Berkshire United Way Inc.

Filing Period

Jul 1, 2011 to Jun 30, 2012

Signed

Oct 22, 2012

Return Version

2011v1.2

Gross Receipts

$3,238,625

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

Goal 2: ensure young adults successfully transition to work, higher education or training by: - addressing youth substance use through the pittsfield prevention partnership and using an "environmental management" approach that goes beyond general awareness to working to change those things in the community that are related to substance use and risky behaviors; educating the community about laws and policies related to underage drinking and drug abuse; and assisting the community in recognizing and supporting protective behaviors. - addressing teen pregnancy through a community-wide initiative - "face the facts-reduce teen pregnancy" focused on four strategies: increased access to youth-friendly reproductive health services; youth engagement; comprehensive sexuality education across grade levels; and parent/adult education to share values and expectations. - providing mentoring, civic engagement and college and work-ready skill- building opportunities that promote positive behaviors across berkshire county's young adult population. Results to date - conducted host of activities in support of pittsfield prevention partnership strategies: sticker shock, shoulder tap surveys, alcohol purchase surveys, training for alcohol servers, say it proud awards, 411 in the 413 youth conference, active parenting workshops, prom night police saturation patrols, rx drug round-ups. - moved to execute teen pregnancy reduction strategies by: partnering with the ma alliance for teen pregnancy; conducting focus groups with berkshire county teens and adults; awarding funding to a local teen outreach program provider; and began initial work on branded public awareness campaign - number of youth engaged in mentoring relationships: goal: 195; achieved: 234; 120% -- and of those 75% felt supported by their mentor. - number of youth civically engaged and demonstrating leadership: goal: 549; achieved 935: 170% -- and 77% feel more connected to their community as a result. - number of youth receiving academic support for college readiness: goal: 1,521; achieved: 1,354; 89%.

Activity 3

Third exempt purpose accomplishment goal 3: improve financial stability and independence among individuals experiencing housing, employment and financial insecurity by: - assisting them in attaining or retaining permanent, affordable housing. - providing opportunities to obtain basic skills or job skills leading to employment - providing support and financial literacy skills to help achieve economic milestones. Results to date - number of families who obtained or retained safe or affordable housing: goal 1,182; achieved 975; 82%. - number of individuals who gained or retained employment: goal 336; achieved 493; 146%. - number of individuals who completed financial education: goal 354; achieved 379; 107%. - organized a group of local business and community leaders and met with the massachusetts regional office of the internal revenue service to develop plans for reinvigorating the local volunteer income tax assistance (vita) program. - brought together the western massachusetts network to end homelessness and the regional planning commissions for the western region of the state to create a directory of services for low income residents. - invested 5,318 to support mass 2-1-1, the easy-to-remember toll-free number available to call 24/7 for free statewide access to health and human services information and referrals.

Filer

EIN

04-2104841