MountainOne Invests Over $160K in Donations, Sponsorships During First Quarter of 2026

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne announced that in the first quarter of 2026, it invested more than $160,000 in donations and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations across the Berkshires and South Shore.
 
These contributions support a range of initiatives focused on youth development, economic opportunity, health and wellness, and community connection.
 
In Berkshire County, organizations recently supported by MountainOne include:
 
Berkshire Running Foundation – $25,000 as the lead sponsor for the fifth consecutive year of community races promoting health, wellness, and community engagement across the Berkshires
 
Lever Inc. – $25,000 to support economic development by helping entrepreneurs and startups access mentorship, funding connections, and resources to build and grow their businesses
 
Hillcrest Educational Foundation – $20,000 to support programs and services that provide therapeutic care, individualized education, and essential resources for vulnerable students
 
The Brien Center – $10,000 to support the Patrick Miller Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Program, providing prevention and early intervention services to Berkshire County youth
 
18 Degrees – $5,000 to support the Kids 4 Harmony Summer Concert Gala, helping provide no-cost, ensemble-based string instruction to students in Pittsfield and North Adams
 
Community Access to the Arts (CATA) – $5,000 to support adaptive arts workshops that expand access to creative programming for individuals with disabilities across Berkshire County
 
Berkshire Pride – $5,000 to support the 10th Annual Pride Festival and year-round programming, fostering inclusion, visibility, and community connection
 
Berkshire Food Project – $2,500 to support meal services and community outreach efforts that provide nutritious food and expand access to essential resources
 
Images Cinema – $2,500 to support off-site film programming during theater renovations, providing accessible screenings across Northern Berkshire communities
 
Other sponsorships of varying amounts were made to support: Pine Cobble School, Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Berkshire International Film Festival, Berkshire United Way, Northern Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School, Baseball in the Berkshires, and National Alliance on Mental Illness.
 
"These organizations are doing the kind of work that changes lives, often in ways that go unseen," said Brenda Petell, Vice President, Community Engagement Officer at MountainOne. "We're honored to stand alongside them and support efforts that bring hope, opportunity, and connection to so many across our communities."

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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