neighborly candids 6 coalition calendar 7 december 2018 ... · re-imagining how we support children...

CoalitionDecember 2018, Volume XXXIII, Number 4

An update from

Inside the December Issue

Forum: Re-Imagining How We Support Children ........2

Update from the Beacon Recovery Comm. Center .......3

UNITY/nBn News ..................................................4

The Family Place/Mass in Motion ............................5

Neighborly Candids .................................................6

Coalition Calendar ................................................... 7

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition

newsCoalition Introduces Idea of ‘Trauma-Informed’ Community

There’s usually a lot of talking at North-ern Berkshire Community Coalition monthly forums.

At the most recent forum, however, there was more listening.

The group of about 60 guests -- meeting for the first time in The Green’s new space at 85 Main St. -- gathered on Friday, Nov. 16, to watch “Resilience,” James Redford’s film that chronicles the birth of a new movement among pediatricians, therapists and educa-tors who are using cutting-edge brain science to develop trauma-informed communities.

The film lays out the science behind a biological syndrome caused by abuse and ne-glect during childhood that can trigger stress hormones that in turn wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time and early death as they grow up. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune.

The film chronicles a group of trailblazers in pediatrics, education and social welfare who are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the effects of this kind of toxic stress using something called the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The ACE asks people to respond to questions about childhood, like whether they witnessed substance abuse,

whether their parents were divorced or whether a family member was imprisoned.

Those completing the questionnaire count the number of “yes” answers; accord-ing to the film, three mean you are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who score zero. If you score four, you are three times as likely to have depression, and a score of six reduces your life expectancy by 20 years.

The film contains many eye-opening, dis-turbing and touching scenes, and the guests at the coalition forum had a short, quiet discussion after watching it about how its lessons about childhood trauma can help a community like Northern Berkshire County develop a healthier way to move forward.

Chris Haley, the Berkshire-area Director of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, attended the forum to discuss how “trauma-informed communities” are being formed throughout the country.

“Everyone’s life is affected by what has happened to them,” she said. So the ques-tion to ask of each other, she said, is not “what’s wrong with you?” but instead “what’s happened to you?”

Haley said her focus has been on early childhood centers and schools, trying to create a new generation of trauma-informed residents.

“Resilience is something we can build over time,” she said.

Coalition Director Amber Beesaw said there are steps already being taken in North County, naming the Family Place’s Parenting Journey Workshop, which she said “takes a parent back” to their own childhood in the process.

“We do lots of things that fall in line with all this,” she said. “And it’s eye-opening when you do it for yourself.”

Anyone interested in completing the ACE for themselves can find it online at https://www.acesconnection.com/blog/got-your-ace-resilience-scores.

Using the ACE to work toward a healthier North Berkshire is something Haley said she is really passionate about.

“I think it’s something really achievable for us,” she said.

As education and health care profession-als are working toward this, though, the question was raised: What can all of us do in the meantime to help? It’s really simple, Haley said.

“Be nice. Don’t be judgmental,” she said, adding that sometimes all it takes to help one person is for another person to show they care. “You could be that person.”

By Rebecca Dravis, iBerkshires

p The November nbCC forum met in the new community space, The Green, located at 85 Main Street in North Adams.

p Chris Haley talks about creating a trauma-informed community.

2 NorthernBerkshireCommunityCoalition,61MainStreetSuite218,NorthAdamsMA01247•(413)663-7588•www.nbccoalition.org

December 2018Coalition News

To submit announcements to the Coalition E-zine:

The Coalition E-zine is a weekly e-blast published every Thursday and contains announcements from Northern Berkshire agencies and organizations. Submissions must be received by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning to be considered for inclusion in that week’s issue. All submissions are subject to editing and should be 50 words or less. All events related to Northern Berkshire community public health will be considered for publication. Banner ads are available for your fundraising events. For more information, please call 663-7588, or to submit an announcement, please email [email protected].

Our Mission“Empowering the Northern Berkshire region to enhance the quality of life through our efforts at connecting, convening, and supporting all facets of the community.”In pursuit of this mission, we place particular emphasis on the following:• Strengthening neighborhoods and com-

munity life• Preventing alcohol/substance abuse and

supporting recovery• Promoting health and wellness•Helping families to be strong and

resilient• Supporting positive youth development•Building bridges between residents and

service agencies

Coalition SupportersPublic Sources•MA Dept. of Children & Families/EOHHS•MA Cultural Council•MA Department of Public Health •MA Department of Public Health,

Bureau of Substance Addiction Services•Mass Service Alliance

Local Support •Contributions from our many

individual supporters

The Coalition is a member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.


Our December Forum

Re-Imagining How We Support Children in Our CommunityJoin our community discussion about how we all can help our local children be happy, healthy, and resilient. Please note change in location!

Here’s what to expect:

1. Get a view into the lives of children, through their own voices. 2. Learn about the universal five Protective Factors for children & families.3. Leave with an understanding of your individual role, as a member of the community

who lives, works, and plays in north Berkshire, in creating better outcomes for “our children”.

We look to community members from all walks of life for this important Coalition meeting. There will be an opportunity for introductions, brief announcements of your upcoming events/projects and networking. There will be a table available to display flyers about your announcements to share as well.

We hope to see you on Friday, December 14, 10:00 a.m. to noon, at The First Congre-gational Church located at 906 Main Street in Williamstown. Please note: The organizers of the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry ask friends who attend the nbCC forums through-out the year to please bring a healthy non-perishable food item for donation.

NBYC: Working on Positive Youth Development The Northern Berkshire Youth Collaborative (NBYC), a group of community members who work with youth, meets monthly to enhance youth worker networking and incor-porate Positive Youth Development concepts throughout the community. Our hope is that we continue to grow and strengthen the net-work of youth workers in Northern Berkshire County.

Please join us at the next meeting for NBYC, December 13th at 10:30am in the Co-alition’s conference room. If you’re interested in knowing more about NBYC or want to get involved please reach out to Carrisa at 413-663-7588 (ext. 22) or email at [email protected].

Here is a note on Positive Youth Develop-ment language. When youth workers talk about providing impactful programs and services for young people, the importance is framed around the experiences being genuine and meaningful oppor-tunities. A way to define genuine and meaningful opportunities is; involvement that helps youth develop skills and attributes needed to be contrib-uting members of their community. Examples of meaningful connections are providing opportunities

to serve the community, to speak out and take ac-tion on issues they care about, as well as becoming involved in local government, attending meetings or joining a Board of Directors. Taking on leadership roles where they can make important decisions that offer new and interesting experiences drive youth to succeed down the road.

-Carrisa Sacherski

Save the Date!

NorthernBerkshireCommunityCoalition,61MainStreet,Suite218,NorthAdamsMA01247•(413)663-7588•www.nbccoalition.org 3

December 2018 Coalition News


Board of Directors2018-2019

SARA LaLUMIA, PresidentProfessor of Economics, Williams College

KRIS MALONEY, Vice PresidentHuman Resources, Williams College

LAURIE LAMARRE, TreasurerVP of the Revenue CycleBerkshire Health Systems

JEN CIVELLO, ClerkMarketing Director, BFAIR

CRAIG BARD, Executive CommitteeCommunity Resident

STEVE GREEN, Executive CommitteeCommunity Resident

DAN RANDALL, Executive CommitteePastor, New Hope United Methodist Church

ANNA FLYNNGreylock Federal Credit Union

SUZY HELMENorth Adams Office of Tourism

BEN LAMBAsst. Director for Student Organizations

and Involvement, Williams College

BARBARA MALKASSuperintendent

North Adams Public Schools

CHRISTINE NAUGHTONDirector of Alumni Relations and

Development, MCLA

MICHAEL OBASOHANCoordinator of Multicultural Education

Resource Center, MCLA

JESS SWEENEYExecutive Director, ROOTS Teen Center

RICH TASKINAttorney at Law

UPDATE from the Beacon Recovery Community Center: Opening Soon!

Beacon Recovery Community CenterMission and Code of Ethics

Mission

The Beacon Recovery Community Center (BRCC) is a safe and welcoming community of people in recovery, their families, and friends. Together we nurture and support people in all stages and on all paths of recovery through peer-led, holistic approaches by sharing our life experiences, skills, and social connections. We are a beacon of hope to one another and to our community.

Code of Ethics

As members of the Beacon Recovery Community Center, we hold the following core values to guide our work:

Safety - We create conditions where people can feel safe in our space.

• Wewelcomeeveryoneseekingrecovery,familymembers,andallies.

• Werecognizeeveryone’slifeexperienceandrespectpersonalboundaries.

• Weupholdourrolesasresourcesforthoseincrisisorseekingsupport.

• Wewillhonoreachother’sconfidentialityandrighttoprivacy.

Connection - We believe recovery happens in the context of healthy relationships.

• WeprovideopportunitiesforconnectionbetweenBRCCmembersandthegreatercommunity.

• Weshareourrecoverystorieswithoneanothertosupportandinspire.

• Wearewillingtofullyengageinthepeerparticipatoryprocess.

• Weacknowledgethevarietyofperspectivesmembersbringtothespace.

• Weencouragerespectfuldialogueandseeksupportifconflictsemerge.

Kindness - We believe kindness is an expression of empathy and compassion.

• Wearethoughtfulofourinteractionswithoneanotherandawareofourabilitytoimpact the community.

• Weacknowledgetherearemultiplepathwaystorecoveryandweallowspaceforothers to make their own decisions and choices about their recovery.

• Wesee,hear,valueeachotherandcelebrateindividualachievementsonthepathto recovery.

The Beacon Recovery Community Center (BRCC) is a grassroots community group that evolved from the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Rx Heroin workgroup and a community justice workshop con-vened by nbCC in North Berkshire. BRCC is committed to working to plan and build a peer recovery center using best practices. The nbCC has received funds for a year of planning to support this effort. Currently the BRCC has identified a temporary space, The Green in North Adams and hopes to open on a very part-time basis to serve the Northern Berkshire Community. The group is currently in the planning stage and invites involvement from the community.

The nbCC Board is in active conversa-tion and will be reviewing the Memoradum of Agreement and other information. The Board understands that there is a sense of urgency for this program to begin, and is following the administrative steps necessary to ensure that the outcome is in the best interest of all involved.

nbCC is in the process of hiring a Pre-vention and Recovery Associate who will spend half of their time working to support planning efforts for the BRCC. For more info, contact Wendy Penner at [email protected] or Terry Joy from the BRCC Steering Committee at [email protected]. -Wendy Penner


The Neighborlies Announce the Outstanding Volunteer of the YearThe 2018 Neighborlies event was one for the books. This year at our Community Recognition Ceremony held on November 14th, we recognized 236 individuals, local groups or businesses who have made a positive impact in our community!

This year we had 232 attendees welcome Mayor Thomas Bernard to our annual ceremony and honor Pete Wheeler from Empire Café in North Adams as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. We also highlighted a few community members and businesses that have gone above and beyond the call. On behalf of the Coalition staff we would like to thank the Mayor and those of you who took the time to recognize the good deeds done by those around you. See more photos on page 6 and check out our Facebook page for photos of our distinguished guest. Until next year!

The Origins of TWW!Now about a month into Teen Writing Workshop 2018-2019, I thought it would be a great idea to look back on the origins and philosophy of this incredible, and long-running, program.

What better place to start than with the philosophy of Robin Lehleitner, one of the founders and original facilitators of Teen Writing Workshop: “The workshop process has developed and streamlined itself over the...years. Kids are encouraged to bring any-thing they want to read aloud during the actual workshop sessions; they may or may not choose to read; if they do, they may read just one piece, or, if inclination and time allow, more than one. They receive immediate feedback from the other students present, and from [staff]. Only positive commentary is allowed. I have found that, in an open forum, where kids must work up the courage to offer their work to the group, critical remarks are rarely helpful, and tend to stifle young writers rather than encourage them. It is important for young writers to believe that the facilitator and peers value their work, understand it, and believe in its potential before they can become truly willing to absorb constructive criticism.”

Having inherited this program as a program coordinator in 2016, I have seen first hand the value of a supportive creative environ-ment. The group really does build on itself year in and year out, and the air of hospitality, friendship, and creativity is palpable.

Robin goes on to speak to the editing process: “...constructive criticism takes place during the individual editing sessions. Students sign up for one or more of these private sessions with [staff]...A student comes to her editing sessions with the pieces she hopes to publish in hand; she is always encouraged to bring more than will fit in the book...What I am looking for is a sense of holistic integrity in each piece. However, [we] edit for spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation...I hope to help the student turn it into a version of iself that sounds more, rather than less, like what the student truly wants it to sound like. This style is known as “transparent editing.” The ultimate goal is not to get a piece “right”, but to make it the best version of itself possible.”

This combination of supportive environment and structured op-portunity to advance one’s writing creates a truly unique opportuni-ty for young people. In this way, Teen Writing Workshop is for every variety of writer: from the novice, to the future Pulitzer Prize winner, and everybody in between. This program is truly an opportunity for any young person to be creative, to express themselves, and to im-merse themselves in a group of supportive peers.

Workshop is up and run-ning, and we’re always look-ing for more young people to join us! We meet every Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 at 61 Main St. in North Adams. Contact Tim Shiebler, [email protected], for more information. Or, give me a call at 413-663-7588, ext. 15. p Robin Lehleitner in 2011

p North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard presents the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award to Pete Wheeler.


North Berkshire Mass in Motion

Food Access CollaborativeAs we move into the month of December, it will be a year since the north Berkshire Food Access Collaborative has been meet-ing and working together on a quarterly basis. Here is a reflection of partnerships, connections, hap-penings and next steps as we soon close out 2018 and continue the work in 2019.•4 Food Access Collaboratives were held, averaging 25 people at each.

•MCLAhasrecentlytakenonafoodandagriculturefocusacrossdepartments, focusing on food insecurity and the food resources we have in north Berkshire. A group of environmental students will help to build a baseline database that will demonstrate what food establishments do with pre and post consumer food waste.

•WilliamsCollegestudentsarewrappingupasemesterlongproject in which they are preparing guidance that North Adams Public Schools, as well as other schools, can use to implement lo-cal food sourcing into school meals.

•Conversations have been initiated by N. Adams City Councilor Rebbecca Cohen in regards to healthy food access in the West End.

•AvisittoTAMWasteManagementinPownal,VTwasarrangedby a community member and participant of the food access col-laborative, to observe and learn of the commercial and residential composting opportunities.

•ABerkshireCountyCommunityFoodAssessmenthasbeenwrit-ten with multiple drafts. This will always be a working and active document as the work continues to happen around food access and the food system in north Berkshire.

•HealthyIncentivesProgram(HIP)hasbeenextendedthroughFebruary of 2019.

•SincetheHarvestChristianMinistrieshasclosed,thereisasmallgroup helping to find a new location for the meal site that offered free breakfast, free Saturday lunch and possibly more. This is cur-rently being pieced together in hopes a site will be in place soon.

•WICchecksweredistributedattheNorthAdamsFarmersmarketfor the first time this past season, and there was an increase in the checks distributed as well as checks spent. Many WIC partici-pants spent their checks that day.

•TheFirstCongregationalChurchofNorthAdamsrentedtheirkitchen space to Sharon Wyyrick, farmer and owner of Many Forks Farm, allowing her to process her produce locally.

•TheNutritionCenternowhasanutritionistworkingwithnorthCounty residents out of community-based locations, meeting residents where they are at.

•MCLAhasacampusfoodpantryandcommunitymealcardtohelp with food insecurity and hunger on campus.

Family Place Gearing Up for December

November is here and so is the snow. The Family Place offered many programs for families in the community including; Positive Discipline-a parent education workshop as well as two life skills workshops: Housing 101 and Child Care workshop. The Family Place is happy to announce the graduation of Parenting Journey with 9 participants. Congratulations to those who completed this session. We wish you the best in your parenting journey.

December Programming:12/4- Child Abuse and Neglect workshop- Kids safety In America12/8-Saturday Open Hours-Holiday Craft

Please call with any questions regarding any parenting classes or workshops today at 413-663-7588.

The Family Place will be closed on December 24th and 25th.

“Random Acts of Kindness”The Holidays are a perfect time to practice “Random Acts of

Kindness” There are many ways you can incorporate this into your daily routine and teach your family the importance of being kind to one another. Here are 5 easy ways to practice:

1. Donate to a local food pantry2. Bring hot chocolate to a friend3. Shovel a neighbor’s driveway4. Spend a day smiling at everyone who crosses your path5. Use your manners…as they are magical!

Try This Cute Snowman Craft!Here’s what you need:

A white washcloth (try to find one with squared corners)Fabric glueFeltScissors

Instructions:

1) Fold the washcloth in half and glue the long edge and one short edge.

Cut two 1 x 12 inch strips of felt for the scarf. Cut some black circles for the eyes, mouth and buttons (they don’t need to be perfect…they are meant to be coal, after all!), and cut an orange triangle for the nose.

2) Wrap one of the scarf strips around the folded and glued snowman about 3-1/2 inches down from the top. Glue the scarf in place, but before you stick the ends down, lay the second scarf strip under the ends.

3) Fold the top of the scarf down and glue it in place, leaving the ends free. Trim the ends to the length you want, then cut some fringe.

4) Arrange the face and buttons as you like, then glue them down.Leave everything to dry for 24 hours so that the glue is waterproof. For standard, non-

water play, your snowman will be ready in an hour or two.As this is made with a washcloth, it’s perfect for in the bath, but your snow person also makes a great regular puppet or snuggly friend. For even more play, make a few more snow friends, allowing your child to help design the characters!


December 2018Coalition News

YLP: Planning Service Project

These snapshots are from our annual Community Recognition Ceremony held in November, celebrating individuals and groups who have made a positive impact in our community! Thanks to our nominators and nominees! Check out our Facebook page for more photos at https://www.facebook.com/nbccoalition/.

nbCC’s Youth Leadership Program group spent the first part of the programing season getting to know each other, and building trust as a group. So far, the group has come together to talk about who they are as individuals, their interests and most recently, how they define values and what values are most important to them. It’s really amaz-ing to watch this group of young leaders come together and share their experiences and begin to learn about each other.

As the group continues to work together, they will begin the important process of community asset mapping, and looking towards community service opportunities. Asset mapping is when the group takes a critical look at the Northern Berkshire community to identify the parts of the community that are strong and filled with resources and which parts of the community need more resources, or are ripe for improvements. From there, the group will come together and find areas of need they want to focus on and find opportunities to help improve, give back or work with to help continue growing the Northern Berkshire community.

Moving forward, the group will begin to meet different commu-nity members, asking them questions and learning about different opportunities possible for them to give back and get involved. Each member of the group is required to complete 20 hours of community service so this is a great way for the youth to find experiences to get involved with to help them complete those service hours. The group as a whole will also do service projects together to continue fostering the importance of working together on important projects and giving back.

The YLP group is looking for any service projects or opportuni-ties they can get involved with. If you know of anything or your busi-ness/organization is looking for volunteers, please reach out to the UNITY office and let us know!

-Carrisa Sacherski


December 2018 Coalition Calendar

Find us, then like us!

Go to www.facebook.com and search for


or enter http://on.fb.me/nBnbVo

in your browser.

See what we’re up to!

Improving the quality of life for people in Northern Berkshire by organizing, supporting, and empowering the community.


61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams, MA 01247(413) 663-7588

Find us, then like us!

Go to www.facebook.com and search for


or enter http://on.fb.me/nBnbVo

in your browser.

See what we’re up to!

Improving the quality of life for people in Northern Berkshire by organizing, supporting, and empowering the community.


61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams, MA 01247(413) 663-7588

Visitwww.nbccoalition.org/calendar.html

for our complete nbCC and UNO Community Center calendar listings.

Wed., Dec. 5, 5:00p.m.UNO Community Center

W.O.W. WorkshopIntro to Tai Chi

Come experience traditional Chi-nese Tai Chi. Youlin will guide you through the basic breathing practice, movement, and awareness. It’s a great way to reduce stress, stay active and be healthy. Call Bret Beattie at (413) 663-7588 for more information.

Sat., Dec. 8, 10 -11:30 amThe Family Place

Decorate The Family Place!

Come help The Family Place deco-rate our space for the holidays! We are inviting you and your children to create unique and magical snowflakes that will decorate our space, all while enjoying hot cocoa and snacks! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please call 413-663-7588 with any questions.

Fri., Dec. 14, 10a.m. to noon1st Congregational Church

906 Main StreetWilliamstown

Monthly ForumJoin us for this month’s forum of the nbCC where the community gathers together to discuss impor-tant issues facing its residents. See page 2 for more details. Bring a non-perishable food to benefit The Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry and . . . bring a friend!

Note: Location Change

Fri., Dec. 7, 11:30 -1:30 pmThe Family Place

Winter Blues Workshop

nbCC’s The Family Place and The Brien Center are hosting a workshop on healthy strategies to help cope with the “winter blues” or Seasonal Depression.Call 413-663-7588 to pre-register. Child Care and Transportation provided upon request when regis-tering.

Thurs., Dec. 20, 11:00 amThe Family Place

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting Workshop

Are you tired of doing the same thing everyday and feel as if you’re not moving forward? Join a 1-hour workshop that will give you the tools to change your life! Come find out what S.M.A.R.T goals are and how they can create the outcomes you want! Registration is required; please call 413-663-7588.

Tues., Dec. 11, 10amThe Green

Northern Berkshire Food Access

CollaborativeLearn more about the MA Food Trust Program Funding available, Williams College students will be presenting their final project for Farm to School with North Adams Public Schools and we will learn of other food access collaborations and updates. Call Amanda at 413-663-7588 with any questions.

U.S. Postage PaidNon-Profit Org.

Permit #35North Adams, MA

01247

Coalition Staff

nbCC is supported by:

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition61 Main Street, Suite 218, North Adams, MA 01247

Find this newsletter online at www.nbccoalition.org

Executive Director Amber Besaw: [email protected]

Business & Administrative StaffLiz Boland: [email protected]

Communications CoordinatorBert Lamb: [email protected]

Prevention and WellnessWendy Penner: [email protected]

UNITYTim Shiebler: [email protected]

Carrisa Sacherski: [email protected]

Northern Berkshire NeighborsGlenda Matos-Carter: [email protected]

Matt Shiebler: [email protected]

The Family PlaceStephanie Puc: [email protected]

Chris Griffin: [email protected] Joy: [email protected]

Donna Senecal: [email protected]

Mass In Motion/Community Health WorkAmanda Chilson: [email protected]

Bret Beattie: [email protected]

Please Note Location Change!

Join us for our monthly forum

Friday, December 14.

“Re-Imagining How We Support

Children in Our Community”

See page 2 for date, time, and location.

All are welcome! Please bring a friend and a non-perishable food item

with you to benefit The Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry.Many thanks to everyone who participated in The Neighborlies this year! Over 236 individuals were recognized! A special thanks to Mayor Tom Bernard for helping us host and congratulate all the great residents of north Berkshire. See page 4 for more about the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year and page 8 for some more photos.

neighborly candids 6 coalition calendar 7 december 2018 ... · re-imagining how we support children...

Documents