All activities are currently being hosted in person. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status and RSVPs are required. Please reach out to the designated staff member listed with the event.

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS IN SUBSTANCE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
The program meets virtually on Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
November 18th, 2025 to March 3rd, 2026
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
1 in-person session each month. Make up session dates and in-person dates are TBD
For more information please contact Jazyme Joy at info@18degreesma.org or to register: Zoom Meeting Registration
24/7 Dads/Fathers Parenting Class – 10 Week Series
Beginning on February 4, this class is a 10-week series using 24/7 Dad’s curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Frank Busener. Registration and intake paperwork required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. A light dinner is included.
Please contact Baraq Peltier-Polston for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Wednesday ESOL English Classes
2nd and 3rd Wednesday of every month 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
English classes include a fun way to socialize while learning English.
Please contact Alexia at 413-448-8281 Ext: 268 for more information.
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning February 11, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Registration and intake paperwork is required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Fathers & Family Network Meeting – Supporting Dads to Support Moms
Tuesday, February 24 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Refreshments and networking from 2:00pm to 2:30pm.
Please join the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center for Supporting Dads to Support Moms. This training and networking event is open to anyone who works with or serves fathers, and will highlight the challenges & opportunities of partnering.
Presented by Douglas G. Edwards, Director of Real Dads Forever.
- Douglas is a trained high-conflict family mediator
- BOD Member of the CT Association of Infant Mental Health
- Experienced in trauma-informed family support practice training
For more information, please contact 413-448-8281 or email info@18degreesma.org
Please register for the event using this form: Supporting Dads to Support Moms Presentation

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS IN SUBSTANCE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
The program meets virtually on Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
November 18th, 2025 to March 3rd, 2026
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
1 in-person session each month. Make up session dates and in-person dates are TBD
For more information please contact Jazyme Joy at info@18degreesma.org or to register: Zoom Meeting Registration
Parenting Circle/Parent Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Is your young person struggling with school? Maybe your teen is making you feel like the worst
parent alive. Parenting is tough, and we are here to walk alongside you. In this supportive group, we
will discuss positive discipline, emotional regulation, school-related issues, parenting behaviors, and
so much more. Light dinner or snacks included.
Contact: Abbie 413-448-8281 Ext: 269 for more information.
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.
24/7 Dads/Fathers Parenting Class – 10 Week Series
Beginning on February 4, this class is a 10-week series using 24/7 Dad’s curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Frank Busener. Registration and intake paperwork required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. A light dinner is included.
Please contact Baraq Peltier-Polston for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning February 11, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Registration and intake paperwork is required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS IN SUBSTANCE TREATMENT AND RECOVERY
The program meets virtually on Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:30 PM
November 18th, 2025 to March 3rd, 2026
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
1 in-person session each month. Make up session dates and in-person dates are TBD
For more information please contact Jazyme Joy at info@18degreesma.org or to register: Zoom Meeting Registration
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.
24/7 Dads/Fathers Parenting Class – 10 Week Series
Beginning on February 4, this class is a 10-week series using 24/7 Dad’s curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Frank Busener. Registration and intake paperwork required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. A light dinner is included.
Please contact Baraq Peltier-Polston for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning February 11, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Registration and intake paperwork is required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Saturday ESOL English Classes
1st Saturday of every month 10:00 AM – 12:00PM
English classes include a fun way to socialize while learning English.
Please contact Alexia at 413-448-8281 Ext: 268 for more information.
Parenting Circle/Parent Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Is your young person struggling with school? Maybe your teen is making you feel like the worst
parent alive. Parenting is tough, and we are here to walk alongside you. In this supportive group, we
will discuss positive discipline, emotional regulation, school-related issues, parenting behaviors, and
so much more. Light dinner or snacks included.
Contact: Abbie 413-448-8281 Ext: 269 for more information.
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.
24/7 Dads/Fathers Parenting Class – 10 Week Series
Beginning on February 4, this class is a 10-week series using 24/7 Dad’s curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Frank Busener. Registration and intake paperwork required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. A light dinner is included.
Please contact Baraq Peltier-Polston for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Wednesday ESOL English Classes
2nd and 3rd Wednesday of every month 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
English classes include a fun way to socialize while learning English.
Please contact Alexia at 413-448-8281 Ext: 268 for more information.
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning February 11, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Registration and intake paperwork is required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
24/7 Dads/Fathers Parenting Class – 10 Week Series
Beginning on February 4, this class is a 10-week series using 24/7 Dad’s curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Frank Busener. Registration and intake paperwork required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. A light dinner is included.
Please contact Baraq Peltier-Polston for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Wednesday ESOL English Classes
2nd and 3rd Wednesday of every month 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
English classes include a fun way to socialize while learning English.
Please contact Alexia at 413-448-8281 Ext: 268 for more information.
Nurturing Fathers/Fathers Parenting Class – 16 Week Series
Beginning February 11, this class is a 16-week series using the Nurturing Fathers curriculum. This class will be facilitated by Jermaine Sistrunk. Registration and intake paperwork is required, and attendance is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion. Dinner is included.
Please contact Jermaine Sistrunk for any questions at: 413-448-8281 or info@18degreesma.org
Parenting Circle/Parent Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Is your young person struggling with school? Maybe your teen is making you feel like the worst
parent alive. Parenting is tough, and we are here to walk alongside you. In this supportive group, we
will discuss positive discipline, emotional regulation, school-related issues, parenting behaviors, and
so much more. Light dinner or snacks included.
Contact: Abbie 413-448-8281 Ext: 269 for more information.
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.