Families in Bloom Playgroup
Tuesdays 11:00AM – 12:30 PM
A supportive play group for parents and children ages 0-5yrs old. The group includes parent-child
interaction activities, education around child development and parenting behaviors, and an
opportunity to connect with other parents. Nutritious food and snacks included.
Please more information, please contact: Alexia Morales-Jado at info@18degreesma.org or 413-448-8281
Achieving Dadhood/Father Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Need other dads to talk to about the challenges and struggles you face being a dad? Join other dads and gain support:
- Being a positive role model
- Being a dad in today’s society
- First-time dad
- First-generation dad
Dinner is provided. This group is facilitated by Brandon Mauer, father to a spirited 2-year-old daughter, coach, and community advocate.
Please contact: Sharon Collins Newton 413-448-8281 Ext: 265 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud High School Group
Wednesdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 14-18.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning August 26, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. Registration and intake paperwork is required. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 Ext. 286 or info@18degreesma.org
Nursing Baby/Toddler Group/Berkshire Nursing Families
Thursdays 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families this is a supportive playgroup for those who are breastfeeding to socialize, get parenting and breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant and other participants. Baby scale available for weight checks.
Please contact Brooke 413-448-8281 Ext: 283 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud Middle School Group
Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 11-14.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
Nurturing Program for Parents in Substance Treatment and Recovery
Fridays 9:00AM – 11:30AM from May 8 – September 4, 2026 (make up session dates tbd)
For caregivers and family members experiencing substance use disorder in the family. Topics include:
- Creating safety for children
- Setting boundaries
- Nurturing self-esteem
- Problem-solving
This group counts as parent education with the Department of Children and Families.
For more information or to register, please contact Jazmyne Joy at 413-448-8281 or email info@18degreesma.org
CONNECT – Empowering Your Next Steps
Monday evenings 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Pittsfield YMCA
Come check out our new 8-week group series for young adults ages 18 – 25! Topics include:
- Confidence & Identity
- Coping Skills
- Decision Making
- Goal Setting
- Independence Skills
- Jobs, School & Money
Food provided and transportation available upon request
Contact: Dawn Syrko at dsyrko@18degreesma.org or 413-344-3721
Families in Bloom Playgroup
Tuesdays 11:00AM – 12:30 PM
A supportive play group for parents and children ages 0-5yrs old. The group includes parent-child
interaction activities, education around child development and parenting behaviors, and an
opportunity to connect with other parents. Nutritious food and snacks included.
Please more information, please contact: Alexia Morales-Jado at info@18degreesma.org or 413-448-8281
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud High School Group
Wednesdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 14-18.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
Families Raising Families (FRF)/Grandparents Raising Families (GRF) Kinship Support Group
1st Wednesdays of each month 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
A support group dedicated to those caring for children as a grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, foster parent, or any other kinship caregiver. Enjoy dinner in an inclusive space where you can connect, share, and learn from one another.
Contact: Jermaine Sistrunk 413-448-8281 Ext: 286 or info@18degreesma.org for more information.
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning August 26, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. Registration and intake paperwork is required. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 Ext. 286 or info@18degreesma.org
Nursing Baby/Toddler Group/Berkshire Nursing Families
Thursdays 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families this is a supportive playgroup for those who are breastfeeding to socialize, get parenting and breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant and other participants. Baby scale available for weight checks.
Please contact Brooke 413-448-8281 Ext: 283 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud Middle School Group
Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 11-14.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
Nurturing Program for Parents in Substance Treatment and Recovery
Fridays 9:00AM – 11:30AM from May 8 – September 4, 2026 (make up session dates tbd)
For caregivers and family members experiencing substance use disorder in the family. Topics include:
- Creating safety for children
- Setting boundaries
- Nurturing self-esteem
- Problem-solving
This group counts as parent education with the Department of Children and Families.
For more information or to register, please contact Jazmyne Joy at 413-448-8281 or email info@18degreesma.org
Bagels and Books Celebration for Grandparents
Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
In honor of Grandparents Day month please join us at the Family Resource Center for bagels, goodies, and books along with a fun activity for you and your grandchildren.
For more information, please call 413-448-8281 or email info@18degreesma.org
Starshine Players – Children’s Theatre Play Group
First Saturdays of each month 10:00am – 11:30am
This theatre play group is for kids ages 5-10, accompanied by a parent for activities, games, skits, songs, movement and art. Snacks are included.
For more information, contact Christopher: 413-441-1207 or info@18degreesma.org
CONNECT – Empowering Your Next Steps
Monday evenings 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Pittsfield YMCA
Come check out our new 8-week group series for young adults ages 18 – 25! Topics include:
- Confidence & Identity
- Coping Skills
- Decision Making
- Goal Setting
- Independence Skills
- Jobs, School & Money
Food provided and transportation available upon request
Contact: Dawn Syrko at dsyrko@18degreesma.org or 413-344-3721
Families in Bloom Playgroup
Tuesdays 11:00AM – 12:30 PM
A supportive play group for parents and children ages 0-5yrs old. The group includes parent-child
interaction activities, education around child development and parenting behaviors, and an
opportunity to connect with other parents. Nutritious food and snacks included.
Please more information, please contact: Alexia Morales-Jado at info@18degreesma.org or 413-448-8281
Achieving Dadhood/Father Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Need other dads to talk to about the challenges and struggles you face being a dad? Join other dads and gain support:
- Being a positive role model
- Being a dad in today’s society
- First-time dad
- First-generation dad
Dinner is provided. This group is facilitated by Brandon Mauer, father to a spirited 2-year-old daughter, coach, and community advocate.
Please contact: Sharon Collins Newton 413-448-8281 Ext: 265 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud High School Group
Wednesdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 14-18.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning August 26, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. Registration and intake paperwork is required. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 Ext. 286 or info@18degreesma.org
Nursing Baby/Toddler Group/Berkshire Nursing Families
Thursdays 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families this is a supportive playgroup for those who are breastfeeding to socialize, get parenting and breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant and other participants. Baby scale available for weight checks.
Please contact Brooke 413-448-8281 Ext: 283 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud Middle School Group
Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 11-14.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
CONNECT – Empowering Your Next Steps
Monday evenings 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Pittsfield YMCA
Come check out our new 8-week group series for young adults ages 18 – 25! Topics include:
- Confidence & Identity
- Coping Skills
- Decision Making
- Goal Setting
- Independence Skills
- Jobs, School & Money
Food provided and transportation available upon request
Contact: Dawn Syrko at dsyrko@18degreesma.org or 413-344-3721
All activities are currently being hosted in person unless specified. Call (413) 448-8281 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
18 Degrees partners with the Berkshire Diaper Project to offer families FREE diapers during regular business hours.