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.

Pittsfield Audit Committee Sees 2 'Advantageous' Proposals

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city received two strong proposals for an independent audit and will evaluate their cost as the last determining factor. 

On Monday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee decided to advance proposals from CliftonLarsonAllen and from Scanlon and Associates, the firm that has audited Pittsfield for years. 

The city received two bid responses that members generally saw as equally strong. Some pushed for a new set of eyes, and some were comfortable with the knowledge Scanlon has built about Pittsfield over the years. 

They agreed that prices are an important factor and voted to advance both proposals to purchasing agent Colleen Hunter-Mullett so she can come back with financial information. 

"I think one was longer, but when I looked at it, I thought they both had in-depth information for us, and I really didn't have any issues with any of them, and I think they're both highly advantageous in that," said Kathy Amuso, who was designated to review the proposals. 

"… I contacted municipalities for both CliftonLarsonAllen and Scanlon, and no matter which one I contacted, all the CliftonLarsonAllen customers and clients highly recommended them, and the Scanlon clients highly recommended them."

She has worked with Scanlon through government since 2003 and, because both proposals were highly rated, doesn't see a reason to change.

"I think it's been pretty consistent. I think they've been good to work with; I think they found some issues that they worked with the City of Pittsfield on," Amuso explained. 

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