News  Pittsfield Community Justice Support Center Recognizes Clients and Their Efforts to Change Their Lives

Three clients at the Pittsfield Community Justice Support Center will celebrate their success in addressing their addictions, changing their behavior, and getting back on the right track at a special Recognition Ceremony to be held Friday, July 14, 12:30 pm, at the Support Center’s 163 Fourth Street site.

Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue and Governor's Councillor Tara Jacobs are scheduled to attend the event. Vincent Lorenti, Director of the Office of Community Corrections, and Support Center Program Manager Kyle Schadler will speak at the ceremony where they will present the clients with Certificates of Recognition. The three individuals, who will share their stories, became involved with the center through court sentencing and probation supervision which includes intensive supervision with treatment.

The Pittsfield ceremony is the last of four similar ceremonies held during the spring and summer at Support Centers in Woburn, Fitchburg, and Worcester. The clients, who will be acknowledged, were enrolled in treatment, education, career counseling, and case management, according to Mr. Lorenti.

“The recognition ceremonies are the reason we work so hard for the people that come to the support center. When people can return to their family and friends with a new sense of purpose in their life, their communities are safer and stronger. Nothing makes that impact clearer than seeing the tears of joy that are shed at these events,” he said.

During these ceremonies, clients are recognized for their recovery efforts, excellent program attendance, and goals for the future.  Others are cited for their success in maintaining full-time employment or for achievement of the HiSET high school credential. Participants come to the support center through several pathways, including the pretrial phase of their case via the Pretrial Treatment pathway or after a period of incarceration via the Gants Re-entry Services Program. 

There are 18 Community Justice Support Centers throughout the Commonwealth that help more than 500 people in the criminal legal system every week by delivering cognitive behavioral treatment for Substance Use Disorder and decision making, education, employment services, community service opportunities and clinical case management.