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.

Companion Corner: Princess at Berkshire Humane Society

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There is an energetic girl waiting to find her new home at the Berkshire Humane Society.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.  

Princess is a six year old shepherd mix that has been at the shelter for just over a month.

Canine caregiver and adoption counselor Simone Olivieri told us about Princess.

"She's very social, very friendly. When you're out walking her, she just wants to go say hi to every single new person. Loves to make new friends. She's a lot of fun. She's very active. She's very spunky. She's very playful, and she's going to need a very very active family who's going to do a lot with her." 

But Princess is no stranger to the shelter. She was a puppy five years ago and got adopted quickly, but now she needs a new family to take care of her.

"She was adopted out fairly quickly as a young puppy. She's been in the same home for the past five years. Unfortunately, they were moving out of state somewhere," Olivieri said. "They could not take her with them, so she ended up coming as a return to shelter, and she came back to stay with us."

Princess needs to go to a home as the only animal or with other male dogs that are her size or bigger.

"Her perfect home would be kids eight and up. No cats. No small animals. She has quite a prey drive. She could go to a home with another dog around her size or larger, preferably a male dog. She does a little bit better with male dogs, and she's looking for a home where people are home quite a bit, so that she's not left alone for too long. She has some separation anxiety," Olivieri said. 

She also needs a very active home that can let her use her energy every day, as she is very rambunctious. Especially with playing with her favorite toy, the flirt pole.

"She could use a home where people are going to give her a lot of attention and more than just a few walks a day; she's going to need lots of exercise, lots of playtime, lots of mental stimulation," Olivieri said. "She likes to learn, so someone who would be willing to take her to training classes or work on some training with her, as well as hikes, getting out and about, doing new things, different things. She is very athletic. She'd excel at things like agility, some dog sports. Just someone who is really going to want to engage and do a lot of different kinds of activities with her." 

Once you let her get her energy out, she is a cuddler who wouldn't mind being held like a baby from time to time.

"She's very sweet. She's very cuddly. She's very affectionate, but she is not a couch potato. She will stay on that couch with you for a little bit, and then she's ready to go off and do something else. So she's very busy. She's very active," Olivieri said. "Once all of her exercise needs are met during the day, she will settle down nicely, and she will want to be right by your side, cuddle with you at night on the couch, sleep with you."

Princess is very healthy but does experience some anxiety and is not fully potty trained and might have the occasional accident.

"She does have a little bit of anxiety, so she is on some medication for it right now," Olivieri said. "So a lot of structure, a lot of outlets, and familiarity, getting used to a new routine and everything is gonna be really good for her. I mean, she's just lovely. Like I said, she's very social. She likes to play with other dogs. She likes to meet new people."

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