BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud High School Group
Wednesdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 14-18.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
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
Nursing Baby/Toddler Group/Berkshire Nursing Families
Thursdays 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families this is a supportive playgroup for those who are breastfeeding to socialize, get parenting and breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant and other participants. Baby scale available for weight checks.
Please contact Brooke 413-448-8281 Ext: 283 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Young Adult Affinity Group
Thursdays 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 18-30.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud Middle School Group
Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 11-14.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
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.
PLAYFUL PALS GROUP/Children’s Play Group
1st Saturday of each month 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
This group brings children ages 5-10 together in a space where creativity will abound with activities, games, skits, song, movement and art. Snacks included. Everyone is welcome to join!
Contact: Christopher Dellea 413-448-8281 Ext: 282 or email cdellea@18degreesma.org for more information.
Mommy & Me/Parent-Child Interaction Play Group
Tuesdays 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
A supportive play group for parents and children ages 0-5yr old. The group includes parent-child interaction activities, education around child development and parenting behaviors, and an opportunity to connect with other parents. Nutritious food and snacks included.
Contact: 413-448-8281 Alexia Ext: 268 or Brooke Ext: 283 for more information.

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
Cyber Safety for Families Event
Tuesday, February 10 from 4:00pm – 5:30pm
An engaging event for parents about the importance of internet safety for children. Join us to discuss strategies to help keep your kids safe as they surf the web.
Childcare and and light meal will be provided.
Hosted at 18 Degrees Family Resource Center in partnership with The Kids’ Place and The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office.
For questions or to register for the event call 413-448-8281 or email 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.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud High School Group
Wednesdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 14-18.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 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
Nursing Baby/Toddler Group/Berkshire Nursing Families
Thursdays 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families this is a supportive playgroup for those who are breastfeeding to socialize, get parenting and breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant and other participants. Baby scale available for weight checks.
Please contact Brooke 413-448-8281 Ext: 283 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Young Adult Affinity Group
Thursdays 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 18-30.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud Middle School Group
Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 11-14.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 for more information.
18 Degrees will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Mommy & Me/Parent-Child Interaction Play Group
Tuesdays 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
A supportive play group for parents and children ages 0-5yr old. The group includes parent-child interaction activities, education around child development and parenting behaviors, and an opportunity to connect with other parents. Nutritious food and snacks included.
Contact: 413-448-8281 Alexia Ext: 268 or Brooke Ext: 283 for more information.

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
BRAVE SPACES LGBTQIA+ Live Out Loud High School Group
Wednesdays 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Join us at the Family Resource Center to enjoy a supportive space for groups and educational series that center on LGBTQIA+ conversations, fun activities, field trips, and pride events for ages 14-18.
Contact Christopher at cdellea@18degreesma.org or call 413-441-1207 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
All activities are currently being hosted in person unless specified. Call (413) 448-8281 or email info@18degreesma.org for more information.
18 Degrees partners with the Berkshire Diaper Project to offer families FREE diapers during regular business hours.