Creating a Brighter Day for Immigrant Families
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18 Degrees Family Resource Center staff and volunteers who went above and beyond!
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When immigrants from Haiti arrived in Pittsfield last fall, 18 Degrees Family Resource Center staff and volunteers (including Alexia, Maria, Joachim, and Makhete) and other local service providers stepped in to help. Providing essential supplies, services, and advocacy, they assisted with everything from seeking employment, to accessing medical care, and connecting them with the family services they needed most.
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Alexia, Family Support Worker
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Alexia worked alongside the National Guard to assess the needs of the immigrant individuals and families as they arrived, working to connect them to vital resources in the community as well as legal aid. Additionally, she organized multicultural events to welcome them through food and music and introduce them to our FRC space.
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Maria has supported countless immigrant families over the years. She assisted in preparing and delivering emergency supplies and is always at the ready to help. Maria has fostered community at many 18 Degrees events with her boundless energy and compassion.
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Joachim, Childcare & Family Support Worker
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Joachim works in 18 Degrees childcare and in the FRC. As a French speaker, he supported the Haitians with interpretation and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. Joachim brought immigrants to job fairs, helped them access local resources, and has been a passionate advocate.
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Makhete, Interpreter & ESL Instructor
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Makhete’s multilingual expertise and background as a Haitian immigrant himself was crucial in building trust between immigrants and service providers. He accompanied families to programs at 18 Degrees and provided ESL instruction and language interpretation. A talented artist and musician, he enjoys bringing people together through food, art, and music.
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A big thank you to our staff and volunteers for creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment not only for immigrant families, but for every individual and family who walks through our doors!
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Community Partners Provide Essential Supplies
to Children for Back-to-School and More!
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Nonprofit partner Cradles to Crayons helps kids prepare everyday by providing essential items children need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.
Since 2022, 18 Degrees has been a beneficiary receiving and dispersing hundreds of diapers, clothing items, and school supplies into the community to those who need it most.
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In August, Guardian Life also once again generously donated over 50 backpacks and school supplies for high school students engaged in Pittsfield Community Connection.
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Both of these community partners have saved our families hundreds of dollars in Back-to-School expenses and helped set up our youth for success this school year. We are so grateful!
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Families Raising Families
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Jermaine has been raising his granddaughter Ja-Lanah for over 8 years now and cannot imagine what life would be like without reading bedtime stories together every night.
To his granddaughter he’s “Papa”. He’s also “Coach” to many high schoolers in the community, as a baseball umpire and official for basketball and football. He has over 12 years of experience in human services.
“I want to be a resource to others so they don’t have to be in the dark.” – Jermaine, Brien Center 18 Degrees Family Partner
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Are you or someone you know raising a family member?
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Jermaine Sistrunk facilitates a Families Raising Families group. Join him for an upcoming conversation and find support.
Families Raising Families Group
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4-5:30pm
Pittsfield Family Resource Center at 480 West Street
Contact Jermaine Sistrunk with any questions.
Email jdsistrunk@18degreesma.org.
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Lend a Hand as a Volunteer!
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Attend one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions. No advanced notice needed!
Learn more about volunteering at 18 Degrees in an in-person or virtual session. Staff will answer questions and discuss meaningful ways you can be part of our mission.
Whether once a week or once a year, we can help you find an opportunity that interests you and fits your schedule.
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In-Person at 480 West Street, Pittsfield, MA
1st Floor Community Room (light refreshments provided)
August 28 – 10:00 AM – 11 AM
September 25 – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
October 30 – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
November 27 – 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join Virtually
August 28 – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM I Join Zoom Meeting
September 25 – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM I Join Zoom Meeting
October 30 – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM I Join Zoom Meeting
November 27 – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM I Join Zoom Meeting
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Summer in the Berkshires may be winding down,
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but the Mobile Farmer’s Market is still at 480 West Street every Thursday to supply you with farm fresh fruits, veggies, meat, and dairy for all of your favorite summertime meals!
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Your Investment in 18 Degrees Ensures Our Success
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We serve children, youth, and families across Western Massachusetts from locations in Pittsfield and West Springfield in four core areas of service:
- Early Education & Care
- Foster Care & Adoption
- Child & Family Well-being
- Youth & Community Development
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Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and community partners
for ensuring our success over the last fiscal year!
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