DIAL 211. Get Connected. Get Help.
Mass 211 is the easy-to-remember toll-free number to call for help. It’s the link between people who need help and people who can give help. Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – all calls are confidential. Multilingual and TTY (hearing-impaired) services are also available.
A simple phone call to 211 can put you in touch with a range of resources not just in Berkshire County but throughout the state:
- EMERGENCY/DISASTER INFORMATION
- RENT ASSISTANCE
- FOOD PANTRIES
- AFFORDABLE HOUSING
- HEALTH RESOURCES
- CHILD CARE
- AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- ELDERLY CARE
- FINANCIAL LITERACY
- JOB TRAINING
Call2Talk
Call2Talk, the mental health helpline of Mass211, is located at the United Way of Pioneer Valley offices in Springfield and can assist residents within the 413-area code. Highly trained volunteer call takers help callers move from a place of emotional crisis to a calmer state by providing non-judgmental listening, comfort, and encouragement. Call2Talk in Springfield can be reached at 413-505-5111.
Call2Talk also works in partnership with Crisis Text Line to provide support by text for those uncomfortable with speaking to a call taker. Text c2t to 741741.
Mass211 Inc. is a subsidiary organization of the United Ways in Massachusetts charged with providing the citizens of the Commonwealth with correct, timely and accurate information the first time they are called or searched. Mass2-1-1 was created and is staffed by the United Way. This 24/7/365 service was created as a resource to connect callers to information about critical health and human services programs.
We Support Mass 211
Learn more: contact Katherine von Haefen, Director of Community Impact, at 413-442-6948 x20 or kvonhaeven@berkshireunitedway.org.
Berkshire County Resources
Literacy and learning start at birth.
Learning begins before birth and never stops. And according to science and research, early childhood education can fundamentally improve the lives of children facing adversity. Learn more in this short video. The actions you take early on to build a healthy family environment will make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Vocabulary & Reading Matter
Help pre-school children learn to talk about and handle their feelings while building language skills that will ensure their success in school.
- Pittsfield Promise
- The Word Project
- Berkshire Book Houses
- Born Learning Trails
- Chapter One...Our Towns. Our Kids. Our Future.
Understand How Children Grow & Learn
Educational success begins at home, learn how you can help your child get ahead. keep up and thrive.
- Zero to Three
- Vroom
- Reading Rockets
- Boston Basics
- Brain Building in Progress
- How to Limit Kids' Tech Use
Don't Go It Alone
Seek out healthy friendships and supportive relationships with other parents.
- South Berkshire Kids - Lee, MA
- Community Family Engagement - Pittsfield, MA
- Community Health Programs (CHP) - Great Barrington, MA
- Central Berkshire Regional School District - Dalton, MA
Find the Help You Need
Our community does care, and your child’s future depends on a healthier childhood for success.
Learn More
Contact Katherine von Haefen, Director of Community Impact, at 413-442-6948 x20 or kvonhaeven@berkshireunitedway.org.
Becoming an adult is tough. You can help.
According to science and research, young people need caring adults to be positive influences in their lives to succeed. Learn more about what it takes at the Search Institute website and take action to provide the support your tween or teen needs.
HELP DEVELOP SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE
Learn to talk about and handle feelings appropriately.
BRING ATTENTION TO POSITIVE EFFORTS
Celebrate the good achievements and efforts of young people.
GAIN PARENTING KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS
Learn how to cope with the challenges faced by kids today as they evolve into an adulthood in a changing world.
PROMOTE HEALTHY SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Encourage healthier decisions with after-school, college and career work-readiness, and mentoring programs.
PRACTICE PARENTAL RESILENCE
Overcome hard times and rebound. Don’t give up.
CONNECT WITH CONCRETE SUPPORT IN TIMES OF NEED
Know that real substantial help is available. Reach out to us.
Get the help you need today for a better tomorrow.
When you’re struggling to make ends meet it’s difficult to focus on the future. We can provide a link to financial assistance as well as the education to help develop a plan for moving forward, not just through, a crisis situation.
SNAP (Formerly Food Stamps)
We can help you connect with this healthy-food resource.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Find shelter in Berkshire County emergency housing & support programs.
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SEARCH & TRAINING
Discover working-adult internship and employer skill-building opportunities.
EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT FUNDS
Meet with a volunteer who can help uncover additional refund money.
COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM – SOAR MA
Boost your child’s potential for success with this unique savings tool.
Download English fact sheet. Download Spanish fact sheet.
BABYSTEPS SAVINGS PLAN
Every child born or adopted in MA are eligible to receive $50 to put toward a college savings plan. Learn more at https://www.babystepssavingsplan.org/.
Download informational flyer. Download FAQs.