Community Development

Catalyst
Contact: Catalyst, Center for Community Engagement, Paresky 204, Williams College, 597-4849, or email: sburns@williams.edu or Lauren Shuffleton ‘12 (unix: les1), or Emma Davenport (unix: 09eld)

RENAISSANCE: COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
Presented by CATALYST, Williams College, March 2009

The community of North Adams has been experiencing an economic and cultural “renaissance.” Catalyst aims to ensure that all residents will benefit from the revitalization by establishing a multipurpose community resource center. Many local leaders have expressed the need for such a facility, but swamped with other pressing priorities, lack the time to make it happen. Catalyst seeks to spark an inclusive process of democratic planning to build and sustain this new public resource.

The Renaissance Center would serve as:

· A home for existing human service organizations to foster collaboration and to simplify transportation for their clients.

· A cultural and educational haven for youth that will offer mentoring, tutoring, afterschool programs, and cultural enrichment.

· A training center for energy efficiency and alternative energy projects that would nurture an environmentally sound local economy by promoting green jobs, weatherization, insulation, and solar heating initiatives.

The Renaissance Center’s essence will be its responsiveness to the public’s needs. It will serve as a beacon for youth leadership development and a haven for those in need while providing all of us with the opportunity to improve our lives and help bring about a community renaissance that includes everyone.

Catalyst members are already meeting with community leaders and are exploring potential sites, including the former Notre Dame church complex on East Main Street and unused Mass MoCA buildings. This is a very preliminary proposal, however, to start the conversation. The Renaissance Center is dedicated to community needs, so if you are interested in pursuing this idea or have suggestions about its concept or creation, we welcome you to join the discussion.

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
Contact: Madeline King (msk1) Website

The NBCC is a dynamic, collaborative organization that serves as a forum for the various non-profits, social service agencies, businesses, and local neighborhoods. It encourages communication and leadership as important components of neighborhood development, while encouraging organizations to pool monetary and human resources to fund special events, projects, and celebrations. The NBCC is a great resource for Williams students. Examples of collaborative projects that have happened in the past include volunteering to create artwork, organization of start-up neighborhood baseball teams, and the performance of Williams dance groups for community events.

Income Tax Assistance Program
Contact: Paula Consolini (pconsolini@williams.edu)

Berkshire Humane Society
Contact: Marsha Villaroroel (unix: mav1) and Liz McClure (unix: 10eam_2)

Students for Social Justice
Contact: Hannah Cunningham (unix: 10hmc)