Name of your business.
BFAIR – Berkshire Family & Individual Resources
Main administrative offices are in North Adams, MA, and now branching out into the Pioneer Valley
Your name and position.
Jennifer Civello
Director of Marketing
What inspired you to start your business? How did your business get started?
BFAIR was incorporated over 20 years ago and was inspired to do so because we like to inspire others! The organization started by providing community, day habilitation, and residential services to people living in the North Adams area with developmental disabilities.
Tell us a little bit about your business.
Today, BFAIR serves over 500 people living with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, autism, and elders. With nearly 300 full and part time employees, BFAIR has two sites in addition to the main administrative building that provides day habilitation services, community based day services, and individual & family supports. Additionally, BFAIR operates 10 homes in the Berkshires (3 specifically for people with acquired brain injury). Now, our 11th home is set to open in Northampton in July. Other services provided by BFAIR include: supported employment, adult family care, and clinical services. All programs are supported with case management and nursing staff.
What is your favorite thing to do in your business?
The most amazing things that happen at BFAIR are the times when all of our staff and program participants get to engage in fun activities. Whether it’s a friends & family cookout, an apple pie cook-off, or an exercise challenge, bridging the gap is an essential (and best) part of our work!
If nothing else, what is the one piece of information you want someone to know about your business?
We believe in our mission. From administrative staff, to direct care workers, to employment counselors -providing positive life experiences for everyone is what we do. Period.
What is the one piece of business advice you would like to share?
Marketing and public relations plays a huge role in non-profit human service work. I’m often asked “what does an organization that provides this kind of service have to market?” The answer is simple: I’m the storyteller for the organization. If we can’t present our work, our success stories, and our struggles to the community at-large, how can we expect them to understand what we do and why?