January 2024 Highlights from 18 Degrees

Happy New Year From 18 Degrees!

Anniversary Reflection from our President

Thanks to my long history with 18 Degrees, I have a familiarity with the challenges our communities in Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley face, as well as their potential. During my first year as President & CEO, I’ve gained a new perspective highlighting the opportunities ahead.

As I look forward to my second year leading this remarkable agency, I am excited about the ways to further our mission to promote the strengths and well-being of children, youth, and families in Western Massachusetts through our programs and services.

-Stephanie Steed

President & CEO

In the coming months, there will be focused communication and collaboration with the staff and the board as we embark upon our next strategic planning cycle. I look forward to putting our shared vision into practice and building resiliency within the agency.

I want to thank all our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who are so integral to our work. It’s been an honor, thus far, to lead 18 Degrees. Together, we will make the next year even more extraordinary than the first!

January is National Mentoring Month

Youth mentoring offers young people guidance, support, and positive role models. At 18 Degrees, we proudly offer a mentoring program that provides training and support for volunteers that we carefully match with young people. Our mentors commit to at least 90 minutes per week with their mentees for a year, though many relationships have lasted beyond the year mark. Here's what some of our mentors and mentees have shared about their experience:

“I have loved watching my mentee build confidence and have fun learning new things, from ice skating to snowboarding. Being a mentor is incredibly rewarding."

“Instead of being lost in life, I had someone to guide me and help me become a better version of myself.”

“My mentor has an incredible ability to see my potential and push me to achieve my goals. The wisdom and experience they share with me has helped me navigate through challenges. I’m so grateful to have a mentor in my life. I know they genuinely care and want to see me succeed.”

Feeling inspired to get involved?

Get more information about becoming a Mentor.

Volunteer Today!

Kids 4 Harmony Celebrates Student Achievements

Davis, a junior, was accepted to YOLA National Institute (YNI), a program under the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association supporting the personal and professional development of young musicians in the field of classical music. Costs of participation are covered by YNI. The program runs January - June 2024 with a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

About his first trip to LA, Davis says, "It was an amazing experience. A lot of it was about college preparation. I got to meet like-minded people, share ideas, talk about our potential futures and how music can be a part of it."

The Spring session of Longy School for Music Side-by-Side Program began this month, with North Adams Kids 4 Harmony students participating for the first time! Second-year students Brook and Nayomi are excited for their Longy experience.

Kids 4 Harmony partners with Longy to provide this opportunity to students that builds musicianship and offers the chance to play with other groups of students and teachers. 18 Degrees provides bus transportation to and from Cambridge, MA for participating students.

Juniors Jason and Lisa will serve as Youth Ambassadors to the 2024 El Sistema Annual Symposium in June.

Their acceptance is followed by online Zoom sessions before they travel to Indianapolis to present at the 2024 National Symposium at Butler University, June 9-16.

The Youth Ambassadors program is only in its second year. Last year Zoë and Gina attended, and they had a great experience! Ambassadors join a cohort of students from around the country for two days of team building and leadership training before utilizing their skills to bring youth voice to presentations, musical performances, and engagement with conference attendees.

Congratulations to Atlas, Lisa, and Zoë for their acceptance and participation in the Senior Festival of Western MA Districts this month! They gathered at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA with students from across the state to perform beautiful music to the delight of family, friends, and the public. K4H staff member Jimmy Bergin helped prepare Atlas for their first audition and experience participating in the festival.

You're Invited!