Moving BCArc Forward with Lessons of the Past

We learn from crises It exposes your strengths and weaknesses And we adjust. This year was less about the COVID crisis, and more about how we perform in its aftermath. Some programs returned in full form, and some implemented new approaches.

Staff battled against a COVID resurgence, which they knocked back pretty quickly because this time we had policies and systems in place for responding -- and an experienced and determined staff

We saw the return of our live events and full community engagement. This is critical to our field of human services. BCArc thrives on personal contact and community engagement. Returning to this has brought new energy to the work -- for individuals and staff

The entire Agency faced internal and external reviews, licensing, and accreditation -- at the state and national levels -- and earned the gold standard for excellence and best practices. For this, the staff can be proud.

For many of the individuals we serve, BCArc staff are their families And for them we celebrate holidays and special dates in their homes and other program settings with festive meals and all the holiday cheer they deserve. Many individuals know the family members of their staff, share in the achievement of their children and have watched them grow up. We have multi-generations of staff committed to the BCArc mission.

Providing direct care can never be called easy But this kind of hard work provides extraordinary rewards The stories of achievement -- of reaching goals -- that we hear from direct staff are inspiring

Next year will bring new challenges. We plan to expand some of our programs, improve where needed, and most important, stay healthy. Staffing remains the chief issue -- we have yet to return to the staffing levels prior to COVID While we have made some progress recruiting staff this year, we have to continue to recruit smartly and aggressively, and of course retain our talented staff.

It is the honor of a lifetime to lead this Agency. With the staff we have, supported by great managers, the individuals BCArc serves are in great hands Our systems are strong, finances are sound, and the individuals own our hearts. BCArc can expect another great year of successfully serving the individuals and families of Berkshire County Arc