Author: Alisa Costa

The Fund for Shared Insight made this video about all of you and the changes we are trying to make in our community. Linda Kelly and Carolyn Valli were invited to present the great things that are going on here. We believe those things happen because of the great work that is being done by residents, organizations, and community partners. Listening to residents and the aspirations that they have for the community has been a core value since the beginning.

We now have an opportunity to become a Quality of Life Framework learning cohort. If we are selected it is a five-year commitment to measuring the efforts that we are collectively putting into the neighborhood and seeing what the outcomes are from that effort. If you are interested in being a part of this work, please let us know. And keep doing all the great things you are doing to lift resident voices.

Did you miss the last Working Cities Wednesday? No problem! Below is a summary of the notes taken at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center so you can catch up and contribute to these community efforts.

Community Gardens
Lead Name: Karen Roche (413)841-5519 [email protected]
Summary of Discussion:

• How do we revamp the existing community gardens and spark new interest and participation?
• Outreach to potential new gardeners and explore the possibility of creating classes to teach gardening skills.

Three things to do before the next meeting:

• Reach out to new groups in the community i.e. Latino Family Support Group, youth groups, Greenagers

Resources you may need:

• Coverings to protect the plants during mosquito spraying season
• People

Stories of the Westside
Lead Name: Linda Kelley (413)242-6623 [email protected]
Summary of Discussion:

• Collection of stories from Westside residents current, past, and multigenerational. Looking for anyone willing to share their story.
• New outreach efforts at local houses of worship, the library, and senior center.
• Planning on having a booth at the Gatherin and maybe at 3rd Thursday. Best ways to locate old pictures.

Three things to do before the next meeting:

• Draft interview questions
• Create a collage of photos
• Connect with the Heritage Commission and the Berkshire Immigrant Stories project

Resources you may need:

• Connections to current and former residents and businesses
• Reach out to the local high schools about incorporating young aspiring journalists

Community Needs Assessment – Goodwill
Lead Name: Kathy Anker (413)442-0061 x14 [email protected]
Summary of Discussion:

• What are the heavy hitting topics that should be reported on the community assessment?
• Topics brought up include domestic violence & shelters, navigating complex educational systems, understanding health insurance options and MA health changes.

Three things to do before the next meeting:

• Report back on statistics and information gathered so far.

Resources you may need:

• More information, more feedback, and more completed surveys!