18 Degrees Hosts Info Sessions on Becoming a Foster Parent

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 18 Degrees announced a series of informative sessions for individuals and families interested in becoming foster parents. Interested parties can select from information sessions held virtually on Sept. 26 at 12:30 pm, Sept. 30 at 7:30 pm, and Oct. 9 at 9:00 am.
 
Registration information is available online, www.18degreesma.org.
 
Foster care plays a crucial role in providing safe, nurturing environments for children who have experienced trauma and instability. The need for foster families is greater now than ever, and 18 Degrees is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and loving environment, according to a press release.
 
Each info session will cover:
  • Understanding Foster Care: Learn about the foster care system, its purpose, and the types of children in need of foster homes.
  • Requirements to Become a Foster Parent: Discover the qualifications needed, the application process, and what’s expected from foster parents.
  • Support and Resources: Explore the training, resources, and ongoing support available to foster parents through 18 Degrees.
  • Personal Testimonials: Hear inspiring stories from current foster parents and how the experience has enriched their lives.
"Fostering is more than providing a roof over a child’s head; it's about creating a sense of belonging, offering stability and nurturing the potential in each child," said Stephanie Steed, President and CEO of 18 Degrees. "We invite anyone who has considered becoming a foster parent or is simply curious about the process to join us. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community."
 
All community members are welcome. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet staff members from the 18 Degrees Healing Homes team.
 
"Over the past seven years with Healing Homes, our family has welcomed nearly 30 children," said Alicia, a foster parent with 18 Degrees. "Whether it was just for a night, three years, or any period in between, we are incredibly grateful for the time we spent with each child. The dedicated staff at 18 Degrees has been an anchor, helping us celebrate milestones and navigate challenges."
 
For more information about the info sessions or to RSVP, please contact Sarah Frederick at info@18degreesma.org or visit www.18degreesma.org
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Starts Talks on STRs

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Short-term rentals have sparked extensive debate across Berkshire County, and now Dalton is joining the conversation.
 
During the Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, the topic of short-term rentals was briefly raised and will be discussed in more depth at its July meeting.
 
The state Department of Revenue flags short-term rentals as owner-occupied or occupied for 14 days or less. By law all units must register, but units occupied by guests for fewer than 15 days a year do not need to collect tax.
 
Some towns, like Williamstown, have defined a rental of a whole or a portion of a dwelling unit, in exchange for payment, as residential accommodations for not more than 30 consecutive days. 
 
Dalton does not have a bylaw for short-term rentals. Definitions on similar rentals within the bylaws are: 
 
Motel, which is defined as a hotel primarily for transients traveling by automobile, with a parking space on the lot for each lodging unit with access to each such unit directly from the outside
 
Lodging, bed-and-breakfast, boarding, or tourist house, which are defined as a residence with rooms rented or used by paying guests, transiently or permanently, where not more than six bedrooms are used for shelter and sleeping accommodations for guests, and guest meals may be provided.
 
Although Building Inspector Brian Duval has not received any complaints, the town's lack of a short-term rental bylaw needs to be addressed to prevent "major problems" other towns are experiencing, including Lanesborough and Lenox. 
 
If Duval receives a complaint, he is required to immediately send a cease and desist, shutting them down, Vice Chair Robert Collins said. 
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