Pittsfield Community Connection, a program of 18 Degrees, has been awarded nearly $600,000 through the MA Department of Public Health Gun Violence Prevention Program (GVPP).  These funds will expand our work with young people in the City of Pittsfield and explore and challenge existing systems and practices that contribute to youth involvement in criminal or gang-related activities including gun violence. The communities most affected by violence have long histories of …

Continue reading "Pittsfield Community Connection Challenges Status Quo with New Funding"

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic we have maintained our commitment to our communities, our staff, and mission delivery.  We have operated with these clear goals in mind: keeping services running and accessible to the full extent possible; keeping our staff employed and paid; continuing on our mission, every child in a family, every family in a community, now and for …

Continue reading "18 Degrees Delivers on our Mission During a Pandemic"

While we understand the deep need for the return to the normal routine for many of our community children who enjoy the quality learning environment and comradery of licensed child care, we, 18 Degrees, the Berkshire Family YMCA and the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, will not be able to reopen on Monday, June 8. …

Continue reading "A Joint Statement from 18 Degrees, Gladys Allen Brigham Center, and Berkshire Family YMCA"

Dear Friends, I am a black woman, the daughter of a black man, wife of a black man, and mother of black sons. I am other things, including President and CEO of 18 Degrees, a social services agency that promotes the well-being and strength of children, adults, and families to build better communities. I mention …

Continue reading "A Statement from Colleen Holmes, President and CEO on Recent Incidents of Racism"