Accessing essential community resources is vital for maintaining a healthy and supported life, especially when navigating healthcare options. In North Adams, Massachusetts, residents have access to a range of organizations dedicated to providing assistance and support. This guide highlights key community resources, with a special focus on ECU Health Care, an invaluable program for health insurance access.
Understanding Community Support in North Adams
North Adams and the wider Berkshire County are served by a network of non-profit and government-funded organizations. These resources address various needs, from food and housing assistance to healthcare access and family support. Knowing where to turn can make a significant difference when facing challenges or seeking to improve your well-being.
Key Community Resources in North Adams
Here’s a breakdown of essential community resources available in North Adams, MA:
ECU Health Care: Your Navigator for Health Insurance
ECU Health Care stands out as a crucial resource for individuals and families seeking health insurance. As a non-profit health insurance access program, ECU Health Care offers free assistance in understanding and enrolling in health insurance plans. This includes navigating options like MassHealth and Mass Connector health care plans. Their expert guidance ensures that community members can access necessary medical care through appropriate insurance coverage.
Contact Information:
- North Adams Office: 413-663-8711
- Address: 77 Hospital Ave, North Adams
- Website: http://ecuhealthcarena.com/
If you are confused about health insurance options or need help applying, ECU Health Care in North Adams is your go-to resource.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The WIC program is a federal initiative providing vital support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five. WIC offers supplemental foods, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education to ensure healthy development during critical early years.
Contact Information:
- North Adams Office: 413- 663-3012
- Address: 71 Hospital Ave, North Adams
- Pittsfield Office: 413-447-3495
- Address: 510 North St, Pittsfield
- Website: http://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/wic
WIC is essential for families needing nutritional support to give their children a healthy start.
Berkshire County Community Action (BCAC)
Berkshire County Community Action (BCAC) offers a wide array of services aimed at supporting low-income households. Their programs include fuel assistance to help with heating costs, free tax preparation services, weatherization assistance to improve home energy efficiency, and children’s programs like the Elf Holiday Program providing warm clothing.
Contact Information:
- North Adams: 413-663-3014
- Address: 85 Main Street, North Adams
- Pittsfield: 413-447- 4503
- Address: 1531 West St, Pittsfield
- Website: https://bcacinc.org/
BCAC is a comprehensive resource for families needing assistance with basic needs and financial stability.
Early Intervention Programs
Early Intervention programs in Massachusetts, certified by the Department of Public Health, provide crucial family support, education, and therapeutic services for infants and toddlers experiencing developmental delays or at risk. These programs offer evaluations and tailored services to help children reach their full potential.
Contact Information:
- Early Intervention at UCP of Western Mass (North Adams): 413- 664-9345
- Address: 535 Curran Highway, North Adams
- Website: https://ucpwma.org/programs-for-children/early-intervention/
- Early Intervention at Pediatric Development Center (Pittsfield): 413-499-4537
- Address: 388 Columbus Ave Ext., Pittsfield
- South County Office (Great Barrington): 413-717-4083
- Address: 924 South Main Street, Great Barrington
- Website: http://pediatricdevelopmentcenter.org/
Early Intervention is a vital service for families concerned about their young child’s development.
Elizabeth Freeman Center
The Elizabeth Freeman Center offers free and confidential services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Their comprehensive support includes court advocacy, emergency shelter, emergency response at police stations and hospitals, and counseling services. They operate a 24/7 toll-free hotline for immediate assistance.
Contact Information:
- 24/7 Toll-Free Hotline: (866) 401-2425
- North Adams Office: 413-663-7459
- Address: 61 Main St, North Adams
- Pittsfield Office: 413-499-2425
- Address: 43 Francis Ave, Pittsfield
- South County Office: 413-439-8190
- Address: 168 Main St, Great Barrington
- Website: https://www.elizabethfreemancenter.org/
The Elizabeth Freeman Center provides critical safety and support for individuals facing domestic violence and sexual assault.
Housing Resources: Berkshire Housing Corporation & Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority
Navigating housing issues can be complex. Berkshire Housing Corporation and Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority (BCRHA) offer assistance with various housing-related challenges. Berkshire Housing Corporation provides financial assistance programs for housing. BCRHA offers services like tenancy preservation, housing search assistance, foreclosure prevention, and mediation services.
Contact Information:
- Berkshire Housing Corporation: https://berkhousing.wpengine.com/financial-assistance-programs/
- Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority (BCRHA): https://bcrha.com/
These organizations are essential for ensuring stable and safe housing for Berkshire County residents.
Berkshire Nursing Families
Berkshire Nursing Families is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing breastfeeding support throughout Berkshire County. They offer home visits, phone consultations, classes, and support groups to help mothers with breastfeeding.
Contact Information:
- North Adams: 413-743-5338
- Address: 71 Hospital Ave, North Adams
- Website: https://www.berkshirenursingfamilies.org/
Berkshire Nursing Families offers invaluable support for breastfeeding mothers in the region.
Seven Hills Child Care Resource and Referral
Seven Hills serves as a child care resource and referral agency for Western Massachusetts. They can assist families in accessing child care vouchers and finding child care providers in their area.
Contact Information:
- Pittsfield Office: 508-796-0270
- Address: 141 North Street, Pittsfield
Seven Hills simplifies the process of finding and affording quality child care.
Northern Berkshire Adult Basic Education Program
For adults seeking to further their education, the Northern Berkshire Adult Basic Education Program offers continuing adult basic education and GED/HiSet classes, as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 413-662-5310
- Location: MCLA’s campus in the Library
This program provides accessible educational opportunities for adults in the Northern Berkshire region.
Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC)
The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northern Berkshire by organizing, supporting, and empowering the community. Their services include The Family Place, prevention and youth programming, the UNO Community Center, and the Beacon Recovery Community Center.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 413-663-7588
- Address: 61 Main Street, North Adams
- Website: http://www.nbccoalition.org/
NBCC is a central hub for community development and support initiatives in North Adams.
Conclusion: Accessing Help in North Adams
North Adams, MA, is fortunate to have a strong network of community resources ready to support residents in various aspects of life. From healthcare navigation with ECU Health Care to housing, family support, and education, these organizations play a vital role in community well-being. If you or someone you know needs assistance, reaching out to these resources is a crucial first step towards accessing the help and support needed. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available in your community.
