Mission :
Our mission is to build a sense of community and common purpose throughout the region, and to enhance the recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being of the residents of the Southern Berkshires. Berkshire South Regional Community Center is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization open to all, regardless of ability to pay.

History:

In 1996, a group of community leaders met to discuss the issue of economic diversity and lack of access by many to the few recreational, cultural, educational and social activities that existed in south Berkshire County. Their answer to the problem was to build a community center that offered quality and affordable programs to all ages, regardless of financial needs. This became their mission and they called themselves Berkshire South Regional Community Center.

In 1997, the Berkshire United Way and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation presented their Lodestar I Report. The report identified the six most pressing issues that they could address: access to child care, family violence, gaps in health care, lack of recreational facilities and programs, substance abuse and teenage pregnancies. In South County, the top issue was the lack of recreational facilities and programs. At the same time, a group of volunteers interviewed over 108 key leaders representing non-profit agencies, businesses, government agencies and schools. It became apparent that there was a glaring gap in services to youth, the elderly, and families.

The Community Center facility was completed and opened its doors in July of 2002. Since then, the Community Center has served thousands of children, adults, senior citizens and families from the 17 towns in South County, as well as some from the surrounding New York and Connecticut towns which border the Berkshires. To date, the Community Center has granted over $100,000 in Financial Aid for Membership and Program assistance.

In 2004 alone, 70.6% of Community Center Membership Aid has been awarded to Families and Single-Parent Families; 99.2% of Community Center Program Aid has been put toward Youth Programs such as school vacation camps, after school enrichment classes, and summer camp. This points out the serious need in our community for quality, affordable youth programs. On September 1, 2004, Berkshire South Regional Community Center and Southern Berkshire Youth Association officially combined their resources in an effort to address just such needs.