The BCAC Annual Campaign
Most of you know BCAC as the agency that delivers Fuel Assistance, Weatherization and Energy Conservation....but that is not all we do!
Did you know that BCAC also offers:
1. Affordable lending programs in partnership with Greylock Federal Credit Union. These programs are designed to meet emergency and transportation needs of our low-income neighbors with the added benefit of rebuilding or establishing credit.
2. Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Funded by FEMA , residents can access these funds when facing emergency utility shut-offs.
3. Front Lawn Food Project. Started by BCAC, we now collaborate with Greenagers to provide raised vegetable beds to low-income residents of the county
4. Holiday Elf Warm Clothing Program. Now in its 37th year, the Elf program provides over 2,000 low-income children with new warm winter clothing for the harsh Berkshire Winters.
5. Food Security. BCAC partners with the Western Mass Food Bank to provide a distribution system for 24 area food pantries.
6. VITA. Our volunteer income tax service helped over 800 families last year receive over $850,000 in tax refunds that were used to catch up on bills, open new savings accounts and for purchases which bolstered the local economy.
...and other programs such as financial literacy classes, an annual coat drive, the summer children's adventure that provides a day of fun for local shelter-bound children, a Rep Payee program, our annual "Rulers for Schoolers" drive, and so many other community based programs.
And through BCAC's Community Partnership Connector, we work in collaboration with the dozens of other social service agencies also looking to create lasting change. This program is dedicated to helping our community coordinate and refer clients throughout the wide spectrum of services offered within the network--giving meaning to the "no wrong door" approach and helping families develop their own "Individual Plan for Success"
As the Anti-Poverty Agency for Berkshire County, we are entrusted with the daunting job of reducing poverty here at home....but as funding from Federal, State and Local sources decline, the ability to create lasting change is threatened.
So here we are, asking for your help. Each year it becomes increasingly more difficult to respond to the needs of the 12,000 families that come through our door.
As always, we remain YOUR Community Action Agency. We stand committed to our Mission to address the needs of the low-income, elderly and working poor within the communities we serve. AND we hold this mission at the center of all our decisions and planning.
