Kids 4 Harmony, our free, intensive El Sistema-inspired string music program, has always been about more than music. It is about access, opportunity and belonging. That mission has not and will not change. With students in both Pittsfield and North Adams, Kids 4 Harmony has always been rooted in the communities we serve.
Kids 4 Harmony has grown and thrived through the generous support of donors and funders. We want you to know that your investment in this impactful program remains intact. Kids 4 Harmony will continue. The students you have believed in are still here, still learning, still growing. If anything, this moment makes the work more essential than ever. When systems shift and transitions become difficult, the consistency of a caring program, a trusted teacher, and a community of peers becomes a lifeline. Your support ensures that lifeline holds.
Our Kids’ Club Out-of-School Time Child Care program serves children and families who depend on consistent, high-quality care. We know that one of the most urgent concerns raised by Morningside families has been the continuity of before- and after-school and summer programs. We share the concerns and will work alongside the school district and the broader community to ensure support and services continue.
We are actively engaged with Pittsfield Public Schools and community partners to identify solutions. While we may not have every answer yet, we have an unwavering commitment to finding them.
Our name, 18 Degrees, is drawn from a moment right before sunrise when the sun is just below the horizon. It is the threshold of a new day. It is the moment that holds both the weight of what has passed and the promise of what is coming. That is exactly where we stand right now.
We will share updates as plans develop. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or simply to talk.
With hope and resolve,
Stephanie Steed
President & CEO
18 Degrees