Blog/News

18 Degrees October Highlights: Annual Meeting, Special Events & News to Celebrate!

REGISTER NOW!   18 Degrees Offers Foster Parent Info Sessions Learn More & Register Here   Check out the October Calendar of Events in the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center    We have a fantastic lineup of groups and programs designed to support mothers, fathers, and kinship caregivers. Whether you’re looking for community connections, parenting …

Community Invited to Info Sessions on Becoming a Foster Parent 

18 Degrees is excited to announce a series of informative sessions for individuals and families interested in becoming foster parents. Interested parties can select from information sessions held virtually with registration options below. Foster care plays a crucial role in providing safe, nurturing environments for children who have experienced trauma and instability. The need for …

August 2025 Children in Foster Care Need Our Help

Our Children Need Us At 18 Degrees we affirm our collective responsibility as a society to keep children safe and protect their well-being.   In Massachusetts, anywhere from 8,000 – 9,000 children experience foster care each year. However, there are only about 5,500 licensed foster homes statewide.   Fewer foster homes leads to less stability …

July 2025 News from 18 Degrees

More Than a Celebration LGBTQIA+ Program Manager, Christopher Dellea, is at the helm of our Brave Spaces youth and family programming.    Christopher’s team creates an inclusive and fun space for youth and young adults to be their authentic selves. Programming is designed to empower young people, build a sense of belonging, strengthen connection and …

Kids 4 Harmony 2025 Gala Success

K4H Gala Concert Kicks Off Summer in the Berkshires Our 2025 Kids 4 Harmony Summer Gala Concert on June 24th at Tanglewood was a joyful celebration and a huge success!   It was a warm and heartfelt evening celebrating our largest graduating class—many with us since the program’s early days—plus a moving tribute to Ed …

June 2025 Kids 4 Harmony News

Natalia Bernal Quintet and Kids 4 Harmony Pictured: Kids 4 Harmony Chamber Players, Artistic Director Sean Elligers, and Natalia Bernal   Last month, the Natalia Bernal Quintet gave an intimate performance at Tanglewood’s Linde Center, featuring songs from their newly released album, “En Diablada” and a special collaboration with Kids 4 Harmony.    Ten advanced …

May 2025 Foster Care Awareness, Advocacy & More

2025 Caring Force Rally Boston President & CEO Stephanie Steed and members of our Youth Leadership Council gave remarks in Boston earlier this month at the 13th Annual Caring Force Rally at the State House. “This rally serves as a powerful reminder of our meaningful impact across Massachusetts. We are part of a collective of …

April 2025 Celebrating our Volunteers

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month Over 150 volunteers gave more than 6,000 hours of their time in 2024, helping to advance our mission–from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and mentors, to interns and volunteers who help with administrative tasks, Family Resource Center events, reading in our classrooms, and much more. Each volunteer helps support our …

March 2025 News from 18 Degrees

Spring Advocacy at the Boston State House 18 Degrees joined nonprofit organizations and community partners from across the Commonwealth on more than one occasion this month advocating for legislative actions that support the people and communities we serve. A Day in Boston With Our Youth Amy Guachione is an 18 Degrees Mentor and our Director …

March 2025 Kids 4 Harmony News

  Pittsfield Casual Concert on Tuesday, March 25th Join us next week to experience Kids 4 Harmony in action! Featuring performances by our Pittsfield Advanced String Ensemble, Elayne P. Bernstein Ensemble, and Chamber Players as they show you what they have been diligently working on so far this school year. We’re also excited to begin …

February 2025 News from 18 Degrees

  A Time For Celebration “Mommy & Me” Playgroup in the Family Resource Center received Valentine’s Day goodie bags from the Kiwanis of Lee Aktion Club. The shortest month of the year, February can feel like the longest in New England as we wait for spring to arrive, but there is actually much to celebrate. …

Committed to Our Community – Jan 2025 Highlights

Happy New Day to You! In our new day, opportunities outshine barriers and all people feel a sense of community and belonging. January may bring cold and gray days to New England, but it also offers a chance to pause and reaffirm our commitment to building thriving communities across Western Massachusetts. We are steadfast in …

December 2024 Highlights from 18 Degrees

18 Degrees Leadership:   Stephanie Steed, President & CEO Gina Blake, LICSW, Senior Vice President Alison Mengel, LICSW, Vice President of Programs Bryan House, Vice President of Youth DevelopmentBen Wax, Vice President of Finance & Operations John Cadiz, SHRM-SCP, Senior Director of Human Resources Sarah Frederick, Vice President of Advancement Elise Weller, Senior Director of Early …

November 2024 Highlights from 18 Degrees

  Thankful For You! At this time of year, we pause and give thanks.   We count YOU among those we are grateful for – all of our donors and funders over the last fiscal year.   Please take a look at our 2024 Impact Report for stories and details of our work.   We …

2024 Annual Meeting & October Events!

Buy Tickets Join us in a celebration of our achievements, electing new board members, sharing personal stories of resiliency, and networking with others.    Tickets are $45 and include a buffet lunch. RSVP by October 15th.  Receive a copy of our 2024 Impact Report at the event and experience the impact of 18 Degrees. We hope …