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Below is a collection of external employment and community resources for individuals in the Berkshires and Southern Vermont who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Opportunities in the Berkshires and So. Vermont

Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires & Southern Vermont has a partnership with MassHire. Individuals who complete one of our 3 training programs: Custodial, Employability, or Customer Service will be introduced to an Employment Specialist at MassHire.  The Employment Specialist will help connect you to available job openings.

You can sign up for our workshops by clicking the link https://www.goodwill-berkshires.org/programs/programs-calendar.html and completing the registration form.

In Southern Vermont, some of the larger companies such as Walmart, Price Chopper, Aldi and Hannaford regularly have job openings and searches on the following links:

Bennington:

https://www.indeed.com/jobs?l=Bennington+County,+VT

Rutland:

https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=&l=Rutland%2C+VT


Benefits Information


Helpful Videos


Financial & Utility Support

The Department of Public Utilities

Suspending all shut-offs of gas and electric utilities, including municipal light and gas plants, for residential customers during the #COVID19 State of Emergency.

Berkshire Community Action Council

If you were recently laid off apply for fuel assistance through BCAC by calling the number provided. This program can also help with free Tax prep and Loan programs.

Central/South: (413)445-4503 North: (413)663-3014

Comcast

2 months of internet essentials for new clients in low income families impacted by COVID-19


Food Pantries and Meal Sites in Berkshire County

(Since program hours and days can change without notice, please call the location to be sure of times and requirements) Updated December 7, 2020

Pittsfield Food Pantries

NAME LOCATION PHONE HOURS REQUIREMENTS
Berkshire Dream Center Morningside Baptist Church, 475 Tyler Street 413-522-3495 Tuesdays 2:30pm – 3:30pm None
Berkshire Dream Center Mobile Food Pantry Central Annex on 2nd Street at 4:00pm, Providence Court at 5:00 pm, Berkshire Peak at 6:00pm 413-522-3495 3rd Wednesday of the month None
Campus Cupboard at Berkshire Community College Susan B. Anthony Building 1750 West Street 413-236-1601 Open Wednesdays for curbside pick-up by appointment. Go to: www.berkshirecc.edu/student-engagement/campuscupboard to schedule your time Must be a current BCC student with a BCC student ID
Christian Assembly Church 850 Williams Street 413-442-1495 Fridays 10:00am – 1:00pm Assistance available every week
Christian Center 193 Robbins Avenue 413-443-2828 Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays 10:00am-1:00pm Assistance available once a week
First Baptist Church 88 South Street 413-445-4539 Tuesdays 10:30am – 12:30pm Sign in when utilizing services
First United Methodist Church 55 Fenn Street (Renee Avenue entrance) 413-499-0866 Tuesdays 4:00pm – 5:30pm No requirements
St. Joseph’s Church 414 North Street (Held at the Parish Center) 413-445-5789 Wednesdays 9:00am – 10:00am Sign in when utilizing services
St. Mark’s Church 400 West Street 413-447-7510 Last two Fridays of each month 9:00am – 11:00am No requirements
The Salvation Army 298 West Street 413-442-0624 Wednesdays thru Fridays 10:00am – 2:00pm No requirements
Soldier On Food Pantry 360 West Housatonic Street 413-236-5644 Saturdays 8:00am – 11:00am Open to the public. Need verification of address
South Congregational Church 110 South Street 413-442-7357 Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30am – 11:00am, Outside drive-through. Walk-Ups available Short application to fill out. Assistance available once a week
South Congregational Church Mobile Food Delivery 110 South Street 413-442-7357 Deliveries on Mondays. Please call the church and leave a message if you want a delivery No requirements

 

Pittsfield Meal Sites

BREAKFAST MEAL SITES LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
First United Methodist Church 55 Fenn Street 413-499-0866 Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 8:00am – 9:00am – On Fridays clients will receive an extra meal for Saturday. Fenn Street Entrance
The Salvation Army 298 West Street 413-442-0624 Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:00am – 9:00am Grab & Go
South Congregational Church - St. Joseph’s Kitchen 110 South Street 413-442-7357 Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:00am – 9:00am Grab & Go
BREAKFAST & LUNCH SITES LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
Christian Center 193 Robbins Avenue 413-443-2828 Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays 10:00am – 1:00pm
Pittsfield Public Schools Free meals for all children 18 & under. Breakfast & lunch will be packaged together. Hot ready to eat meals will be available. Parents can pick-up meals for their children. Meal times align with remote learning lunch schedules. Children & families can pick-up from any meal.
Mondays thru Fridays Grab & Go breakfast and lunch served at the following locations and times: 11:00am – 11:30am Berkshire Peak Apartments (West Street) Brattlebrook Apartments (April Lane) Christopher Arms Apartments (John Street) Dower Square Housing Village (Wahconah Street) Wilson Park Housing (Mohawk & Memorial Drive) 11:00am – 11:45am Allendale Elementary School (Connecticut Avenue) Capeless Elementary School (Brooks Avenue) Conte Community School (West Union Street) Egremont Elementary School (Egremont Avenue) Herberg Middle School (Pomeroy Avenue) Morningside Community School (Burbank Street) Pittsfield High School (East Street, Longfellow) Reid Middle School (North Street) Stearns Elementary School (Lebanon Avenue) Williams Elementary School (Bushey Road)
LUNCH MEAL SITES LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
Cathedral of the Beloved Held at St. Stephen’s Church (Enter on Allen St.), 67 East Street 413-448-8276 Sundays 1:00pm
Jewish Federation at Knesset Israel Synagogue 16 Colt Road 413-442-2200 Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 11:45 – 12 Noon. Pick-up at kitchen door. Kosher senior meals grab & go Meals by reservation by calling 413-442-2200
Pittsfield Senior Center 330 North Street 413-499-9346 Mondays thru Fridays 11:30am – 12:30pm. Senior Meals, Grab & Go. Call 1 day ahead for reservations. Recommended $2 donation for seniors 60 and over.
Pittsfield Senior Center 330 North Street 413-499-9346 Mondays thru Fridays 11:30am – 12:30pm. Congregate meals. Call 1 day ahead for reservations. Recommended $2 donation for seniors 60 and over.
Price Memorial AME Zion Church 163 Linden Street 413-464-7827 Saturdays 11:00am – 1:00pm Bagged lunches to go. Call Connie at 413-358-8393 for information on deliveries.
St. Stephen’s Church (Enter on Allen Street), 67 East Street 413-448-8276 4th Saturday of the month 12 Noon
DINER SITES LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
First Baptist Church “Feed My Sheep” 88 South Street 413-445-4539 Mondays 5:30pm – 6:30pm Grab & Go
First United Methodist Church Fenn Street Entrance, 55 Fenn Street 413-499-0866 Tuesdays-Harvest Table Meal 4:00pm – 5:30pm
St. Stephen’s Church (Enter on Allen Street), 67 East Street 413-448-8276 Thursdays & Fridays 4:45pm - 5:30pm
The Salvation Army 298 West Street 413-442-0624 Sundays 4:30pm – 5:00pm Grab & Go
South Congregational Church St. Joseph’s Kitchen, 110 South Street 413-442-7357 Wednesdays 4:30pm – 5:30pm Grab & Go

 

Becket, Dalton & Hinsdale Food Pantries

NAME LOCATION PHONE HOURS REQUIREMENTS
Becket Federated Church Parish House 3381 Main Street, Becket 413-841-1701 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month 9:00am – 11:00am For Becket, Washington, and the surrounding Hilltowns. Emergencies: 413-770-1897
Dalton United Methodist Church 755 Main Street, Dalton 413-684-0521 Tuesdays 4:00pm – 6:00pm Open to Berkshire County residents
First Congregational Church of Hinsdale Located at Hinsdale Trading Company Parking Lot, 371 Old Dalton Road, Hinsdale 413-655-2670 Thursdays 10:00am – 11:00am None
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Held at the Dalton CRA, 400 Main Street, Dalton 413-247-9738, ext. 121 4th Wednesday of each month 11:00am – 12Noon Rain or shine No proof of eligibility required
St. Agnes Church 489 Main Street, Dalton 413-684-0125 Thursdays 5:30pm – 6:00pm For Dalton and Hilltown residents only

Dalton Meal Site

LUNCH MEAL SITE LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
Dalton Senior Center 40 Field Street Ext., (Run by the Dalton Council on Aging) 413-684-2000 Mondays and Thursdays 12Noon – 1:00pm. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must enroll with Elder Services first. Need 24 hour notice. Call 684-2000.

 

Lanesboro Food Pantry

NAME LOCATION PHONE HOURS REQUIREMENTS
American Legion/VFW Berkshire Village, 144 Old State Road 413-442-1025 Fridays 9:00am – 11:00am Open to the public

 

North County Food Pantries

NAME LOCATION PHONE HOURS REQUIREMENTS
Al Nelson Friendship Center 45 Eagle Street, North Adams 413-664-0123 Wednesdays 10:00am – 4:00pm, Clients physically unable to get to food pantry, call on Wednesday to set-up a delivery which will take place on Thursdays, 10:00am – 12 Noon Assistance to residents of Clarksburg, Florida, and North Adams every other week
Berkshire Dream Center Mobile Food Pantry North Adams Locations: 1st Wednesday of the month Mohawk Forest at 5:00pm Brayton Hill at 5:45pm Greylock at 6:45pm 413-522-3495 North Adams Locations: 1st Wednesday of the month Mohawk Forest at 5:00pm Brayton Hill at 5:45pm Greylock at 6:45pm None
Cheshire Food Pantry Held at the Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719 1st Saturday of each month 11:00am – 12:00noon Available to all Cheshire residents with proof of residency. Emergency food is also available
Community Bible Church 160 Bridges Road, Williamstown 413-458-5556 3rd Wednesday of each month 12 Noon – 2:00pm Must be a Mass. resident
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Held at the Adams Council on Aging/Adams Visitors’ Center, 3 Hoosac Street, Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month 10:00am – 11:00am No proof of eligibility required. Must be Berkshire County resident. One distribution per household
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank North Adams American Legion, 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month 10:00am – 11:00am No proof of eligibility required
St. John Paul II Charity Center Rte. 8 across from Walgreens, Adams 413-743-0577 Wednesdays 11:00am – 1:00pm Assistance to residents of Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy every week
The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center 393 River Street, North Adams 413-663-7987 Tuesdays 12 Noon – 3:00pm For Emergency Pantry please call 413-663-7987 For North County residents only
Williamstown Food Pantry at St. Patrick & St. Raphael Parish 53 Southworth Street, Williamstown 413-458-4946,x11 or 413-458-3149 Wednesdays 9:00am – 12 Noon Drive or walk-thru Assistance to residents of Hancock, New Ashford, Williamstown, and Pownal, VT

North County Meal Sites

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINER SITES LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
Adams COA 3 Hoosac Street, Adams 413-743-8333 Mondays thru Fridays. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Adams COA 24 hours prior
Berkshire Food Project Held at First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378 Mondays , Wednesdays, and Fridays 11:30am – 1:00pm
Cheshire COA Held at Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719 Mondays thru Fridays 10:15am – 12 Noon. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Cheshire COA
First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main Street, North Adams 413-652-7619 Saturdays 11:00am – 12:30pm
McCann Technical School 70 Hodges Cross Road, North Adams 413-663-5383 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 3:00pm – 3:45pm. On the pick-up days there will be one hot meal, one cold meal, and two breakfasts. Pick-ups every week unless there is a holiday. Grab & Go meals at no cost for any student ages 18 and under from around the area.
North Adams COA Mary Spitzer Center, 116 Ashland Street, North Adams 413-662-3125 Ashland Street North Adams 413-662-3125 Mondays thru Fridays 11:30am – 12 Noon. Congregate meals available for 60+ for pick-up only – Must call one day in advance to reserve meal. Please call 413-664-9826
North Adams Public Schools Breakfast & Lunch Distribution Lunch, and breakfast for the next day, are distributed at these locations. On Fridays, lunch for the weekend is also distributed. Parents and guardians can pick-up meals on behalf of their children.
Mondays Greylock Valley Apts. 11:45am – 12:15pm, Mohawk Forest Apts. 11:00am – 11:30am, Tuesdays Brayton Elementary School 11:00am – 12NN, Colegrove Park Elementary School 11:00am-12NN, Greylock Valley Apts. 11:45am – 12:15pm, Mohawk Forest Apts. 11:00am – 11:30am, Wednesdays. School Bus Stop Meal Delivery Program-see bus route schedule at https://www.napsk12.org/ for details. Thursdays Greylock Valley Apts. 11:45am – 12:15pm, Mohawk Forest Apts. 11:00am – 11:30am, Fridays Brayton Elementary School 11:00am – 12NN, Colegrove Park Elementary School 11:00am-12NN, Greylock Valley Apts. 11:45am -12:15pm, Mohawk Forest Apts. 11:00am – 11:30am
North Adams Public Schools Diner Brayton Elementary School
Mondays thru Fridays 4:30pm – 5:00pm. Free curbside grab & go dinners to all North Adams children under the age of 18

 

South County Food Pantries

NAME LOCATION PHONE HOURS REQUIREMENTS
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Held at CHP, 444 Stockbridge Road, Gt. Barrington 413-247-9738, ext. 121 1st Tuesday of each month 11am – 12 Noon. Rain or shine No proof of eligibility required
Lee Food Pantry 45 Railroad Street, Lee 413-266-1141 Saturdays 10:00am – 12 Noon Serves people in Becket, Lee, Lenox Dale, Otis, Stockbridge, Tyringham, & West Stockbridge, www.graceberkshires.org
Lenox Ecumenical Food Pantry Located at the United Methodist Church of Lenox, 6 Holmes Road, Lenox 413-445-5918 or 413-822-8673 Saturdays 10:00am – 11:00am Serves Lenox and Lenox Dale residents along with our members of Lenox and Lenox Dale churches - Assistance available every other week
Otis Food Pantry 1 North Main Road, Otis otisfoodpantry@gmail.com, On Facebook at: Otis Food Pantry Wednesdays 10:00am – 12Noon No residency restrictions
Peoples Pantry 5 Taconic Avenue at St. James Place – Across from CVS Gt. Barrington www.thepeoplespantrygb.org Mondays 4:00pm – 5:00pm Thursdays 10:00am – 12:30pm South County residents only. No proof of eligibility required
Sheffield Food Assistance Held at Old Parish Church, 125 Main Street, Sheffield 413-229-2624 Mondays 9:00am – 10:00am Must be resident of Southern Berkshire Regional School District

 

South County Meal Sites

LUNCH MEAL SITE LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
Guthrie Center 2 Van Deusenville Road, Gt. Barrington 413-528-1955 Wednesdays Free Community “TO GO” Lunch 12Noon – 1:00pm
Lenox COA, Community Center 65 Walker Street, Lenox Must reserve a meal two days in advance by calling 413-637-5535 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12Noon – 12:30pm Congregate meals available for grab & go. If new to program, you must fill out a form
Sheffield Senior Center 25 Cook Road, Sheffield 413-229-7037 Community senior meals grab & go Provided through Elder Services To order a meal, please call 413-229-7037, $2 suggested donation
DINNER MEAL SITES LOCATION PHONE DETAILS
Breaking Bread Community Supper Held at the American Legion, Cook Road, Sheffield 413-229-8614 Thursdays 5:00pm – Grab & go dinners. Please RSVP at 413-229-7037. Free to all
First Congregational Church of Lee 25 Park Place, Lee 413-243-1033 Grab & Go Community Meal 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month. Pick-up 4:30pm – 5:30pm. BYO bag encouraged. Donations welcome

 

Stephentown, NY Food Pantry

NAME LOCATION PHONE HOURS REQUIREMENTS
Stephentown Federated Church 1513 Garfield Road (County Road 26), Stephentown, NY 518-487-8606 Saturdays 9:00am – 11:00am Assistance available twice a month. During pandemic assistance available weekly from your car Serves residents of Hancock and Stephentown. Need proof of residency. Weather permitting

 

Other Food Programs

Brown Bag Program

This program is a supplemental monthly food program offering 10-15 pounds of food to eligible individuals, 55 years or older, free or for a small donation. For income eligibility requirements and further information, call your Council on Aging.

Elder Services’ Elder Nutrition Program

Noontime meals are offered for those 60 years of age and older at several senior centers throughout the County. Some sites offer transportation through the Council on Aging. A suggested donation of $2.00 per meal is requested. Individuals under 60 years of age are welcome for a required fee of $7.00 per meal. Call Elder Services of Berkshire County for information and locations at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-981-5201.

Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels Program

Nutritious, hot noontime meals are offered Monday through Friday to homebound Berkshire seniors, who are 60 years of age or older. A suggested donation of $2.00 is requested to help cover the cost of food preparation and delivery. There are eligibility requirements. Please call Elder Services of Berkshire County at 413-499-0524 to make a referral for yourself, family member or friend.

Take and Eat Program

A program for individuals 60 years of age and older who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, shop, or get out. Meals are delivered on Sundays and are provided for weekends and three-day holiday weekends. Contact Kathleen Ryan at 413-672-1404 or 413-664-1041 for information.


Top Tips for Preventing Cyberbullying

https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/resources/preventing-cyberbullying/

Cyberbullying or electronic bullying is a growing problem that destroys young lives by exacerbating or causing mental health and substance use disorders. To prevent those harms, take precautions before cyberbullying starts.

Cyberbullying is a problem, but how big or significant a problem remains to be determined.

Its apparent growth may be due to the increased prevalence of electronic devices, the obsession with going online and staying connected, and the awareness that these factors could cause problems, including exacerbating mental health issues such as substance abuse.

According to some surprising cyberbullying statistics, the rate of the problem may be declining. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the rate of cyberbullying among high school students was 14.5% in 2017, down from 19% in 2016.

But the Cyberbullying Research Center says in 2019, lifetime reports of cyberbullying were 36.5%, an all-time high.

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying or electronic bullying is bullying that does not happen in person but via electronic devices—laptop or desktop computers, smartphones, tablets—and as much as 92% via online forums and message boards—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram—public or private.

Not every mean thing posted on social media is cyberbullying, just like not every mean or insensitive comment at school or a social gathering qualifies as bullying. The generally agreed-upon legal definition of bullying requires three elements:

  • The harm caused by the bully, behavior or words, must be intentional.
  • The target must have less real power, physical or psychological, than the bully.
  • The harm recurs over time.

Individuals involved in bullying or cyberbullying involvement include bullies, the bullied, and bystanders. Sometimes bullies are themselves bullied, creating another category: bully-victims.

Bullying Resources for Educators and Parents

https://100kcals.com/bullying

https://teach.com/online-ed/counseling-degrees/online-masters-school-counseling/bullying-resources/

Learn about bullying and what steps you can take with your high school youngster:

https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/blog/high-school-bullying-guide

Berkshire County Resources 

Bullying

  1. Report Bullying in Berkshire County email: report.bullying@sdb.state.ma.us
  2. Stop Bullying

Crisis and Suicide Prevention

  1. National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255
  2. Brien Center Crisis Team: 1-800-252-0227 or 413-499-0412

LGBTQ

  1. Live Out Loud/18 Degrees for LGBTQ Berkshire County
  2. The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
  3. GLAAD
  4. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
  5. NIDA for Teens (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Vermont Resources

  1. Vermont Association for Mental Health
  2. Vermont Family Network
  3. Youth in Transition
  4. U-Matter: Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention

 


Be a Leader in Your Community: How to Make an Impact Where It Counts 

by Daniel Sherwin*

No matter how much time you spend online with your fellow supporters, you can always do more in your community. One of the most valuable tools the internet has given the ordinary citizen is social media. It allows people to organize and educate their friends on issues that are important. But if you really want change, what good is it if it doesn't manifest in real life?

Social Justice

Perhaps the easiest way to get involved is by protecting the LGBTQ community. When North Carolina passed a bill requiring transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding with their biological birth sex, there was an immediate backlash from organizations that fought for the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. An excellent place to start in Vermont is working with the Pride Center of Vermont, which focuses on youth, education, and wellness.

Vaccine Awareness

It's vital to make the public aware of the benefits of vaccination to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The most important thing you can do is start a dialogue with family and friends about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. From there, consider organizing a push for vaccines with local medical groups. Share the information on local Facebook pages and groups, and see if your community's news station or newspaper can help you promote the event.

Voter Registration

Get out and help register people to vote. No matter what political party they follow, there's nothing more important to fulfilling your civic duty and honoring your forefathers than voting. Whether you do this at your local library or post office or visit colleges and high schools to get the word out, it's important to help people find their voice in government. 

Environmental Awareness

Vermont is the home of many small farms, and the state's economy relies on them being successful. However, with climate change warming up New England more quickly than other parts of the country, the winters are becoming milder, posing a significant threat to Vermont's agriculture. Help protect Vermonters' jobs by spreading the word about how everyone can help protect the environment.

If you're passionate about saving the planet, consider a career in environmental causes. Anyone can earn aBachelor of Science in Education online to open the door to making a long-term impact on their community by teaching young children about their environment. You can learn at your own pace no matter your daytime job and impact your community after completing the degree program.

Neighborhood Safety

When your community is under attack, it brings people together as nothing else can. For example, after the Orlando shooting, people came together to help those affected by the tragedy create a more inclusive community. Just imagine what your town could do if there were an active hate group in the area. If you want to make a change, work to promote love and acceptance.

Boost Community Awareness in Vermont

Several options are available to get involved and encourage others to support local causes. Whether it's protecting a minority group or promoting neighborhood safety, you can make a difference. To learn more ways to help your community, contact Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont, Inc.

 

*Daniel Sherwin, a single dad of two, created Dadsolo.com with a goal to help equip other dads with resources regarding single parenthood.  He is currently living with his two kids: a 9 y/o daughter and 6 y/o son. 


Ways Immigrants Can Connect and Integrate Into the American Society

America is one of the nations defined by its success with immigrants. If you’re immigrating into the United States, you want to make it easy to integrate into American society without losing contact with your family back home. This may sound like a hard task, but with little steps, you can easily connect with American society and adapt to the new environment. 

For many people, America is a dream of endless possibilities. This is among the best countries for people from all over the world. If you are an immigrant, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont shares some of the ways you can accelerate your integration into society.

Accept You’ll Leave Things Behind

One of the issues you must deal with is leaving your country. It is hard to leave family and friends. Even your lifestyle will be affected, and there will be weather changes. In your first days, you should learn how to leave a lot of things you loved behind. While this is difficult, it’s important as it will help you achieve greater things. 

For many people, the first six months are a difficult patch, as they find themselves in a new reality and must adjust quickly. It’s a process of starting over and embracing a new culture in your new environment.

Fixing Your Finances

After settling in America, you want to also check out ways to address your finances. There are many ways immigrants can contribute to strengthening the American economy. This includes starting a business, which will, in turn, employ Americans and contribute to taxes. The National Venture Capital Association shows that “immigrants have started more than half of America’s startup companies valued at $1 billion or more.” You can be a part of this group of successful immigrants, and this will help you assist your family back home.

You can use programs like MASSCAP, designed to assist low-income families and disadvantaged people with food and education to establish yourself before you attain financial stability. These programs are also well equipped to help seniors in need.

Embrace Change as a Good Thing

Changes to your life can be overwhelming in the beginning while learning how to adapt. There are things you can learn from challenging situations. All you need is to maintain your identity. Changing your environment is not only an opportunity to explore a new culture, the International Labour Organization notes that it comes with opportunities for socio-economic stability. See it as an opportunity for a loving marriage, new friends, and a stable family.

Push Yourself to Integrate

The Guardian points out that this begins with learning the language, a key step in becoming a part of a society to avoid becoming an eternal immigrant. While you may not become excellent in the language in a short period, it’s something you can do over the years. 

There are different ways to learn, including through online classes, watching content on platforms like YouTube, and talking more with people. When you immigrate, never isolate yourself. Go out there, and don’t be afraid to look out of place at first. Adapt to the new culture and don’t wait for it to adapt to you.

Conclusion

Immigrating into a new society takes a bit of learning to acquire the skills required to function in that society. One of the solutions would be first learning about the culture and language. Also, you need to manage your finances by starting a business or getting a job.

Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont helps community members with barriers to employment attain independence and self-sufficiency, gain confidence, and enhance their quality of life, through vocational education, work training, and other support services. Connect with us today for more information! (413) 442-0061 x14

(Photo courtesy of Pexels)