RICH WEISENFLUE REFLECTS ON HIS TENURE AS CEO OF BFAIR
By Benjamin Lerner
For more than 25 years, Rich Weisenflue has been a pivotal force in the region’s human services landscape as the long-serving CEO of Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR). Headquartered in North Adams, BFAIR serves nearly 500 individuals annually with the support of a 300-member staff and a $19 million operating budget. Since its incorporation in 1994, BFAIR has expanded its offerings to include over ten residential homes, employment services, clinical services, adult family care, and community living programs. Its mission is rooted in fostering independence, facilitating community integration, and providing resources to promote accessibility for individuals of all abilities.
Day-to-day, BFAIR’s work is comprehensive and impactful. The organization operates residential homes for adults with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries, offering a stable and supportive environment. Its nationally accredited day habilitation programs provide personalized care, including nursing, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Through its community-based day services, BFAIR creates opportunities that foster inclusion through social and recreational activities. The organization’s employment services focus on job training, placement, and vocational development, often in partnership with local businesses such as Steinerfilm in Williamstown and Shaker Hill Pet Resort in Pittsfield. BFAIR also offers in-home support, including adult family care.
The human service agency’s outreach extends to its Bottle and Can Redemption Center located at 1000 Massachusetts Avenue in North Adams. A vital part of its employment services, the center provides vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities while supporting environmental sustainability. It also welcomes community engagement through bottle and can drives, allowing residents to contribute directly to BFAIR’s mission.
Collaboration is at the heart of BFAIR’s approach. The organization is a member of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest and partners with other nonprofits, including Community Access to the Arts (CATA). Through these partnerships, BFAIR enhances its offerings and deepens its impact. For example, BFAIR participants are integrated into CATA’s arts programs, providing creative outlets and showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities.
As Weisenflue prepares for his retirement on March 27, BFAIR’s board of directors has looked to the Employers Association of the NorthEast to manage the recruitment process for his successor. Leadership succession planning has been in the works for several years to ensure a smooth transition. Weisenflue plans to work closely with the incoming CEO to ensure a seamless transfer of knowledge and experience. Our conversation offered insight into his remarkable career and the impact BFAIR continues to have on the community it serves.
What inspired you to pursue a career in human services? It started with a good friend of mine from grade school. His father worked in this field, and out of curiosity, I got a job at a summer camp. From there, I was invited to visit Keystone City Residence (in Scranton, Pennsylvania), where his father worked, and it just felt right. The privilege of being part of someone’s life and helping them was deeply fulfilling. That was where it all began, and I stayed on this path through college and beyond.
What brought you to BFAIR, and what drew you to its mission? I was looking for a new opportunity and stumbled across a job listing in the Scranton Times for an organization in Berkshire County. I didn’t know much about the area, but I decided to give it a shot. When I started at BFAIR, it was primarily focused on employment services through Arcadia Employment Services. I began as associate director. After a couple of years, I was promoted to executive director, and I later became CEO. It was a time of transformation for the organization, and I was drawn to the challenge of stabilizing and growing it. The mission resonated with me: helping individuals find employment, build community connections, and lead fulfilling lives.
Can you share some of the milestones from your time at BFAIR? There are many, but one significant milestone was when we became a member of the Northern Berkshire United Way. That acknowledgment validated the value of our mission and services. It also opened doors for community engagement and resources. Another highlight was expanding our services to include residential programs for adults with acquired brain injuries. Building fully accessible homes and creating stable environments for these individuals was both a challenge and a triumph. On the vocational side, launching the Bottle and Can Redemption Center was incredibly rewarding. It’s not just a workplace, but a training ground for the individuals we serve to gain skills and confidence.
How has BFAIR adapted to changing societal attitudes and needs? The societal understanding of disabilities and the support people need have evolved significantly during my time at BFAIR. Early on, the focus was on providing basic care and services. Over the years, there’s been a shift toward fostering independence, inclusion, and empowerment. This has required us to continuously expand our offerings. For example, our shared living and adult family care programs have grown in response to the desire for more home-based, personalized care options. We've also seen an increased emphasis on employment opportunities, so we've worked hard to build partnerships with local businesses such as Steinerfilm to make employment accessible. It’s about not only meeting needs, but also ensuring that the individuals we serve have the chance to thrive.
What challenges have shaped your approach to leadership, specifically in terms of operating a human services nonprofit in a rural setting? Operating in a rural area like the Berkshires requires strong connections across organizations. Resources are limited, so partnerships are essential. Whether it’s educating local police and fire departments to better understand the needs of the individuals we serve or collaborating with businesses like Shaker Hill Pet Resort to provide employment opportunities, the key is integration. Staffing challenges also push us to think creatively. As we move towards the future, we might see organizations utilizing more technology to build better smart homes that enhance independence for the individuals that BFAIR serves.
What has been the role of community support in BFAIR’s success? The community’s support has always been invaluable. From board members who dedicate their time and expertise, to students and volunteers who engage with our residents, to donors who support our cause, every contribution makes a difference. Fundraisers like our mini-golf tournaments that we had in the past not only bring in financial support, but also create a sense of connection between our organization and the broader Berkshire community.
What needs do you see for BFAIR and the community it serves? In-home care is an area with significant potential for growth. Families often need more support to manage complex medical or behavioral challenges. Another area is leveraging technology for remote services, which can help address staffing shortages and expand our reach. We’re also exploring ways to strengthen collaborations and partnerships to ensure the highest quality of care. The goal is always to meet the evolving needs of the individuals and families we serve.
What advice would you offer to the next generation of leaders in human services? Be open, listen, and engage with your community. It’s essential to understand the experiences of the individuals you’re serving. Spend time in the programs, build relationships, and maintain a presence. Leadership is about more than day-to-day operations; it’s about fostering collaboration and continuous learning.
What are you most proud of? I’m proud of the growth and stability we’ve achieved as an organization. Seeing BFAIR become a trusted resource for so many families and individuals is very gratifying. I’m also incredibly proud of the team I’ve worked with. They have made everything possible. Together, we’ve built something that will continue to make a difference long after I’m gone.
For more information on BFAIR’s services, please go to bfair.org and contact its offices in North Adams and Pittsfield. Businesses are encouraged to hire individuals through BFAIR’s employment services, in turn gaining dedicated employees and receiving the support of BFAIR’s vocational training programs.
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