Brightside for Families and Children

When a child is in crisis, a family in turmoil, an individual in need of counseling, Brightside's team of professionals is ready to help. When a school system looks for a specialized educational resource or a social worker needs the right help for a severely troubled child, Brightside offers expert treatment including: Residential Treatment, Chapter 766 Approved Special Education, and Outpatient Counseling.

To view a video about Brightside click About Us above, then click Video on left.
To learn more, click About Us and Services, above.

Brightside Treatment Center and Campus School offers a variety of opportunities, including:

Recreational on and off-campus activities; an olympic-sized swimming pool; basketball courts, a baseball diamond and athletic fields; regularly scheduled goal-focused activities; Outdoor Adventure Programming such as canoeing, hiking and backpacking; school and community sports team involvement; community volunteers who participate in a variety of our programs such as reading clubs, games nights, and visiting resources; and regular trips to activities and events such as the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags, and others.

What Families and Referring Agents Say About Brightside

"This program has done a remarkable job with a youth who at 10 years old was described as never being able to be safe in the community."  CT DCF Social Worker Sept. 2006

"I feel that the services offered to my son and myself were of the highest standard"

"I just want to say "Thank You" to your program staff for their support and the loving and caring that my family received."

Golf

The Brightside Golf Classic celebrated its 28th anniversary on July 21, 2008. Golfers played on three local courses-Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow and Springfield Country Club in West Springfield. The tournament was followed by a "Wild West" banquet at Chez Josef. The Brightside Golf Classic supports the programs and services of Brightside for Families and Children, as well as provides an excellent opportunity for business networking and promotion.  We look forward to another great tournament next year!

For more about Golf call (413) 748-9997, or click on Events, above.

Brightside Obtains COA Reaccreditation

The Council on Accreditation (COA) has reaccredited Brightside after an intensive three-day site survey held May 18-21.  During the site review, COA representatives surveyed stakeholders by conducting interviews with members of Brightside's direct care staff, management and trustees, as well as the children and their families who obtain services at Brightside.  Additionally, they reviewed the agency's client records and structural framework, including policies and procedures.  Brightside was rated in complete compliance and was expedited through COA's pre-Commision Review Report.

Over the past several years Brightside has undergone major organizational and programmatic restructuring to update services and create a climate of innovation and excellence.  The COA reaccreditation provides national recognition of the successful efforts to improve services directly tailored to meet the needs of our children and families, and it reflects the hard work of Brightside's dedicated staff.

COA is an independent, not-for-profit, child and family-service and behavioral health care accrediting organization.  Founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League of America and Family Service America, COA currently accredits 38 different service areas and over 60 types of programs.

2007 Motorcycle Toy Run

Sunday October 7th, 2007 marked another successful Brightside Toy Run.  Now in its 19th year, upwards of 3000 motorcycle enthusiasts followed Santa on motorcycles to deliver Christmas toys to the children of Brightside.  The weather was great, and what a sight it was as chrome and leather covered the campus!!  Thanks to all who participated in this wonderful community sponsored event. The 2008 Toy Run will take place on October 12th.  For more information, contact Sara Silvia at 413-748-9997.

   

 

Angel Campaign

The Brightside Angel Campaign celebrated its 23rd year in 2007!  Its annual success is due to the generosity of business sponsors and hundreds of helpful volunteers. More volunteers are needed to help out.  Please call (413) 748-9997, or click on Events, above,  for more information.

Brightside School Launches Experiential Learning Initiative

This past academic year saw the beginning of an Experiential Learning Initiative made possible from a contribution by Vinny Del Negro, coach of the NBA's Chicago Bulls and a long time supporter of Brightside.  The program allows for the exploration of five different themes, one per school term, to provide an interdisciplinary, multi-modal learning experience in both Brightside's school and residential units.  The first theme called "The Re-Cycle of Life" revolved around recycling, the study of nature, and preserving our earth.  Seven weeks were spent on research, field trips, and projects in every academic area, culminating in a wonderful exhibit on 6/20/08.   Students created art and ceramics, power point presentations, recycled/re-made clothing, made informative bulleting boards for the school, planted a garden, and started a student involved recycling pick-up program in the school.

The theme for the summer is the Olympics, and students are busy learning about the history of the Olympics, the various sports involved, and the participating countries.  The theme was kicked off with a torch passing event and will culminate with a week long Olympics event which includes a field day, exhibits, and an international buffet.  For the fall term the students will study Native Americans of the Northeast.

Brightside Kids in Service Helping Others

The Brightside Children, in conjunction with our Spiritual Development Program, are involved in numerous service projects throughout the year to help acquaint our youth with the values and joy of giving back to others. 

For the second year in a row, Brightside clients participated in an Art Show & Sale to benefit the homeless shelter at Broderick House.  Several residents and day students created and donated artwork to be sold, with all proceeds benefitting Broderick House.

Volunteers

Volunteers add so much to the life of a child who has experienced trauma. No matter what your special talents, we would like to talk to you. Call Brightside at 413-788-7366 to get information or to join our team.