A Note from Our Board President - Pete Mirante

Dear Friends of BFAIR, 

What a season it has been. As I look back over these past few months, I keep coming back to the same word: momentum. Whether it was our incredible staff traveling to Washington, D.C. and the State House to advocate on behalf of the people we serve, our Self-Advocacy Group hosting yet another successful fundraiser, or the generosity of our community at BFAIR in Bloom, I am reminded again and again why this organization means so much to the Berkshires and beyond. 

I also want to take a moment to speak directly to a topic many of you have been asking about. The BFAIR Board of Directors has been engaged in conversations regarding a merger with UCP of Western MA, with the shared goal of strengthening the services, stability, and long-term impact we can offer the individuals and families who count on us. These conversations are still in progress, and as we move forward in the direction of a merger, Randy Kinnas has been appointed CEO of both BFAIR and UCP of Western MA.  As more information becomes available, we are committed to sharing it with our staff, families, and community partners in a timely and transparent way. In the meantime, please know that our mission, our values, and our dedication to the people we support remain unchanged and unwavering. 

None of the work you'll read about in this issue happens without the extraordinary people who make up the BFAIR family, our staff, our board, and above all, the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. 

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. 

With gratitude, 

Pete 

Board President, BFAIR