Record last updated 2025/01/16 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

At Berkshire County Arc, we made an setting for people with brain injuries to relearn old skills, develop new skills and increase their self-esteem by successfully reaching personal goals.

Currently, Berkshire County Arc staff members assist 37 people with the transition from rehabilitation.They can becime active and contributing members of their communities. This is done by the well-designed services and facilities that create a space for people to thrive.

Our PET (Personal Effectiveness Training) Program creates ways to provide individualized services for each person in the areas of:

• skill training
• physical exercise
• leisure development
• community skill development
• and social decision making

Skill training activities that are offered include:

• social and life skills group activities
• cooking and nutrition
• fitness and wellness
• healthy lifestyles
• money management
• current events
• falls prevention
• disability awareness
• independent living skills

The TREK (Therapeutic Recreation, Education & Knowledge) Program helps people accept their physical challenges by assisting in the development of alternative ways of working on tasks and activities. It also provides a chance to improve memory, problem solving, judgment and other executive functions. The use of assistive technology and other appropriate devices or situations is helpful. Also, TREK builds upon such skills as reading, writing, arithmetic, planning and working on activities.

BARC-77Our Community Connections Program continues to be a success in assisting people to volunteer in the community in a supported setting. This allows them the chance to provide a service in the community, develop basic work skills and increase their self-esteem. People have volunteered in a variety of settings, including

• Sonsini Animal Shelter
• Guthrie Center
• Soldiers On
• Berkshire Humane Society
• Toys for Tots
• Pittsfield City Hall 
• Housatonic Beautiful Committee

Each brain injury home boasts large, roomy and private bedrooms. Homes have a shared bathroom, an open community floor plan with universal design features and a totally accessible outdoor living space.

Service Types

• Case Management
• Cooperative Apartments
• Skills Training
• Socialization Activities

Program Type

• Housing
• Independent Living

Populations Served

• Developmental Disability
• Intellectual Disabilities

Ages Served

• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Public Transportation
• Accessible Restrooms
• Elevators
• Medical Needs
• Near Public Transportation
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Accredited By: CARF
• Fees: Free Service, Personal Funds
• Licensed By: DDS