PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D – Mass.) visited Pittsfield last week to tour and meet with staff at several nonprofits for which she helped secure federal funding. Part of her motivation, she said, was to “gather stories and information” about why congressionally directed spending should continue. The fundamental question, she said, is: “Do we think the federal government has a role to play in helping ensure there’s adequate funding so that our communities can thrive?”
At the new Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) facility, Executive Director and nurse practitioner Ilana Steinhauer explained that the $441,000 helped with their Pittsfield expansion and at the existing Great Barrington facility, allowing them to increase access and connect with patients who weren’t getting any services before, mainly the immigrant community—the only growing population in the Berkshires. They also serve and assist increasing numbers of people seeking asylum.