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.

As the days grow longer, the sun’s rays begin to melt winter away, bringing renewal to the world around us. When days feel dreary, our participants find kindness and hope working with trauma-informed staff with lived experience who meet them where they are along their journey and act as their guide.

The growing sunlight brings to mind the hope embodied in our name 18 Degrees, representing the angle of the sun as it comes up on the horizon. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the powerful legacy of people like Rep. John Lewis. Civil rights leaders like John Lewis relied on their core values and principles to guide them on the path to equality. We can follow their example.

“Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.”

– Rep. John Lewis, 1940-2020

Our COMPASS POINTS guide the work we do in Western Massachusetts: Integrity ensures we act ethically and transparently. Courage empowers us to face challenges head-on. Accountability keeps us responsible for the impact we make, and our commitment to being better together creates a strong foundation for collaboration and support.

Spotlight on 18 Degrees Through Kids 4 Harmony

On February 10th, 18 Degrees and the Kids 4 Harmony program were featured in a detailed article by Robbi Hartt for the Berkshire Edge BUSINESS MONDAY.

“Kids 4 Harmony is a spoke on the wheel, an opportunity for forward-facing celebration of the often heavy work we do,” said Stephanie Steed, our President & CEO.

Also on February 10th, North Adams Kids 4 Harmony held their first casual concert at the new program location, Colegrove Elementary School.

En-Ting, Lead String Teaching Artist, introduced about a dozen new beginner’s who have showed immense progress! Later, staff joined advanced students for a classical piece from the 17th century.

MARCH 25

Pittsfield Spring Casual Concert, 5:30pm

Zion Lutheran Church

74 First St, Pittsfield

APRIL 5

CIAO! & Kids 4 Harmony

Time TBD

St. John’s Episcopal Church

35 Park St, Williamstown

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in Action

This month, 18 Degrees was featured on the City of Pittsfield website as an ARPA Community Partner with an inspiring article highlighting the impacts of the $600,000 in ARPA funds received between 2022-2025 that are helping our communities recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic and its aftermath.

Foster Parents Needed!

18 Degrees has helped families come together for over 100 years. We help guide you through the process and want you to be confident in your decision to grow your family. There are many children in need and not enough placements. If you’ve ever considered opening your home to a foster child, please contact us today!

Here’s How YOU Make a Difference!