Thankful For You!

At this time of year, we pause and give thanks.

 

We count YOU among those we are grateful for – all of our donors and funders over the last fiscal year.

 

Please take a look at our 2024 Impact Report for stories and details of our work.

 

We champion access, opportunity, belonging, and well-being for all people on their journey, helping to build thriving communities.

 

Thank you for engaging with us and supporting our mission!

Introducing Our Newest Board Members

Allison Gundler – Allie began her professional journey in higher education, where she obtained her MBA. Following the start of her family, she transitioned into the banking sector, spending over four years at Berkshire Bank in various roles. She values collaboration, integrity, and innovation. We’re excited about the passion, energy, and professionalism she brings to the table!

Radcliffe A. Harwood III  – Cliff has extensive experience in engineering, telecommunications, business administration and infrastructure technology. A former Navy service member, he worked at General Dynamics, KB Toys, and in Major League Baseball. Cliff has been an 18 Degrees Pittsfield Community Connection Volunteer teaching computer skills and encouraging exploration in STEM careers. He also served on the Police Advisory Committee and volunteers at Taconic High School. 

Diana Wall – Diana has been a mentor with 18 Degrees’ Pittsfield Community Connection since April 2021. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles on various nonprofit boards and spent 30-years in human resources and communications at GE/SABIC. Diana also dedicates her time as a volunteer with E for All, Josh Billings, and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires.

Diana, Allison, and Cliff at the 18 Degrees Annual Meeting in October stand up to be recognized as new 18 Degrees Board Directors.

18 Degrees Celebrates National Adoption Day

Launched in 1999, National Adoption Day raises awareness of the more than 108,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. 

 

Massachusetts celebrated National Adoption Day on November 22 where 116 children and teens finalized their adoptions with their permanent families. In courts across the state marching bands played, public speeches were made, and an appearance by Spiderman helped children and families celebrate this special moment together.

 

The celebration included the adoption of Josh by Denise and Vinnie, who received services through 18 Degrees’ Adoption Team. 

Liz Cole, Adoption Services Clinical Supervisor worked with Denise and Vinnie throughout their journey from initial application, to training and home study, and finally matching them with Josh. Josh, age 13, had been in foster care for 8 years before finding his way into Denise and Vinnie’s hearts, and then into their home in February 2024.

 

Josh is an athlete, excelling in football. The family enjoys trying new activities, travel, sports, experiencing new restaurants, and karaoke. They even have an in-home karaoke room where they enjoy singing together!

 

Pictured here, Pittsfield Mayor Marchetti poses with 18 Degrees’ Christopher Dellea at the unveiling of the new name Brave Spaces! (formerly Safe Spaces) for LGBTQIA+ programming.

 

As an organization, 18 Degrees provides a nurturing environment to support our LGBTQIA+ youth and teen participants in:

• showing up as their authentic selves
• practicing a growth mindset
• being of service to their community
• resisting negativity and standing up for themselves and others while embracing the power of non-violence
• taking care of themselves while caring for others as well

8 students and 2 Kids 4 Harmony Alumni shared the stage with jazz saxophonist Grace Kelly in an energizing performance at Shakespare & Company called A Night at the Movies. The performance was recorded by Pittsfield Community Television. Click below to watch.

October was a busy month for our Kids 4 Harmony program.

 

North Adams welcomed a new cohort of 11 students who are getting to know their new instruments.

 

This year’s program has the largest class of graduating seniors – 9 in total! 6 of them have been in the program since they were Beginners in elementary school!

Advanced students took advantage of some special performance opportunities. Three seniors, Davis, Gina, and Lisa, traveled to Bogotá, Colombia to perform in an international El Sistema orchestra with Gustavo Dudamel and other El Sistema students from around the world. They were invited thanks to their acceptance and attendance at the YOLA National Festival this past July.

Stay tuned for an upcoming North Adams concert date in January.

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th for the Pittsfield Winter Casual Concert.

 

5:30pm

Zion Lutheran Church

74 First Street, Pittsfield

 

You won’t want to miss it!

Community-Centered Family Support in the Pioneer Valley hosted an apple picking excursion for Family Mobility participants at Kielbasa Orchards in Hadley. 

 

The weather was beautiful and each family was given a bag to fill with crisp, fresh apples.

 

Staff, adults, and children had a great time together enjoying the outdoors.

18 Degrees advocates for the well-being of children and families.

 

Stephanie Steed, our President & CEO, shares her professional knowledge and experience in social services as an advocate and presenter on child welfare matters in Western MA and at large.

 

 

At The Kempe Center’s 2024 International Virtual Conference: A Call to Action to Change Child Welfare,  Stephanie co-presented a workshop with Linda-Jean Mack, LICSW titled, It’s something that comes up from time to time: conversations about CPS reform with mandated reporters.

 

In it’s fifth year, the conference brought together an estimated 2,000 participants from 25 countries. The conference serves as a platform to collaborate on innovative solutions for improving the lives of children and families affected by child welfare involvement.

Fall kickboxing classes for youth and young adults in our Substance Use Disorder Program have seen 8 teens showing up consistently.

 

Kickboxing can be a great way for teens to manage the stress and pressure they face on a daily basis. It helps release endorphins and channel energy into physical activity that improves concentration, boosts strength, social-skills, and confidence.

 

Sponsored by Southeast Kettlebell in Pittsfield, the current class runs through December 19th. 

 

For questions, contact Steve Quadrozzi, Youth Substance Use Prevention Specialist, in the Family Resource Center at 413-344-3721.

Join a community of over 150 volunteers

making a difference at 18 Degrees. 

Contact Amy Guachione

to inquire about volunteer opportunities!