BFAIR and UCP Board of Directors Share Plans to Pursue an Intent to Merge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contacts: 
Katrina Cardillo 
Senior Director of Marketing & PR 
BFAIR 
771 South Church Street 
North Adams, MA 01247 
413.664.9382 
kcardillo@bfair.org 
www.bfair.org 

Elizabeth Filkins 
Director of Development & Communications 
UCP of Western Massachusetts 
75 South Church Street 
Suite 201 
Pittsfield, MA 01201 
413.442.1562 x.103 
efilkins@ucpwma.org  
www.ucpwma.org 

BFAIR and UCP Board of Directors Share Plans to Pursue an Intent to Merge

Apr., 7, 2026 (Pittsfield, MA & North Adams, MA) – BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts announced today that they are exploring the possibility of a future merger. The organizations emphasize that no final decisions have been made and that this process is in an exploratory phase. 

Discussions formally began in June 2025, with a shared goal of determining whether a combined organization could strengthen services, improve long-term sustainability, and enhance impact across the region. Over the past eight months, board members from both organizations have participated in a structured and collaborative process, supported by an external consultant, to guide planning and evaluation. 

“Both organizations are deeply committed to the individuals and families we serve,” said Peter Mirante, Board Chairperson of BFAIR. “This exploration is about ensuring we continue to meet community needs in the strongest, most sustainable way possible.” 

As part of the process, both organizations conducted a comprehensive due diligence review of operations, governance, compliance, and risk. Financial records and assets were also closely examined to better understand opportunities and challenges. No significant concerns were identified. 

Following this work, both Boards of Directors approved and signed a non-binding Resolution of Intent to Merge, reflecting a shared commitment to continue evaluating the opportunity. This document does not represent a final agreement. 

Additional steps completed to date include: 

• Engagement of local legal counsel to guide regulatory and legal considerations 
• A detailed financial analysis to assess long-term sustainability 
• Exploring funding opportunities to support and assist with consulting and legal costs 
• Initial high-level integration planning to explore how a combined organization could operate while ensuring continuity of care 

In the coming months, both organizations will begin more active engagement with key stakeholders, including staff, families, and community partners. This outreach will provide opportunities to share information, answer questions, and gather feedback. 

Preliminary transition planning is also underway to explore potential organizational structures, leadership alignment, and program integration should a merger move forward. Leaders stress that this planning is preparatory and does not indicate a final decision has been made. 

Both organizations also underscored their commitment to workforce stability throughout the process. 

“We recognize that news like this can raise questions,” Dan Proskin, UCP’s Board President added. “We are committed to transparent communication and to keeping our focus where it belongs—on delivering high-quality services and support to the people who rely on us every day.” 

Further updates will be shared as the exploration continues. 

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