie Cullison, who has overseen the Saturday Sensory Program since its inception. “You have to wonder where some of them would be if BCArc didn’t start the program.”

Cullison is also the Director of BCArc’s Social Development Center, a day habilitation program in Dalton.

Where Are They Now?

Hayden Hayden, a former Sensory Group member, is now a high school graduate and part of BCArc’s Transitions Program.

“It’s been remarkable to watch so many of the kids develop into adults.”

Charlie

“The program integrates the original sensory program curriculum with more social skills, as Charlie took part in the sensory program years ago, well as a goal of independence,” said Rochelle and now works in BCArc’s Accounting Department Nahmias, who helped develop the program. scanning and shredding documents, and other tasks.

“A day might include exercises focused on sharing, to taking turns, or understanding how to lose honorably,” explained Cullison. The program welcomes new members from ages 5 to18.

BCArc Opens Two New Community Business Ventures This year, BCArc began two new businesses, The Green Redeem, a bottle and can recycling center, and Speedy Fulfillment, a fulfillment and shipping center.

Both businesses provide career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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2025 Annual Report

Making the Most of Summertime Individuals enjoyed a summer of travelling, learning new skills, getting outside, and having fun.

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Staff Story Highlights Appreciating Everyday Heroes Rachael, a long-time employee and working mom, has found the ultimate work-life balance through BCArc.

“This job is as perfect as it gets. BCArc is a great employer, they care for you as individuals.”

Rachael

Being a Community-Based Day Service specialist, the schedule allows for the flexibility Rachael needs as a mom for those unexpected sick calls and last-minute school pickups.

“I have found my home away from home at Northview.”

Terry, a BCArc employee of 23 years, has found her second home.

“It brings me deep satisfaction and happiness to be someone that the guys can rely on for compassionate care whether that be physical or emotional. I love the guys!”

Working in Lenox Dale as a sleep-in residential support worker, she looks forward to the kind hugs and the energetic buzz that each morning brings.

Terry

Chris left the ministry as a pastor before joining BCArc, where he works as a habilitation specialist. While this career came to him later in life, he developed genuine friendships through the position, and discovered a passion.

“I have so many favorite memories, I mean really, there’s a lot!”

Chris 8

2025 Annual Report

When asked what keeps him at BCArc, he smiled and talked about the people he helps.

Scan Here to Read the Full Staff Stories & More!

Kyle Harvey Retires After 40 Years in the BCArc Family

Kyle Harvey has retired from BCArc after over 40 years of service. She has worked in many departments, most recently at the Agency’s Employment Services.

“She provided incredible opportunities for so many individuals through the years,” said BCArc’s CEO Maryann Hyatt. “She literally launched careers that continued for decades.

We will all miss her, but the individuals she supported will miss her the most.”

Dr. Pettus Steps Down After 25-Plus Years on BCArc Board Dr. Mark Pettus has stepped down from his role on the Board of Directors after more than 25 years. He served on the Board in several capacities, including Chair, and most recently as Clerk.

“As a parent, doctor, and hospital administrator, his guidance has been priceless,” said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc President and CEO. “He always had time for BCArc. We will never forget his leadership during COVID. BCArc was a special place for him, and we will always miss him for what he gave to us.”

Raising & Releasing Six Monarch Butterflies A BCArc home observed the metamorphosis of caterpillar larvae into butterflies. Using an at-home kit, the group watched as the caterpillars built their cocoons and then hatched into butterflies. They fed the butterflies sugar water to strengthen their wings and ultimately released them outside, celebrating their first flight and their adventure to new lives.

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Thank You to Our Supporters

The Notch Insurance Partners

Human Services Comission

Lisa & Rick Gaudet MountainOne Mutual of America Pittsfield Co-op Bank Robin MacPherson Yankee Candle

Adams Community Bank BBE Office Interiors Berkshire Eagle

By Design Landscaping Carl MacMillan Cintas Lyon Aviation Tatro Flooring The Craighead Family

Barb Hassan Realty, Inc. Courtney, Lee & Hamel, PC Donna Kelly

Lee Bank Mazzeo’s Ristorante NBT Bank

AIM Mutual Insurance Companies Arrow Prescription Center Berkshire Health Systems Lombardi & Keegan LP Adams Richard and Virginia Scarlet UTCA

Saloomey Construction Steven Rogers Sr.

Foundation Support & Public Funders Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Elinor Beidler Siklossy Foundation Public and private schools in Berkshire & Hampden Counties 10

2025 Annual Report

MassHealth MassAbility Department of Developmental Services

2025 Revenue & Expenses 1%

Government

2%

4%

Subcontract Client/Private Other (investments/ ERC)

93%

REVENUE FY25

1% 4%

6%

30th Annual Golf Classic Nets More than $45,000 BCArc’s 30th Annual Golf Classic at Berkshire Hills Country Club raised money to directly support unfunded activities like art classes, needed medical equipment, dance classes, yoga, wheelchair swings, dream trips and more.

BCArc thanks its supporters, golfers, and volunteers who made the event possible.

Salaries/Taxes/Fringes Occupancy

8%

Family Assistance Subcontracts 81%

EXPENSES FY25

Other (vehicles / marketing / staff mileage, trainings, etc.)

Handy Man Stan Builds a Birdhouse for Nu-Opps

Trying New Things With BCArc’s Summer Series

The Nu-Opps crew enjoyed observing many more birds outside their window, thanks to the bird house that Stan built.

BCArc's Family Support Summer Series offered activities that included fishing, kayaking, and walking the rail trail.

The Summer Series held weekly events in the community to provide opportunities for attendees to socialize, work together, try new things, and have fun.

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Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Pittsfield, MA Permit No. 121

www.facebook.com/BCountyArc @bcarcgram

19th Annual Buddy Walk of the Berkshires Hosted by BCArc & the BCArc Down Syndrome Family Group

Sept. 27 10 AM - 2 PM Craneville Elementary School

Register to Walk: http://bit.ly/BuddyWalk2025 Register to Sponsor: https://bit.ly/BuddyWalkSponsor2025