Stephanie Steed, CEO and president of 18 Degrees, says the program affords support for youth and young adults to navigate life's complexities.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ten young people were recognized for overcoming adversity and achieving goals with the help of programs through 18 Degrees.
Beaming with pride after securing jobs, housing, and a better sense of self, they were given star-shaped plaques at the Berkshire Athenaeum on Friday.
This was the family services agency's second annual recognition event. Participants of the Pittsfield Community Connection and West Main Connection in North Adams, programs within 18 Degrees, were nominated after reaching various personal goals.
For 16-year-old Janessa Driscoll, it is about understanding that everyone has a unique path and that individuals' strides contribute to the larger tapestry of life. Over the last three years, she has been on a journey of self-discovery with a desire to learn, adapt, and evolve into a better version of herself.
"I am proud to say that I have discovered my own talent, whether it be my intelligence, my kindness, or my bravery. These are the qualities that define me and set me apart. They are the foundation of my growth and the strides I have made. Every act of kindness, every brave decision, and every moment of learning has shaped me into the person I am today," she said.
"Being nominated for this recommendation is not just an acknowledgment of my achievement but a celebration of the journey itself. It is a reminder that growth is not about grand discoveries but about the small, consistent steps we take every day."
Cole Massey Carver began WNC about five years ago with the goal of securing a place to call home. At 23 years old, he is now a top solar panel salesperson in Western Mass and was able to purchase an apartment building.
He was working 100-hour weeks in construction before entering the solar industry, which was a "blessing."
"As much as you're willing to fight for your success, this organization is ready to do the same," he said, explaining that is not something to be taken for granted. ...
"A lot of people don't have a support system behind them and a lot of people have a support system that isn't their family but acts as if they are ... So do all you can to be the best you can be, and then trust in God and keep working, and you will find success."
18 Degrees promotes the well-being and strengths of children, youth, and families to build better communities in the region. The connection programs are designed to guide young people to achieve their goals by providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and support.
President and CEO Stephanie Steed explained that being a part of these programs has allowed the youth and young adults to navigate life's complexities — and that all came with some grace.
"It's no small feat to manage life, work, home, all the things that are coming your way, which is why you deserve this celebration," she said.
"Each of you embodies strength and determination, even when the path ahead of you seemed uncertain. There were times when moving forward might feel like a dance, sometimes a step sideways, maybe even a step backward, but through it all, you persevered, transitioning from feeling stuck to really, really striving. You've been growing and making significant strides towards new days and new beginnings, not just for yourself but for your communities, and that you should be very, very proud of."
She recognized that the community is riddled with instances that are impactful, traumatic, and trying that cause a ripple effect.
"But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't recognize that despite traumatic events, despite violence, we can move forward," she said.
"Sometimes we can think of things as a because of, instead of a despite of, and it's because of our drive to do something differently, our drive to make a difference, our drive to have some things work better for ourselves we're here. And we're here to celebrate the young people who decided to make some changes for themselves and their community."
Vice President of Youth and Community Development Bryan House asked attendees to listen to the assets this group of "talented, energetic young folks" possess and the strengths and skills that they continue to develop. These are how they were nominated.
"It's just so wonderful to see all different kinds of young people bring their authentic selves here," he said.
"And it's just amazing to see them show up and be willing to go here with us and to celebrate with us so it just makes me feel good about the work we're doing. Something's working if young people are continuing to be drawn to it."
Mentor coordinator Gail Krumpholz and program directors Orrin Powell, Victoria DiPietro and Susanne Brelsford presented the nominees with awards.
Kristy Keeler has been a part of the Pittsfield program since 2020 and never gave up on her goals, Powell said, as she has faced adversity and demonstrated resilience as she worked toward them.
A mother of two, she is working as a personal care attendant and has accomplished many goals for her family.
Ayden Crisp has worked with the program since 2022 and during this time, DiPietro has watched him grow and turn into a resilient young man. He has been working full-time at AdLib Inc. for about six months, completed driver's education, and got a brand-new car.
He is described as a natural-born leader and extremely bright.
In the last two years, Elaina Gamache has shown extraordinary determination in her goals and has been in recovery for a year. She was offered a full-time position at Goodwill, worked through her pregnancy, and returned eight weeks after giving birth to a healthy baby girl.
Gamache's daughter accompanied her at the recognition.
DiPietro said her strength and ambition are truly inspiring.
Nicholas Errichetto has accomplished goals in being honest with himself and impacting young people in the community. Brelsford explained that he has sustained employment which exemplifies dependability and his ability to problem solve.
He has also utilized the resources of PCC to obtain a driver's license.
Alan Tamayo has achieved full-time employment and is a part of the Youth Advisory Committee, along with other nominees. This is a role that requires a high level of self-motivation and responsibility, Brelsford said.
She noted his strong self-confidence that allows him to shine through challenges.
"You have shown the courage to persevere through hardship," she said. "You were able to adapt and avoid unnecessary risks, planning with the future in mind."
Myah House is said to have wisdom and a love of learning, taking on challenges with an open mind. She has participated in the Youth Advisory Committee and as was asked not to lose sight of how far she has come and to take pride in it.
"You willingly listen to different perspectives as well as offer your own experiences to help your peers," Brelsford said.
Dezecarah Shuler has been consistently engaged with PCC for over three years and has achieved in case management, outreach, personal determination, and the assistance and support of her family.
She has acquired a state ID and her first job, which she has maintained, and completed her freshman year of high school. Shuler has also avoided pitfalls and situations that previously led to legal consequences by managing her stress and seeing the benefits of thoughtful decisions, Krumpholz explained.
"Dezecarah has additionally built healthy connections with several staff through the agency which has given her the resources and the tools to reach out when otherwise she may not have to work through challenging times," she added.
"She has been able to improve her interpersonal relationship skills, which has given her the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, and ultimately is able to display her conflict resolution skills through her maturation process. She has developed these skills through positive youth development activities with the agency while focusing on improving her relationships within her home and her community."
Aiden Carlino was recognized for his growth since joining PCC, which was not an easy path.
"From transitioning from high school baseball to finding a new love when you joined the football team, we see a new light in you," Krumpholz said.
"And while there may still be hard days ahead, knowing you can get through it seems to be a new strength of yours. While it may not always be easy, continue to work through the hard times to be a better you every day."
A staff member said that while they have always admired Carlino's commitment to athletics, his commitment to being a better and more resilient person is even more inspiring. He was reluctant to join the program at the beginning but was recognized for sticking it out and growing to be a better man.
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