Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

$77,000+ Awarded to Groups in Adams Cheshire and Savoy

March 11, 2010

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—The William J. and Margery S. Barrett Fund for Adams, Cheshire and Savoy, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, recently awarded grants totaling $77,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations in the three towns.

“Berkshire Taconic is proud to be the steward of this enormously effective fund. The Barrett Fund has distributed nearly $2 million over the last 14 years for projects in the Adams, Cheshire and Savoy area,” said Jennifer Dowley, president of Berkshire Taconic. “ Margery Barrett loved her community and her legacy gift continues to have a tremendous impact there.”

The following nonprofit groups received grants in 2009:
Youth Center, Inc.: $10,000 for programming for youth, including outreach, a drop-in center, classes and special events.

Childcare of the Berkshires: $4,500 for Healthy Families, a program that provides support and parenting education for young mothers in the Adams community.

Berkshire Nursing Families: $10,000 for Breastfeeding Support Services, a program that provides comprehensive breastfeeding support services for families in Adams, Cheshire and Savoy.

Elder Services of Berkshire County: $5,000 for Meals on Wheels and group meals for seniors in Adams, Cheshire and Savoy.

Parish of John Paul Charity Outreach Center: $2,000 for Baby Place Program, a program that provides sustainable foods, diapers, formula, baby foods and clothing for infants.

Elizabeth Freeman Center: $15,000 for Violence Prevention Program in Hoosac Valley High School to help youth develop skills to identify, deal with and prevent violence for themselves and their peers.

Neighbor to Neighbor Berkshire County: $2,128 for emergency assistance for local residents in economic distress.

Hoosac Valley High School: $5,000 for a metal shop program, which enhances and expands the community service opportunities and develops viable career paths for students at the high school.

C.T. Plunkett School: $5,000 for Transition to K, a program for families of young children that provides them with activities and opportunities to make the transition into kindergarten as smooth as possible.

Adams Police Department: $6,000 for the Police Athletic League, a program that allows the department to work closely with area youth in a structured athletic setting through the game of basketball.

Town of Savoy Police Department: $400 for a temporary garage for the police cruiser.

Topia Arts Center: $12,000 to create a safer environment at the theater and a more functional facility for users of the space.

The William J. and Margery S. Barrett Fund for Adams Cheshire and Savoy was established in 1995 by Margery Barrett with stock that she inherited from Specialty Minerals. The fund is overseen by a committee of local residents who review applications and award grants. Applications are available online or by calling 413.229.0370.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. Thanks to its generous donors, in 2009 Berkshire Taconic distributed nearly $7 million in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection. Berkshire Taconic is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

###