Available Social Service Support

Available Support Through The Parish

Adoption Resource Center at Brightside - Free orientation for individuals and families wanting to adopt -- United States, Russia, China and Ukraine Programs.
Adult Family Care / By Elder Services - Do you have a spare room and interested in caring for an older person? No special skills or training needed. Likewise, do you know an elder who could benefit by this program? For either, call (413) 499-0524.
AIDS Support Services and Counseling - Our diocesan OFFICE OF SOCIAL CONCERNS has added Brother Frank Grimaldi, OFM Conv. as Director of HIV/AIDS support services. For more information call (800) 854-0003.
Bereavement Support - Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one are welcome to join this support group on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Rectory, 191 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA.
Berkshire Talking Chronicle - Anyone reading-impaired can listen to the Berkshire Eagle and other local and national newspapers daily on the radio via the Berkshire Talking Chronicle. Call Jeanette Thomas at 684-0880 to obtain a receiver. Also, a volunteer is needed Wed., 11 to noon.
BMC Confidentiality Policy - Due to confidentiality issues, BMC is no longer permitted to send to pastors a list of parishioners who are patients. Therefore, families need to inform the church when someone is admitted.
Elder Services Needs Volunteers/Shopping - Help elders remain independent, be a volunteer. Call (413) 499-0524.
Extended Day Care - Day care is available from 7:10 to 7:50 AM and 2:30 to 5:30 PM each day school is in session. Contact the office to obtain a registration form. (413) 684-3143.
Faith & Light Support Group for Physically and Mentally Challenged - The monthly mass with Fr. Robert Wagner, Diocesan Director of the Bureau for Exceptional People, is here the 3rd Sunday afternoon of each month at 4:30 PM on our library. We gather at 4:00 PM first. For more information, call Joyce Ryan at (413) 684-1146.
Food for the Needy - The "St. Agnes Food Pantry" is open from 6-6:30 P.M. at the Pastoral Center every Thursday for anyone needing food. Baskets are at the church entrances into which you may place non-perishable items. David and RoAnn Endling are coordinating this effort. Call (413) 684-5294 for more information.
Fuel Assistance - Area residents should apply at the Dalton Community Center Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 AM to 12 Noon until October 30th. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins welcome. Hilltown residents by appointment only with Hilltown Outreach Worker. Maximum gross annual income guidelines are $17,720 for single and $23,880 for a couple. For more information call (413) 684-2000
Healing homes at Berkshire Center for Families and Children is seeking at-home parents who might be interested in becoming therapeutic foster parents. Healing Homes places one child per home and offers a $350 per week tax-free stipend. Those interested should have care and compassion for children, a spare bedroom and a willingness to view parenting as a full time occupation. For more information please contact Tom Bordon at (413) 448-8281 ext. 33.
Hearing Challenged? - St. Agnes Church has a system for those hearing impaired hooked up to our PA System. Check with Deacon Pat before or after mass.
Natural Family Planning - Brochures are at the church front entrance from the Couple to Couple League. Local information is available from the Family Life Office (800) 854-0003.
Need for Rosary Makers - Make at home or in a group. Call Pam Brennan (413) 684-2499.
Once Catholic - There is a website for inactive Catholics, www.oncecatholic.org aimed at conversation and education which may help reconnect individuals with the church.

Rainbows for Children - A support group for children N-8 who have suffered the loss of a close relative through death, divorce or separation. Contact Deacon Pat at (413) 684-1120 for more information.
RP, Macular Degeneration Support Group - Meets First Sunday of each month, 2-4 PM at the St. Agnes Library. For more information, call (413) 694-1464.
Senior Pharmacy Program - Helping seniors meet the high cost of prescription medicine. Call (800) 953-3305 or TTY (800) 813-7787. If you are 65 or older and find it hard to pay for prescription drugs, you may be eligible to receive up to $750 a year through the Massachusetts Senior Pharmacy Program. For more information on how to apply, call the above toll free numbers.
The Providence Care Center of Lenox Open - Formally Valley View. Newly renovated, now owned and run by Sisters of Providence. Call for a tour (413) 637-2660.
Victim Support Outreach Coordinator - The Diocese of Springfield has announced a new position of Victim Support Outreach Coordinator. Jane Riley of Springfield will be working in this position and will assist the victims of September 11th. This includes anyone who feels he or she is having a difficult time coping with the aftermath of 9/11. Please contact Jane at the Office of Social Concern, 65 Eliot Street, Springfield, MA 01101, (413) 732-4546 or j.riley@diospringfield.org.
Volunteer Help Needed - Need individuals with a concern for the unborn, willing to spend part of one morning a week (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM) helping at the Pregnancy Support Services office. Even occasional help would be appreciated. Please call (413) 443-7351 for more information.
Volunteers for Widowed Persons Services - Those widowed 18 months or more could be outreach volunteers for this new program for our county, training provided. For more information call Sue Jacobs at (413) 684-2000.
Widows and Widowers One-on-One Support - A recently formed program provides support for those whose spouse has advanced to the next life. One of our own parishioners has been trained and acts in matching persons. For more information or to give a name, call Carol Morrison (413) 684-2282.
Women, Infants and Children Nutrition - WIC - Are you pregnant? Nursing a baby? Have a child under 5? You might be eligible for free healthy foods and nutrition information even if you work. (800) 942-1007 or (413) 443-4866