Our Mission
We are a multi-service organization empowering children and youth, with a special emphasis on girls, to become responsible, confident and personally fulfilled individuals.
Our History
For nearly a century, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center has provided guidance, support, and advocacy for girls and their families. As one of Berkshire County’s largest social service organizations, the Brigham Center has touched countless lives through its wide range of programs and services.
The Brigham Center had its beginning on Bank Row in 1911 as the Young Women’s Home Association, with 37 girls in its first days. It re-located to East Street in 1924. Facilities were expanded, first with a gymnasium and tennis court. In 1929, Camp Witawentin became the first resident camp for area girls, later joined by Camp Stevenson, the day camp.
With General Electric providing the lead gift, the present building was opened in 1958, with the attached swimming pool. The Brigham Center continued to provide strong home economics & sports opportunities for girls, learning that girls needed new skills for long-term economic security. Adding value to community and market meant stronger, smarter & bolder supports, training and education.
During the 1970s, the Brigham Center responded to changing community needs by implementing counseling and childcare programs, programs for single and teen parents, & other social services. In the last decade, the Brigham Center has expanded to develop athletics and more programs for adolescent girls. The gymnasium & swimming pool were restored.
What We Offer:Our Programs Are Our Products
Berkshire United Way’s Lodestar Needs Assessment identified critical social service problems affecting Berkshire County residents. Included are childcare, family violence, lack of recreational outlets, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy. Lodestar uncovered significant barriers to service access among those seeking help for personal and family issues.
The Brigham Center responds to challenges with solutions - strengthening programs and services for changing local needs - and by actively seeking to serve a wider population through outreach programs and partnerships. The Brigham Center helps families support, raise and educate children through childcare options.
Our 6 main programs:
• ABC School Age Enrichment
• Aquatics
• Camp Stevenson-Witawentin
• Early Childhood Education
• Girls Incorporated of the Berkshires
• Youth Empowerment Services (YES)
Community Events
• Educational opportunity is an important part of the Girls Inc. mission. In 1990, the first annual Celebration Luncheon honored area women & awarded scholarships to county high school seniors. Today it is a dinner held annually at the Berkshire Hills Country Club. For more info.
• The Expanding Your Horizons Conference at Berkshire Community College provides hands-on workshops in math & science and non-traditional careers for over 150 girls each year. For more info.
• One of our largest and most popular fundraisers is the Bizarre Bazaar Arts and Crafts Festival held annually in October. For more info.
