Mayor Peter Marchetti reads a proclamation marking BCArc's 70th anniversary to President and CEO Maryann Hyatt and board Chair Michael Ferry. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Arc is celebrating 70 years of enriching the lives of those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and autism.

Hundreds gathered last month at the Berkshire Hills Country Club to mark the anniversary. The service agency, which is a chapter of Arc of Massachusetts, was founded in 1954 when 11 families banded together to meet the needs of differently-abled loved ones.

"We have come a long way from the stigma of disabilities, the lack of understanding, and the isolation from the community," President and CEO Maryann Hyatt said.

"That is the result of decades of advocacy but there is significant work remaining."

Over the last year, BCArc provided support to more than 300 families, moved 20 individuals into residential programs, and started an afternoon and evening program for individuals who need care when their parents are at work. It serves about 1,000 individuals per year through eight different programs.

More than 245 people were hired to the agency's 800-employee workforce and 113 employees referred friends and family to its programs.

"Over the past 70 years, Berkshire County Arc has enriched the lives of thousands of individuals and families through their work while creating an inclusive community. Through their programming, Berkshire County Arc provides adult family day care, employment services, community-based day services, advocacy and family support, and residential services, to just name a few," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"But in addition, Berkshire County Arc understands the importance of giving back to the community, as they understand that no one person or organization can do it all on their own."

The mayor highlighted BCArc's third-place float award in the city's Fourth of July parade, adding that he is excited to see what they come up with in the future.

More than 10 awards were given out during the ceremony, recognizing employers and partner businesses, individuals, and employees.

Employee of the Year Sonja Haecker, executive vice president, has worked her way up from a case manager in about a decade. When she was hired, she soon realized the wide range of services offered.

"They did so much more than I originally thought," she explained, adding that there were more than 50 beautiful homes, programs, and community services that don't have a sign or a label.

Haecker said her personal and professional life has changed tremendously in her tenure and she values the community of individuals and employees who make up BCArc.

Harriet Grandchamp was given a personal achievement award for making strides in productively managing her emotions. In the past year, she has made progress with positive, thoughtful decisions for herself that have come with positive interactions from peers.

Grandchamp was thankful for Haecker, explaining that she did very much for her.

"I'm pumped," she said.

She has been involved with the agency for several years and recently began participating in activities with other individuals.

"I'm really proud of her," said her mother, Robin Grandchamp. "She's worked hard. She's come a long way. We just want her to keep moving forward and we know she will."

The 70th anniversary was also marked with a new vision statement: BCArc strives to create a culture of inclusivity, universal respect, and a world where every individual with disabilities lives a life of dignity, choice, and opportunity.

Hyatt explained that a vision statement is larger than a mission statement and doesn't take away what the agency does but it describes what it wants to be. It was made with input from individuals served and staff members.

Former President and CEO Kenneth Singer shared his observations on the agency over the last 45 years, pointing out that it now has 47 beautiful homes, more than 100 employees, and several programs.

"One thing we learned along the way over the years was that for the individuals we serve to be accepted and successful in the community, our organization had to be known and respected by members of the community," he said, explaining that the agency has worked hard to put initiatives in place and become exactly that.

Personal Achievement Award
Judith Carrington
Harriet Grandchamp   
 
Work Achievement Award
Christina Buffi
 
Self-Advocate Award
Nikki Lee
 
Carol Craighead Mission Award
Dorothee Stratmann
Bryce Remillard

Citizen Advocate of the Year
Lisa Hopsicker

 
Deb Jarck Advocacy Award
Carlton Deen
 
Employee of the Year
Sonja Haecker, executive vice president