2026 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards Honorees Chosen

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, in partnership with The Berkshire Eagle, has announced the names of 7 honorees receiving recognition at the 9th annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards on May 19.

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the people who work in the nonprofit sector.

A panel of 22 judges from the business and nonprofit sectors deliberated via Zoom to choose honorees in each of 7 categories from among over 65 nominations. The honorees are: 

Board Leadership: 

Liliana Atanacio/ Latinas413

Executive Leadership: 

Sabrina Allard/ Railroad Street Youth Project

Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership: 

Gloria Williams/ R.O.P.E. & Price Memorial AME Zion Church

Rock Star:

Jennifer Golin/ Child Care of the Berkshires

 Unsung Hero:

Kathryn Benson/ Berkshire Food Project

Volunteer:

Lisa Alberti/ Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County

Lifetime Achievement:

Cathy Marchetto, RN/ Berkshire Health Systems

"If there was ever a year that revealed the true impact and necessity of our Berkshire County nonprofits, this was it. From food insecurity and housing shortages to disruptions in healthcare and challenges facing our arts and cultural organizations, so many in our community have felt the strain—and witnessed the unwavering commitment of those working behind the scenes to meet it," said Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Associate Director McCaela Donovan. "On May 19, with the support of our sponsors, NPC will honor seven of these dedicated and creative leaders who continue to inspire their organizations and strengthen our communities. We hope you’ll join us for an uplifting morning as we come together to express our deep gratitude for the nonprofit sector and all who sustain it."

The 2026 Berkshire Nonprofit Awards are made possible by  sponsors: Adams Community Bank, Acrisure/Toole Insurance, 1Berkshire, Beacon Bank, The Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Healthcare Systems, Berkshires Tomorrow Inc/Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, BlackRock/Donald C. McGraw Foundation, Doctor Sax House, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, Keiter Construction, Liz Albert Fundraising, Mazzone Hospitality, Mungy Design, NBT Bank, Pryjma Petals, Renaissance Investment Group, Tricia McCormack Photography, Warrior Trading and the Wright Collective. 

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards breakfast will take place on May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Country Club of Pittsfield. The celebration will feature breakfast and networking, a performance by hip hop artist Jackson Whalan, and presentation of awards. NPC founder Liana Toscanini will be honored, and incoming Executive Director Samantha Anderson will be introduced.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at npcberkshires.org.

Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:21AM / Friday, June 26, 2026

Some 55 Avangrid/Berkshire Gas employees spent the day sawing, hammering and painting at Prosperity Way.

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Prosperity Way was founded on the dream of creating an affordable neighborhood where local working families can own a home, build a future, and create lasting memories. Soon, that vision will become reality as homeowners begin moving in.

 

Nearly a year ago, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its three-phase affordable housing project. Now, volunteers are putting the final touches on the six homes and have already begun phase two. 

 

"One of the homeowners is closing on her house tomorrow, so she's moving in this weekend, and then the other family is moving in next week," said Habitat CEO Carolyn Valli. 

 

During Phase 2, seven additional homes will be built, the first modular ranch for that phase has been set, and the stick-built ranch is currently in construction. There are two additional ranches on site, to be set once foundations are cured and two colonial homes are scheduled for delivery on Monday, she said. 

 

Phase 3 will have the construction of another seven homes. Central Berkshire Habitat hopes to finish the project before 2028, dependent on securing sufficient grant funding to bridge the gap between construction costs and affordable sale prices, Valli said. 

 

Energy ran high on Thursday, as more than than 50 employee volunteers from Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., spent the day helping move the project forward through painting, landscaping, and construction work.

 

"We are an energy company in all aspects. We generate wind energy, we have electric utilities and gas utilities, and this crew is demonstrating their energy for a good cause today to support home building for folks who might otherwise never be able to afford a home," said Chris Farrell, Berkshire Gas' communications and government relations manager.