"I think right now it is an important time for our community to step up to support immigrants," Berkshire Immigrant Center Executive Director Melissa Canavan told The Berkshire Edge. "We're lucky to live in a region where our immigrant community has, for the most part, been supported in the past, but we need to think about the long-term big picture. We need to think about our neighbors, families, friends, and the people who are making a difference in our community and making it a special place to live."
Five immigrants who were helped by the Literary Network of South Berkshire (LitNet) all became citizens at a moving ceremony at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.
The theme of “Pride in Diversity, Pride in Community” celebrates the character of LitNet, which supports diverse adult learners from more than 25 different countries, as well as the close relationships that LitNet holds with community members, businesses and organizations.
In her lecture, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor will give historical context to the Combahee River Collective’s groundbreaking work and how it informs present-day social movements such as Black Lives Matter.
The Literacy Network of South Berkshire has launched Berkshire County’s first scholarship program to support immigrants in their pursuit of U.S. citizenship.
The Literacy Network of South Berkshire has announced the receipt of a $50,000 gift from the Matthew and Hannah Keator Family Foundation to enhance LitNet’s citizenship program.
The Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program provides a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables purchased at participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets and community supported agriculture programs statewide.
LitNet's gala event will honor its volunteer tutors, who share their time and talents to provide adult students in Berkshire County with free educational support
The community garden will be available to Egremont residents who are interested in growing their own food, and special efforts will be made include lower-income families.
Drs. Tony Makdisi and Sukhpal Mann will receive LitNet’s Founders of America Award, which recognizes individuals whose strength of character and commitment to service have improved lives in the Berkshires and beyond.
