Understanding Vermont Match – Learning About Great Work in Our Communities
Five Understanding Vermont Match Organizations
In an effort to gain insight about the organizations supported by our fundholders, the VCF offered a $100 UV matching grant in December 2007. We asked VCF fundholders to tell us what they know and love about their grantee’s work and how that work ties to an Understanding Vermont trend/issue - or a new issue that they suggested. The grantee organization then received a $100 matching grant from the VCF.
We were delighted to award 22 UV matching grants to Vermont nonprofits in December. Below you will find information about these 22 organizations and what our fundholders had to say!
Alphabetical List of All Organizations
Addison County Humane Society (ACHS)
Central Vermont Adult Basic Education (CVABE)
COVER Home Repair
Full Cycle/Dirt Divas
Interfaith Caregivers
Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS)
King Street Youth Center (KSYC)
Lund Family Center
Mobius, the Mentoring Movement
Northeast Kingdom Youth Services
NorthWoods Stewardship Center
Royalton Memorial Library
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC)
Spectrum Youth and Family Services
Springfield Family Center
Twin Pines Housing Trust (TPHT)
Vermont Foodbank
Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS)
Vermont Public Interest and Research Group (VPIRG)
Willing Hands
Organization Descriptions
Since 1975, the Addison County Humane Society (ACHS) has provided temporary shelter to over 16,000 lost, abandoned, abused or surrendered animals. It is the only animal shelter in Addison County and each year places an average of 600 animals into loving homes. The organization also completes over 500 spay/neuter procedures, visits with hundreds of area school children; provides short-term care for companion animals of people in crisis; and has teamed up with the State of Vermont to prevent animal cruelty.
Related UV Issue: Natural Resources Protection
What the VCF fundholder says: "ACHS not only provides a home for adoptable animals, but is also committed to outreach throughout the state to improve the quality of animal’s lives, through the Feral Cat Outreach Initiative and the Animal Cruelty program. ACHS is dedicated to offering a home for all animals, and unlike many other shelters will not euthanize animals due to lack of space in the shelter."
For more than forty years, Central Vermont Adult Basic Education (CVABE) has provided a full range of adult education and literacy services to adults and teenagers with less than a twelfth grade education in Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties. Through basic and family literacy instruction, adult diploma services, English classes for speakers of other languages, computer instruction, education for out-of-school youth, and workplace and pre-vocational technical education, CVABE works to ensure that all adults and teens receive a basic education.Related UV Issues: Education, Immigrants and Refugees, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: "Serving Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties for more than 40 years, CVABE is dedicated to providing a basic education to all teens and adults with less than a twelfth grade education. Clients have free access to workplace and pre-vocational education, computer classes, ESL classes for refugees and immigrants, GED services, basic literacy instruction and more. With CVABE’s help, adults and teens can enter the workforce, go back to school and provide for their families."
COVER Home Repair aims to foster hope and build community in the Upper Valley by bringing together volunteers and homeowners to complete urgently needed home repair projects. Each year, COVER completes more than 40 home repair projects. These projects commonly include roof repair, wheelchair ramp construction, structural floor repair, and weatherization. COVER also operates the ReCover Store, which accepts donations of quality used appliances, cabinets, furniture, household items, and building materials. These items are given to families in transition free of charge or sold to the public at below market prices. Income from the ReCover store is then used to fund home repairs.Related UV Issues: Affordable Housing, Civic Engagement
What the VCF fundholder says: "COVER has completed more than 300 home repair projects since their inception in the 1990’s, and in 2008 have 50 projects using more than 4,000 volunteer hours planned. The majority of COVER’s clients are below the poverty level and 40% are elderly, and because the Upper Valley is challenged by high housing costs and very little affordable housing available, COVER offers residents a solution for their home needs that they otherwise could not afford."
Full Cycle, founded in 2001 by Jessica Graham and Nadine Budbill, serves girls ages 11-17 from Lamoille County and the surrounding areas. Full Cycle’s Dirt Diva program offers several activities including mountain bike skills clinics, mechanics workshops, goal-setting workshops, and journal writing time. The activities emphasize building physical, social, and emotional skills that will serve girls in their lives outside of and beyond Dirt Divas.Relate UV Issue: Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: “Full Cycle is doing superb work by providing a growing number of young Vermont women with unique opportunities to further their intellectual and physical development.”
Interfaith Caregivers celebrated 20 years of serving seniors in Randolph and the surrounding areas. Twenty-eight volunteers and a part-time director bring three vital programs to life:1) Home-Safe-Home which targets the two leading causes of preventable injury for seniors – falls and fires – by providing a home safety check and a home safety kit
2) The Buddy System which helps combat isolation by pairing area seniors with volunteers who then attend local cultural events together. And,
3) Garden Buds which links area youth and adult gardeners with seniors needing assistance with their home gardens.
Related UV Issues: Aging Population, Mental Health and Suicide, Natural Resources Protection
What the VCF fundholder says: “Interfaith Caregivers is a vital link, as it enables seniors to safely and independently stay in their own homes and stay connected to their communities.”
The Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS) is an unaffiliated congregation that is open to all, Jewish and non-Jewish, alike. Since 1988, JCOGS has worked to “create and sustain an environment which perpetuates and celebrates Jewish traditions, observances, and a sense of community.” Today it has more than 210 members and supports an active children’s education program, Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation, various adult programs and social events, and an energetic youth group. In 2005, JCOGS celebrated the opening of its community center which includes a sanctuary, classrooms for children’s and adult education, a social hall for meetings and functions, a kosher kitchen, and a library.Related UV Issues: Civic Engagement, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: "What began as an unaffiliated group of all denominations of Jewry who shared holidays and provided education for their young and old has become an organization that with more than 200 members now provides a sustainable home for the area’s interfaith community."
The King Street Youth Center (KSYC) aims to provide youth and their families with positive experiences and the necessary tools to achieve success in their lives. For example, teens can participate in the Job Club, which teaches youth about the world of work, future employment, and career opportunities, and provides training on various employment opportunities and techniques for the workplace. These youth can then practice their skills by working and managing Kids Lemonade, a highly regarded seasonal business which operates on the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington.
Related UV Issues: Childhood Poverty, Homelessness and Hunger, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: "KSYC successfully engages children in recreational activities. These children would not otherwise have these opportunities for constructive development. In addition, KSYC's programs help avert childhood hunger and poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. Their youth tennis program called 'Kids on the Ball' is tremendous, and we strongly support this effort."
From its beginnings in 1890 as a maternity home, the Lund Family Center has evolved into a cutting-edge treatment facility for pregnant or parenting young women with substance abuse and/or mental health issues and their children; Vermont's oldest and largest private non-profit adoption agency; and a comprehensive family resource as a Parent/Child Center. Today, Lund’s three goals include 1) reducing child abuse and neglect, 2) strengthening families, and 3) helping to create new families through adoption. This past year, the organization served more than 4,000 individuals.
Related UV Issues: Affordable Housing, Homelessness and Hunger, and Drug and Alcohol Abuse
What the VCF fundholder says: "Lund's programs provide housing, feeding, and counseling to pregnant and parenting young women, and 82% of the families Lund serves have incomes under $15,000 a year."
Mobius, The Mentoring Movement is dedicated to creating a culture of mentoring in our communities and envisions a future where every child in Chittenden County who needs or wants a mentor will have one. Mobius pairs caring adults with youth ages 5-25 in one of their 18 mentoring programs. There are currently 740 youth matched, and thousands waiting. In response to a growing number of inmates in Vermont’s prison system, Mobius has recently pledged to match 99 mentors with 99 children of incarcerated parents across the state.Related UV Issues: Education, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: "Mobius helps at risk youth receive compassionate tutoring and mentoring."
Since 1975, Northeast Kingdom Youth Services (NEKYS) has been dedicated to supporting youth , their families, and communities through quality programs that promote positive life skills and encourage stability. The organization’s support services include family mediation, crisis intervention, day shelter and transitional services for runaway and homeless youth, school-based mentoring and adventure programs, parent support and education, court diversion and justice programs, and various educational and preventative activities. Last year, NEKYS served more than 3,074 people in Caledonia and Essex counties and provided more than 3,500 nights of safe housing for homeless youth. Notably, the organization’s staff is available every day and at any hour to serve those in need.Related UV Issues: Affordable Housing, Childhood Poverty, Homelessness and Hunger, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: NEKYS provides shelter, mentoring, and basic human needs for youth in crisis. They support youth, their families and communities through quality programs that strengthen positive life skills.
Since 1989, the NorthWoods Stewardship Center has provided quality scientific, educational and conservation service programs in the Northern Forest region. The mission of NorthWoods- fostering long-term stewardship of human and natural communities- is achieved through the integration of five program areas: land management, conservation science, education, outdoor recreation, and conservation service. Through these programs, NorthWoods aims to create responsible and informed citizens capable of sustaining vibrant communities and a healthier natural environment. Some of Northwoods’ 2006 accomplishments include: completing a 10-year model forest stewardship plan for 1,450-acres of NorthWoods demonstration forest, conducting 12 forest management workshops for landowners, and visiting with 7,467 students visits from pre-K through undergraduate level.Related UV Issue: Natural Resources Protection
What the VCF fundholder says: "Northwoods stewards human and natural communities through education, experience, and conservation."
The Royalton Memorial Library, built in 1923, is home to a 10,000 piece collection that includes books, audio, videotapes, and magazines. The Library is visited 12,000 times per year and has five computers with high-speed internet access. The Library also hosts story hours for toddlers and preschoolers, adult discussion groups, classes on parenting and technology, and a summer reading program.
Related UV Issue: Education
What the VCF fundholder says: "Established in 1898 at the Town Clerk’s Office, the Royalton Memorial Library is in the process of expanding and increasing handicap accessibility, and is working with the community to identify their needs for the library, while continuing to offer many programs and events for the community.
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) was founded by Henry W. Putnam in 1910 when Putnam donated his water company to the Town of Bennington, stipulating that the proceeds be used to fund a public hospital. SVHC’s facilities and programs now serve 55,000 people in the region, and it is the only magnet nursing hospital in Vermont. SVHC also offers town clinics in remote sites where services are administered to populations who cannot travel to Bennington and provides education in behavior modification for issues such as smoking, relaxation, weight control, and the management of chronic illnesses.Related UV Issue: Health Care
What the VCF fundholder says: “This hospital honorably commits to its underserved population, has a vision statement that is inclusive, and is consistently a leader in new concepts for health care delivery in rural settings.”
Spectrum Youth and Family Services is a community-based nonprofit organization with more than thirty-seven years of experience providing transitional housing and support services for homeless, foster, and at-risk youth. Their Spectrum One Stop (SOS) program provides young people with a 13-bed emergency shelter, drop-in center, and a multi-service center offering education, employment, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and a health care clinic. Last year, the SOS program housed 125 youth, helped 67 youth with support in attaining their educational goals, and helped 48 youth find employment.
Related UV Issue: Homelessness and Hunger, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: Spectrum effectively address homelessness and hunger issues and is working on a new program for homeless young people.
Founded in 1971, the Springfield Family Center is “committed to supporting families and individual clients to become economically self-sufficient and socially interdependent.” As a Day Shelter, the Center offers assistance in accessing temporary and permanent shelter and provides laundry facilities, a telephone, employment opportunities, apartment rentals, clothing vouchers, furniture, gas money, and food. The Center also has an emergency food shelf, does food stamp outreach, offers courses on nutrition, sponsors holiday dinners, and feeds low-income children during the summer months.
Relate UV Issue: Affordable Housing, Costs of Living, Homelessness and Hunger
What the VCF fundholder says: "The Center focuses on meeting basic human needs on an emergency basis and seves 50-60 people with a free meal every day. In 2006, the Center had 2,100 foodshelf visits -- twice the number of visits five years ago. In 2006 case managers also helped place 44 individuals into permanent housing. The Center anticipates the need to open an emergency shelter this year for people who cannot affort to heat their homes due to the cost of fuel and cold weather.
Since 1991, the Twin Pines Housing Trust (TPHT) has created rental and ownership homes for nearly 300 individuals in households of low to moderate income in Lebanon and Enfield, NH, and Hartford, VT. In South Royalton, Twin Pines manages a small mobile home park, and is currently constructing Gile Hill, a mixed-income community comprising 120 rental and ownership homes in Hanover. Twin Pines also provides Vermonters with homes through innovative collaborations between private developers and multiple funding sources including Federal and State grants, tax credit financing, and various commercial and other loans. With funds provided by Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), Twin Pines can provide up to $40,000 to help qualifying families purchase homes which otherwise they could not afford. By accepting the subsidy, homeowners agree to limit their share of the home’s equity gain when eventually they sell. Related UV Issue: Affordable Housing
What the VCF fundholder says: "TPHT is currently creating the largest affordable housing project in the history of New Hampshire and the Upper Valley."
Responding to a 350% increase in demand for emergency food, the Vermont Foodbank opened its doors in 1986. Today, the Vermont Foodbank is a statewide organization and the largest hunger relief charity in Vermont. Last year the organization provided more than 6 million pounds of food to 270 local partner agencies in the state’s 14 counties. This food went to 66,000 needy Vermonters and provided 5 million meals. The Foodbank also has a food pantry on wheels; provides free, prepared nutritious food and nutrition education to children; and has teamed up with Food Works in Montpelier to harvest and distribute thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to Foodbank Network Partners, a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.Related UV Issues: Costs of Living, Homelessness and Hunger, Natural Resources Protection
What the VCF fundholder says: The Foodbank is encouraging nutritional education as well as feeding the hungry. With rising fuel prices, there is certainly an increased need for support in 2007."
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) was founded in 1972 by a group of citizens concerned for the health of the Ottauquechee River and the surrounding forest. The founders believed that an informed citizen makes positive choices to protect and preserve the natural environment, and this credo became the VINS’ mission. To achieve this mission, VINS’ work focuses on three objectives: environmental education, avian rehabilitation and wildlife services, and environmental research.Relate UV Issue: Natural Resources Protection, Youth Engagement and Support
What the VCF fundholder says: "VINS' environmental education program aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. They have very strong environmental education and outreach programs."
Founded in 1972, the Vermont Public Interest and Research Group (VPIRG) is the largest nonprofit consumer and environmental advocacy organization in the state, with approximately 20,000 members and supporters. VPIRG's mission is to promote and protect the health of Vermont’s people, environment and locally-based economy by informing and mobilizing citizens statewide. By conducting research, utilizing the media, informing the public and mobilizing citizens to participate in public policy debates and civic activities, VPIRG’s work has resulted in precedent-setting policies that have advanced the causes of environmental protection, universal health care, a fair marketplace and good government in Vermont. The organization’s current priorities include: energy and global warming, environmental health, health care, democracy, and consumer protection.UV Issues: Climate Change, Education, Health Care, Natural Resources Protection
What the VCF fundholder says: VPIR teaches and offers important information on a range of topics effecting Vermonters."
Willing Hands distributes free, wholesome food to neighbors in need. Each week, the organization delivers about 2-3 tons to 45 recipient organizations including low income senior and family housing projects, rehab programs, homeless shelters, the Veteran’s Hospital, community dinners, food shelves and senior luncheons. The donated food, primarily fresh fruits and vegetables which would otherwise go to waste, comes from local grocers, bakers, farmers and chefs.
Related UV Issues: Aging Population, Homelessness and Hunger
What the VCF fundholder says: "Willing Hands donates two to three tons of food, primarily fresh fruit and vegetables, to local human service organizations for their clients in need. Many food shelves have expressed a concern that donated food is often canned or frozen and unhealthy, so providing fresh, nutritious foods for clients and their families is vital for their health. "