Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'
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| The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not."
The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys. It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged.
The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter.
"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."
The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service.
The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.
Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them. The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources.
It hasn't provided religious services or activities in decades, and leadership worried that the name might exclude people who believe it's a church-related organization. "The Center" has been a natural abbreviation used by guests in the past.
Jones wrote that the organization's history is "deeply" important to them, and they are proud of the legacy built over more than a century.
"At the same time, The Center reflects both where we have come from and where we are going—a warm, inclusive, and equitable home for everyone."
In January and February, The Center held community listening sessions and released a survey, looking to hear what people value about the organization, what they hope to see in the future, and how they can ensure every person in the community feels welcome and supported when they come through the door.
Jones explained they didn't want to decide on a new name behind closed doors and wanted to listen first.
Community Day, at 193 Robbins Ave., will have free food, games, community resource tables, a bounce house, dunk tank, back-to-school clothing, and a fire truck exploration.
People can learn more about the transition, services offered, and explore volunteer opportunities on christiancenterpittsfield.org or on social media.
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