2nd Street to Host Berkshire United Way's 'United in Conversation' Session on Criminal Justice

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Second Street Second Chances (2nd Street) will host Berkshire United Way's "United in Conversation" on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Wander, located at 34 Depot Street, Suite 101. 
 
The topic of the session is criminal justice. Registration is encouraged, though not required, and the sessions are free.
 
United in Conversation is a series of real stories shared by real people who are passionate about making a difference and who want to build bridges of understanding. All are invited to these valuable community conversations to listen, learn and share.
 
What are the challenges of being unhoused, of struggling with a substance use disorder, to not know what your next steps are, and to not be what others think you are? Hear directly from those with lived experience as well as experts in the field. Gain deeper understanding and foster empathy in a brave and safe space. Your voice matters — and united, we can create real impact.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Companion Corner: Freya, Fudge & Charlotte

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — If looking for the perfect feline pet, why not triple the fun? There's a threesome at Berkshire Humane Society waiting for a family to call their own.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

We highlighted Freya, Charlotte and Fudge last month and they are still looking for their new home together. 

Kittens Fudge and Charlotte and their mother, Freya, have been at the shelter and in a foster home since April. All three have tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often described as feline HIV/AIDS

Feline/small animal adoption counselor Alyssa Petell introduced us to them. 

"They originally were brought in from animal control. The conditions weren't the best in the home. But when they came in, they were tested positive for feline AIDS (FIV). We do send our kittens normally to foster programs to get socialized with the mom. So they got sent to a foster program for about two months to get socialized," she said.

The shelter preferably would like the three to as a family, and to a home with respectful children that will keep them inside.

"We would prefer if they could all go together, but they are a very sweet trio of kitties. They would have to be indoor only because of them being feline AIDS positive," Petell said. "It is OK for them to go into a home with other cats. We prefer if they go into a home with feline AIDS-positive cats, but even if they are negative for feline AIDS, as long as they're not actively scratching each other and biting each other to transmit it, then it should be OK."

Each cat has their own personality. The two kittens love to play with an abundance of toys; one is shy and the other is outgoing. They both like to curl up and sleep in your lap once they get to know you.

It turns out that Fudge is actually a girl. In our previous article, he was mistakenly identified as a boy. 

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