The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition held its April community forum on immigration, facilitated by Timothy Callahan, superintendent of North Adams Public Schools. Panelists included Marcela Urrea of Volunteers in Medicine, Sabina Chen of Greylock Together, and Melissa Canavan of Berkshire Immigration Center.
The conversation struck a hopeful tone, with panelists stressing the importance of accurate information and urging community members to pause before sharing unverified claims on social media. Marcela Urrea spoke to the day-to-day challenges immigrants face in navigating healthcare and unfamiliar systems, and highlighted the work of Volunteers in Medicine in connecting families to essential services.
A recurring theme was collaboration: no single organization can meet every need, but by sharing expertise the groups together provide more comprehensive support. Panelists also encouraged residents to simply get to know their neighbors as a powerful antidote to fear and misinformation.
The North Adams Police Department, also in attendance, clarified that it does not enforce immigration law and remains committed to protecting all community members. NAPD may cooperate with federal agencies under specific legal circumstances, but public safety and community trust remain its primary focus.
The forum was part of nbCC’s ongoing monthly series. For more information contact the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at (413) 663-7588 or nbccoalition.org.
Published from forwarded email · May 2, 2026