We didn't get to run this story in the last award winning edition of Sparks, many thanks to Adrienne DeBlieux Speed for assembling the following excellent story:
On Thursday August 28th, our speaker was Divya Chaturvedi, the new director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center who took over last year from long time director Janis Broderick. Ms. Chaturvedi has spent years working in domestic violence support in the state's eastern region. She praised the Elizabeth Freeman Center, the Berkshires' only domestic and sexual violence support center, which recently moved to a larger Pittsfield location at 66 Allen St. to serve more of those in need. Since 1974, EFC has led efforts against domestic and sexual violence in Berkshire County, offering 24/7 support for those affected. As the region’s main safety net, EFC provides critical services for victims seeking safety and new beginnings. Ms. Chaturvedi outlined EFC’s many offerings:
24/7 Hotline – a toll-free hotline, (866) 401-2425, that can be called anytime of the day or night for support, counseling, advocacy, emergency shelter, or just to talk, Safety planning, Response to hospitals or police stations, Emergency services – including shelter, food, transportation, and safe phones, to help individuals get and stay safe when facing imminent danger, Emergency shelter – a secure, home-like shelter is available, and if the shelter is full, emergency shelter will be found until an appropriate plan can be developed. Pet foster care, Counseling, Court advocates, Counselors who work specifically with immigrants, LGBTQ services and a Supervised visit program. Offices are located in North Adams, Great Barrington, and Pittsfield. Staff are present in the Pittsfield Police Department, the Adams Police Department, and Berkshire County Kids’ Place. Meetings can be arranged in safe locations almost anywhere in Berkshire County. Ms. Chaturvedi thanked the club for our longtime support, including the upcoming “Rise Together” walk, which is their biggest annual fundraiser. This year’s Pittsfield walk will take place Tuesday, September 16, 5:30pm Persip Park, 211 North St. all are invited to join them.