Patenaude Honored As ‘Unsung Hero’

Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that Brooklyn Street Coordinator Mark Patenaude will be honored with the annual William Johnson Unsung Hero Award this month. Presented by the Berkshire Citizens Advisory Board to the Department of Developmental Services, the award acknowledges people who make significant yet often overlooked contributions to their community.

Mark was nominated by his colleagues in our Lee, Massachusetts office. A ceremony honoring Mark will be held on March 24 at 5:30 in the Pittsfield Library Auditorium.

Mark is an integral part of Brooklyn Street, a Nonotuck “life-sharing” community in North Adams, where people of all abilities can form lifelong bonds through shared spaces, tasks, and meals. Described as “an ideal balance of privacy and community,” Brooklyn Street strives to be safe, sustainable, and rewarding for residents.

Nonotuck Board Chair Mary Lou Accetta lives on Brooklyn Street with her son Melvin, and his shared living caregiver Eric Lincourt. She says Mark is “endlessly patient, intelligent, determined, super strong advocate, reflective, honest,” adding:   If he has a fault, it is that he doesn’t give himself enough credit.  Or maybe it’s that he wants to do it all, preferably by yesterday!”  

Mel, who works closely with Mark, adds: “{I am} calm when Mark comes. We go for coffee, we look for trains, we cook the best meatloaf. He tells stories about his two girls.   And then we laugh. {He is} a great dad! …My friend Mark: love for real.”    

Eric adds: “Mark is someone who truly cares.  It shows in his easy smile and his willingness to always lend a helping hand.”

Mark has worked for Nonotuck since April of 2023, and lives in North Adams with his wife and two daughters.