Great Barrington — There are myriad reasons why individuals walk through the doors of the Community Health Programs Family Services Center at this time of year. In many ways, it is a place where generosity and need converge in South County. “I would say thank you a million times if I could …” said a resident of West Stockbridge who I met there earlier this week; he had come to CHP to pick up a turkey for his Christmas dinner along with a $25 gift certificate from Price Chopper. The man, who chose not to be identified, is a senior citizen suffering with some serious medical problems. “Food stamps gives you money to eat, but nothing else,” he said before trailing off. “Three of my friends and two of their kids are coming to share Christmas with me,” he said, adding “As I cook dinner, I [will] make a plate, wrap it up, and run it down to my elderly neighbor. We have to continuously help those we can,” he added, not only exuding the spirit of generosity that prevails at this time of year, but also one that cuts straight to the chase: At some point in time, nearly everyone could use a bit of extra support.
It is this converging of community in a feel-good environment that unfolds daily at CHP’s Family Services. In the vestibule there is a Christmas tree to be raffled off at this weekend’s holiday party. As I arrived, I crossed paths with a young couple carrying a Berkshire Baby Box after having completed a workshop for expectant parents. Further inside, I overheard an inquiry: “When are the Santa Fund letters going to be coming?” a client from Housatonic wanted to know.

“There is always crisis,” said Julia Jarvis, senior nutritionist and breastfeeding coordinator for Women, Infants and Children. “With the holiday panic, it is worse,” she added. In the week leading up to Christmas, the needs of families run the gamut. “We shift the focus a bit [at this time of year],” Jarvis explained. “We try and deal with the most prominent issue at the time,” she added before painting a very clear picture: If a mother comes in for a nutrition consult and divulges that her electricity has just been shut off, it is likely not the best time to discuss introducing more vegetables into her diet, which means staff must act quickly to triage the situation.

“Many of our clients have a lot of shame and guilt,” said Cynthia Segui, LICSW and family support coordinator at CHP Family Services, which is why she makes it a priority not only to validate but also to normalize what these families might be experiencing. “If we can’t help you, we will direct you to who can,” Segui explained, which cuts straight to the root of Family Services, the mission of which aims to serve the needs of the families in the community. “Last week we had a family in crisis because they needed a car,” she explained. Working hard to protect the privacy of each family, she is able to share limited details. In short, with the family car in the shop and no funds to get it out, through a Neighbor to Neighbor grant, the bill was paid and the car was released, which means life can get back to normal—for the moment.
“The more people that use these programs, the more strength they hold up,” explained Jarvis. At this time of year, this lesson is invaluable. “Families are panicking about the holidays [and] they are worried,” added Jarvis. Many missed the application window for various holiday funds and, when these families arrive at CHP, they are welcomed with a resounding, “What can we do to help?” “We get a ton of donations here,” said Jarvis. “We try and set aside things that are new or in excellent condition, especially for the holidays. We want it to be really nice [for those who need help],” she added. The best way to explain it is this: There are lots of different pods of money, to aid in a range of situations, and most come with the caveat of “use it or lose it,” which is why staff at Family Services are happy for the seemingly revolving door.

“CHP is not just for people in need,” said Michelle Derr, director of Family Services. “We are living in a rural area and it’s hard, especially with young children, and anyone can use the playgroups to strengthen support for their family,” she added. Jennie Boscarino of West Stockbridge can relate to this aspect of CHP. “I needed to get out of the house, and I heard there was a playgroup I could walk to [in West Stockbridge],” she said, recalling the early days parenting her son, who is now 4 years old. “That’s how I found CHP,” explained Boscarino, whose son, Ben, went on to take part in both Toddler Steps and the Parent-Child Home Program. Through the latter program, a trained community-based early learning mentor visits the family home twice weekly for 30 minutes, bringing a book or educational toy that families can keep. Mentors share reading and playing skills with caregivers to enhance child development and eventual success in school. The program, which takes place over two years, seeks to both empower caregivers and strengthen attachment in order to foster family resilience.
“[The programs at CHP have] helped me to meet other moms, and meet other kids that are Ben’s age,” Boscarino explained. “This makes me a better mom [and provides] a really good introduction to preschool,” she added. This is one of the perks of the job according to Jarvis: “One of the more positive things is we get to watch [parents] make relationships with other families,” she explained, noting this step is “so important to help keep them on the right path.”
“We see all the need … and we see the giving from the other side—this is perhaps the best part of the job,” said Derr. “We begin to learn why people are helping [and it creates] a wonderful feeling.” And Segui seconded this emotion: “As much as we see deprivation and sadness, we also see the goodness—those who give of themselves and support us,” she added in a nod to the nearly continuous circle that ensues. Perhaps Jarvis sums it up best: “We are creating a safe, comfortable, reliable space where families can come and ask for help,” she said. “[It is a resource that] can help prevent them from being in difficult situations [and aid in] building a support system,” which means everyone wins.