2026
Moving In, New Beginnings
ANNUAL REPORT
Board of Directors Michael Ferry, Chair Michael Lyon, Vice Chair Bruce Marzotto, Treasurer Thomas J. Hamel, Esq., Assistant Treasurer Joanne Spence, Clerk
Board Members Dr. Paula Aucoin Blagg Linda Carnevale Kathy Clark Douglas Craighead Eric Harlow Anthony Mazzeo Bob Sinopoli Janice Ward, Esq.
President & CEO
Enjoying Results of a Strong Year To describe Berkshire County Arc’s past year, words like solid, healthy, and steady come to mind. You will see this within this annual report. These good times do not just happen. This is the result of staff and leadership working hard, planning, and making smart decisions. The 2026 fiscal year contained many positive markers. For starters we moved more than 20 individuals into their new homes, or as we call them, their “forever homes.” We built a beautiful new home for four individuals. We were able to give our staff bonuses at the end of the calendar year, as well as contribute to their retirement accounts. Our hiring rate is good – 1200 applicants this past year. And our retention rate continues to hover far above the national average – a number worth bragging about (see page 5). You can see revenue’s steady climb over the years as well. Despite all these positive indicators, everything can change on a dime. We will always be ready. For now, let us take a moment and commend the staff of Berkshire County Arc.
Maryann Hyatt, MBA, DBA Cover: Lindsey, Jack, Robby, & Robert in front of their new BCArc residence, see page 8. 2
2026 Annual Report
Maryann Hyatt, MBA, DBA President & CEO
By The Numbers
215
1,165
53
$5.5
Million
employer partners who employ BCArc individuals, providing full-market pay
Total spent on extra pay beyond regular pay for eligible staff
Percentage of healthcare costs BCArc pays for staff
Number of cans & bottles redeemed last year by The Green Redeem
People hired this fiscal year
Individuals supported by BCArc
80%
250,000
52,000 New Visitors to BCArc’s Website
873 Number of staff who work at BCArc
2026 Annual Report
3
Berkshire County Arc Programs & Services
4
2026 Annual Report
BCArc Beats National Average of Employee Retention
Average Years Spent Working at BCArc Full Time
7 Years
Average Years of National Employment at One Company
3.9 Years
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
After 27 Years Providing Direct Care, Sharon Retires from BCArc It feels like a natural time to retire, Sharon Watford said, sitting on the porch of BCArc’s Co-op Apartment building, where 14 individuals live semi-independently. “Many of the individuals I’ve supported have moved out, many of the staff I have worked with moved on. My husband Bennie has been retired for years. Seems like the right time for me to join him.” With six children and eight grandchildren, she looks forward to spending more time with family. “I will miss all of them, I always do,” she said about the individuals she works with at the Co-ops. 2026 Annual Report
5
Recognizing Staff at Annual Picnic Developmental Services Program of the Year - Superior Street Brain Injury Services Program of the Year - Sammy Lane Outstanding Behavior Supports Specialist Award - Shaunna Christiana Outstanding Training Department Award - Jennifer McNulty Outstanding Administration Award - Kathy Beaudin Advocacy Department Heart of Gold Award - Christopher Adorno The Dignity & Respect Award - Darryl Burns Service Above Self Award - Jayden Mills Rhodora Higgins Annual Service Award - Joe Russo Diamond Award for Being Multi-Faceted - Elizabeth Gonzalez Quality Assurance / Risk MVP - Virginia Donovan Outstanding Employment Trainer Award - Ivonne Melendez-Ayala Outstanding Employee for BCArc’s Social Enterprise Programs - Kory Poirot
6
2026 Annual Report
Advocating for Human Service Workers Across the State Throughout the year, BCArc has taken part in efforts both at the regional and statewide level to advocate for human services workers. The Western Mass Rally attracted 250-plus supporters of human service workers, calling for higher wages and other legislative priorities. More than 15 agencies united to present the event, led by the Providers’ Council. Michael Giraud-Budd, left, a direct support professional at Berkshire County Arc’s Brain Injury Community Center, spoke to the audience about his personal commitment to the work and the joy it gives him. Bryce Remillard, right, a BCArc Site Manager, spoke at the Berkshire Legislative Breakfast for Disability Advocacy about her experience as a human services worker and mother, and the need for higher wages.
5-Year Strategic Plan Guides BCArc’s Future Berkshire County Arc published its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan this fall, after nearly a year of planning, conversations, and goal-setting. The plan identifies goals for its programs and services to maintain the highest level of excellence and integrity, and goals to achieve excellence in its business operations. “I am confident this clear roadmap for BCArc’s future will bring new success and growth to the Agency.” - Maryann Hyatt, President & CEO The full plan details measurable strategies and tactics to reach the highest levels of each category within programs and business goals.
You can access the full plan online at: www.bcarc.org/strategicplan 2026 Annual Report
7
Moving In: Making BCArc A Forever Home Twenty-three individuals moved into BCArc residences this year across the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. Of all these move-ins, one BCArc home in Pittsfield has all new residents. Site Manager Doug praised the staff for their commitment to building up this new program and helping the four individuals adjust to a new environment. “We all worked together as a team to figure out the dynamic of this new group and to keep the house running smoothly,” said Doug. “It has been great getting to know everyone and making sure that they are happy in their new home.”
Two New Members Join the BCArc Board of Directors
Janice Ward, Esq.
8
2026 Annual Report
Dr. Paula Aucoin Blagg
Berkshire County Arc has welcomed two new members to their Board of Directors. Janice Ward is senior vice president and head of Fiduciary Services at Beacon Bank. She is also an attorney. Dr. Paula Aucoin Blagg is a physician with a specialty in Infectious Diseases, formerly with Berkshire Medical Center. She practiced in the Berkshires for more than 35 years. The two newest members join a 13-member Board of Directors that provides strategic direction and financial oversight for the Agency.
BCArc Revenue & Expenses FY 2026 4% 2% 1%
State & Federal Contracts Subcontract/Private
3%
5% 1%
9%
93%
Revenue
Occupancy (e.g., rent) Family Assistance
Client Resources Other (e.g., investments, grants)
Salaries/Taxes/Fringes
Subcontracts
81%
Other (e.g., vehicles, trainings)
Expenses
Agency Revenue Over Time
2026 Annual Report
9
Staff Spotlights As a father, graduate student, and member of the Air Force, Benedict enjoys being a relief staff at BCArc for the flexible hours that work with his busy schedule.
“I want to stay here as long as I can.”
Benedict
“BCArc is good to their people — to both their employees and their individuals. I want to stay here as long as I can.” When asked about his favorite memories at BCArc, Benedict can’t name just one. He says, “They are all good people. It’s really amazing to know them, to help them, to hear their stories.”
“They deserve the best chance, and the best us.” When Eva first began at BCArc as a college intern, she had no idea that she would still be working here four years later. At the end of her internship, Eva said: “I knew I was going to come back. I really couldn’t say goodbye.”
“I knew I was going to come back. I really couldn’t say goodbye.” Now working full time in Family Support as a Family Advocate, Eva helps organize events for individuals in the program.
Eva
When one of Matthew’s friends introduced him to BCArc, he “couldn’t imagine working here.” Yet, 13 years later, Matthew — still here — now says, “I can see me here forever.”
“Going to BCArc feels like going from home to home again.”
Matthew 10
2026 Annual Report
“The people here are literally family. I want to cheer them on and see them grow.” He concludes, “Going to BCArc feels like going from home to home again.”
Read more BCArc Staff Stories: bcarc.org/staff-stories/
Thank You BCArc Donors
The Notch Insurance Partners Carl MacMillan Health New England MountainOne Mutual of America Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Rick & Lisa Gaudet Robin MacPherson Steven Dunham Courtney, Lee, & Hamel Saloomey Construction
Synagex
4Imprint Adams Community Bank Arrow Pharmacy BBE Office Interiors Berkshire Eagle Cintas The Craighead Family L3Harris Technologies Lyon Aviaton Tatro Flooring Yankee Candle
AIM Insurance Berkshire Health Systems Brenda Hastings By Design Landscaping / Forthill Farm East Bay Pharmacy Lombardi & Keegan LP Adams Richard and Virginia Scarlett Susan Lund UTCA
Steven Rogers Sr. Advanced Wheels
Mazzeo’s Ristorante Berkshire Mazda
Foundation Support & Public Funders Berkshire Life Charitable Foundation City of Pittsfield Commonwealth Corporation Crane Charitable Funds Department of Developmental Services Elinor Beidler Siklossy Foundation Feigenbaum Foundation First Congressional Church Williamstown
MassAbility Mass. Commission for the Blind Mass Cultural Council MassHealth Mill Town Foundation Public & Private Schools in Berkshire & Hampden Counties
2026 Annual Report
11
Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Pittsfield, MA Permit No. 121
Berkshire County Arc
www.facebook.com/BCountyArc @bcarcgram