2nd Street receives $50,000 grant commitments from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williamstown

by | Jun 5, 2023 | News

June 5, 2023
The Berkshire Eagle

Pittsfield — Second Street Second Chances (known as 2nd Street) has received two $25,000 grants from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williamstown. The church, which was recently the recipient of two unexpected and significant bequests, decided through its governing body to tithe 10 percent of the bequests to community initiatives consistent with the parish’s mission. 2nd Street is one of the first groups to receive support from this source, with $25,000 earmarked for 2023 and $25,000 for 2024.

Jim Kolesar, chair of St. John’s Outreach Committee, said the group held conversations with a number of local leaders to research opportunities for partnering more fully with organizations in the Berkshires facing pressing social issues.

“In looking for ways to use this bequest money to support lasting social change in the area, the parish’s Outreach Committee was pleased to learn of the launch of 2nd Street. Its creative, holistic, individualized approach seems poised to transform lives and, in so doing, advance the health of our whole community,” Kolesar said. “We feel blessed at St. John’s to be able to partner in this important work.”

Housed in the former county jail, 2nd Street’s initial goal was to connect with 100 clients in its first year; it connected with 400 in the first 10 months.