Local literacy and arts organizations brief Pittsfield Human Services Advisory Council; no quorum for funding decisions

Representatives from four local nonprofits presented program proposals to the City of Pittsfield Human Services Advisory Council at a remote meeting on Feb. 5, 2026, but the council did not take formal funding votes because a quorum was not present.

Leigh Doherty, director of the Literacy Network, presented a PowerPoint describing the organization's programs and outreach. Doherty said the program differentiates Pittsfield residents from participants from other towns and noted that most of their tutors join through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied volunteers; the group also runs advertising for events such as storyteller programs. Chair Rosalind Kopfstein asked about advertising and recruitment methods.

Jeff Gagnon, program director for Community Access to The Arts (CATA), said the organization provides programs to more than 1,300 people with disabilities and runs over 3,000 workshops annually through partnerships with social service agencies, day habilitation programs, elder-care settings and schools. Gagnon told the council that CATA serves more than 500 Pittsfield residents each year and plans in 2026 to reach roughly 300 Pittsfield Public School students through at least 550 one-hour workshops. When asked about family and caregiver feedback, Gagnon said the organization has stronger quantitative data from teachers and is working to collect more information from families.

Luke Fitzgerald, executive director and founder of Love of T, presented a PowerPoint on the organization's mission and its proposal to the council; the transcript records the presentation but does not include enrollment numbers or budget specifics.

Laura Thompson presented a PowerPoint on behalf of the Berkshire Art Center and described how the center's school-based programming is administered. Thompson said schools register and sign up children for sessions and that programs sometimes maintain a waitlist when demand exceeds capacity. Member Patricia Molina asked whether parents can sign children up directly or whether referrals are required; Thompson said the schools handle registration.

Because a quorum was not present, the council did not vote on any funding recommendations or take other formal actions during the meeting. Member Patricia Molina moved to adjourn; Member Chloe Rychcik seconded the motion and the meeting concluded. Attachments A–C listed on the agenda correspond to the presenters’ PowerPoint materials.