Sept. 13, 2023

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  – Pittsfield Cooperative Bank recently made a $1,000 donation to Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont’s Soar for Success program. The Soar for Success program focuses on job training in custodial skills, customer service, employability skills guidance for individuals preparing for job interviews, and provides interview and work attire.

Founded in 1902 by Dr. Edgar James Helms, Goodwill is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities reach their full vocational potential. Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items at a discounted price to aid in funding training and educational programs for individuals with barriers to employment.

“The Goodwill Industries of The Berkshires has been a foundational community organization for more than 66 years,” said J. Jay Anderson, president and CEO of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. “Their dedication to helping members of our community and offering fair opportunities is admirable.”

Other programs of Goodwill Industries include seasonal operation of the Popcorn Wagon, a favorite Berkshire pastime, which is staffed by supported DDS employees and is a key part of Goodwill’s customer service training program.

If you would like to donate or volunteer, please visit Find a Donation Location | Goodwill of the Berkshires & So. Vermont (goodwill-berkshires.org).

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Photo Caption: (L-R) Kathy Anker, VP of Mission Services, Goodwill Industries; Jay Anderson, President and CEO, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank; Dana Robb, VP Branch Administration, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank; Kelly Brennan, Director of Mission Services, Goodwill Industries; Joe Maffuccio, VP Branch Administration; and Pam Bennett, Training and Management Accommodations, Goodwill Industries.

About Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont

Goodwill funds certificated job training programs and other community-based programs benefiting people facing employment challenges. Programs are funded through its recycling initiatives, including sales of donated clothing and household items at Goodwill retail stores, as well as local foundations and organizations. Goodwill also trains and employs individuals with developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1956, Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont is an innovative and sustainable social enterprise that helps all people in our communities enhance the dignity and the quality of life, gaining confidence, pride, independence, and self-sufficiency through employment training and other support services, in collaboration with local resources.

About Pittsfield Cooperative Bank:

Incorporated February 15, 1889, the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has been proudly providing customer-focused banking and lending services for the Berkshire community for over 130 years. As an independent, full-service community bank, we have a deep history helping residents, regional businesses, the cultural arts and not-for-profit organizations. Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has branch offices and ATMs located in Pittsfield, Dalton, Great Barrington and Hinsdale.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank was named one of the 50 Fastest Growing Commercial Lenders in Massachusetts and the first of all banks headquartered in the Berkshires by Banker & Tradesman