During 2020, as the pandemic hit our communities hard, its tough and startling to imagine but more than 3,000 children and families across New York State came to Berkshire Farm Center requiring help, intervention, services, and supports specifically through our Family Preservation Programs.

Of these families, 100% were in crisis and at risk of having their children removed from their home. Safety and basic needs were issues that we immediately addressed - housing, food, and access to mental health services as well as substance abuse services. And, because of the issues caused by the pandemic, we also assisted families with access to WIFI for virtual learning, school supplies, masks and other items needed to remain safe. After the family was stabilized, our team connected them to community resources. And checked in. And never stopped meeting children and families where they needed us the most in their homes despite the pandemic.

We are proud to share that 92% of these families stayed and remain together!

However, the need for services has increased more than threefold. The pandemic has impacted our ability to hold fundraising events at the level that we have in the past, our state funding streams have not increased their budgets to us, and our staffing capacity has been challenged.

This is a trying, frustrating time for everyone. For children living in poverty, the impact is far greater than we could imagine. And we are not out of the woods yet. We kindly ask for your support with a donation to help provide direct services to the children and families we serve across NYS.

Thank you for caring so deeply about them. Our community is better because of you.