Looking Back with Gratitude
As we get ready to step into yet another new and thrilling year of cannabis, we want to take a moment to look back at the year that was.
The Berkshires is an inviting and supportive place to live and run a local business. We want to acknowledge our partners who work tirelessly to better our collective world. Their efforts make our community stronger and healthier and it’s been an honor to work with them.
Over the past few years, we have had the pleasure of working with and supporting the following organizations as they pursue their individual missions.
With a deep respect for indigenous principles of community and commitment to living systems, Alliance for a Viable Future works in service to a compassionate, sustainable, and viable future for our children. Their council-based programs and community events span from climate change to peacemaking and fill an important void in our community dialogue and planning for the future. The Pass was proud to support their efforts during Native American Heritage Month.
The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) is a Pittsfield-based 501(c)3 non-profit with the aim of fostering Black businesses and introducing policies to spur economic development in the Berkshires and the Commonwealth. With programs that inspire local partnerships and increase supplier diversity by raising awareness of the issues local Black entrepreneurs experience and by problem-solving barriers to their prosperity, BBEC is doing the all-important work of creating opportunity and leveling the playing field for all. The Pass is proud to be working with BBEC on employment initiatives and supporting their organization with a portion of retail proceeds during Black History Month.
The good folks at Berkshire Bounty and their army of more than 100 volunteers work every day to ensure everyone in the county has access to sufficient nutritious food for themselves and their families. The Pass holds an annual food drive to benefit Berkshire Bounty and hosts a round-up campaign at point-of-sale for their organization on Giving Tuesday.
The mission of the Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC) is to advocate for the rights of all immigrants by helping them navigate the complex U.S. immigration system with affordable legal services, local resources, and education. Based in Pittsfield, BIC offers confidential help and support to the more than 10,000 immigrants who call the Berkshires home. We’re happy to have lent support to the important work BIC is doing during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Committed to protecting and preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshires, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) actively maintains trails throughout the Berkshires so they can be enjoyed by all. As a non-profit, BNRC relies on donations from individuals and community partners, like The Pass, to keep land open and accessible. By contributing a portion of the proceeds from the sale of TrailBlazers, we’re making it easy for everyone to pack light and leave a legacy.
Providing safe spaces and events where LGBTQIA+ community members can live and thrive as their authentic selves is what Berkshire Pride is all about. In addition to helping individuals — from Rainbow Seniors and the youth-led Q Club to everyone in between — Berkshire Pride also works to promote and educate others on the principles of creating truly safe spaces where no one ever feels marginalized or unwelcome. During Pride Month, The Pass was happy to support Berkshire Pride’s work by donating a portion of proceeds from the sale of our Berkshire Bud product line in addition to our Pride Peach gummies which we created especially to celebrate our community.
With offices in Pittsfield, North Adams, and Great Barrington, the Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) is a vital resource for individuals facing life and death issues related to domestic abuse and sexual assault. Serving as a safety net for victims seeking protection and a new life, EFC stands ready to help — and never judge — 24/7. During Women’s History Month, The Pass was grateful to support their work so they can continue serving adults and children, of any gender or gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or income level.
Committed to ending Veteran homelessness, Soldier On is a nationally recognized organization with its roots in Pittsfield. Providing everything from permanent housing and mental health support to career-based training and social opportunities, Soldier On meets the needs of veterans wherever they are. The Pass supports the important work of this organization during Veteran’s Day weekend with a portion of proceeds from the sale of our Berkshire Bud line going to their organization. We also offer a 10 percent discount to all veterans and active military in our retail store in Sheffield, MA, year-round.
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We’re grateful to all the good-hearted people at these organizations who work to make our corner of the world a better place to live. If you’re a fan of what they do, we encourage you to also lend them some support. Whether it be in the form of money or time — many are in need of volunteers — you, too, can make a difference.