CHP Celebrates 50 Years

11:06AM / Thursday, July 31, 2025Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGRTON, Mass. — In 2025, Community Health Programs (CHP) celebrates its 50th anniversary.

"Our beginnings were modest and centered on our mission," reflects CMO Dr. Andrew Beckwith. "We're very proud that we've grown into this size, expanded our services, and made them accessible to all of the Berkshires while maintaining our focus on our mission."

According to a press release:

Founded in 1975 by pediatrician Dr. Thomas Whitfield, CHP was born out of an urgent need. After seeing an alarming number of rural children who had never seen a doctor, Dr. Whitfield launched the Children's Health Program with a mission to bring care directly to families, searching for signs of need, such as diapers on clotheslines and toys in the yard.

With the support of its first executive director, Linda Small, CHP grew to include parent education, nutrition assistance, and early intervention services. Over time, the organization expanded to serve people of all ages, becoming a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in 2000, which resulted in a nearly threefold increase in the number of people they could serve.

"By the time the FQHC idea was presented, we had children we'd cared for since birth now entering adulthood," recalls Small. "It was a natural next step to continue caring for them."

Today, CHP provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, nutrition, and family services to over 35,000 patients annually, regardless of their income, insurance status, or background.

"This milestone isn't just about our history—it's about the people and partnerships that shaped us," said CHP CEO Bethany Kieley. "And it's about building the next 50 years of inclusive, community-driven care. It's the perfect opportunity to remind our community that we're here to care for all who need us."

To mark this, CHP has launched a year-long anniversary campaign, sharing powerful stories and hosting events across the region.

Highlights include:

Live on the Lake – Free family concert on Aug. 6 at Lake Onota in Pittsfield. Join CHP staff for an evening of music, giveaways, face painting, and more.
National Health Center Week (Aug 3–9) – Giveaways and special events at all CHP sites.
Community Day of Service – In November, CHP staff will assist Thanksgiving Angels in providing Thanksgiving meals.

Learn more and watch a mini-documentary at chpberkshires.org/fifty

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Units Available at Lee's New Eagle Mill Housing Development

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:57PM / Tuesday, October 27, 2026

It's took more than a decade to bring the Eagle Lofts to fruition in the former Eagle mill.

LEE, Mass. — Hearthway wants community members to know there are three-bedroom units available at The Lofts at Eagle Mill with little to no waitlist.

The apartments at 73 West Center St. recently came online in the historic building on the banks of the Housatonic River after more than a decade of work. The first tenants began moving in last week.

Three-bedroom units are less than $2,000 per month for those who meet income requirements.

"These units are $1,855 a month with hot water included. To qualify, applicants must be under the 60 percent AMI income limit by household size and be able to afford the rent," the affordable housing provider wrote in a communication on Monday.

"Mobile vouchers are welcomed."

A ribbon was cut at the former paper mill over the summer for 56 one- to three-bedroom, mixed-income units in the heart of downtown.

According to a chart provided by Hearthway, 60 percent area median income is $55,320 per year for a one person household, $63,240 a year for a two-person household, $71,160 a year for a three-person household, and $79,020 a year for a four-person household.

Applications are available in English and Spanish. They can submitted via email to leasing@hearthway.org, drop off to the main office at 1 Fenn St in Pittsfield, fax to 413-403-2710, or USPS mail to P.O. Box 1180, Pittsfield, MA 01202-1180.