Berkshire County Kids' Place

04/29/2026

Today, Kids' Place was honored to welcome the Berkshire United Way for a site visit.

Since our inception in 1993, Berkshire United Way has been a strong and consistent supporter of Kids’ Place and the children and families we serve throughout Berkshire County.

Today’s visit was especially meaningful as it also falls on Denim Day, a day of awareness and solidarity in support of survivors of sexual violence. Staff proudly wore denim to stand with survivors and help raise awareness about the importance of prevention, education, and support services in our communities.

Thank you, Berkshire United Way!

KidsPlaceOnline.org

04/24/2026

We’re resharing an important message from our partners at The Children's Cove.

This week’s arraignment in Berkshire County highlights a serious gap in Massachusetts law. There is still no enforceable protection against authority figures engaging in inappropriate relationships with students aged 16 and older.

This loophole has been known for decades, and it continues to put young people at risk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it’s time to pass H.4538. Our youth deserve better.

State Rep. Leigh Davis
Berkshire District Attorney's Office
KidsPlaceOnline.org

A Gap in Child Protection in Massachusetts August 18, 2024 by Jacob Stapledon Facebook1Twitter1Linkedin0Email0X Back to Posts A Gap in Child Protection in Massachusetts Jacob Stapledon August 15, 2024 As we move deeper into August, back to school shopping is underway while parents search for schedul...

04/23/2026

We proudly stand with Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance and Massachusetts Children's Alliance on this Digital Day of Action in support of Amendment #1704. Stand with us in support of a state investment serving victims and survivors of crime Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, State Representative John Barrett, State Rep. Leigh Davis, and State Senator Paul Mark.

MACA is proud to join the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance's Digital Day of Action in support of a $13.8 million state investment in the TRUST Line for FY27.

This investment is critical to sustaining stable, equitable, and trauma-informed services for underserved victims and survivors of crime throughout Massachusetts.

MOVA is advocating for the TRUST Line to be included as a dedicated line item in the FY27 state budget, and Representative Marjorie Decker has filed amendment #1704 to establish that funding.

We encourage our partners, advocates, and community members to take action today by:
• Contacting your legislators and urging support for amendment #1704
• Using MOVA’s TRUST Line Advocacy Toolkit for messaging and outreach resources
• Raising awareness on social media by sharing posts and tagging legislators
• Speak to one of MOVA's Policy and Legislative Affairs Specialists. Email to learn more about how you can help: movapolicy@mass.gov

Sustaining victim services requires collective advocacy. We are proud to stand with MOVA and the broader victim service community in support of this critical investment.

04/22/2026

The courage of survivors deserves recognition first.

Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon have come forward publicly with their allegations, showing extraordinary strength in speaking out against someone in a position of authority. Their voices matter not only for their own pursuit of justice, but for every survivor who has yet to be heard.

Today, Matthew Rutledge was arraigned on r**e charges in Berkshire County.

This moment is about accountability and the systems that must do better at protecting young people.

Let’s be clear:
When a teacher, coach, or trusted adult engages in a sexual relationship with a student, it is not consent. It is abuse. It is exploitation.

At Kids’ Place, we see the real and lasting impact of this kind of trauma. Survivors deserve more than our support; they deserve laws that protect them.

That is why we are calling on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to act now and pass H.4538, the “Persons in Positions of Authority” bill. Close the dangerous gaps in the law and ensure that adults who misuse their power are held fully accountable.

We stand with Melissa. We stand with Hilary. We stand with every survivor.

And we will not stop advocating until protections are stronger and children are safer.

Berkshire District Attorney's Office
State Rep. Leigh Davis
KidsPlaceOnline.org

04/22/2026

If you missed your chance to grab a seat at our 50th anniversary gala on May 14, you're in luck! We're extending the deadline for ticket purchases to Thursday, April 30.

Join us at Barrington Hall in Great Barrington for a plated meal by chef Sabrina Tan, complimentary signature cocktail, beer and wine, inspirational speakers, live music, and more. All proceeds benefit EFC.

To purchase your tickets, visit bit.ly/EFC50thGala.

Hope to see you there!

04/17/2026

Kids’ Place was proud to join Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc.for their annual Step Up for Kids event on the steps of Pittsfield City Hall - City of Pittsfield. 💙

As always, the event was well attended by the incredible legislators Berkshire District Attorney's Office Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier State Rep. Leigh Davis Mayor Peter Marchetti State Representative John Barrett, and community partners, Elizabeth Freeman Center Healthy Families of Berkshire County, who work tirelessly to raise awareness of child abuse during April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month.

We are grateful to stand alongside so many dedicated individuals committed to protecting children and supporting families across Berkshire County. Together, we make a difference.

Thank you, The Children's Trust

KidsPlaceOnline.org

04/15/2026

🌟 Gerard Downing Service to Children Award 🌟

Kids' Place recently had the honor of recognizing Sergeant Brad Vivori of the North Adams Police Department, Massachusetts with the Gerard Downing Service to Children Award, presented by Andrew Giarolo, Chief of the Child Abuse Unit at the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.

Brad also serves as a forensic interviewer at Kids’ Place, creating a safe and supportive space for children to share their stories during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His compassion, professionalism, and ability to build trust make a lasting impact on every child and family he serves.

A lifelong Northern Berkshire resident, Brad is deeply committed to this community and to the mission of Kids’ Place.

Congratulations, Brad, and thank you for the difference you make every day! 💙

KidsPlaceOnline.org

04/15/2026

Maribeth and Heather had a great time celebrating 100 years of the Williamstown Community Chest at the Williams Inn!

Good people, great vibes, and a whole century of community impact. We love being part of it! 💙KidsPlaceOnline.org

04/11/2026

KidsPlaceOnline.org
Thank you to The Petal Planter & Design Aubrey Murdock-Shields for the beautiful bouquets for our honorees. They were perfect! 💐

Kids’ Place had the honor of recognizing three amazing individuals this year. More to come on our incredible honorees!

04/09/2026

We are so very thankful today as we hosted our Children’s Champions Conference and Awards! 💙

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speakers who made the day so impactful. Massachusetts Children's Alliance Executive Director Thomas King delivered an amazing keynote that truly inspired us all. Brian Berkel and Hailey Reinhold emphasized the critical importance of internet safety in today’s world, and April Slater provided valuable education on Problematic Sexual Behaviors 101.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and continues to champion the safety and well-being of children in our communities. Together, we make a difference! Kidsplaceonline.org

04/07/2026

A big thank you to Jesse and WSBS Radio (860 AM and 94.1 FM) for the opportunity to share an important message about Internet Safety! Heather and Brian went on air to talk about Kids’ Place Internet Safety messaging.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month

KidsPlaceOnline.org

Earlier this morning, we spoke with Heather Williamson and Brian Berkel from Berkshire County Kids' Place. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Heather and Brian discussed some of the educational programs the organization is hosting this month.

04/06/2026