Needs From: Berkshire United Way

At Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds Inc., we aim to empower vulnerable community members through economic participation and ownership opportunities. Alongside our member organizations, we also engage in critical community development initiatives that resource our communities basic needs, from food access and wellness to social, educational and artistic programming.

The mission of Flying Cloud Institute is to inspire young people and educators through dynamic science and art experiences that ignite creativity.

Our mission is to enhance the life-long health of our community through the promotion and support of breastfeeding and positive parenting. Breastfeeding includes chestfeeding, providing pumped milk, and supplementing. Our goal is to provide our community with the tools, skills and education to make the best personal choice when offering nutrition to babies, regardless of ability to pay for services. Our commitment is to provide a positive experience for all families interested in learning about breastfeeding.

The George B. Crane Memorial Center (GBCMC) provides a community-based continuum of support for individuals and families recovering from substance and alcohol use disorder and other life-altering challenges. The center provides a safe, secure meeting space for our recovery community. The GBCMC supports programs that empower people to make positive behavioral changes leading to productive lives.

Community Health Programs (CHP) is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and exists to serve those who have limited access to care, including low income, uninsured, under-insured, immigrant, migrant and seasonal workers, homeless and public housing residents. Mission: To improve the health of people throughout the Berkshires by delivering exceptional, compassionate health care. Vision: To be a leading choice for health care in the Berkshires, within an inclusive culture that champions patient-centered care and staff engagement, superb operational performance, relevant technology and community partnerships.

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. We do this by providing programming that builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit housing organization working in nearly 2100 communities across the United States and in 70 countries around the world. Habitat for Humanity affiliates are local Habitat for Humanity organizations that act in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International. Each Habitat affiliate coordinates and pays for all aspects of Habitat home building in its local area. Habitat welcomes people from all walks of life to partner in serving and creating a better community for everyone who lives here. Founded in 1992, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity has been providing homeownership opportunities for people that are working hard to provide decent housing for their families for more than 30 years. We serve Central and Southern Berkshire County.

The Pediatric Development Center ("PDC") provides Early Intervention (individualized education, therapy and family support for children birth to age 3) services to Central Berkshire and South Berkshire Counties. Our mission is to empower families whose children have developmental or medical concerns to reach their full potential. Children are eligible for PDC services if they have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities, or if their development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances. At PDC, we recognize the crucial influence that the entire family has on the life of the developing child. We work in partnership with families, developing a plan designed to address the desired outcomes of parents for their child. Our services are provided in the child’s natural environment, including their home, day care setting, and other early childhood settings. Our lengthy experience as Early Intervention providers has reinforced our belief that consistent, loving adults in a child’s life will have the greatest influence on development. Early environments matter and nurturing relationships are essential. With these values in place, our clinicians work side-by-side with families, strengthening parents to feel confidence and competence in their own abilities to raise their child.

Elizabeth Freeman Center offers hope, help, and healing to all experiencing or affected by domestic and sexual violence through free, accessible, and confidential services in Berkshire County. We work to end the cycle of violence through community mobilization, advocacy, and education. Promoting social justice and working to end all forms of oppression are essential to our work. PHILOSOPHY (abbreviated) · We believe that everyone should be able to live in safety, with dignity and justice, free from fear and oppression. · We believe violent behavior is a choice…Abuse can happen to anyone – rich, poor, old, young, rural, urban, of any race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and background – and is deserved by no one. · We believe violence cannot be separated from racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, and other systemic forms of oppression that support violence and are maintained by it. We believe anti-violence work must by necessity be engaged in promoting social justice and ending all forms of oppression. · We believe…violence should not be tolerated as a fact of life. These are patterns of behavior that could be prevented if there were a will in society to end them. · We believe that everyone has the right to receive exceptional, holistic, accessible, … services for domestic and sexual violence… · We are survivor-centered…We do not believe in telling survivors what to do, what to want, or how to proceed...We honor and respect each individual’s journey... · We rely on best practices and a continuous evaluation…to guide our growth and remain a leader in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence.

Our Mission... We are a multi-service organization empowering children and youth, with a special emphasis on girls, to become responsible, confident and personally fulfilled individuals. Programs and activities help children and youth achieve their full potential in a supportive environment with opportunities for active involvement with peers and caring, understanding adults.

To provide diapers for families in need in Berkshire County.

Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY) is an arts based youth suicide prevention program which provides no cost, equal opportunity expressive arts programming to teens, young adults and their families. Participation in AIRY creates a sense of safety, belonging, hope and empowerment for young people who are at risk for suicide. Through the program´s leadership component, youth engage in community collaboration and use the arts to make a difference in society, to inspire, educate, and promote social justice.

The mission of Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc. is to strengthen families through high quality child care, education, support services and advocacy.

The 18 Degrees mission is to champion access, opportunity, belonging, and well-being for all people on their journey, helping to build thriving communities. Our mission was updated with the launch of our 5-year strategic plan in July 2024. The story behind 18 Degrees is one of new days and new beginnings – that’s what our work has been about for over a century. Since 1887, we have been a critical resource for the young people & families in western Massachusetts, adapting & evolving through mergers with other human service organizations in the area. From the time its first rays are visible in the sky until it rises above the horizon, the sun travels eighteen degrees upwards. In that time, in those eighteen degrees of distance, a new day begins to reveal itself, full of possibility and opportunity. This is how we meet the people we serve, with hope and the promise of a new way forward. To help individuals and families achieve lasting change and a better life, we use evidence-based practices including the Strengthening Families framework, Positive Youth Development, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and a strengths-based lens as the foundation of all we do. Staff receive regular training in each approach and on how to build a welcoming and accessible environment that values each of our participants and our colleagues. 18 Degrees operates from 10 sites throughout the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. We foster and maintain partnerships with area schools, mental health providers, housing, food, and other community providers, state and municipal agencies, and others. Our vision is that in our new day, opportunities outshine barriers, and all people feel a sense of community and belonging.

Our mission is to build a sense of community and common purpose throughout the region, and to enhance the recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being of the residents of the Southern Berkshires. Berkshire South is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization open to all, regardless of ability to pay.

Lee Youth Mission Statement: The Lee Youth Association is a non profit (501 c3) that values all children, young adults and their families for their individuality while enriching their lives through social, healthy, educational and recreational programming based on the ever changing needs of our community.

Railroad Street Youth Project (RSYP)’s mission is to empower young people by supporting the creation of youth-inspired projects that promote self-worth, responsibility and intergenerational communication. At RSYP, youth take the lead. They explore their full potential and become equipped to meet the challenging transition to adulthood. RSYP's professional staff match youth-generated ideas with community resources, empowering youth to create and oversee a wide range of innovative, life-changing projects. Unmatched in mission and scope, RSYP excels in helping youth find their voice and realize the benefits of their commitment to themselves and their community. Since its creation in 2000, RSYP has grown and evolved in direct response to what youth tell us they want and need.

The Berkshire Pulse mission is to build and strengthen community life through diverse and accessible programming in performing, movement and creative arts. By promoting participation in these educational and health-sustaining activities, we enrich the lives of families and individuals of all ages throughout the region. Berkshire Pulse Values We believe community is at the heart of a healthy life and we commit to strengthening ours. We engage in collaboration within PULSE, and with the larger community. We commit to creating a safe space for students of all ages to develop and explore artistic expression through movement and creative arts. We hold ourselves to standards of professional excellence in all aspects of our work. We seek to welcome and include all members of our community and we commit to identify and remove barriers. We place accessibility as a priority, we do not turn anyone away for reasons of affordability, we act to be accessible for differently abled individuals, and we bring programs to those who cannot come to us. We are devoted to the artistic integrity of what we teach and do not pursue popular trends for their own sake. We embrace “yes” and innovate to find new ways to bring movement, world music, and other forms of creative expression to individuals and families.

Our Program's mission: We enhance opportunities for success by inspiring each child’s love of learning, partnering with families, advocating for equity, and fostering a connection to community.

MISSION STATEMENT Greenagers works to inspire youth to develop deep connections to land, work, and community. We prepare youth for success in work and life by offering paid jobs and education in the areas of conservation, sustainable farming, and related trades. VISION STATEMENT Greenagers envisions a culture of community where young people work together to restore forests and fields, grow food, and build spaces that support natural systems and sustainability. To realize this vision, we work to get young people outside; working with their hands; talking to each other and their elders; listening, leading, and learning. We believe that this work is foundational and the heart of a culture that values education, stewardship, and community. Greenagers was formed in 2007 as a program of The Center for Peace through Culture. On January 1, 2013, Greenagers incorporated as its own organization: Greenagers, Inc. and is now a 501 (c)(3) organization. Greenagers serves over 1600 youth annually.

The Community Recreation Association’s mission is to build a sense of community by offering social, educational, recreational, cultural and wellness programs to the Central Berkshire community in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. We are a collaborative non-profit charitable organization open to all ages since 1923.

Our Mission and Vision At Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, we provide access to free, comprehensive health care for those in the Berkshire region who are income-qualified and are ineligible for government supported health insurance. We envision a society in which everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve good health.

Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, Inc. provides an interdisciplinary, cooperative team approach to address the needs of children subjected to violence as victims or as witnesses and to their non-offending family members. The center provides a safe, caring, home-like atmosphere that coordinates the combined knowledge of law enforcement, social services, medical, prosecutorial, and mental health agencies to ensure an effective response to childhood trauma. Children who are victims of abuse must depend on the adults in their lives to pay attention to the warning signs, believe them when they tell us something is wrong, and respond responsibly. Kids' Place is here to help you recognize those signs and help your child make a comeback from the trauma they have experienced or witnessed. We are also here to help the non-offending parent or family members handle the trauma. By helping you, you can help your child.

The Rites of Passage and Empowerment program is a local, proven mentoring program for young women of color and young people identifying as female or non-binary. The mission of R.O.P.E is to celebrate and honor the entry of adolescents into adulthood and provide them with skills and knowledge that they need to be successful, independent and responsible people. It is designed to help participants discover their inner voice and support all components of personal development and personal leadership.

To transform the lives of adult learners, both immigrant and US-born, through the power of literacy, education, and advocacy.

Roots Rising is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower youth and build community through food and farming. Our vision is to lift up teens as community changemakers and to strengthen the local food system through the transformational power of meaningful work. Roots Rising has three main initiatives: our Youth Crews, our Pittsfield Farmers Market and our upcoming Farm and Education Center

Mission Barrington Stage Company (BSC) is a not-for-profit professional theatre company in the Berkshires (MA) with a three-fold mission: to produce top-notch, compelling work; to develop new plays and musicals; and to engage our community with vibrant, inclusive educational outreach programs. Our core mission is carried out through the production of live theater, a dedication to fostering new work and emerging talent and a strong commitment to local youth through life changing educational/arts programming including our Playwright Mentoring Project.

Berkshire Theatre Group’s mission is to support wide-ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment. We are stewards of two national historic theatres and beloved venues which are priceless keystones of the Berkshire cultural landscape. Our youth performing artists follow a professional development pathway from the Berkshires to Broadway and beyond. Our youth educational programs develop performing arts interest and abilities while instilling critical personal and professional skills. Our vision is to be a center for creative work that enriches, educates, invigorates, transforms, and strengthens our community for the better.

Latinas413 is seeking community-minded volunteers to support front-desk hours at our CreáHub & Makerspace in downtown Pittsfield. By volunteering a few hours a week, you help us: Keep the space open longer, welcome artists, mentors, and community members, Support programs, workshops, and mentorship sessions, Increase access to resources for Latina, BIPOC, and ally communities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with people, believes in community care, and wants to be part of a growing creative ecosystem.

A link to a document listing many local ways to volunteer to support the immigrant community. 

Ways to Support the Immigrant Community

Contact Becky Meier with any questions: beckyjmeier@gmail.com

Use your own vehicle to provide transportation for an older adult to a medical appointment. A working vehicle, valid driver's license, and proof of vehicle insurance are required. 

SHINE volunteers assist Medicare eligible individuals apply for Medicare, and identify and access Medicare Advantage or Medicare Drug plans that work best for them. SHINE volunteers are expected to complete a 6 week Medicare training course and complete a certification and mentoring period prior to meeting individually with clients. 

SHINE volunteers are provided with regular meetings to receive updates on best practices and changes to the Medicare system. They are required to re-certify via a state-designated test on a yearly basis. 

SHINE volunteers are required to complete documentation regarding their work on a regular basis.

Offer conversation and connection to an elder living in Berkshire County as a friendly visitor. Play board games, cards, or simply provide friendly conversation. If the volunteer and senior agree, companionship can be provided via telephone or virtual methods as well. This opportunity is a good fit for volunteers who have a preference for one-on-one interaction with elders.

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Opportunities include:

Weekly food pick up and delivery (use own vehicle, can lift 25 lbs)

Food Box packing and delivery

Special Events

Farm Harvesting (seasonal)

Fruit tree gleaning (seasonal)

On call/back up

• Help increase the presence and collaborative opportunities of BHW in the community
• Train under Hayley Sumner, former owner of Bicoastal Communications Firm
• Assist with marketing and public relations initiatives, spearhead mailings, community outreach
• Draft newsletters and press releases
• Organize community events to raise awareness and money

• Read and revise bylaws
• Ensure 501c3 compliance
• Guide best practices and write annual reports
• Interface with Board of Directors and Executive Director

• Draft annual budgets and track expenditures and monthly overhead
• Chart cash flow and revenue streams to maximize BHW’s staffing commitments

• Create annual appeal strategy and other development initiatives
• Identify and recruit possible new Board members
• Cultivate new donors and ensure retention
• Identify trusts and relevant foundations

Do you love to cook and want to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join Lasagna Love as a Volunteer Chef and use your kitchen to spread kindness, one lasagna at a time! Lasagna Love is a global grassroots movement that connects neighbors through homemade meals. As a Volunteer Chef, you’ll purchase ingredients, prepare and deliver a lasagna to a local individual or family who could use some extra love—whether they’re experiencing food insecurity, going through a tough time, or just in need of kindness.

What You’ll Do:

This is for you if you:

Join thousands of volunteers across the country who are feeding hearts and stomachs with Lasagna Love. Let’s make kindness delicious!

Looking for potential foster/adoptive parents for Berkshire County children from newborn to 18 years old. Virtual information session every Monday 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Contact Jason Larrier at jason.larrier@mass.gov or call or text 413-356-7394 for link to session.

Would you like to help someone by driving them to their medical appointments?Patient transportation is an integral part of our services, increasing accessibility for patients who may not have reliable transportation. This position is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, reliable, and committed to making healthcare more accessible to a diverse community of patients. Your contribution will significantly impact our patients. The time commitment is variable.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Tutoring – LitNet learners are both immigrant and U.S. born,  with the majority seeking English language instruction. They range in age from 18 – 72. Tutors participate in coaching/training, are matched with a learner, and are available to tutor one to two hours per week in a public and mutually convenient location. The strength of our program is the individualized and one-on-one approach, which offers a safe and secure learning environment for both tutors and learners.

Literacy Network offers members of our community the  opportunity to get involved and make a difference for  immigrants, individuals, and families. Each year at LitNet, over  200 volunteer tutors, share their time and talent with our  students teaching them to read, write and speak English, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, and study for the US  Citizenship test. Much of LitNet’s success is due to the  commitment and compassion of our diverse group of volunteers.  Volunteering with us will teach you more about the strengths and challenges facing our community, allow you to connect with others who share your belief in the power of education to transform lives, and find a compelling way to give back.

Informational Technology/Systems Administration (50%)

Handle all technological questions for BEB

Manage security of digital data, protected by State and Federal Laws

Maintain Technology of BEB

Administrate all digital systems for Berkshire Environmental Board

Manage Google Admin and G-Suite

Coordinate Campaign Creation for Digital Systems

Advise staff on Technological Decisions

Responsible for maintaining Project Management softwares like Zapier, Trello, Slack, etc.

Informational Technology/Systems Administration (50%)

Handle all technological questions for BEB

Manage security of digital data, protected by State and Federal Laws

Maintain Technology of BEB

Administrate all digital systems for Berkshire Environmental Board

Manage Google Admin and G-Suite

Coordinate Campaign Creation for Digital Systems

Advise staff on Technological Decisions

Responsible for maintaining Project Management softwares like Zapier, Trello, Slack, etc.

Informational Technology/Systems Administration (50%)

Cybersecurity (20%)

Administration & Leadership (10%)

Supervisor

Natasha Burnell, Associate Director of Berkshire Environmental Board, Inc.

Department

Supervising Technology Department + Member of the Advancement Team

Money Management Volunteers assist older adults in keeping track of their finances and ensuring that monthly bills are addressed on a regular basis. Volunteers in this program are provided with training through the Money Management Program Supervisor, and enter into a mentoring period prior to independent volunteering. They are provided with regular supervision. 

Tutors are needed to help students with homework and with understanding of various subjects. They assist and encourage their student in the learning process. Tutors are asked to meet with their students a minimum of one hour per week. A background in teaching is helpful but not required. Patience and a sense of humor is a must! All grade levels needed. Both in person and virtual options available. 

Mentor

Mentors are needed to work with young people ages 10 -24. Mentors serve as role model and friend to help with homework, play a game or just hang out. Pittsfield Community Connection provides young people with opportunities to build a life of possibility and hope through support, guidance and advocacy. Requires an interview and 3-hour training.  Mentors commit to one year of meeting their mentee for an hour and a half per week. 

Our volunteers assist patients and their families in a variety of ways including: reading, sitting quietly with a patient, assistance with errands and household chores. 4-6 hours of online training.

THINK BIG - Ignite Potential

We believe every child is born with the potential to achieve great things. One of the most critical factors of empowering our youth's potential is the presence of a trusted role model. We're looking for Bigs who want to impact a local child aged 7-14 (up to 17 in some programs) simply by being a friend. 

Matches see each other out in the community for 8 hours per month. In a nutshell, the activity options for Bigs and Littles are nearly unlimited! This program is very flexible, allowing matches to do the things they enjoy most. The minimum length for this program is one year.

STEPS TO BE A BIG
1. CONTACT US
Website: bigbrothers-sisters.org
mentors@bigbrothers-sisters.org
(413) 781-4730
2. APPLICATION
3. MEET WITH STAFF
4. GET MATCHED!
This is where we get to know you, your preferences, what works for you, etc. We match you with a child who has similar preferences, and our staff stays in contact with you to support the match, answer questions, etc.

Counties/towns WE SERVE: Berkshire County ; Hampden County; South Hadley & Granby

BEING A BIG IS FUN & FLEXIBLE!

Do you love children? Come help as an aide in our preschool and toddler classes! You will need a warm heart, an ability to tell stories, build with blocks, tie sneakers, and push swings on the playground. 

Posting flyers promoting Shakespeare & Company performances at area businesses, community centers, libraries, senior centers in the greater Berkshire County area, where such postings are allowed. We particularly need volunteers who can cover the following areas: Williamstown, North Adams, Pittsfield, Otis/Monterey, Chester, and New Marlborough in MA, and Hillsdale in NY.

Volunteers should have access to their own transportation.

Volunteers will earn vouchers toward free tickets toward Shakespeare & Company performances.

Utilizes our computer-based system to sell gift shop items and tickets, and issue tickets/electronically check in guests who purchase tickets online.

This is a weekend position with various daytime and/or early evening hours - please respond for more information.

Works with the Ticket Agent(s), especially during our busy seasons, to prepare tickets for distribution and provide general assistance to the Ticket Agent(s) in the gift shop.

This is a seasonal position with various weekend hours depending on when the train is operating.

Please contact us for more information.

It Takes a Village maintains the "Village Closet", a donation and distribution site full of donated baby and kids' clothes, maternity clothing, and baby gear. All items are free to anyone in the Western Mass community.

We often need volunteers to pick up items from the Village Closet or from one of our local volunteers and deliver them to the families who lack transportation. Also, if someone is donating a large item (like a crib), we sometimes need help picking up donations from around the Hilltowns and Pioneer Valley.

Volunteers will need a valid drivers license, proof of auto insurance, and good communication skills- you may need to call or text with the family you are delivering to. 

Home Visit Volunteers support families by:

Home Visit Volunteers are members of the community -- you do NOT have to have a background in childcare or social work to be a great volunteer. We ask that volunteers are flexible, caring, communicate well, and have a passion for supporting families. We also ask that volunteers have access to reliable transportation and are over 18.

Wheels for Wellness seeks Volunteer Drivers in Berkshire County.

Do you like to drive?

Do you enjoy helping others?

Set your own schedule, pick your available days & help your neighbors get the health care they need.

Why not join us today?

Serve lavish tea parties and pour from luxurious silver service sets and paper, plate, and distribute dainty tea sandwiches, cakes, and cookies. Also, enjoy the lectures on various topics that you are preparing for as applicable. Teas are held weekly on Tuesdays in the summer and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. 

Passionate about history? Like to tell stories? Share our beautiful home and the property’s fascinating history. Monitors offer answers to questions that guests have while they self-guide through the house. Full training is provided. One or two days a week, weekdays & weekends, for just a few hours or the whole day. Ventfort Hall is open year-round and welcomes both year-round and seasonal volunteers. Full training provided. 

Skills may include:  marketing/branding, finance, new business start-up experience, etc. 

Become a Mentor: RSYP runs a one-to-one, personal development mentoring program to match the interests of youth to mentors in the community.

The Allocations Committee is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of member agencies and for maintaining open and supportive relationships between them and NBUW. 

Goals:

Continue to strengthen allocations process to emphasize community priorities and “foundation funding”

Sustain excellent relations with member agencies

Strengthen NBUW membership policies

The Finance committee oversees NBUW’s financial operations, business risks & investments, and evaluates fiscal performance.

Goals:

Assess NBUW business risks and plan responses.

Assure  audit completed by annual meeting.

Assure monthly reconciliation of receivables

It's time to start planning for the 2021 Berkshire County Walk to End Alzheimer's® in Adams, MA (October 2nd) — and time to gather our committee! The Walk Planning Committee is at the heart of the Berkshire Co. Walk. This dedicated group of volunteers drives the event's development and growth — advancing the fight against Alzheimer's from the ground up.

-Flexible with your schedule & Location.
-Meet new people while supporting a great cause
-Project based tasks
-Learn new skills or use your expertise to support the cause

Use your passion to advance the cause. • There are lots of ways to use your interests and skills to advance the cause — and have fun doing it! Once you join the committee, select a subcommittee that best fits you:

Sponsorship

Team Recruitment

Team Retention

Marketing & Outreach

AIM-Advocacy

Mission

Logistics

To learn more about joining the Walk Planning Committee, contact Walk Manager, Jacy Settles at jasettles@alz.org or 617-393-215

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council volunteer program connects Berkshire County community members with opportunities to learn about and assist with land stewardship, trail maintenance, citizen science, special events, and office work.

Fill out our Volunteer Sign-Up Form and we'll be in touch with next steps! 

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Serve as a voice for children who are involved in the juvenile court system in cases of abuse or neglect. Meet with children and the people involved with their care (biological parents, foster parents, school, therapist, pediatrician, etc.) to gather information for a judge to determine the best and safest place for them to live.

This is an intense volunteer opportunity that requires an interview, a 30 hour training and a commitment of one year, or until the child or children are in a safe and permanent home. Initial casework could be up to 10 hours a week, then about 8-10 hours per month thereafter. During this time of Covid-19 precautions, we will be offering CASA trainings in a virtual format. Also, most to all of the CASA work can be done remotely via teleconferencing, phone and electronic communication.

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. When parents cannot ensure the safety of children in their home, DCF provides out-of-home care based on the child’s individual needs. A case review panel consists of three members: a case reviewer from the independent DCF foster care review unit, a staff member from the local DCF office, and a volunteer case reviewer from the community. What is a case review? A child’s case is reviewed every six months by a three person panel, to ensure necessary services are being provided and to monitor progress toward establishing a permanent living situation for the child.