Upcoming Leadership Transition
At the end of May, Melissa Canavan will step down from her role as Executive Director of Berkshire Immigrant Center as her family prepares for a move to New York City.
Over the past three years, Melissa has helped guide BIC through a period of meaningful growth and change, strengthening the organization’s internal foundation and expanding its ability to serve immigrant individuals and families across the Berkshires.
As Melissa recently shared, “It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Director of Berkshire Immigrant Center. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past three years and deeply grateful to the staff, Board, volunteers, and community partners who have made this work possible.”
Read Melissa’s full message to the community.
|
|
|
BIC’s operations and services will continue without interruption during this transition. If you need assistance with your immigration process, have questions, or just want to connect, please stop by our office or contact us.
— Contact BIC —
|
|
— Location —
141 North Street
Suite 303, 3rd floor
Pittsfield, MA
|
|
— Hours —
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-6pm
|
|
BIC’s office is closed daily from 12-1pm.
Outside of these hours, please leave a voicemail at (413) 445-4881 or email us at info@berkshireic.org and a staff member will follow up.
—
To learn about BIC’s services, make an appointment, discover resources, and access valuable information, visit berkshireic.org. For weekly updates — including immigration policy changes, upcoming BIC workshops and clinics, and Berkshire community news — please follow us on social media.
|
|
Executive Director Opportunity at BIC
Berkshire Immigrant Center is seeking a passionate and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase.
For nearly three decades, BIC has been a trusted resource for immigrant and refugee communities across Berkshire County, providing affordable legal services, community education, and advocacy that help individuals and families build stable, secure lives. Today, the organization is financially strong, highly respected, and supported by a dedicated staff and engaged Board.
This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, grounded leader who is deeply committed to immigrant communities and ready to build on BIC’s strong foundation.
Learn more about the position and how to apply: berkshireic.org/about/employment
|
|
|
BIC's Beacon of Hope Benefit
BIC’s annual benefit returns on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox.
This year’s event will feature former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick leading a conversation with acclaimed musician Jorge Avila about his journey as an immigrant from Honduras and his extraordinary career in classical music, along with a performance by Mr. Avila.
Watch your mailbox and inbox for your invitation!
Your generosity helps make the Berkshires a stronger, more welcoming community for everyone. We hope you will join us in support of this essential work.
Learn more: berkshireic.org/beaconofhope
|
|
|
BIC Programs, Events & More
|
|
|
|
Presentations & Workshops
BIC offers presentations and workshops to local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups by request.
Whether you would like to learn more about our services, understand your constitutionally protected rights during encounters with ICE, or arrange a custom presentation on a different topic related to immigration, we can help!
To arrange a presentation, please contact Education Director Donovan Snyder at donovan@berkshireic.org.
|
|
Immigration Updates with BIC
Join a BIC case worker to learn about the latest immigration policy changes, legal updates, and government announcements, and answer your questions. Whether you're a community member, service provider, or an immigrant, these sessions are a chance to stay informed.
Please note, presentations are not recorded, as circumstances are changing rapidly, and we aim to provide the most up-to-date information.
Online presentations are offered the first Wednesday of each month at 11am in English. You must register in advance: rb.gy/vwq60g.
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, May 6 | 11am-12pm
Wednesday, June 3 | 11am-12pm
Wednesday, July 1 | 11am-12pm
|
|
Walk-In Clinics for Change of Address
Bring documents that were given to you at the border and meet with a BIC case worker for 30-minute sessions to change your address with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) the first Wednesday of each month from 4-6pm.
This walk-in clinic is free of charge. This is not an immigration consultation.
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, May 6 | 4-6pm
Wednesday, June 3 | 4-6pm
Wednesday, July 1 | 4-6pm
|
|
Non-Immigration Law Clinic
Meet with an attorney from Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian P.C. to address urgent legal concerns not related to immigration. 30-minute appointments are available the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-12pm.
To schedule an appointment, contact our office at (413) 445-4881 or info@berkshireic.org.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, May 12 | 10am-12pm
Tuesday, June 9 | 10am-12pm
Tuesday, July 14 | 10am-12pm
|
|
Alongside these upcoming events, don’t forget that our team is here to support immigrants and their families in many other ways, including:
- Immigration legal consultations and eligibility assessments
-
Legal representation for family-based immigration cases
-
Referrals to licensed immigration attorneys and local service providers
-
Free citizenship test preparation classes
-
Presentations, trainings, and workshops on various immigration topics
|
|
|
Support these organizations who are supporting BIC.
|
|
|
Kimball Farms Exhibit Benefits BIC
A new exhibit, Fiber Arts and Fashion Design, is on display at the Kimball Farms Connector Gallery in Lenox. Featuring a range of textile and fashion-based works, the exhibit is on view through June 4 and open daily from 9am-8pm.
Proceeds from artwork sales will benefit Berkshire Immigrant Center. Learn more: Kimball Farms Exhibit: Fiber Arts and Fashion Design
|
|
BIC to Benefit from BerkChique
Berkshire Immigrant Center is grateful to be a beneficiary of BerkChique, an annual pop-up clothing sale supporting nonprofits across Berkshire County. The event will take place June 5-7 at Ventfort Hall in Lenox, with a ticketed opening night on Friday and free shopping on Saturday and Sunday.
Proceeds from the sale support BIC’s work serving immigrant individuals and families in our community. BerkChique also welcomes donations of gently used clothing and volunteers to help make the event a success. Learn more at berkchique.org.
|
|
|
Say hello to Team BIC at these upcoming community events!
|
|
|
Williams Chamber Choir Concert to Benefit BIC
Friday, May 8 | 7:30pm
The Williams College Chamber Choir presents Ever, a concert exploring themes of suffering and redemption. The program includes Caroline Shaw’s To the Hands, a contemporary work reflecting on the experiences of immigrants, refugees, and displaced people, alongside choral works by Buxtehude and Holst.
Donations are welcome, and proceeds will benefit the Berkshire Immigrant Center. To learn more, visit: events.williams.edu/event/concert-choir-chamber-choir
|
|
Shakespeare & Company Community Day
May 23 | 11am-4pm
Shakespeare & Company hosts its annual Community Day! This free, family-friendly event features performances, interactive activities, film screenings, food trucks, and opportunities to connect with many local nonprofit and community organizations serving the Berkshires.
To learn more, visit: shakespeare.org/shows/2026/third-annual-community-day
|
|
Milne Library Cultural Showcase
May 30 | 11am-3 pm
Milne Library invites the community to a Cultural Showcase celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Berkshire County. This free event invites attendees to “explore the world in a day” through food, music, dance, crafts, and storytelling.
For details, visit: milne.librarycalendar.com/event/cultural-showcase
|
|
USCIS Resumes Processing of Some Asylum Cases
Late last year, USCIS (immigration services) paused all processing of affirmative asylum cases. Affirmative asylum refers to asylum applications submitted to USCIS, as opposed to defensive asylum which is filed in immigration court during removal proceedings. Recently, USCIS announced that this pause has been lifted, and they have resumed processing of asylum cases.
However, for 39 countries which have been labeled high-risk, a separate pause on application processing remains ongoing. For individuals from those countries, most cases, including asylum, are not being processed at this time. Applications can still be submitted, but they will remain on hold until the pause is lifted.
— Processing remains paused for these 39 countries —
Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, the Gambia, the Republic of Congo, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Sources:
|
|
Local resources and opportunities that support our immigrant community.
|
|
Williams College Seeking Immigrant Participants for a Study on Migration & Wellbeing
The Psychology Department at Williams College is inviting immigrants living in the United States to participate in a study about health, wellbeing, and community. Participants will take part in a confidential 75-minute Zoom interview in either Spanish or English and will receive $45 in appreciation for their time.
To learn more, please email: MWLab2026@gmail.com
|
|
LitNet College Campus Visit to Williams College
Join LitNet’s First-Gen College Support Team and Berkshire County first-gen college hopefuls on a tour of Williams College! Meet students from the Williams College Latinx Student Organization, tour the campus, dine in the dining hall, and engage in a question-and-answer panel.
Transportation will be provided. Learn more and register at: litnetsb.org/events/college-campus-visit-to-williams-college
|
|
Every day, BIC helps individuals and families navigate an immigration system that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain.
Please stand with the Berkshire immigrant community.
|
|
|
|
|
