Pittsfield — On Thursday, July 16, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $400,000 in funding to Berkshire United Way through the Employer Child Care Innovation Fund (ECCIF) pilot. The ECCIF pilot is intended to support partnerships between employers, childcare providers, and local organizations with the goal of increasing access to affordable childcare. The pilot program was launched in 2024 to encourage employer-led childcare solutions and advance family-friendly workplace policies.
“This is an exciting opportunity for employees in our community to find affordable, high-quality childcare,” said Berkshire United Way President and CEO Katherine von Haefen. “While Berkshire United Way will serve as the hub, our partners will be crucial to our success. The collaborative includes Berkshire County Head Start, Child Care of the Berkshires, 18 Degrees, Youth Development Center, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Luminary Evaluation, TOURISTS, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Berkshire Community College Early Childhood Department, Berkshire Funding Focus/Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Porches Inn, and [State] Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier [(D – 2nd Berkshire District)] and team. As one of only four funded projects across the state, we look forward to being a beacon for innovative childcare solutions.”
“A workplace that uplifts parents drives economic opportunity not just for that family but for the whole community,” said Rep. Farley-Bouvier. “So much credit goes to Berkshire United Way for prioritizing solutions and committing to partnerships that promote affordable, reliable childcare for employees. This award is a result of many months of thoughtful collaboration and hard work between Berkshire United Way, local childcare providers, and our extraordinary local employer partners. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for investing in affordable childcare for the people of Pittsfield and Berkshire County.”
This pilot funding will enable the implementation of employer-supported childcare models tailored to the needs of Berkshire United Way and their employees. This includes expanded childcare, coverage for non-traditional business hours, and employer-funded childcare assistance.
In total, the Healey-Driscoll administration awarded $2 million in funding to four different organizations across the state. These projects will support workers in industries such as healthcare, human services, and hospitality while testing scalable models for statewide implementation.
Later this summer, the Healey-Driscoll administration will recognize Berkshire United Way at an event to be announced.
The article is available on The Berkshire Edge.