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 our mission and vision to foster connection, resilience, and opportunity for all. Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and for helping us build a stronger sense of belonging for everyone we serve.

January is Mentoring Month

MENTOR National was created more than 30 years ago to expand opportunity for young people by building a youth mentoring field and movement. 18 Degrees is a proud participant in that movement. 

 

Our mentors work with young people to help them build connections in their community, self-confidence, and trusting relationships. Mentoring can have a powerful impact on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations, and contribute to their overall feelings of belonging. 18 Degrees Mentors attend a three hour training and monthly check-ins with staff for support. Mentors are asked to make a 1-year commitment to meeting with your mentee for a minimum of 1.5 hours per week.

 

Are you ready to start making a difference in a young person’s life? Contact us today, or reach Amy Guachione, Director of Volunteer Services directly. 

The teen Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Boxing Program continues through the end of February. 

Sessions are held 3 days a week at Southeast Kettlebell in Pittsfield. Transportation and nutritious snacks are provided to youth.  Each class includes discussion on the topic of substance use prevention and a guided workout. Currently 15 participants are taking advantage of this opportunity!

 

Kickboxing can be a great way to manage stress. It helps release endorphins and channel energy into physical activity that improves concentration, boosts strength, social-skills, and confidence.

 

Do you know a young person who could benefit from this program? Contact Steve Quadrozzi, Youth Substance Use Prevention Specialist,

413-344-3721.

Join us on February 10th at 4pm for the North Adams Kids 4 Harmony

Casual Concert!

 

Colegrove Elementary School Gymnasium

24 Church Street, North Adams

(with a snow date of Feb. 12th)

 

Beginners, advanced students, and staff

will perform a 30 minute set.

The concert is free and open to the public.

You won’t want to miss it!

Join us this Thursday, January 30th at 6:30pm for the inaugural performance of Berkshire Youth Orchestra at the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium. 

 

We are thrilled about this collaboration between Kids 4 Harmony and Berkshire Music School. The ensemble will play a 30 minute set and is composed of Berkshire-based musicians ages 12-19 who play strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The performance is free and open to the public.

Students are beginning to learn the repertoire for the 2025 Kids 4 Harmony Summer Gala Concert. Save the date for Tuesday, June 24th at Tanglewood!

 

In the classroom, students are honing their skills and practicing auditions for various opportunities, including undergraduate music school, the 2025 Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) Festival, and the El-Sistema USA Youth Ambassadors program. 

 

Beginners in North Adams are getting ready for their first performance coming up next month, thanks to the help of our Teaching Artists and Teaching Assistants (paid seniors in the program). 

Last weekend, the spring season of Longy Side-by-Side program began. Kids 4 Harmony students travel to Cambridge, MA on weekends to learn from established musicians in a collaborative learning environment. We’re excited that several middle school students from North Adams are joining us for the first time! Rehearsals culminate with an informal performance on April 5th. 

Here are a few more photos from our Holiday Festival in the Family Resource Center back in December. Thanks to all of our volunteers who helped create a successful event for all who attended!

Thanks to our incredible community, we raised over $85,000 at the close of 2024 to support our mission.

 

Your generosity fuels the work of our family support workers, teachers, case managers, and recovery coaches, who provide life-changing services to children, youth, and families across Western Massachusetts.

At 18 Degrees, we meet people where they are, guiding them toward the resources they need to build a brighter future. Your support makes this possible—Thank you for helping us create lasting change!

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