Berkshire United Way Inc.

Filing Period

Jul 1, 2012 to Jun 30, 2013

Signed

Oct 25, 2013

Return Version

2012v2.3

Gross Receipts

$3,364,894

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 the berkshire youth development project 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 reducing births to teens between the ages of 15 and 19 years old by 10% by 2016 using strategies aimed at increased access to youth-friendly reproductive health services; comprehensive sexuality education accross grade levels in and out of school; parent/adult education to share vaules and expectations; building awareness of the teen pregnancy issue in berkshire county; building aspirations among our youth. - providing mentoring, civic engagement, assessment and referral to treatment programs, family engagement, and college and work-ready skill- building opportunities that promote positive behaviors across berkshire county's young adult population. -conducted pittsfield prevention strategies: sticker shock, shoulder taps surveys, alcohol purchase surveys, training for alcohol services, say it proud award, social norms marketing campaigns in middle and high schools, 411 in the 413 youth conference, active parenting workshops, prom night police saturation patrols, rx drug round-ups. -conducted face the facts- reduce teen pregancy strategies: expanded teen outreach program clubs in pittsfield; implemented billboard, movie ad, and poster campaigns aimed raising awareness, encouraging parents to talk to teens about sex, and deglamourizing teen preganancy for young people; presented at school committe and advocated for review of sex education programs in middle and high schools; held countywide conference for health providers, counselors, and youth workers focused on the issue of teen pregancy prevention; conducted parent workshops aimed at providing tools to parents to talk to their children about sex. -number of youth engaged in mentoring relationships: goal:196; achieved 181; 92%- and of those 76% felt supported by their mentor. Number of youth civically engaged and demonstrating leadership: goal:587; achieved 654: 111% - and 89% of those participating in 20 hours or more of community service, youth leadership/youth venture, and/or social entrepreneurship, feel more connected to their community as a result.

Activity 3

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 165; achieved 217; 132% -number of individuals who gained or retained employment: goal 315; achieved 491; 156% -number of individuals who completed financial education: goal 200; achieved 204; 102% -provided support for reinvigorating the local volunteer income tax assistance (vita) program which allowed the opening of an additional site in pittsfield. Federal funds returned to berkshire county residents as a result of this program totaled 832,480, of which 318,637 were from the earned income tax credit (eitc), an increase of almost 100% from 2011. The new vita site prepared 195 federal tax returns, bringing back over 225k into berkshire county (roughly 90,000 of which is from the eitc). -invested 9,335 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