Vol. I, 2025
Volume III, 2024
VISIONS
New Year, Big Goals
Board of Directors
Mike Ferry, Chair
Michael Lyon, Vice Chair
Bruce Marzotto, Treasurer
Thomas J. Hamel, Esq., Assistant Treasurer
Dr. Mark Pettus, Clerk
Board Members
Linda Carnevale
Kathy Clark
Douglas Craighead
Eric Harlow
Anthony Mazzeo
Bob Sinopoli
Joanne Spence
President & CEO
Maryann Hyatt
Ambitious Agenda: Building Community in 2025
Happy New Year.
This year looks to be an ambitious year. The list is long for BCArc. Here are a few items we look to accomplish this year.
New Housing
Find land to build a home for four individuals with a brain injury. The waiting list of individuals with brain injuries is long at the state level, and we hope to move new individuals in this year.
Higher Wages
We will continue to fight for higher wages for our staff, and aim to pay them as much as BCArc can afford. This year already we raised wages 5% for direct support professionals.
Adult Family Care
Contact
Editor: David Singer dsinger@bcarc.org
Assistant Editor: Nicole Lemire nlemire@bcarc.org
More than 100 homes who take care of a loved one in their home use this program to receive nursing support, a monthly stipend, and assistance with future planning. We know there are hundreds more families in Western Mass who would benefit from this program, and we will work hard to find them this year.
New Businesses -- The Green Redeem and Speedy Fulfillment
BCArc launched two new businesses last year, and looks to grow them both in 2025. The Green Redeem, a bottle and can redemption center, and Speedy Fulfillment, a fulfillment center to manage inventory, pack mailings, and ship items. Both businesses employ individuals with disabilities. We are excited about this.
Community Integration
At the heart of this Agency’s mission is to integrate the lives of individuals into the community. This enriches their lives, and also creates a more diverse and educated community. We do this through employment, volunteering, community service, and pursuing the chores of daily living – shopping, recreation, travel, and more.
There is so much more activity going on that I cannot list in this small space. It all happens through the great work of BCArc’s staff and leadership, through the support of the community, and its partners. BCArc advances best when everyone moves forward together.
To a happy and healthy new year.
Maryann Hyatt President & CEO
Employees of the Quarter - Quarter I, 2025
Staff members are nominated by their coworkers, and a committee selects the winners each quarter.
Celebrating 15 Years of Adult Family Care
Congratulations to BCArc's Adult Family Care program, celebrating 15 years of supporting caregivers and their loved ones in their own homes. Thank you to all the families and friends with their big hearts who have built a community of support for one another.
Pictured, staff, individuals, and families gathered for a party to spend time together and recognize their achievements. To learn about AFC, contact Jessica Russo: jrusso1@bcarc.org or (413) 464-7262 x101.
Andre Neil Residential Miranda Cooper Residential
Terry Cunningham Residential
Colleen Bressette Day Hab Specialist
Chance Flores Residential
Having Fun Through
“All I want for Christmas is for Santa to watch me swimming at the Y," said David, an individual in one of the BCArc houses.
BCArc’s residential Santa, an individual who lives at another house, made that wish come true.
The Brain Injury Community Center opened its doors to members, family, and friends for a holiday celebration which included a Thanksgiving-themed Pictionary tournament and a delicious feast.
This BCArc program held a party to ring in the New Year together, complete with food, dancing, and a festive musical performance.
Through the Winter
BCArc’s Northview and Transitions programs designed and installed “Clean Waters, Green Trees -- Some facts on Plastic Pollution of Water Ways,” displayed at the Berkshire Museum’s Festival of Trees. Each program worked together on the ornaments. The Green Redeem, BCArc’s new recycling program, is featured on the signage.
A bus filled with 24 individuals went to the Wang Theater in Boston to see “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Musical. Staff who organized the event and attended said they had as much fun as everyone else.
Participants from the Transitions program sang Christmas carols and spread holiday cheer at several of BCArc’s offices. Songs included Jingle Bells and Oh Christmas Tree. Pictured here, the quintet is belting out Deck the Halls.
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Parties
Programs organized several parties for individuals to get together, enjoy a meal, and get into the holiday spirit. Houses joined together for the events, individuals saw friends from other programs, and celebrated together.
BCArc’s Redemption Center Growing Quickly
The Green Redeem, Berkshire County Arc’s new redemption center, staffed by individuals with disabilities, is already collecting cans and bottles from numerous area businesses.
“We have bins at businesses all over town and pick up from each site weekly, or more than weekly if they need us to,” said J.G. Ivy, who manages the new operation. “We will empty the bins as often as they want us to.”
The Center also picks up from residents in the area when they have a certain amount to redeem. Redeemables can also be dropped off at the Green Redeem, at 20 Taconic Park Drive, or contact J.G. Ivy, at jivy@bcarc.org or call 413-443-9071.
Sample Participating Businesses
• Berkshire Bank
• Blue Q
• Berkshire Innovation
• Berkshire Mountain Lodge
• Berkshire United Way
• Colonial Theater
• Country Club of Pittsfield
• Dottie’s Coffee
• edm engineering
• Greylock Federal Credit Union
• Habitat for Humanity
• la Fogata Restaurant
• Hillcrest Education
• Onyx Specialty Papers
• Proprietor’s Lodge
Calling for Partners to Host a Person with Disabilities
Shared Living is a program in Massachusetts that provides a home environment for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live with a non-disabled person or family. This program can help people with disabilities live more independently and become part of a family and community. Shared Living providers can be individuals, couples, or families who offer support, companionship, and assistance in exchange for a tax-free stipend.
Along with a stipend, the host receives a variety of support:
• Programs in the daytime for the individual
• A case manager and nurse visit the home
• Additional money offered for respite (a rest for the host family).
Franck, an individual who lives with a host family, taking a pho
to of the crowd at the Berkshire Hill Country Club while accepting his Achievement Award at BCArc’s annual meeting. Frank works at Mountain Lodge in Housekeeping.
The goal for the host and the individual is to enjoy a structured family setting while participating fully in family activities, holiday celebrations, household responsibilities, vacations and more. If interested, or know others who may be interested, please contact Erin Manson at emanson@bcarc.org or 413-499-4241 ext. 255.
Photo courtesy of iBerkshires.
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Why I Took Steven to Washington, D.C.
By Deborah Salvini, Residential Support
I took Steven, who lives in a BCArc home in Westfield, to Washington, D.C, for four days of sightseeing, education, exploration, and enjoyment. It was his first trip to the nation’s capital. Rather than fly, we took a bus down. Steven was delighted to ride the bus for a full day. He is a big bus rider, and often spends Saturdays riding on a pubic bus route for an entire day around the Pioneer Valley.
The monuments are larger than life, and he was thrilled to see in person the
“While I enjoyed the adventures myself, the real joy of the trip was experiencing the city through Steven’s eyes.”
many sites he has only seen on television. While I enjoyed the adventures my self, the real joy of the trip for me was experiencing the city through Steven’s eyes.
Steve couldn’t take enough pictures to preserve the moments!
It is an enriching opportunity to experience these trips firsthand. It paints a clearer picture to some individuals who may have a harder time absorbing the same information through a book, or other forms of media. These trips are important because it brings to life all that is around us in the world. It was a privilege to take Steven on vacation, and seeing him enjoy time away like most of us enjoy it. I am personally fortunate to be in a position to support Steven in his travels.
But as with all vacations they end too soon. Till next time, Steven!
Frank Villafana
New Housemates, New Managers, New Renovations, & High Energy
Call them BCArc’s youngest, most energetic, allmale house. When the five men return home from their day, they are primed for more action.
“They need to keep moving in some way,” explained Rob, the Site Manager. “They still have energy to burn.”
This might include swimming, lifting weights, building Lego’s, a Playstation session, or a brisk walk down West Street.
“They are a blast to hang out with,” said Rob. “They all do different things, pursue different interests, and progress at their own pace.”
While the men tend to pair up with a particular buddy, they also spend time together watching movies, dining out, or going on a weekend day trip.
“We joke that it’s a BCArc fraternity, or maybe BCArc’s bachelor pad,” said Rob.
At a recent house trip to the Big E, their different interests were apparent. “It’s a new group, with a new dynamic.”
“They are a blast to hang out with,” said Rob. “They all do different things, pursue different interests, and progress at their own pace.”
“They all have different challenges, different interests, and different goals, said Jason, Assistant Site Manager. “It’s great to watch them all make progress.”
“We’re proud of this house,” said Chris Melski, Vice President of Residential Services. “It has a great bunch of young guys living there, a great team in place to manage and staff the house, and maintenance did a great job with all the new work on it.”
Site Manager Rob, left, with Assistant Site Manager Jason in front of the new porch and new siding for the house.
Betsy’s Corner: Celebrating Debbie’s Achievements
By Betsy Carlotto
Debbie Caiola was the Program Director for over 20 years at the Center for Development. She was the best. Debbie always put a smile on everyone’s face. She made sure we worked hard on our goals and pushed us to be the best that we could be. Debbie retired last year after years of dedication to us and our program. Debbie still comes and visits with us often. We all get so excited to see her. Debbie is enjoying her retirement to the
Debbie always put a smile on everyone’s face. She made sure we worked hard on our goals and pushed us to be the best that we could be.
fullest and going on lots of vacations!
When Debbie retired, she did not want a retirement party. Maryann and BCArc chose to honor her instead with a bench that is located in front of CFD to show gratitude for all that she did to make CFD the best day program in the whole world!
BCArc Helps Guitarist Intern at Music Store in Pittsfield
Christian is a high school senior who takes part in BCArc’s Pre-Employment Transitions Services (Pre-ETS). Through the program, he has begun a paid internship at Wood Brothers, a music store in Pittsfield. He is a guitarist looking for a job to support his music career.
The experience let him see what working in a music store is like. The PreETS program will continue to support Christian and work with him to find a full time job after he graduates in May.
A Double Birthday Celebration
This Southampton program celebrated two birthdays in one day. Happy Birthday to Louise, who turned 78! And Lylah, who turned 25!
Debbie with John (left) and Ed (right) behind the new bench to recognize Deb’s service and achievements.
Darlene and Eric: 15 Years Together & Counting
They live together, they shop together, they eat together, they relax together. Rarely do you find them apart. They have been enjoying each other’s company for more than 15 years, and have both been part of the BCArc family for over 40 years.
Ken and Ed’s Excellent Adventures — One-on-One Direct Care
By Nicole Lemire
A day in the life for Ed is always something different since he and Ken, the individual he works with one-on-one, are constantly going on new adventures together.
“We like to be active in the community,” said Ed. “All the other men in the home go to day programs besides Ken, so while they’re gone Ken and I go on outings.”
Ed started working at BCArc in 2013 as a relief staff, and quickly bonded with Ken. After Ken’s previous one-on-one staff left the agency, Ed saw the opportunity and went full-time as Ken’s new one-onone.
“Working one-on-one, you form such a close relationship with the person,” said Ed. “You learn a lot about their ways.”
“You form such a close relationship with the individuals,” said Ed. “You learn a lot about their ways, and they become dependent on you.”
Since becoming Ken’s one-on-one, Ed says that he has seen Ken grow as a person, something that he finds to be very rewarding.
“Ken tends to get nervous in crowds, and when I first started he was dealing with some big adjustments and challenges in his life,” said Ed. “But he has made so much progress. Now when we go to the store, all of the workers know him by name, and he shakes all of their hands. He is much better with people now.”
Ed (right) and Ken (left) together at the residential picnic.
Ed was recently named one of BCArc’s employees of the quarter, and he says that finding out that he won is one of his favorite memories of his time working at BCArc.
“Ed is an amazing staff,” said Erin Manson, Director of DDS Residential. “He goes above and beyond on a daily basis. He is patient and calm and always has the individual’s best interests in mind. He is truly deserving of this recognition.”
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