PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Family, community members and 18 Degrees stakeholders honored the accomplishments of eight participants of the 18 Degrees programming.
18 Degrees promotes family well-being through education, support, prevention and intervention, youth and community development, and foster care and adoption.
Pittsfield Community Connection and West Main Connection, programs of 18 Degrees, hosted the event to shine a light on the efforts these young adults made to enter a path of new beginnings, 18 Degrees President and CEO Stephanie Steed said.
The speakers commended the honorees for overcoming a variety of obstacles and balancing unexpected life changes while on their journey to success.
"They faced challenges, identified personal beliefs, set ambitious goals, and did the hard work to reach their personalized level of success," Steed said.
The speakers said these young adults overcame challenges from a pandemic, pregnancy, obtaining sobriety, and juggling family life and used their wisdom, strengths, and love of learning to obtain their goal.
The honorees achieved the goals they had set — whether it was obtaining a General Educational Development, enrolling in adult learning or college courses, receiving vocational training, earning employment, learning a skill, or volunteering.
"We're really hopeful that you feel a high level of pride and satisfaction in your work because we are here because we are proud of you and proud of your accomplishments," Steed said.
During the emotional ceremony, the honorees, mentors and families choked up as the awards were distributed.
This celebration would not have been possible without the dedicated 18 Degrees staff who serve as a connection point for many young people in the community, Youth and Community Development Vice President Bryan House said.
"Throughout 18 Degrees, we put much effort into utilizing what's called strength-based approaches in our work with young people," House said.
This approach refocuses interventions away from "immediate deficits to resources and strengths," he said.
A key component of the strength-based approach are the staff, families, and community members who supported the young adults while on their journey.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Pittsfield Superintendant Warns of Prohibited Toy Guns
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The district has been alerted of a concerning trend that is prohibited on school grounds: Orby or Orbeez gel guns.
The toy guns shoot gel or water beads and are said to pose a risk of physical harm and being mistaken for a real firearm. They are a violation of the Pittsfield Public School's code of conduct and could result in a suspension of 11 days or more.
"Though these may appear as simple toys, it's crucial to recognize the potential risks tied to their usage. By raising awareness, we aim to educate our community about the possible hazards associated with these items, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and responsible behavior," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis in a memo to the Pittsfield Public School community on Friday.
Last fall, someone used a similar gun to target cross-country students and a coach from Lee High. No one was injured in the incident.
Given the frequency of school shootings nationwide, Curtis said schools cannot afford to accommodate anything that even remotely that resembles a firearm. The toy guns and gel beads are secured behind a locked case in Walmart on Hubbard Avenue, many indicating that they are for ages 14 and older.
"The Pittsfield Public Schools firmly maintains that Orby toy guns and any associated pellets should not be brought onto school premises, including both indoor and outdoor areas. This directive is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors within our educational environment," he wrote.
"We stress the significance of following this directive to prevent any potential hazards or disruptions that may arise from the presence of these items on school grounds. By upholding this standard, we aim to cultivate a secure and conducive learning environment for everyone within the Pittsfield community."
The superintendent listed three potential hazards of the water-bead guns in the schools:
Physical Injuries: The guns have the capacity to propel projectiles at considerable speeds, posing a risk of injury to the eyes, skin, and even teeth, particularly when fired in close proximity.
Misidentification Risks: Due to their realistic appearance, some Orby guns may be mistaken for genuine firearms. Such misidentification could result in confusion and potentially perilous encounters, especially if law enforcement or bystanders perceive them as real weapons.
Public Disruption: The act of firing Orby guns in public settings can be highly disruptive and alarming to others. Such behavior may instill fear and panic among individuals nearby, potentially leading to charges of disorderly conduct or harassment.
The crashes happened at 9:40 p.m. when a westbound Honda Accord on Dalton Avenue crossed the double yellow line, striking a Subaru sedan traveling east, causing it to spin out.
click for more
Whether it is planting flowers or growing fresh produce, the program is for "sowing seeds of hope" for those with developmental disabilities.
click for more
Around 100 local officials, business and community leaders and residents attended the session that will help fuel the state's five-year housing plan. click for more
Voters approved all 22 articles on the warrant unanimously at the annual Fire District meeting on Tuesday night at the Stationery Factory.
click for more