18 Degrees Outlines Year of Helping Children and Families Thrive
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The nonprofit 18 Degrees emphasized the work of dedicated and talented staff members during its annual meeting at the Country Club of Pittsfield last week.
The name, 18 Degrees, symbolizes where the sun stands below the horizon just before dawn, reminding staff that every new day is a chance to live up to nonprofit's mission of championing access, opportunity, belonging, and well-being for all people in their life journeys and building thriving communities.
Its programming serves children, individuals, and families in early education and care, foster care and adoption, child and family well-being, and youth and community development.
President and CEO Stephanie Steed said meetings like this serve as a powerful reminder to everyone involved that their efforts are not only important but truly essential.
"We are currently navigating a time of both action and introspection, given the unsettling federal policies and funding challenges that are now a part of our everyday lives, along with the readjustment of values and priorities in our nations and our communities. Adaptability is key," she said.
"At 18 Degrees, we are dedicated to understanding these shifts in order to strengthen our sustainability and deepen our impact in the communities we serve. Dedication, flexibility, and persistence. That's what we deliver, because that's what we are."
She said the nonprofit aims to go beyond simply meeting immediate needs, "Because we have a vision where we want to create a new future where opportunities outshine barriers."
"This commitment drives us to work towards a brighter future where all people feel a sense of community and belonging. We spent the last year focusing on our four very ambitious goals that were outlined in our strategic plan," Steed explained.
"We decided that from 2025 through 2029, we would commit to our organization's transformative journey, that we would support and develop our staff, that we would strengthen our sustainability, and that we would deepen our impact. Definitely ambitious and worthwhile goals, and we are off to a great start."
18 Degrees has bolstered its advocacy for participants and the agency, making several visits to the State House for legislative support for court-appointed special advocates, mentoring, youth and community development, the Family Resource Center, and the wider human services sector. It has also introduced new professional development processes that encourage continuous dialogue and growth opportunities, and have applied for an Early Education and Out of School Time capital grant.
"We learned just months ago that based on our application, we were awarded funding that will help us create a welcoming space and uphold our essential services for children," Steed reported.
"We want to continue to be quality service for our little learners."
18 Degrees ended the last fiscal year with about $12.8 million in income, and about $1.6 million in excess funds after operating expenses were paid. Eighty-two percent, or about $10.6 million, comes from government contracts.
Former board Chair Sheila Heffernon said it is an "extraordinary" organization.
"Every day, the lives of hundreds of people are impacted by the work of our dedicated and well-trained staff. When people walk through our doors, they discover that with over 20 programs, we can offer support and access to learning real-life skills that will help them on their journey as they begin their new days," she said.
"In the last few years, 18 Degrees has risen to become one of the leading nonprofits in Western Massachusetts, a powerful statement, considering how many there are here, and if you don't know, it's over 1,000."
She explained that 18 Degrees has evolved from being an umbrella organization where participants were often involved in only one program to being a space where people can find multiple areas of support that help create a cohesive plan for them.
"We have also, though, become a leader in advocacy work throughout the state. 18 Degree staff members can often be seen at the State House in Boston or throughout Western Massachusetts, raising the flag to support the people who work so hard to care for our citizens in all areas of their lives," Heffernon said.
"Forgive me if I boast, but we have so much to be proud of at 18 Degrees. At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, the work of 18 Degrees is more important than ever."
During the business portion of the meeting, Kenneth Stark was appointed as board chair and Linda Conway was given the title of director emeritus after more than a decade on the board and even more time with the agency.
Cellist Gerdrose Jean-Louis, former Kids for Harmony student and now a cello teacher, said the program was life-changing. Jean-Louis became involved with the program while attending Morningside Community School and graduated from Ithaca (N.Y.) College earlier this year.
"I had so many wonderful opportunities for Kids for Harmony, but the greatest one was being able to go to college to study music," Jean-Louis said.
Luanne Mears, Redfield Child Care site director, said that in the 21 months, she has experienced appreciation, support, and encouragement to grow her role.
"Each day in the Redfield community, I promote a sense of belonging to the children, family, and the staff so they can strive and be successful, all of which focuses on the goal of providing a loving and quality program to develop a strong foundation for future learning," she said.
"I have witnessed a variety of 18 Degrees resources at work, and I'm very proud to be part of the 18 Degrees family."
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