Pittsfield YMCA receives funding to modernize and expand child care services
PITTSFIELD — MassDevelopment has partnered with Lee Bank, Adams Community Bank, and Greylock Federal Credit Union to provide $6.5 million in loan financing to the Berkshire Family YMCA, which is using proceeds to renovate and expand its main facility at 292 North St. in Pittsfield. Constructed in 1909, the historic building’s last major renovation took place in 1981. As part of this new renovation, Berkshire Family YMCA is building an accessible indoor track for exercise and rehabilitation purposes for use by people of all abilities, adding a youth basketball court, and upgrading its fitness center. The organization is also creating newly configured program spaces and updating restrooms, improvements that will increase capacity of its nationally accredited child development program to serve an additional 25 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. MassDevelopment provided a $5 million loan, with Adams Community Bank, Greylock, and Lee Bank each providing $500,000 loans. The project is also supported by a $1 million Massachusetts Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) grant.
“Expanding early education is essential; as we know, a lack of reliable childcare negatively impacts familial, economic stability,” said Berkshire Family YMCA CEO and Executive Director Jessica Rumlow. “There is strong demand for childcare in Berkshire County, and each year we have long waiting lists.”
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2021, MassDevelopment financed or managed 416 projects generating investment of more than $1.86 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 6,578 jobs and build or preserve 1,909 housing units.
—A.K.
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CIP announces new leadership at Berkshire Center
PITTSFIELD — The College Internship Program (CIP), has appointed Matt Kosiorek to serve as the new Program Director at CIP’s Berkshire Center in Lee, Massachusetts. CIP is a private young adult transition program for individuals 18–26 with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences offering comprehensive and specialized services.
Kosiorek brings over a decade of experience to his new role. He previously served as Interim Program Director and Assistant Program Director at CIP Berkshire and conducted development work for new CIP locations under founder Dr. Michael McManmon.
Kosiorek has a broad knowledge of program management, administration, and leadership principles. He oversees program quality and service delivery while growing enrollment and maintaining a financial budget. He is known for his enthusiasm, positivity, and drive to succeed.
—A.K.
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Jerry Straus joins Berkshire Music School board
PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Music School (BMS) has appointed Jerry Straus to its Board of Trustees. “Jerry comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in business administration and an unsurpassed passion for music,” said BMS Executive Director Natalie Johnsonius Neubert.
Straus is the current chairman of JMW Consultants, an international management consulting and leadership development firm. As one of JMW’s three founding partners, Straus was responsible for the strategic vision behind the company’s successful history of business performance and global growth. Under his leadership the firm built its reputation and track record by providing clients with services that make a profound impact on their performance. JMW’s client roster spans a wide range of companies, from Fortune 100 corporations to entrepreneurial firms, in industries as diverse as mining, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.
Over the last 25 years, Straus has served as a board member of nonprofit organizations such as the Boston Theater Redevelopment Fund and Pro Musicis. He is currently a director of the International Keyboard Institute in New York City. Straus holds a master of performance degree from Boston University. After completing his degree, Straus become the Director of Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute. Over the years, he has sponsored students at the Tanglewood Music Center.
—A.K.
