The George B. Crane Memorial Center (GBCMC), located near downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the new home of the former SIOGA Club of Berkshire County, Inc. a unique, one of a kind, non-profit [501(c)3] community support organization.

Since originating in 1977, the SIOGA organization, now operating as The George B. Crane Memorial Center, has provided for on-going programs in support of community members struggling with addiction recovery, and often life-altering issues. Tragically, during the winter of 2004, the rented space utilized by the group for so many years was totally destroyed by fire — and in order to carry on the successful rehabilitative work of the organization, the need for a larger, more permanent home was vital.

"Build it and they will come."

With support and encouragement from several restricted grants awarded by the City of Pittsfield, local financial institutions and foundations; donations from individuals, groups, churches, businesses, corporations, in-kind donations from many small businesses, tradesmen, individuals, and many, many hours of labor and support from the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department and other dedicated volunteers, the George B. Crane Memorial Center has emerged from the ashes — and, in a new location central to Berkshire County, constructed its own state-of-the-art facility out of the shell of a deteriorated, cast-off building.

Our Mission

The underlying mission of the George B. Crane Memorial Center is to provide a community-based center of support for sober alcoholics, recovering addicts, support and community service groups, to hold meetings, conduct their programs and have social functions in a safe, substance-free environment. Programs the Center provides for include addiction recovery related issues groups that focus on having a positive impact on an individual’s, relationship with family and community by empowering individuals to make positive behavioral changes toward becoming responsible citizens.

The Center officially opened it's doors in November of 2010, and with its first of two floors completed, has been serving as a meeting place for numerous individual recovery and support-related groups ever since. Due to a growing need and great community response, recovery groups have been added and are growing. Persons being served are over 3,000 each month. The GBCMC offers a resource that is clearly needed and it continues to expand and diversify the services it offers by making itself available to other support and community groups in need for a local meeting place.

Operation and Maintenance

The George B. Crane Memorial Center is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Operation and maintenance has been in large part from a dedicated member of the board of directors, and from the recovery, support and community service groups being served. Operation of the Center has also depended on donations from individuals and businesses in the community, the Richmond Congregational Church, UCC and the Civatan Club.  

With the second floor open, three offices may be rented by persons whose work is in concert with our mission. That income will help support the Center. We would like the new meeting spaces to be used for services to families, especially young people, and services to women.

Objectives

  • Provide for groups and programs that promote addiction recovery and reduce the rate of recidivism
  • Provide for and support groups that are engaged in sustained recovery from life-altering, often life-threatening issues
  • Provide for groups and promote programs that support family structure, enhance parenting skills and address addiction related social issues
  • Promote programs that seek alternatives to incarceration and support re-entry into the community

Board of Directors

  • Douglas Malins, President
  • Holly Stover, Secretary
  • Gloria Taylor, Treasurer
  • James Marcil
  • William Moriarty
  • Mary McGinnis
  • Aaron Elzner
  • Marti Ceijas, Ex-officio
  • David Cafarelli, Esq., Ex-officio
  • Robert Waltermire, Ex-officio
  • Valerie Soules, Ex-officio
  • Frank Busener, Ex-officio
The George B. Crane Memorial Center currently supports eleven (13) recovery groups, AA and NA, two community service groups working with troubled men, women and families, and two community support (outreach) groups, each working to improve the well being of families in need.