NBCC Marks 40 Years with '$40k for 40 Years' Initiative

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition announced a special "$40K for 40 Years" initiative, investing $40,000 back into the community through summer camp scholarships and support for end-of-year school celebrations across Northern Berkshire.
 
Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) Family Resource Center program, which supports families with children ages infant to 18 throughout the Northern Berkshire region, the nbCC initiative includes scholarships for local youth attending programs at the Berkshire Family YMCA, Williamstown Youth Center, and Youth Center Inc.
 
Additional funds were provided to several Northern Berkshire schools to enhance year-end celebrations, recognize students' achievements, and create memorable experiences for families. 
 
"The best way we could think of to celebrate the support our community has given nbCC over the past 40 years was to give back directly to the people and families we serve," said Executive Director Amber Besaw. "Our work at NBCC is not to solve every problem our community faces. Our role is to create opportunities, share resources, and connect people to the support they need. Most importantly, our work is about caring for one another. Through these scholarships and school celebrations, we're investing in joy, connection, and experiences that help children and families thrive. That's what community is all about, and that's what we've been committed to for the last 40 years."
 
 For more information about the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, its programs, and services, contact 413-663-7588 or visit www.nbccoalition.org. 

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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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