18 Degrees Recognizes Recognition CelebrationBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:16PM / Friday, August 18, 2023 | |
 Staff at 18 Degrees pose with eight of its clients |
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.
Photos from the ceremony can be found here.
Honorees:
Kalyn Daniels
Jillian Delphia
Tatianna Ramos
Byonté Jones
Jajuan Jones Chapelle
Keenan DeBour
DeShane Johnson
Autumn Brooks
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