PITTSFIELD, Mass. — BFAIR celebrated another year with a merger on the horizon and recognition of those who have helped it get this far.

 

Berkshire Family and Individual Resources held its annual breakfast meeting on Wednesday at Berkshire Hills Country Club, handing out awards to both those it has helped and those who helped it. 

 

Parents Donna and Steve Narey spoke about the many different ways BFAIR helps families and how  their 21-year-old son Cole, has been supported through BFAIR's Adult Family Care Program.

 

"One thing that comes out is BFAIR is committed to human rights, committed to their individuals and the people that they serve. And it's unique, they set the standard throughout the state really, for how human rights are advocated for, and how people with disabilities are included," said Steve Narey. 

 

"We moved here from Boston over 20 years ago, and it's not very rare that you hear about North Berkshire and the reputation and the model that BFAIR has created of inclusion advocacy and training for their employees — and support for their employees is amazing. It's really been something that's touched my heart and proud to say that family member of BFAIR and we have gotten support from BFAIR from day one, even before we were clients."

 

Narey highlighted the importance of individualized care, community inclusion, and the role of legislative advocacy in supporting people with disabilities.

 

Donna Narey also thanked BFAIR for its continued support with their son and how they have helped them.

 

"I'm so warm and heartened by this agency," she said, noting they had been involved with BFAIR since Cole was in elementary school. "Three years ago, we became members of the Adult Family Care program, and that program has taught me so much about Cole as an adult because, I'm Mom, he's my baby, and they through the trainings, through the people that I meet on a monthly basis, and just them being able to show me to make me realize that Cole is a young adult, and he has a young adult opportunities out there, and as his mom, I want to do everything for him. ...

 

"I look forward to him being part of a day program at BFAIR, and to getting to know everybody a little bit better, and being part of this family, hopefully for many, many years to come."

 

Interim CEO Ethel Altiery introduced the leadership team, which between them has more than 100 years of experience with BFAIR.

 

"We have a dynamic leadership team, and I counted up our years, 143 years of service, just at BFAIR," Altiery said. "So that's pretty amazing. And I have to say, we have the same passion that we had when it started. So thank you for all you do."

 

Board Chair Peter Mirante addressed the room at the Berkshire Hills Country Club on how well the year was for the nonprofit.

 

"BFAIR, has had another really successful year. We foresee the future as being very positive. We are in a very stable financial position. We really look forward to continuing that success in the future," said Mirante.

 

BFAIR ended the year with a $19 million operating budget, up almost nine percent from last year.

 

BFAIR also recently announced a merger with United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts. The organizations have signed an intent merger, and Mirante said they are working through details, particularly where it will have the biggest impact on clients.

 

"The partnership we have had and the collaboration we have had working through this discussion has been one of the best experiences that I've been able to participate in," he said. "At BFAIR, we want to take two very strong, very worthy organizations and combine them together to make one super organization that's efficient and is capable of enduring the future, right? So it's a great opportunity for us, it's a great opportunity for them, it's a great opportunity for our clients, it's a great opportunity for our employees, and we will continue to move forward on that."

 

BFAIR presented the Edward Frampton Self-Determination Award to Ray Crafts for his commitment to improving his diabetes management. The award was also presented to Emily Tynan for her resilience, positivity, and participation in the day habilitation programs. 

 

The Crosby/Quintal Memorial Award, named for two former employees, was presented to Julie Weatherby who has been a part of BFAIR for 30 years. She was commended for her work in the finance department, always making sure the people the agency serves receive the best benefits and insurance coverage, and that all remain active with no lack of coverage or income.

 

The Leadership Award was presented to Karen Bednarz, who is a registered nurse in the Adult Family Care shared living program. She was commended for her dedication and empathy to those she supports as well as coordinating with the McCann Technical School student nursing program, introducing incoming nurses to what it is like in the field of human services.

 

The Board of Directors Award was presented to Laura Baran for being an excellent mentor and coach to her staff.

 

The Community Partner of the Year was presented to Jen Munoz of Healthy Healing Garden for creating a welcoming and kind atmosphere clients look forward to all week and making gardening accessible and meaningful for those with a range of abilities.

 

The Hart Family Fund Award was presented by Susan Hart to Cindy Cavanaugh who is currently a house manager. She was commended for exemplifying the values of BFAIR and having a meaningful impact on those around her.

 

The board also recognized two departing board members: Dr. Gray Ellrodt and Barb Chaput. 

 

The organization celebrated members with length of service awards celebrating those who have been with BFAIR for five, 10, 15, 25, 30 and 35 years.

 

Five years: Hemed Semboko, Albert Koomson, Amanda Chatterton, Agnes Blay

 

10 years: Kimberly Reed-Guillemette, Andre Ahoussi, Jil Moncecchi, Christina Lyford

 

15 years: Michael O'Hearn, Erin Shea, Wanda Lafrance

 

25 years: Melissa Krok, Ethel Altiery

 

30 years: Julie Weatherby, Lorie Martin

 

35 years: Jane Patenaude-LeBeau