NonProfit Awards 2022

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL CELEBRATION OF BERKSHIRE

NONPROFITS ON MAY 24!

Are you up for a little inspiration on a Tuesday morning in May? This memorable 45-minute show will stay with you throughout the year because it’s about PEOPLE.

Meet our 7 honorees – one responsible for distributing over 1 million free diapers to families in need, another who supports those coming out of homelessness, and a leader whose work with children with special needs spans 40 years. Hear from all 7 of these rock stars and from some of the folks who have been impacted by their dedication.

Start your day connecting with nonprofit heroes, Berkshire County legislators, and local funders who help make good work happen. Experience hope through a Music in Common performance, hear from Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, and find out which nonprofit will win a $3,000 cash prize.

This event is FREE to the public thanks to our partner, The Berkshire Eagle, and these generous sponsors: Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Berkshire United Way, Black Rock Foundation/Donald C. McGraw Foundation, Feigenbaum Foundation, Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Lamar Advertising Co., Salisbury Bank, Warrior Trading, and Williamstown Community Chest.

More details and registration online at npcberkshires.org or call (413) 441-9542

These 21 judges from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors carefully ranked their choices from among 86 nominations, culminating in a virtual meeting to finalize 7 honorees. We thank them for their time and integrity.

Kim Baker/Toole Insurance, Amanda Belanger/Northern Berkshire Pediatrics, Pastor Joel Bergeland/Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield, Jill Cancellieri/Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Catheryn Chacon/Latinas413, Marcus Coleman/Raymond James, Jennifer Connor Shumsky/Greylock Federal Credit Union, Brian Drake/MountainOne, Nichole Dupont/Berkshire Money Management, Auric Enchill/Elegant Stitches, Mike Greenfest/Wayfair, John Halbreich, Robin McGraw/Black Rock Foundation, Julia Murphy/Office of Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, Kelan O’Brien/Williams College, Brenda Petell/ Berkshire United Way, Alison Peters/Dalton CRA, Cassey Santos-China/Berkshire Pride, Lauren Smith/Berkshire Health Systems, Dan Stanyon/Salisbury Bank, Gina Vallone/Lee Bank

2022 BERKSHIRE NONPROFIT AWARD NOMINEES

BOARD LEADERSHIP

Lois Daunis/ROOTS Teen Center

Laurie Gallagher/Berkshire United Way

Mark Gold/Community Legal Aid

Mark Harris/Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity

Wendy Healey/ WAM Theatre

Alex Kastrinakis/BFAIR

Mary Nash/Flying Cloud Institute

Leslie Reed/Dalton CRA

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Christa Collier/Northern Berkshire United Way

Leigh Doherty/Literacy Network of South Berkshire

Jenise L. Lucey/Berkshire South Regional Community Center

Janis Martinson/Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

Laurie Norton Moffatt/Norman Rockwell Museum

Bettina Montano/Berkshire Pulse

Robert Mulhall/Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

Maria Rundle/Flying Cloud Institute

Cherri Sanes/ExtraSpecialteas, Inc.

Eugenie Sills/Clinton Church

Restoration Project

Ben Sosne/Berkshire Innovation Center

Carolyn Valli/Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity

Brett Westbrook/Berkshire County Head Start

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Julianne Boyd/Barrington Stage Company

Darlene Ellis/Berkshire Food Project

Maren Jacobs/UCP of Western Massachusetts

Isabelle Kaplan/Berkshire Immigrant Center

Susan Frisch Lehrer/Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Douglas Malins/George B. Crane Memorial Center

Christopher Moon/Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity

Maeve O’Dea/Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Liliana Ortiz-Bermudez/Festival Latino of the Berkshires

John Perreault/Berkshire Humane Society

Sheila Toomey/Berkshire County Head Start

ROCK STAR

Mariah Auman/Berkshire Natural

Resources Council

Dustin Belcher/Dalton CRA

Meg Bossong/ Williams College

Brendan Farrell/Central Berkshire

Habitat for Humanity

Nicole Fecteau/Roots & Dreams & Mustard Seeds

Lorie Harrington/Berkshire County Head Start

Stephanie Jimenez/Soldier On

Maryam Kamangar/Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & So. Vermont

Mariám Orengo/Manos Unidas

Multicultural Educational Cooperative

Brenda Petell/Berkshire United Way

Brielle Rizzotti/IS183 Art School

Robert J. Shearer DNP, AGACNP-BC, RN/Berkshire Health Systems

Talya Taliferro/ TG’s Clubhouse

SAMYA ROSE STUMO YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Ethan Coe/Pittsfield Education Foundation

Deisy Escobar/Railroad Street Youth Project

Jake Harte/Dalton Community Recreation Association

Olivia Nda/NAACP and “Students Who Have a Voice” by PHS

UNSUNG HERO

Erica Barreto/MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities (MCLA-IAH)

Cathy Buffoni/Stockbridge Library Association

Maggie LaMee/Barrington Stage Company

Sheryl Lechner/Berkshire Immigrant Center

Donna Morelli/Central West Justice Center (CWJC)

Ivania Mottos/Berkshire County Head Start

Arthur Niedeck/Berkshires Jazz, Inc.

Paul W. O’Brien/Sheffield Historical Society

Mindy Shoestock/Berkshire Community Action Council

VOLUNTEER

Hannah DeLisle-Stall/Berkshire

Business Professional Women

Shirley Edgerton/Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE)

Ray Gardino/American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Berkshire County

Tanya Haas/Kindness is Foundation, Make-a-Wish, Berkshire Elder Services, Investment Committee Berkshire Place, Blood Donor

Catherine Mayne/18 Degrees

ABOUT THE NPC

Debra Miersma/Barrington Stage Company

Linda Riiska/HospiceCare in the Berkshires

Candace Wall/Junior League of Berkshire County

Todd Walton/St Joseph Food Pantry

The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires was founded in 2016 as a clearinghouse for information and resources for nonprofits. Popular programs include educational webinars, the Giving Back guide, volunteer fairs, roundtables, and the Berkshire Nonprofit Awards

Liana Toscanini, Founder & Executive Director

Mary Vasquez-Slack, Administrative & Marketing Manager

NPC Board of Directors:

Dan Stanyon (President) Marianne Fresia (Treasurer) Ilene Marcus (Secretary)

Erika Allison, Stephanie Bosley, Patrick Danahey, Auric Enchill, Clemente Sajquiy-Ramirez, Laurie Werner

Where you bank matters

Where you bank matters. The simple decision of where you bank can have a big impact on your community. At Berkshire Bank, we redeploy our resources to support events such as the Berkshire Nonprofit Awards Celebration.

Congratulations to all those being honored, and thank you for all you do!

Advancing the Mission

Marie G. Rudden, MD

Berkshire Community Diaper Project

Prudent Use of Assets

As founder and Board President, Dr. Rudden directs an all-volunteer organization, raising funds to secure diapers in bulk at low cost, negotiating free warehouse space, and distributing 1.3 million diapers since 2014.

Oversight

A steadfast and passionate leader, Dr. Rudden encourages all volunteers to take ownership, fostering growth and long-term viability. She closely supervises all aspects of the project including weekly board meetings.

Marie is a tireless advocate, engaged in public speaking and educating people about the deleterious impact on the physical and mental health of children and parents who are income challenged, partnering with over 20 food pantries and agencies to distribute diapers, and meeting with the National Diaper Bank Network and Massachusetts legislators to advance projects around the Commonwealth.

Service on Committees

Dr. Rudden draws upon her deep interpersonal skills as a psychiatrist to connect to each board member and make use of their skills, knowledge and interests. She is personally involved in every aspect of the organization, most recently leading discussions on equity and inclusion.

Personal Attributes

“Her efforts have been tireless and successful in both ameliorating the problem and bringing awareness to the issue.”

– Claire Rosenberg, LICSW

Katie Clarke

Community Access to the Arts (CATA)

Positive Impact on Organization

As Administrative Director, Katie has played a crucial role in CATA’s growth for more than 16 years, creating new, sophisticated systems as the organization’s budget, staff and geographic footprint tripled. Her painstaking, behind-the-scenes work tracking every financial detail related to 1200 donors, 800 artists with disabilities, and 50 partner organizations is essential in upholding the highest possible standards of financial management.

A hallmark of Katie’s approach has been her eagle eye, creative problem-solving, and flexibility. Deeply honest and ethical, with an unflagging work ethic, she is that rare person who can be simultaneously detail-oriented and big-picture.

Dedication to Mission

Katie has constantly performed beyond the scope of her job description to fulfill ever-expanding needs within the organization. In every staff meeting and planning session, she asks the critical strategic questions to ensure we are staying true to our core values of inclusion and access.

Going Above and Beyond

COVID struck as CATA was renovating its new facility and undergoing a capital campaign. Katie worked tirelessly to model financial scenarios and update them weekly, secure a PPP loan, participate in an intensive Equity in HR program, and create a Facilities Business Plan so thorough and compelling that it is now being used as a model for other organizations.

Gerard E. Burke

Hillcrest Educational Centers Widespread and Ongoing Community Influence

As a successful and respected business leader, Jerry has been instrumental in bringing attention to the nonprofit community, and helping transform a bankrupt company into a fiscally stable organization employing over 500 professionals. The mission of Hillcrest Educational Centers is to facilitate the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of its students through the development of new skills that will enable them to succeed. The organization is accredited in behavioral health care by the Joint Commission.

Exceptional Accomplishments

Jerry has built an exceptional team at Hillcrest and successfully merged Berkshire County Kids’ Place into Hillcrest Foundation. He has served in many leadership positions including the boards of Berkshire United Way, 1Berkshire, Greylock Federal Credit Union and the Berkshire County and Massachusetts Business Roundtables. Since 1989 he has been active in the MA Association of Private Schools and in workforce development efforts locally and at the state level. “In every case, he leaves the organization stronger than when he joined, “ says John Bissell, President & CEO Greylock Federal Credit Union.

Commitment to Highest Values

Jerry’s commitment to the local community is unmatched. He serves as mentor to many nonprofit executives and gives of his time and talent freely.

Exhibits Long-Term Courage and Perseverance

Jerry’s experience spans over 40 years working with children with special needs. He has been employed at Hillcrest since 1985; serving as CEO since 1992, a rare accomplishment of tenure and success in the Berkshires.

“Katie is a force of nature providing support and cheer to everyone in the organization.”

– Rich Petrino, CATA Board Member

ROCK

STAR HONOREE

“There are far fewer organizational leaders that are able to transcend their sectors and truly lend their voice and influence in a way that advances the entire regional agenda. Jerry is one of these transcendent leaders. His influence is the product of a selfless approach to doing the work that needs to be done. Jerry is willing to take the lead when called upon, but often thrives behind the scenes, never seeking the limelight. This approach has earned him deep cross-sector respect, and the trust of our regional leadership community.”

– Jonathan Butler, President & CEO 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance

Charles Bonenti

Berkshire Immigrant Center

Annual Volunteer Hours: 400 Volunteer Activities

Charles is “retired.” He is a trustee of Williamstown’s Milne Library, serves on the board of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, and is Berkshire Immigrant Center’s Volunteer Coordinator, attending weekly meetings and freeing up staff to focus on high-priority items.

Impact on Organization

There is a direct link between Charles’ willingness to serve as Volunteer Coordinator and BIC’s evolution into a thriving nonprofit. He is constantly thinking of ways to expand the reach of the volunteer base and leverage more time for staff.

Impact on Those Served

Most recently, Charles has taken the lead in helping to support 60 evacuees from Afghanistan, making sure they have everything they need to adjust to their new lives here. An extremely challenging assignment, Charles is putting in 20 hours per week to ensure our community remains welcoming and inclusive.

“Charles’ work is critical to BIC’s efficient operations.”

– Sheryl Lechner, Development Director

Jade Schnauber Lever, Inc.

Impact on Organization/Community

As an intern and now a full-time employee, Jade spearheaded the creation of Lever’s Inclusive Leadership Internship Preparation Program which helps college students from marginalized populations build a network, find mentors and prepare to apply for summer internships.

Passion and Commitment to Chosen Cause

Jade is a staunch advocate for equity in all forms, pushing Lever forward in this regard, and regularly connecting with marginalized communities to learn more about their needs. She regularly speaks publicly about diversity, equity and inclusion and how they impact our region.

Makes a Difference in the Community

Jade is an entry point for dozens of college students to launch their careers. Through her work and advocacy, these students will go on to make an impact on others’ lives and on the region, a chain of connection that will resonate for years to come.

Demonstrates Power of Youth

A remarkably poised and professional young person, Jade is an example of how someone with motivation and talent can excel given the right opportunities. She has used those opportunities to create opportunities for others who may not have had the same experiences. This is at the core of her work and identity as a professional and proof that young people have the power to change the world.

“Jade is among the most impressive young people I’ve ever met. Her maturity, intelligence and conscientiousness underly her remarkable social awareness.”

– Jeffrey Thomas, Executive Director, Lever

SAMYA ROSE STUMO YOUTH LEADERSHIP HONOREE

Courtney Kimball

Construct, Inc.

Importance of Role Within Organization

As Program Manager, Courtney facilitates all services to individuals coming out of homelessness including financial and wraparound supports, and the after-hours housing crisis team. She has been the face of the organization’s pandemic response, with swift attention to COVID-19 protocols, mental health first aid, and a huge increase in demand for services.

Personal and Professional Qualities

Courtney personifies a trauma-informed approach, meeting people where they are with authenticity, believing in participants until they can believe in themselves. She is thorough, tenacious in her advocacy, reliable, resourceful and kind.

Worthiness of Work and Attitude

Courtney, who has one of the toughest jobs imaginable, continues to love her work and invest in each participants’ success, even as access to affordable housing becomes even more challenging. Even after the hardest days, she continues to show up with positivity for the next.

Importance of Public Recognition

Construct works to change and save lives through housing options and related services. Perhaps public recognition will help those facing housing insecurity know there is someone even-keeled, kind and compassionate to meet their most critical needs.

Ananda Timpane

Railroad Street Youth Project

Guiding Strategic Growth to Meet Community Needs

Ananda has steadily grown RSYP over ten years, quadrupling the annual budget and transforming what was a small, youth-inspired, grassroots initiative into a dynamic youth empowerment organization reaching hundreds of young people each year.

Elevating the Mission

By keeping to its core essence of youth voice and empowerment, Ananda listens to the needs and aspirations of young people. With unfailing dedication, she helps them find connection to caring adults, staff, and peers in their community.

Nurture and Inspire Others

Ananda’s youth-focused vision, authenticity, and passion for helping young people, especially marginalized youth, inspires staff, constituents, board members and donors. She is an intrepid leader, fostering a culture of care and building the caliber of the organization.

Strategies to Overcome Obstacles

As substance use rates and mental health issues grew as a result of the pandemic, Ananda created new programs, securing a $1 million Federal grant to create a Rural Recovery Center in Great Barrington. When young people experienced higher levels of food insecurity, she adapted the culinary apprenticeship program to include weekly deliveries of fresh groceries to each participant.

“I wish every nonprofit had as capable and sensitive a leader as Ananda at the helm.”

– Ann Herbst, Development Chair

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP HONOREE

CONGRATULATIONS

“Courtney has been an angel to the immigrant community.”

– Natalia DeRuzzio, Volunteers in Medicine

Thank you to our BERKSHIRE LEGISLATORS for your advocacy during Covid-19 & always