What began as a dream shared by two strangers has become a powerful movement changing young lives.
Safe Swim Berkshires aims to stop youth drowning by providing free water safety instruction to at-risk middle school students in Pittsfield Public Schools. Co-founded and led by Dulye & Co. President Linda Dulye and veteran educator Jennifer Roccabruna, the program launched in April 2025 with a pilot that far exceeded expectations.
Through Linda’s personal underwriting, Jenn’s expertly curated curriculum, donated facilities from the Pittsfield YMCA and Girls Inc., and the dedication of dozens of volunteer instructors, 2 cohorts of students aged 12–16–most with little or no swimming ability–gained critical water knowledge, personal confidence, and leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Building on that success, Safe Swim Berkshires is now entering its next phase through a partnership with the Berkshire Family YMCA. 2026 programming is doubling to four week-long training sessions offering one-on-one instruction completely free of charge.
An ambitious $25k fundraising campaign is underway to provide each Safe Swim participant with swim gear, round-trip transportation, snacks, and personalized mentoring.
Help change a young life with your donation this holiday season.
