A Message from our President and CEO At 18 Degrees, we are motivated by the belief that even when things seem dark, there is a new beginning over the horizon. Our goals are to provide services and supports that transform the lives of children, families, and communities by creating opportunities that inspire hope, promote possibilities, and fulfill dreams. Through our mentorship program, and everything else that we do, we help new beginnings come to light. 
Our Mentors Illuminate New Beginnings 
In honor of National Mentoring Month, we celebrate the countless contributions and lifelong positive impact our mentors have on area youth. These powerful relationships have the ability to improve academic, social, and economic prospects and make youth more likely to have safer, healthier, and more prosperous lives.
Hear first-hand from our mentors what inspires them and what they cherish about their experience on our blog.
Additional Programs to Meet the Need of our Youth Youth programs are essential in providing our young people a sense of identity and belief in their future. Over the past two years, we have made our youth programming offerings more robust to further guide young people to the resources, skills, and support to help them reach their goals. All of our youth programs aim to ignite young people’s creativity, support their ambitions, discover opportunities, and break down barriers to realize their dreams. 
Our Safe Spaces programming expands our offerings for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. 18 Degrees provides a safe, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and healthy space for youth and young adults to live out loud and be their authentic selves. 
We also offer RAP, Inc. – an afterschool music production program, in which youth ages 12-18 can earn money for setting and achieving artistic goals! Youth will learn about music production, including song-writing, beat-making, and production techniques, as well as financial literacy through a partnership with Greylock Federal Credit Union.
Early Childhood Support Pilot Program Selects 18 Degrees 
18 Degrees has been selected to participate in the Department of Early Education and Care’s (DEEC) pilot program, Early Childhood Support Organization Initiative. The goal of the pilot is to develop strategies that accelerate continuous improvement in teaching, curriculum, and leadership skills to assure children are receiving the highest levels of quality early education. Danielle Butler, Site Director, and Beth Darling, Lead Infant and Toddler Teacher, at the West Street child care site, are part of the first cohort of 19 teachers chosen from across the Commonwealth. For up to four years, they will engage in targeted coaching and peer learning opportunities.
In Case You Missed It 
Check out our 2021 Annual Report and Video and see how, thanks to the generosity of many, we navigated the challenges of a socially distant world so more than 5,000 of our neighbors throughout Western Massachusetts could access supports to help them thrive. 
Meet the many faces of 18 Degrees by checking out the Staff Spotlights! We are so fortunate to have a team that brings their expertise, energy and compassion as we walk alongside the people we serve.
Our gratitude runs deep for each and every 18 Degrees supporter. Without you, our mission to champion the needs of children, youth, families, and individuals to overcome the odds and shape their lives for the better would not be possible. Your gifts provide safe and reliable childcare, family and parenting support services, youth outreach programs, and foster and adoption services, and the list goes on! If you haven't already, please join us in bringing new beginnings to light and make a gift today! 
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Want to subscribe? Contact Sarah Frederick, sfrederick@18degreesma.org, or call (413) 448-8281 ext 233.