June 2026
Help for Families with Children
Finding the right support for our little loved ones shouldn't feel overwhelming, yet for many families in Berkshire County, simply knowing where to begin is half the challenge. This month's column highlights caring resources for families with children—from nutrition support and early childhood development, to parenting groups and that lifesaver, free diapers. Every program listed is either free or low-cost, because every family needs a reliable place to turn and a helping hand. For a broader directory of local services, see the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires' annually updated Giving Back Guide at NPCBerkshires.org.
CHP Family Services / South Berkshire WIC
442 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington
(413) 528-0457, wic@chpberkshires.org
https://chpberkshires.org/family/
Offers bilingual parent education, open playgroups, breastfeeding support, referral services, a lending library, and children's clothing exchange. Manages the Southern Berkshire WIC nutrition program and offers SNAP and fuel assistance referrals.
Berkshire County Head Start
South County site: Muddy Brook Elementary
318 Monument Valley Rd, Great Barrington, (413) 644-0005
Lee site: Lee Elementary, 310 Greylock St., Lee, (413) 499-0137
Main office: 1 Meadow Lane, Pittsfield, (413) 499-0137, berkhs.org
Free for income-eligible families. Families receiving TANF, SSI, or SNAP, and those with children in foster care or experiencing homelessness, qualify regardless of income.
Pediatric Development Center (PDC South)
924 South Main St., Great Barrington, (413) 717-4083
pediatricdevelopmentcenter.org
The only early intervention provider in South and Central Berkshire County, PDC has been serving families for more than 40 years. All services are free, provided in the home or at the child's daycare. No pediatrician referral needed. Serves children from birth to age three.
Services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, developmental support, social work, and music therapy. PDC works with families to create an individualized plan tailored to the child's needs and daily routines. Parents, grandparents, neighbors, and childcare providers can all make a referral.
18 Degrees
480 West St., Pittsfield, (413) 448-8281, info@18degreesma.org
Serves families in four areas: early education and care, child and family well-being, intensive foster care and adoption, and Kids 4 Harmony, an intensive classical music program for social change. Bilingual services available (Spanish/English).
Berkshire Nursing Families
Phone/Text: (413) 344-2800 — available 24/7/365, berkshirenursingfamilies.org
Provides free breastfeeding education, consultation, and support to all Berkshire County families. Offers play and support groups in-person and virtually, plus mental health-focused groups and a walking group for parents.
Berkshire Community Diaper Project
Diapers are distributed through partner sites. In South County, pick up at:
CHP/WIC Office, 442 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington, (413) 528-0457
berkshirecommunitydiaperproject.org
Great Barrington Family Resource Center, 141 West Avenue, Great Barrington, (413) 528-0298
Families can receive 25 diapers weekly per child through food pantries and human service agencies throughout the county.
Great Barrington Family Resource Center (FRC)
141 West Avenue, Great Barrington, (413) 528-0298, csoinc.org
Run by Clinical & Support Options, the FRC offers free support to any family with children up to age 18 — no insurance needed. Services include parenting programs, mental health assessment, job and housing referrals, and school-focused help. Regular groups include Parents Helping Parents, Mondays for Moms, a fathers support group, and homework help. A self-service DTA benefits kiosk is on-site. Open weekdays 9 – 5, plus the second and fourth Saturday, 9 to 12 noon. Bilingual English/Spanish.