Human Services Advisory Council hears five service-provider pitches

Human Services Advisory Council · Meeting of February 12, 2026

PITTSFIELD — The Human Services Advisory Council heard presentations from five service organizations serving Pittsfield residents. Community Legal Aid, represented by Managing Attorney Carrie Love and housing attorney Angelina Morisi, detailed free legal assistance for low-income and elderly residents on housing; the National Alliance of Mental Illness, led by board president Ruth Healy, reported relocating to the United Church of Christ while supporting families of people with mental illness; the Elizabeth Freeman Center's Executive Director Divya Chaturvedi noted over 50 percent of their domestic violence and sexual assault clients come from Pittsfield, with 82 of 155 housing advocacy cases served since July from the city; Arts in Recovery for Youth co-program managers Jack Kelly and Rachel Bentz indicated 40 Pittsfield families expected to be served in 2026; and Elder Services of Berkshire County Executive Director Chris McLaughlin reported their SHINE Medicare-navigation program operated one volunteer at the Pittsfield Senior Center three days per week this year.

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Source: the Human Services Advisory Council meeting of February 12, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.