Berkshire Nonprofit Awards 2026

The Heart of Our Community

I’m honored to step into the role of Executive Director of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, and to join a community that shows up, every day, to care for this place and the people in it.

Nonprofits are how communities take care of their own. They are where people turn toward one another, offering support, creating opportu -

nity, and building stronger, more connected communities.

Across the Berkshires, nonprofit organizations are not only responding to need; they are also creating the conditions for people to belong, to grow, and to thrive.

The Berkshire Nonprofit Awards celebration invites us to pause and recognize that work and the individuals

whose leadership, dedication, and persistence make that work possible every day. Their leadership strengthens not only their organizations, but the fabric of the Berkshires as a whole.

As I step into this role, building on the strong foundation Liana Toscanini created, I am excited to listen, to learn, and to partner with all

of you—leaders, staff, volunteers, and supporters—who care so deeply about this community. Together, we have an opportunity to strengthen the sector, deepen our impact, and ensure that our work is rooted in both purpose and possibility.

Samantha Anderson, Executive Director, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires

Hoyt/1Berkshire, Nicole Andrus/Mazzone Hospitality, Gary Lavariere/The Berkshire Eagle, Kelly Binder/Doctor

Shortt/Belvedere Lenox, Ericka Hangar/Berkshire Film and Media, Liz Albert/Liz Albert Strategic Fundraising, Alÿcia Bacon/Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Rachael Bentz/Arts

for Youth- AIRY, Cathy Crosky/Cathy Crosky Consulting Group, Jeff Gagnon/CATA, Michael Obasohan/City of Pittsfield.

2026 BERKSHIRE NONPROFIT AWARD NOMINEES AND HONOREES

BOARD LEADERSHIP

Liliana Atanacio, Co-founder & Board member/Latinas413

Carolyn Butler, Vice President, Board of Trustees/ WAM Theatre

Michael Ferry, Chair of the Board of Directors/Berkshire County Arc

Bruce Gamble, Treasurer/Lenox

Library Association

John Halbreich, Board Member/ Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad

James Harwood, Board President/ Community Development Corporation

South Berkshire (CDCSB)

Adam Klepetar, Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management/Berkshire Family YMCA

Theresa O’Brient, President of the Board of Directors/Berkshire Waldorf High School

Anne Pinkston, Board Chair & Former President/Coolidge Hill Foundation

Gina Puc, Trustee/Berkshire Arts and Technology (BART) Charter Public School

Mike Zippel, Board President/ Berkshire Art Center

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Sabrina Allard, Deputy Director/ Railroad Street Youth Project

Jennifer Beatty, Executive Director/ Becket Arts Center of the Hilltowns

Theresa Denette, Senior Vice President Operations/BFAIR

Wendy Healey, Executive Director/Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum

Dan Hudson, Executive Director/ Images Cinema

Rania Markham, Founder & Executive Director/Families Like Ours

Katelynn Miner, Executive Director/ Berkshire Dream Center

Yina Moore, Artistic Director/Adams Theatre

Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director/ Berkshire Bounty

Alison Peters, Former Executive Director/Community Recreation Center

Angela Procopio-Rahilly, Executive VP of

ABOUT NPC

The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016 to help nonprofits connect, learn and grow. NPC connects nonprofits to resources and volunteers, just like YOU! For information on volunteering, board service, and our Giving Back guide, visit https:// npcberkshires.org/volunteer/

Operations/Nonotuck Resource Association

Stephen Sagarin, PhD, Executive Director & Faculty Chair/Berkshire

Waldorf High School

Cass Santos-China, Executive Director/ Berkshire Pride

Hayley Sumner, Founder & Executive Director/Berkshire HorseWorks

Andy Wrba, Executive Director/Mill Town Foundation

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Cathy Marchetto, RN, Clinical Coordinator, Operation Better Start, Berkshire Medical Center/Berkshire Health Systems

James F. Birge, Ph.D., President/ Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Jeffrey Cook, Past President/Berkshire

Business Roundtable (And Many Others)

Jim Santos, President & Chair of the Board/ Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad

William Sturgeon, Board Member/Pittsfield

Community Television & WTBR-FM

ROCK STAR

Jennifer Golin, Family Support & Data Specialist & Play Learn Connect Program Coordinator/Child Care of the Berkshires

Jean Atwater-Williams, Board Member & Treasurer/The Sandisfield Times, Inc.

Lesa Bennett, Interim Executive Chef/ Berkshire Food Project

Sharon Collins Newton, Family Resource Center Director/18 Degrees

Natalia DeRuzzio, Patient Services Manager/ Volunteers in Medicine

William Dore, Associate Curator/ Berkshire Museum

Hannah Herrera, Teacher/Berkshire

County Head Start

Patricia Masoero, Financial Coordinator/ Christian Center of PIttsfield

Ysmael Merino, Dining Room Manager/ Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Lucas Pawelski, Director of Production/ Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Leah Thompson, Director of Advancement/Berkshire Arts and

Technology (BART) Charter Public School

SAMYA ROSE STUMO

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Gloria Williams, Student/R.O.P.E. & Price Memorial AME Zion Church

Angelo Bassett, Volunteer & Former Intern/Berkshire Pride

Corey Charron, Student Volunteer/ Adams Community Roundtable

Rose Dupuis, Student/Lenox Memorial Middle & High School

Sadiya Quetti-Goodson, Photographer & Alumni/R.O.P.E.

Harper Treschuk , College Intern & Staff Member/Greenagers, Inc.

UNSUNG HERO

Kathryn Benson, Project Assistant/ Berkshire Food Project

Janet Curran, Managing Director (Former)/Images Cinema

Kamayue Gomes, Founder/Project

NPC Board of Directors:

Emily Schiavoni, President Brian Berkel, Treasurer

Kim Baker, Secretary

New Growth (UCC, Pittsfield)

Lily McGartland, Education Department Coordinator/Clark Art Institute

Karen Ryan, Food Director & Resource Coordinator/Christian Center of Pittsfield

VOLUNTEER

Lisa Alberti, Tutor Support Specialist/Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County

Marianne Bailey, Volunteer/Berkshire Food Project

Joshua David Hall, Member & Board of Directors/ Western Massachusetts Council, Scouting America

Rania Markam, Founder, Board President & Volunteer/Families Like Ours

Brandon Mauer, Volunteer Group

Facilitator/18 Degrees

Dawn Stanyon, Board Member & Social Media Manager/ ExtraSpecialTeas

Cynthia Farr Brown

Maggie Buchwald

Kevin Fleming

Tom Sharpe

Liliana Atanacio Latinas413

Demonstrates Prudent Use of Assets

Liliana understands that the resources of a grassroots organization like Latinas413 are precious. As cofounder and visionary, she is thoughtful about how funding, people, and community trust are used to advance the mission. She believes every dollar entrusted to the organization should be invested back into the community it serves.

Provides Oversight to Advance Effectiveness and Sustainability

As cofounder and board leader, Liliana evaluates each initiative through impact and sustainability. She championed the mentorship program early on, working to secure funding so it could grow and offer scholarships. Her leadership balances passion with strategy, ensuring resources are used wisely and the mission continues to grow.

Ensures Compliance while Advancing the Mission

Liliana approached this work with humility and a willingness to learn. Without prior nonprofit experience, she sought guidance, including support from the Nonprofit Center, to build a strong, accountable organization. She has also brought in advisors to strengthen the work, always ensuring decisions align with the mission and community trust.

Service on Committees/Task Forces/Special Assignments

Lili shows up for everything, from events to behind-the-scenes work. Her commitment is rooted in her experience as a single immigrant mother in the Berkshires, searching for support. During COVID, she envisioned a stronger community for Latina women, leading to the creation of Latinas413. Today, she continues to lead with resilience, inspiring lasting change.

“Liliana recognizes the power of collaboration. She has intentionally brought people with expertise she doesn’t have onto the team, strengthening the organization and ensuring Latinas413 continues to grow, thrive, and serve the community with integrity.”

—Catheryn Chacon Ortega, co-founder of Latinas413

BOARD LEADERSHIP HONOREE

Elevating the Mission

Sabrina Allard

Railroad Street Youth Project

Guiding Strategic Growth to Meet Community Needs

With a strong background in social and racial justice, Sabrina approaches organizational growth through an equity lens, recognizing systemic barriers faced by our community and intentionally designing strategies that expand access, opportunity, and leadership development for young people. Sabrina collaborated with the Berkshire Hills schools district, students, RSYP staff and the STOKE Collective to build an Inclusion Task Force 2021-2023, uplifting the voices and experiences of marginalized students.She also supported the early stages and growth of Students of Color Association (SOCA) at Monument Mountain High School.

Sabrina strategically grows the organization by grounding all expansion efforts in the real and evolving needs of the youth and families we serve. She consistently centers youth voice and community feedback in planning, ensuring that new programs, partnerships, and initiatives are responsive, culturally relevant, and aligned with the mission of youth empowerment. She partnered with RSYP’s ED to bring leadership training and development to RSYP team.

Nurture and Inspire Staff, Board, Donors, and Community Partners

By balancing strategic planning with thoughtful execution, Sabrina ensures that as the organization expands, it remains deeply rooted in community trust, responsive to emerging needs, and fully committed to empowering youth as leaders and change-makers.This kind of work showed through her mentorship of the Berkshire Equity Research Collaborative student fellowship 2022-2023, coaching and supporting a college student fellow to create culture shifts within the district.

Creative or Innovative Strategies to Overcome Obstacles

Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, she prioritizes sustainable impact, strengthening internal systems, staff capacity, and community partnerships to support long-term success.

“Sabrina’s leadership has helped the organization grow in both reach and effectiveness while preserving a strong, mission-driven culture.”

—Lívia Moraes Rodrigues , co-worker

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP HONOREE

Jennifer Golin

Child Care of the Berkshires

Positive Impact on Organization

As a Family Support and Data Specialist and Play Learn Connect Coordinator at the Family Center of Northern Berkshire, Jennifer strengthens programs through strategic thinking and dedication to families. She leads playgroups, organizes events, supports parent leaders, improves data systems, and distributes urgent assistance. She also partners with teachers to provide books and activities, promote family engagement, and help parents support learning at home.

Personal Attributes Contributing to Achievement

Jenn’s achievements reflect her work ethic, teamwork, and compassion. She manages the Family Center’s database and supports reporting, grant writing, and advocacy, strengthening statewide data systems. A dependable team member, she takes on extra responsibilities to keep programs running smoothly and expanded Play Learn Connect to seven classrooms, connecting learning with family engagement.

Commitment and Dedication to Organization/Mission

Jenn has been part of the Family Center since 2014, beginning as a parent participant before giving back to support other families. She manages critical data and reports that sustain funding and demonstrate program impact, supporting the organization’s advocacy. She also volunteers on committees, helps plan events, and supports coworkers daily.

Going “Above and Beyond” the Job

Jenn’s innovation and compassion are evident in her work. She consistently goes beyond her role to meet family needs with creativity, empathy, and a nonjudgmental approach. During the pandemic, she coordinated virtual gift cards, grocery orders, and essential shipments. During the baby formula shortage, she personally sourced and picked up specialty formulas, bringing dedication and positivity to every interaction.

“Her reliability, innovation, and positive attitude make Jenn an invaluable and respected member of the team, helping create a supportive environment for families.”

Kathryn Benson

Organization: Berkshire Food Project

Importance of Role Within Organization

Kathryn serves as Project Assistant and key support to both the Executive Director and Executive Chef. She guides volunteers in daily operations, oversees inventory rotation, and ensures food safety, sanitation, and facility standards. She also manages volunteer intake, hour tracking, and communication with the Food Bank. Her behind-the-scenes work is essential to BFP’s smooth, reliable operation.

Personal and Professional Qualities

Her background as an educator shows through Kathryn’s approach to managing the daily routine of BFP. Her kind and steadfast demeanor allows her to be approachable and firm with direction for volunteers and guests alike. She is articulate, intelligent and kind in all things. Kathryn’s attention to detail is excellent and her organization of many tasks at one time is sharp.

Worthiness of Work and Attitude

Kathryn, without any accolades or need to be seen, gets the “job done.” She is constant in her resolve to always put others ahead of herself and to always allow our volunteers and staff to take any recognition, even if she was the one to make something happen. Guests are welcomed quietly by Kathryn and develop a rapport with her that, again, is always seen in the light of “the other.”

“Public recognition of this compassionate woman is important because she exemplifies the true meaning and essence of non-profit work. She always puts mission and purpose before self and the good of the guest and volunteer before the good of herself.”

—Christen Romanick, Nominator and Ccolleague UNSUNG HERO HONOREE

STAR HONOREE

Recognition: Internal vs. Public Kathryn is recognized by simple thank yous and kind gestures from volunteers, guests and staff but always seeks humility and gentleness over any recognition.Without her quiet and strong presence, BFP would not be able to function as well as it does.

—Matt Alcombright Nominator and Colleague

Gloria Williams

R.O.P.E. and Price Memorial AME Zion Church

Impact on Organization and the Community

Gloria has made a strong impact through her leadership with the R.O.P.E./NAACP Youth Committee, contributing to fundraising, service, and founding a chapter at Pittsfield High School. She also serves at AME Zion Church and sings in the choir. Balancing school with R.O.P.E. and 1Berkshire YLP, she leads by example and inspires her peers and community.

Demonstrates Passion and Commitment to Chosen Cause

Gloria demonstrates passion by blending creativity, leadership, and service. A talented performer and writer, she fosters collaboration in theater while volunteering with AME Zion Church, BRPC, and the R.O.P.E./NAACP Youth Committee. She leads initiatives, organizes events, and promotes civic engagement.

Makes a Difference in the Community

Gloria makes a meaningful difference through the arts, volunteer work, and youth leadership. She serves meals, leads youth ministry, and supports church events, while also organizing youth programs with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. As chair of the R.O.P.E./NAACP Youth Committee, she inspires peers to engage in service.

Shows Young People Can

Make a Difference

Gloria shows how young people can lead change. Through her church, she serves families, leads youth programs, and supports fundraising. She also organizes initiatives with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and, as chair of the R.O.P.E./NAACP Youth Committee, motivates peers at Pittsfield High School to take action.

“Gloria sees the change that needs to be made, but she goes a step further and does the work to educate and lead change. This young woman has a more extensive resume of service than many adults in our community.”

—Maggie Harrington, Nominator and Former Principal

Lisa Alberti

Literacy Volunteers of the Berkshires

Annual Volunteer Hours: 400 Volunteer Activities

Lisa Alberti volunteers as an adult literacy tutor and Tutor Support Specialist with LVBC, bringing deep educational expertise from her former role at Miss Hall’s School. She tutors students while strengthening tutor resources, improving newsletters, and leading quarterly Tutor Summits. She also launched a weekly Tutor Collaborative and created practical lesson materials. Through hundreds of volunteer hours, Lisa has expanded the quality and reach of LVBC’s programs.

Impact on Organization

Lisa Alberti has strengthened Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County by improving both its systems and culture. She built a robust tutor support program, enhanced training, and renovated the Tutor Resource Center to better prepare volunteers. Her Tutor Summits, weekly Collaborative, and improved communications have fostered a connected, effective tutor community. Her work supports growth while maintaining high program standards.

Impact on Those Served

Lisa’s impact on adult learners is both direct and far-reaching. As a tutor, she provides individualized instruction that builds skills and confidence. She also equips other tutors with effective strategies and materials, improving the quality of instruction across the program. Her work helps learners achieve stronger outcomes and expand opportunities in their lives.

“Lisa Alberti has had a transformative impact on Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County by strengthening both its infrastructure and its culture.”

—Tom Jorgenson, Nominator

Cathy Marchetto, RN

Operation Better Start of Berkshire Medical Center/Berkshire Health Systems

Widespread and Ongoing Community Influence

Cathy has grown Operation Better Start at Berkshire Health Systems into a sustainable model for pediatric and adolescent care. She has guided expansion with creativity and adaptability, securing grants, managing workflow challenges, and maintaining high patient satisfaction. Strong partnerships are central to OBS’s impact, with collaborations spanning more than a dozen organizations across the county.

Individual’s Exceptional

Accomplishments

Cathy has earned state and national recognition for her leadership and program excellence. She has presented across Massachusetts, been recognized by insurers for best practices, and represented Operation Better Start in Washington, DC as one of 14 sites selected for the NIH WeCan! Intensive Program. She also received a National Institutes of Health award presented by the Surgeon General. Under her leadership, the program continues to grow and secure funding.

Commitment to Highest Values

Cathy is deeply committed to every OBS client and family, responding to community needs and addressing service gaps. She led efforts to establish OBS as a MassDPH Growth and Nutrition Center in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and helped launch a Feeding Clinic, collaborating with medical and therapy professionals to support children with feeding challenges.

Exhibits Long-Term Courage and Perseverance

What began as a two-person department has grown into a multidisciplinary program delivering critical care and resources at pivotal moments in patients’ lives. Today, Operation Better Start includes dietitians, nurse practitioners, a nurse, a social worker, and a community support specialist, serving patients across North, Central, and South County locations.

“Forty-two years ago, Cathy Marchetto joined Berkshire Medical Center as a nurse and launched Operation Better Start, based on her experience as a BSN level Pediatric Registered Nurse.Her efforts have created partnerships that have opened the access to this care for all families in the County.”

—Peter Gazzillo, Nominator and Supervisor

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE

We’re better together

We know that when we come together with a singular purpose, everyone benefits. NBT Bank is proud to support the organizations that make our communities thrive.

Voted one of Forbes World’s Best Banks

Kim Andrews

Maggie Barkin

Brian Berkel

Art Blumenthal

Daphne Bolden

Maggie Buchwald

Melissa Bye

Amy Chin

Katie Clarke

PJ Danahey

Betty Farbman

Cynthia Farr-Brown

Kevin Fleming

Jeff Gagnon

Laura Gratz

Kristin Graves

Christine Hoyt

Andy Huh

Erica Jaffe

Joey Lindstrom

Janis Martinson

Melissa Meyers

Erin Murphy

Anne Barbara Palmer

Diane Pearlman

Alison Peters

Marvin Purry

Karen Richardson The Sharpe Family

Rev. Scott Shreve

Mark H. Siegel

Dawn Stanyon

Tamara Stevens

Hayley Sumner

Marilyn Taylor

Liana Toscanini

John Twaddle

Hannah

Van Sickle

Hilde Weisert

Laurie Werner

NON PROFIT MEMBERS

(as of May 2026)

18 Degrees 1Berkshire

The Abode

Adams Historical Society Adlib Inc.

Al Nelson Friendship Center

Albany Berk shire Ballet

Ar ts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY)

Austen Riggs Center

AYJ Fund

Barrington Stage Company

Baseball in the Berk shires, Inc.

Becket Ar ts Center

Becket Athenaeum

BerkShares

Berk shire Agricultural Ventures

Berk shire AHEC , Inc.

Berk shire Ar t Association

Berk shire Ar t Center

Berk shire Ar t Museum

Berk shire Athenaeum

Berk shire Bach

Berk shire Bird Observator y

Berk shire Black Economic Council

Berk shire Botanical Garden

Berk shire Bounty

Berk shire Busk

Berk shire Center for Justic e

Berk shire Children’s Chorus

Berk shire Coalition for Suicide

Prevention

Berk shire Communit y Action Council

Berk shire Communit y Diaper Project

Berk shire Communit y Land Trust

Berk shire Concer t Choir

Berk shire County Arc

Berk shire County Head Star t

Berk shire County Historical Societ y

Berk shire County Kids’ Place & Violence Prevention Center

Berk shire Educatio n & Correction

Services

Berk shire Environmental Action Team

BFAIR

Berk shire Family YMCA

Berk shire Film & Media Collaborative

Berk shire Food Project

Berk shire Grown

Berk shire Health Systems

Berk shire Horseworks

Berk shire Humane Societ y

Berk shire Immigrant Center

Berk shire Innovation Center

Berk shire Internationa l Film Festival

Berk shire Mountain Bike Training Series

Berk shire Museum

Berk shire Music School

Berk shire Natural Resources Council

Berk shire Opera Festival

Berk shire Place

Berk shire Pond Hockey Classic

Berk shire Pride

Berk shire Pulse

Berk shire Regional Planning Commission (Berkshires Tomorrow)

Berk shire Scenic Railway Museum

Berk shire South Regional Communit y Center

Berk shire Taconic Communit y Foundation

Berk shire Theatre Group

Berk shire United Way

Berk shire Waldorf High School

Berk shires Jazz

Berk shire Nursing Families

Bidwell House

Black Rock Foundation

Blue Rider Stables BRIDGE

The Brien Center

Camp Happy Place

Canine Link , Inc.

Central Berk shire Habitat for Humanit y Chesterwood

Child Care of the Berk shires

The Christian Center

Communit y Access to the Ar ts (CATA)

Communit y Development

Corporation of South Berk shire

Communit y Health Programs

Images Cinema

Communit y Legal Aid

Communit y Television for the Southern Berk shires

Construct

Coolidge Hill Foundation

Crescendo

Dalton CR A

Dewey Memorial Hall

Dovecote Homes Inc.

Du Bois Freedom Center

Du Bois Sculptur e Project

Educate the Whole Child

Elder Services of Berk shire County

Elizabeth Freeman Center

NPC NONPROFIT CENTER OF THE BERKSHIRES

Embrace and Empower ExtraSpecialTeas Families Like Ours

Flying Cloud Institut e

Fountain Productions, Inc

Freelance Investigati ve Reporters & Editor s (FIRE)

Friends of Great Barrington Libraries

Gladys Allen Brigham Communit y Center

Goodwill Industri es

Gould Farm

Great Barrington Historical Society Great Barrington Land Conser vanc y

Great Barrington Librar y Fund

Greenagers Guthrie Center

Hancock Shaker Village

Hear t & Soil Collective Hillcrest Educationa l Centers HomeFarm at Undermountai n

Hoosic River Revival

Hoosic River Watershed Association

Housatonic Filter Initiative

Housatonic Valley Association, Inc.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival

James Weldon Johnson Foundation

Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust

Jewish Federation of the Berk shires

Jewish Women’s Foundation

Joyful Spaces

Kimball Farms Life Care

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Lee Chamber of Commerce

Literacy Network

Love of T Foundation

Mahaiwe Performing Ar ts Center

Mass Audubon Berk shire Wildlife

Sanctuaries

MassHire

Mill River Folk School

Mill Town Foundation

Miss Hall’s School

Music in Common

NAMI of Berk shire County

New England Musicians Resource Fund

Norman Rock well Museum

North Adams Partnership

Northern Berk shire Communit y Coalition

Northern Berk shire Communit y Television

Northern Berk shire Habitat for

Humanit y Northern Berk shire United Way

Oakdale Foundation

The Option Institut e

Pediatric Development Center

The People’s Pantry

Philanthropy MA

(PCT V)

Play to Lead Foundation

Project Implicit

Railroad Street Youth Project

Remedy Hall

Riverbrook Residence

Roots Rising

Roots Teen Center

ROPE

RSVP

Saint James Place

Schumacher Center for a New Economics Second Street , Second Chances ServiceNet

South Williamstown Communit y Association

Southern Berk shire Ambulance

Southern Berk shire Chamber of Commerce

Stockbridge Bowl Association

Strong Little Souls

Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum

Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center

Triplex Cinema

Turn Park Ar t Space

UCP of Western Massachusetts

Unitarian Universalist Church of

Upside 413

Ventfort Hall

Volunteers in Medicine Berk shires

West Stockbridge Historical Society

Williamstown Chamber of Commerce

Williamstown Communit y Chest

Williamstown Rural Lands

Youth Center Inc.

Zonta Club of Berk shire County

Celebrating 10 Years of the Nonpro t Center of the Berkshires

Ten year s ago, the idea seemed almost improbable: one small organization dedicated not to a single cause, but to streng thening all of them. Today, the Nonprofit Center of the Berk shires (NPC) ha s become es sential infrastruc ture for Berk shire County ’s nonprofit ecosystem. Over the past decade, NPC has helped thousand s of nonprofit leader s build stronger boards, secure funding, recruit staf f and volunteers, navigate crises, connec t across sector s, and feel less alone in work that is of ten isolating and over whelming And it all star ted in a grocer y store.

The Moment It Be ca me a Missio n

Founder and former Executive Director Liana Toscanini recalls a two-week period when six or seven nonprofit leader s stopped her in the aisles asking for help —press releases, grant proposals, fundraising advice, event planning. “I remember thinking,” she says, “this could be a full-time job.” At the time, there was no centralized resource for Berk shire nonprofits seeking prac tical, Berkshire-specific suppor t. Leaders worked in silos. Small organizations struggled quietly. Many lacked access to professional development, marketing guidance, board recruitment pathways, or shared learning spaces.

NPC’s Get on Board program has been nothin g sh or t of tran sf ormational for Centra l Berk shire Habitat fo r Humani ty. We have been matche d with four phenomenal board members who are not only deeply aligned with our mission but ha ve also brought an inspiri ng level of energy, in sight and dedication to our organization.

A Decade of Connection, Capacity, and Communit y

A Fo rc e Multiplier

Over ten year s, NPC evolved from a lean st ar t-up into a ro bust provider of fering work shops, legi slative town halls, ne tworking events, volunteer and resource fairs, primary research, public ations, a board matching service and a philanthropy curriculum for local schools.

NPC has processed over 1500 reques ts for ad vice and connec tion, hosted over 10 0 educ ational work shops, and dist ributed over 10 0,000 free Giving Back guides.

The Road Ahead

In a county with more than 1,000 nonprofits, the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires has become connec tive

tissue. The past decade proved the concept. The next decade aims to amplif y it. The organization will embark on strategic planning to determine how best to suppor t a sector battling burnout, funding cuts, increased need, baby boomer retirement s, and at tacks from the federal administration. NPC has found its new Executive Director in Sa mant ha Anderson. Anderson believes her entire career ha s led to this very moment. “Samantha is the whole package and then some,” said founder Liana Toscanini who is stepping down af ter ten year s at the helm.

Yo u put together a great Town Hall and got so many good people together. The realit y is that without you tr umpe ting th e health of the economy and the deli ve ry of se rv ices to ci tizens of the st ate, I do n’ t think we woul d get as much notice in Boston .

Another G reatest G eneration emerges—in the Berkshires

By McCaela Donovan

When we think of the Greatest Generation (born 1901 –1924), we recall lives shaped by the Great Depression,

technological change. They faced uncer taint y, inequalit y, and economic upheaval challenges that feel strikingly familiar today. It ’ s easy, in moments like these, to feel discouraged or uncer tain about the future, especially for young people Yet the nominees for the Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leader ship Award

compassion, creativit y, and commitment to communit y, they demonstrate resilience and purpose in the face of adver sit y. Like that great generation before them, they are forging a path for ward one rooted not in division, but in empathy, ser vice, and connection. We celebrate these young leader s, whose actions inspire hope and set an example for the entire Berk shire communit y.

It is rare for anyone to be nominated for a Berk shire

Award by organizations!

G loria

Williams, this year ’ s 2026

Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leader ship Honoree, is

been nominated by both Price Memorial AME Zion Church and R O P E. (Rites of Passage and Empowerment), highlighting her widecommunit y. A dedicated leader and volunteer, Gloria ser ves her church through outreach to unhoused individuals, youth ministr y, and music, while also leading fundraising trip. Through R .O.P.E., she founded a school chapter, chair s the NA ACP Youth Commit tee, and inspires peer s through civic engagement

and ser vice When told about her becoming the honoree, Gloria said “ I strive to lead by example in ever y thing I do, aiming to be

other s pause and wonder what sets me apar t Receiving this recognition is such a blessing, and I am beyond incredibly thank ful and honored.”A talented per former and student leader, Gloria combines creativit y, compassion, and initiative to uplif t other s and exemplif y the power of youth leader ship.

her communit y. Our other youth leader ship nominees exemplif y the kind of dedication and change societ y needs moving for ward. Angelo Basset t is a 19-year-old volunteer and former intern with Berk shire Pride, dedicated to suppor ting LGBTQ+ individuals across Berk shire Count y. Over the past three year s, he has contributed ex tensively to the organization’s mission, from welcoming communit y member s at events to helping lead the Trans E xchange program Known for his authenticit y and compassion, Angelo strives to ensure ever yone feels seen and valued His work has made him a role model for younger LGBTQ+ individuals and highlights the power ful impact of youth in fostering inclusion and communit y connection.

Corey Charron made a strong impact on the Berk shires as a 19 year old student volunteer with the Adams Communit y Roundtable. For over three year s, he led a project analy zing thousands of Visitor Guest Log entries, turning them into data that improved the town’s visitor experience. He also launched a subcommit tee and an ele ctronic sur vey still used today While in college, Corey remains actively involved, organizing meetings and advancing projects

young people can play in strengthening their communities.

Rose Dupuis is a rising senior at Lenox Memorial High School. Rose is a dedicated student leader and communit y advocate. As Vice President and incoming President of the National Honor Societ y, she has helped revitalize the organization while inspiring

her peer s. Rose is deeply commit ted to ser vice through her work with Project 351, the Elizabeth Freeman Center, and Safe Passage, suppor ting sur vivor s and promoting youth leader ship She has organi zed impact ful initiatives including donation drives, fundraiser s, and communit y ser vice projects

for Berk shire Count y, she coordinates ser vice

and create meaningful change.

Described as a dynamic leader, ar tist, and mentor dedicated to uplif ting her communit y, Sadiya Quet t i- G oodson, is a 22-year-old photographer and R .O.P.E. alumna. For over seven year s, she has mentored young people, leading vir tual listening sessions during COVID and continuing her suppor t while studying at Howard Univer sit y. She blends ar t and ser vice, documenting a R .O.P.E. trip to Ghana and creativit y, global experiences, and commitment to mentor ship, Sadiya inspires younger leader ship, and create positive change

member at Greenager s, Inc., Harper Tresc huk has helped shape farm-based youth programs in Nor th Adams. For over four year s, she has mentored middle and high school students through hands-on learning and academic suppor t year-round. She combines strong leader ship with compassion, building trust while maintaining high expectations. Harper has also strengthened the organization’s impact by developing data systems and suppor ting planning, evaluation, and fundraising. Her dedication, empathy, and vision demonstrate how young leader s can create lasting change in their communities

Please joi n us for the 9th Annual Berkshire

Get your tickets at npcberkshires.org. We hope you get to interact with some of these young leaders at the event, and come away inspired to suppor t them in their desire to build a new way for ward as the nex t great generation.