the local life: Berkshires’ Saints
Pittsfield’s Rise Together for Safety and Justice Walk last year— sign up for this year!
Spotlight
Elizabeth Freeman Center This organization supports the survivors of domestic violence in so many ways—and this fall, you can help, too. By Amy Conway
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THE B • Fall 2023
More Than a Hotline “It’s obviously important to address the dangerous situations that are going on,” said Broderick. “People need to get safe. But we also support people in building a new life.” There’s a 24/7 hotline to provide immediate emergency help with sheltering, transportation, food, and safe phones. The EFC also offers individual counseling and advocacy, and safety planning. They help people in the courts and have special advocates to assist around income and housing. They have a
program with Berkshire Humane Society called the Safe Pet Program to provide foster care for pets when people can’t because of violence. And they do a lot of community education and training.
Awareness Should Start Early “We believe that violence is preventable,” Broderick said. “It really begins with teaching our kids about how to communicate with each other, how to respect themselves and others, and how to have healthy relationships.”
P H OTO : B A R B A R A S C H M I C K
The Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) is the organization in Berkshire County that responds to domestic, dating, and sexual violence. It has offices in North Adams, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington, as well as staff in some of our courts and police stations. Violence is a complicated problem, so the work the organization does is complicated, too. We talked to executive director Janis Broderick to learn more.