Teach in New York is a fantastic Winter Study Course at Williams College. Each year between ten and fifteen sophmores, juniors and seniors participate in this intense experience that takes them worlds away from the traditional college classroom setting. Students use it as an opportunity to explore their interest in teaching while also having a three week adventure in one of the greatest cities in the world. In the end, students return from this experience forever changed- see student testimonials.

Students or interns will be assigned to elementary, middle and high schools throughout four boroughs of New York City. They will spend weekdays working closely with a mentor teacher. While in New York, interns from all of the four colleges will convene for weekly dinner meetings and seminars where they will process their experience with college faculty and experts in urban education and pedagogical issues. These events are hosted by the Foundation for Excellent Schools and Williams College.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is both a class offered during Winter Study (currently cross-listed under ECON 22 and POEC 22) and a community service program which provides low income taxpayers assistance filing their income taxes. Once trained through the Winter Study Course or through the IRS online training program (at irs.gov), certified student volunteers serve clients at the Berkshire Community Action Agency in North Adams on Thursdays, 4-7pm and Saturdays 10-2pm through most of the tax season. Community volunteers are also welcome to participate. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Paula Consolini at pconsoli@williams.edu

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Winter Study Course

This course examines tax policy towards low-income families in the United States, and has the following three objectives: 1) For students to understand the shift of redistributive policy in the United States from income support through the transfer system (Aid to Families with Dependent Children/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) towards support of working individuals through the tax system (primarily the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)); 2) For students to understand the challenges that low income individuals have “making ends meet” and to understand the role that the EITC has played in increasing the standard of living of the working poor; and 3) To enable students to understand the tax code well enough to prepare simple income tax returns, including those for filers claiming the EITC. Students will be trained by the IRS to prepare income tax returns for low-income individuals and families. At the end of the term, students will use their newly acquired expertise to help individuals and families in Berkshire County prepare and file their returns.

To learn more, see the full course description.

There are both curricular and extracurricular entrepreneurship learning opportunities at Williams!

Students can take one of two new winter study courses to help develop their entrepreneurial skills: ECON 12: How to Write a Business Plan and ECON 17: Entrepreneurship. They can also take advantage of extracurricular training opportunities through a new initiative, Entrepreneurship@Williams.

Entrepreneurship@Williams coordinates several student-oriented activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship. This extracurricular program offers students an outstanding opportunity to extend knowledge and skills they have acquired through Williams’ exceptional liberal arts curriculum.

Entrepeneurship@Williams held a campus-wide business plan competition in 2012.

For more information, contact coordinator Jeffrey Thomas.

jthomas@williams.edu

1) MASSACHUSETTS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK (www.msbdc.som.umass.edu)

Berkshire County Satellite Office

413-499-0933

75 North Street Suite 360

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network provides free and confidential one-on-one management counseling services to new and existing small businesses. Areas of counseling include business plan development, pre-venture feasibility, marketing, financial planning, cash flow management, loan packaging, record keeping, personnel and training issues, production, and general management for the small business entrepreneur. Training workshops are also available at a reasonable cost. The MSBDC is in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development under a cooperative agreement through the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. (2003 United Way listing)

2) SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES (SCORE)

c/o Berkshire Chamber of Commerce

413-499-2485

75 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: by appointment

Composed of retired and active executives providing business counseling on any small business issues or problems. Over 13,000 volunteers nationwide; sponsored by the Small Business Administration. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

1) CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

489 Whitney Ave, 3rd floor

1-800-282-6196

Holyoke, MA 01040

34 Depot Street, 2nd floor

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Call for appointment. Some evening and Saturday hours available at both locations.

Education and counseling services relating to effective budgeting and intelligent use of credit. Will assist in the development and implementation of a debt repayment plan.

2) ELDER SERVICES OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY. INC. (www.esbci.org)

66 Wendell Avenue

413-499-0524

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Services for elders 60 years and older. Case management, information and referral, homemaker/personal care, home health services, nutrition, “Meals on Wheels” program, housing, adult family care, ombudsmen (advocacy for elderly patients in long term care facilities) and money management program. Nursing home prescreening, protective services, employment opportunities for elders, volunteer opportunities (transportation, shopping and companionship) and transportation resources. Support group for family caregivers of the elderly.

3) FAMILY LIFE SUPPORT CENTER, INC.

85 Main Street, Suite 228

413-664-8279

North Adams, MA 01247

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Can leave message evenings and weekends.)

Housing search assistance and homelessness prevention through apartment listings, landlord/tenant mediation, housing code checklist and limited financial aid. Emergency homeless shelter (Louison House). Employment & budget counseling, assistance in obtaining benefits if eligible (food stamps, WIC, housing subsidies). Information & referral for child care, as well as information about free medical and dental services. Also runs emergency food pantry.

4) FRIENDS HOUSE FAMILY SHELTER Operated by Berkshire Community Action Council

292 West Street

413-499-2877

Pittsfield, MA 01201

(Office) Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Someone is available 24 hours/7 days a week.)

Short-term (three months) housing available for homeless families (not individuals) in Berkshire County. Works with families and agencies to ensure long-term housing placement. Pregnant single women are eligible. Shelter can accommodate persons with disabilities. Also offers GED tutoring, budget counseling, nutritional instruction and family advocacy.

5) SALVATION ARMY (PITTSFIELD) (www.salvationarmy-ma.org/locations/corps_pittsfield.shtml)

298 West Street

413-442-0624

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon, and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. (Bread pickup open until 4 p.m.)

Grocery items for anyone in need, referrals for emergency housing, budget counseling, counseling for families, marriage counseling, and counseling for victims of domestic violence. Also handles Pittsfield Area Council of Churches (PACC) emergency funds. Serves breakfast daily (9-10 a.m.) and Sunday evening dinner at 4:30 p.m.

1) BERKSHIRE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

P.O. Box 778

413-499-0207

Pittsfield, MA 01202

Socialization and support group for the legally blind of Berkshire County; some limited financial assistance for its members. Holds monthly meetings with occasional speakers. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

2) BERKSHIRE TALKING CHRONICLE

c/o Jeanette Thomas 413-684-0880

8 Depot Street Dalton, MA 01226

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Supplies 24 hours daily of radio programming to blind or print handicapped (persons who are unable to physically read or hold printed material). When the person is furnished with a special receiver, The Berkshire Eagle newspaper is read with an emphasis on local news events. Produces specialty programming. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

3) MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

436 Dwight Street

413-781-1290

Springfield, MA 01103

1-800-332-2772

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45a.m.- 5 p.m.

Provides services to legally blind individuals from birth to elderly. Services include information and referral, home rehabilitation, teaching, vocational rehabilitation, orientation and mobility (white cane), social services, individualized case management, aids and appliances, medical assistance through Mass Health, assistance with access to community resources including transportation and handicapped placards, and assistance with tax exemptions and abatements. Service area is the four western Massachusetts counties, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

4) RECORDING FOR THE BLIND & DYSLEXIC – BERKSHIRE UNIT

Lenox Studio:

55 Pittsfield-Lenox Road

413-637-0889

Lenox, MA 01240

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Studio Hours: Monday – 1 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesday – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Thursday – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Williamstown Studio:

173 Water Street

413-458-3641

Williamstown, MA 01267

Hours: Monday, 1- 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1:30 p.m.- 5 p.m. Closed on Friday.

Lenox and Williamstown are two of thirty-three recording studios nationwide that produce recorded educational textbooks and materials (K-12, college, post graduate and beyond) for individuals who cannot read standard print because of blindness or visual impairment, perceptual or other physical disability.

1) EASTER SEALS MASSACHUSETTS (www.eastersealsma.org)

484 Main Street, 6th Floor

508-757-2756

Worcester, MA 01608

Offers the following services to disabled persons throughout Massachusetts: Technology for Independence program, rehabilitation services, disability resource information, job training and employment, camp, and advocacy.

2) MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

436 Dwight Street

413-781-1290

Springfield, MA 01103

1-800-332-2772

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45a.m.- 5 p.m.

Provides services to legally blind individuals from birth to elderly. Services include information and referral, home rehabilitation, teaching, vocational rehabilitation, orientation and mobility (white cane), social services, individualized case management, aids and appliances, medical assistance through Mass Health, assistance with access to community resources including transportation and handicapped placards, and assistance with tax exemptions and abatements. Service area is the four western Massachusetts counties, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

3) NITED CEREBRAL PALSY ASSOCIATION OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY, INC. (www.ucp.org)

141 North Street

413-442-1562

Pittsfield, MA 01201

57 Main Street, Suite 214

413-664-9345

North Adams, MA 01247

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and other hours by appointment

Advocacy and other services for children and adults with physical, developmental and learning disabilities and their families. Programs consist of advocacy, assistive technology, wheelchair repair clinic, loaner program of durable medical equipment, computer evaluations, computer training and individual and family support. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

1) ADCARE HOSPITAL OF WORCESTER, INC. (www.adcare.com)

Community Services Department 1-800-345-3552

107 Lincoln Street (24 hour helpline) 1-800-252-6465 (1-800-ALCOHOL)

Worcester, MA 01605 TTY 508-798-9946

Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Service hours: 24 hours/7 days

Comprehensive adult chemical dependency treatment center provides inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, aftercare, evening treatment, community education, outpatient counseling, and family program. 1-800-ALCOHOL provides information and referral 24 hours a day. Clients must be age 18 or older. Requires prior phone assessment for admission. No geographical restrictions. Handicapped accessible. Limited ability for bilingual detox (Spanish, Portuguese). (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

2) AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY

413-445-5852 (24 hour info line)

A support group for families (including adult children of alcoholics) and close friends of alcoholics. People whose loved ones are alcoholics may attend confidential meetings to listen and share feelings with people who face similar challenges. Al-Anon holds local support group meetings on a regular basis. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

3) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

413-443-0212 (24-hour answering service)

Self-help, 12-step program dedicated to helping recovering alcoholics overcome their dependency on alcohol. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

4) ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS – BERKSHIRE INTERGROUP

85 East Street 413-448-2382

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday – Friday, 1 – 5 p.m.

Provides meeting information. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

5) BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER – PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY SERVICES (www.berkshirehealthsystems.org)

725 North Street Pittsfield, MA 01201

Emergency number –413-499-0412

Office number – 413-447-2164

Adolescent/Adult – Ages 15 and up on voluntary 20-bed unit Ages 16 and up on 15-bed locked unit Substance Abuse – 30-bed detox and stabilization unit Partial Hospital – Services for adolescents and adults Specialties – Dual diagnosis program, DMH replacement unit, including forensics

Primary care outreach team providing timely psychiatric consultation to primary care doctors and their patients by a multidisciplinary team. Also operates:

•Outpatient Memory Disorders Clinic, an interdisciplinary team of neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology and social work to assess patients with emerging memory problems and provide support for families.

•Employee Assistance Program for area employers. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

6) BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PITTSFIELD

16 Melville Street

413-448-8258

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Summer Camp, Guidance Department, alcohol and substance abuse counseling, after school programs, day care, full range of recreational activities, ice skating and vocational classes. Also provides daily feeding program throughout the winter months for club members, ages 6-18. (Membership to club required.) (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

7) GREYLOCK PAVILION

North Adams Regional Hospital 413-664-5368

Hospital Avenue

413-663-3701

North Adams, MA 01247

Hours: 24 hours

Locked unit for short term, acute care, psychiatric and geriatric psychiatric unit. Provides care for persons who experience a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness. 20 beds in unit. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

McGEE UNIT OF THE BERKSHIRE RECOVERY CENTER

165 Tor Court

413-442-1400

Pittsfield, MA 01201

1-800-222-1664

Hours: 24 hours

Detox and rehabilitation unit offering services for men and women in need of detoxification for alcohol and other addictions. Three to fourteen day program; call ahead. Operates an alcohol hotline with 24-hour professional coverage. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

9) MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES OF THE BERKSHIRES (www.mhsab.com)

333 East Street Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-499-0412

24-HOUR CRISIS EMERGENCY SERVICE AT ABOVE NUMBER

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Evening hours available)

Comprehensive, countywide outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, with over 500 employees in 28 locations, including specialized services for children, adults and seniors. Services include 24-hour crisis services, transitional, halfway, and supported housing programs. Also include individual, group, family and couples therapy, forensic services, driver alcohol education, batterer’s treatment, and substance abuse educational support groups, early intervention services, adult day health programs, outreach services, and consultation to schools and community groups. Locations as follows:

•Outpatient & Psychiatric Services:

- Berkshire Mental Health Center,

333 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-499-0412

- Family Center of the Berkshires,

741 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-447-2145

- Main Street Human Resources,

60 Cottage St., Great Barrington, MA 01230,

413-528- 9155

- Northern Berkshire Counseling Center,

25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247,

413- 664-4541

•Substance Abuse Services:

Outpatient Services:

- 131 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-499-1000

- 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-445-9160

- 25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247,

413-664-4541

- 60 Cottage St., Great Barrington, MA 01230,

413-528-9155

- All other services, call 413-499-1000

•Child/Adolescent Services:

- C/A Central, 251 Fenn St., Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-496-9671

- C/A North, 25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247,

413-664-4541

- South Forty, 25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247,

413-664-4541

- Options for Youth, 74 Second St., Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-496-9671

- Early Intervention, 25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247

, 413-662-3315

•Senior Services:

Counseling Services:

- 25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247,

413-664-4541

- 333 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201,

413-499-0412

- 60 Cottage St., Great Barrington, MA 01230,

413-528-9155

Guardianship:

- 25 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247

, 413-664-4541

- North Adams Adult Day Health, 420 Curran Highway, North Adams, MA 01247, 413- 664-4048

- Pittsfield Adult Day Health, 33 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201

, 413-442-4978 (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

10) MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING (MADD)

Western Massachusetts Chapter 413-527-8254 116

Pleasant Street, Suite 3307 Easthampton, MA 01027

Service Area: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties Program Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Eligibility: Open to all. Fees: No membership fees for victims and their immediate families. Others call for information. This organization’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. Victim advocates can assist victims through court proceedings, provide support, information and referrals. Volunteers assist in legislative tasks, victim advocacy, court monitoring, office work, and at special events. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

11) NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-443-4377 (24-hour emergency service)

Twelve-step program assisting persons overcoming their habit or addiction to a wide variety of drugs (cocaine, marijuana, pills, crack, etc.). Meetings held on regular basis in Berkshire County. Call for information and meeting times. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

12) WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY

National headquarters: 215-536-8026

165 Tor Court, Pittsfield

Berkshire group meets at the Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical Center, on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (2003 Berkshire United Way listing)

Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing for all people. Williams students may work with Habitat for Humanity as field work during the semester, for credit during Winter Study, or potentially as a summer internship, funding for which can be obtained by the alumni-sponsored internship program.

During their Offshore Voyage Field seminar, the ten-day sailing expedition at the start of the semester, the Spring 2012 class spent a day ashore to explore the Dry Tortugas National Park. Here the students absorbed the history of Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fort built in the mid-nineteenth century to protect the United States, and snorkeled within the marine sanctuary to view the biodiversity of the Florida Keys first-hand.

This field seminar exploring the Atlantic Ocean is just one of the three expeditions that Williams-Mystic students participate in during their Ocean Studies semester. The program also travels to the Pacific and Gulf coasts, where the students journey alongside their professors to understand the science of the region and spirit of the local communities. The students use four lenses—history, literature, policy, and science—to understand the bigger picture and the importance of the world’s oceans to society today.

For more information on the field seminars, academic curriculum, and everyday life at Williams-Mystic, check out the program’s Viewbook here!