The Berkshire Early Childhood Community Circle (BE3C) is a community-driven coalition that prevents future substance misuse and addiction by elevating protective factors for children in higher-risk situations due to environmental factors.
The coalition’s two primary programs incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) techniques, STEAM education, and career modeling to help participants ages 5-11 imagine multiple futures for themselves while building supportive relationships among peers with similar backgrounds. The Bright Futures Club (BFC) track centers on children with family history of substance misuse and addiction, and is paired with the Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) for parents/parents-to-be with current or recent SUD. The Girls Unity Squad (GUS), in collaboration with R.O.P.E. and Berkshire Community College, centers on young girls of color. By facilitating an evidence-informed brave space that empowers participants to build resilience, refusal skills, and positive self-identity, these programs aim to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors to influence not only the participants but also their peers beyond the programs.