Page 2 - Berkshire Farm Center 2017 Annual Report
P. 2

For the past 131 years, Berkshire Farm Center has remained committed to a mission of strengthening
                                      children and families to live safely, independently, and productively in their home communities.  Our
                                      history is long and our commitment to our mission has not waivered, but the way we help families has
                                      evolved to meet their unique challenges.

                                      Once known as a residential program for boys in Canaan, NY, Berkshire now offers  more than 100
                                      programs in 45 counties across New York State!




                                      Why did we change?  Because we listened.
       Jim Dennis
       President & CEO
                                      We know many families across the state are struggling.  Some communities are faced with higher
       BOARD OF DIRECTORS             incidents of violent crime, causing children and families to feel unsafe even in their own homes. We

       Mr. Robert A. Kandel           know from experience that when children and families are consistently exposed to trauma and stress,
       Board Chairman                 other problems including domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect can surface.  Mental health

       Mr. Charles H. Mott            deteriorates and families can be thrown into a downward spiral of crisis.
       Chairman Emeritus
                                      Today, Berkshire has answered this call to action by establishing programs in 19 of  New York State’s
       Directors                      20 most dangerous communities.* We are partnering with families to provide multiple levels of service:
       Mr. Conor Boyd                 family preservation, crisis intervention, foster care & adoption, group home and residential treatment,
       Mr. Thomas Luzzi               respite support, detention, mental health counseling, and substance abuse counseling.
       Mr. James Matison
       Ms. Betty Newman
       Ms. Karen Parker               We are seeing results!
       Mr. Eric Twombly

                                      For example, in Niagara Falls, Berkshire’s Home Run Program supports 45 children and families each
                                      year and has achieved a 99.6% success rate of keeping families together. All of this is only possible with
                                      the commitment of our partners, foster parents, donors, volunteers and dedicated staff.
                                      Because of you, we are truly making a positive impact on New York State’s children and families.









                                                                                                    * FBI Crime Data Report, “20 Most Dangerous Places in Upstate New York”
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