United Way
of Addison County Thursday, October 25, 2018
Let’s address our challenges as neighbors Together we can give, advocate and volunteer
Dear Neighbors, Living in Addison County is a gift. The breathtaking views alone make our little corner of the world an enviable place to live (not to mention the maple creemees and cheese!). I grew up in Ferrisburgh, spent a few years in a cornfield in Iowa, and am delighted to be raising my children in Vergennes with my husband. This is home, and I love it here. Addison County is so close knit that we consider everyone who lives here a neighbor. When you walk down Main Street, you may greet everyone you meet by name. The cashier at the grocery store may ask how your child is enjoying soccer this year. The barista at your favorite café may not have to ask for your order. And if someone mails something to your old address, the post office may deliver it to your current address because they know what the sender intended. It is in this spirit that United Way of Addison County seeks to address the most serious challenges facing our community — we work with our neighbors for our neighbors. Chances are you are friends with someone who can’t afford healthcare. You may know parents who aren’t sure where their child’s next meal is coming from. You may have gone to school with someone who dropped out and (See Van Voorst, Page 3)
EMPLOYEES FROM MIDDLEBURY College Center for Community Engagement help tidy up the lovely garden at Hospice Volunteer Services in Middlebury.
350 caring volunteers helped make a difference Days of Caring is an annual United Way event that strives to connect employees of Addison County businesses and organizations, community members, and youth volunteers with local nonprofits in order to help the
volunteers develop a deeper understanding of local nonprofit agencies and give back to the Addison County community. This two-day event, which this year took place on Sept. 27 and Sept. 29, is big and exciting with a lot of
moving parts and a lot of participation. We had over 350 volunteers at nearly 35 sites spread out all over the county participating in different volunteer tasks. (See Days of Caring, Page 2)
Let’s build on our success, and achieve even more
Dear Friends and Partners, Last year was an overwhelmingly successful year for the United Way of Addison County (UWAC). At the start of 2018, we kicked off our 50th Anniversary Endowment Campaign with a $50,000 goal. We ended the anniversary campaign with $145,000 in gifts and pledges. These gifts are being used to secure the future of UWAC to ensure that we are able to continue serving Addison County for years to come. Our community also exceeded our campaign goal of $650,000 by $15,000. This speaks not only to your incredible generosity, but also to the trust our community has in UWAC to invest their donations where they will have the greatest impact for our friends, family, and neighbors. We recently kicked off our 2018-2019 Campaign, which my wife, Amy, and I are proud to be co-chairing. Building on the success
of last year, we have increased our goal to $660,000. I am excited to announce that we’ve had a strong start this year’s campaign — but we still need your help. Your contribution will help deliver vital human services in the three areas we believe to be critical at every stage in life: • Health: domestic violence, substance abuse prevention and recovery • Education: early childhood education, youth success • Financial stability: transportation, homelessness, hunger, poverty Our volunteer Community Impact Funding Team works vigorously to assess where our community needs the greatest support and ensures that your contributions are effective in supporting those needs. As I reflect on my five years of board service
with UWAC, I am struck by the power of community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to witness first-hand how our community works together to address early childhood education, hunger, poverty, domestic violence, healthcare, workforce development, youth success, substance abuse prevention and recovery, transportation, homelessness, and more. We are making progress, but there is still work to be done and we need you to be a part of the solution. If you haven’t already, please join Amy and myself in contributing to UWAC’s 2018-2019 Campaign. We truly are stronger when we Live United. Sincerely, John Dale Board Chair & Campaign Co-Chair United Way of Addison County
John Dale
PAGE 2 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018
SPIN UNITED You SPIN, We All Win.
Sunday, January 27!
Join us for this FUNdraising event to raise money to assist our friends, families, and neighbors with shelter, food, access to health care, educational opportunities and financial stability. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. SPIN!
CREATE A TEAM!
SPIN AS AN INDIVIDUAL!
Create a team of 6 and compete to raise the most money. The top 3 winning teams will get to choose which of our funded programs they will donate to! $300 Registration Fee
Compete to raise the most money. The top 3 winning individuals will get to choose which of our funded programs they will donate to! $50 Registration Fee
REGISTRATION IS EASY.
GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN WE LIVE UNITED!
You can register and create a team by TEXT or ONLINE TEXT: spinunited to 71777 Or online; http://app.mobilecause. com/vf/spinunited
Event Goal $10,000 WE CAN DO IT WITH YOUR HELP!
Hosted by Middlebury Fitness 175 Wilson Rd., Middlebury 48 Court Street, PO Box 555 Middlebury, VT 05753 802-388-7189 unitedwayaddisoncounty.org/spin
OF ADDISON COUNTY
THESE FOUR MIDDLEBURY College students helped glean apples for the HOPE food shelf on the Days of Caring.
Days of Caring
(Continued from Page 1) Here’s what some of this years participants had to say:
“I wanted to thank you so much for all you did to setup the Days of Caring activities for HOPE. On Thursday we had six people from the Hannaford Career Center harvest 120 pounds of apples. On Saturday we had 44 students from Middlebury College help out and we ended up with a total of 1,137 pounds of apples harvested! HOPE took a small portion of that to our food shelf and the rest went to Salvation Farms and the Lamoille Valley Gleaning Program who can distribute throughout the state. Thank you again for everything I greatly appreciate it!” — Lily Bradburn, Local Food Access Coordinator at HOPE “The wonderful group of Midd volunteers brought a gift of time, energy, and overall good cheer to Lawrence Memorial Library and
I thank you from the bottom of my heart! A well-organized and super experience for LML! The library garden looks spiffy for its winter rest — and the colorful shelves will soon be ready to hold books and DVDs. Their vibrant colors make the room (even more) cheerful! — Marita Bathe-Schine, Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol I just wanted to say a HUGE THANK to the team! They did an absolutely fantastic job — so thoughtful, kind and fun. Thank you to everyone for putting this together, and we would love to have the group back in the future. Thanks again! — Zoe Kaslow, Executive Director Addison Central Teens (ACT) If you are interested in participating in Days of Caring or if you are interested in volunteering please contact us at 802-388-7189 or visit our website at unitedwayaddisoncounty.org to learn more!
United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018 — PAGE 3
Prevention coordinator aims to make county clean and sober
JESSE BROOKS, UNITED Way’s Regional Prevention Coordinator, poses with Vermont State Police Lt. Jeffrey Danoski.
Van Voorst
(Continued from Page 1) hasn’t been able to secure a steady job. These people are not statistics — they are neighbors. To turn the curve on enhancing the health, education, and financial stability of everyone who calls Addison County home, we need everyone to be a part of the solution. We win when we forge unlikely partnerships. We win when we find new solutions to old problems. We win when we Live United. To join the fight for equity for your neighbors: GIVE: Our ability to support our 27 funded partners relies on the success of our annual fundraising campaign. Our goal this year is ambitious — we need all of our neighbors to join us in giving. Gifts of every size make an important difference. You can make your gift at unitedwayaddisoncounty.org/give or by texting uwac50 to 41444. ADVOCATE: Make your voice heard. At UWAC, we amplify individuals’ voices on
important community issues. We invite you to join the dialogue and become a part of the change you want to see! For more information about how to get involved email me at helena@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org. VOLUNTEER: When you volunteer through UWAC, you’re joining hundreds of your neighbors who are giving back so others can get ahead. Meaningful community solutions require more than money or programs or policies. Real and lasting change that benefits everyone is only possible when people from all walks of life are willing to roll
By JESSE BROOKS Drug Impairment Training for Educational I am the United Way of Addison County Professionals (known as DITEP) to our region. Regional Prevention Coordinator through the DITEP is a free, two-day training designed to Regional Prevention Partnership Grant. RPP — build confidence in folks to determine signs, Regional Prevention Partnership symptoms and behaviors of drug — is a 5-year grant that is I will continue impairment. intended to reduce substance to bring Drug I grew up in Addison County abuse by people between the Impairment Training and live in Vergennes with my ages of 12-25. Within the grant husband, Jeremy Brooks, and for Educational there are a number of required my three children, Reiss (13), and optional initiatives based Professionals (known as Rory (11) and June (18 months). on community assessment and DITEP) to our region. I love living in Vergennes and in community need. DITEP is a free, two- Addison County. I enjoy being The grant is going into its third day training designed able to run into the folks I live near year and much of the strategic to build confidence in and work with and know them by plan focuses on policy work: their first name. I love that I live reviewing town ordinances folks to determine signs, in a community that celebrates related to substance use and symptoms and behaviors the little things; like the new prevention, assessing where of drug impairment. crosswalks in town by hosting an there may be gaps and working event inviting everyone to visit toward building awareness around what may be each of the new crosswalks, push the buttons, added or enhanced. and see how the flashing lights work. It reminds I have also been working to bring quality me of the beloved fictional town of Stars Hollow training and presentations to the Addison County from the “Gilmore Girls,” a TV show I may have region. On Nov. 6, 7 and 8 we will host a three- watched a few (100) times. day training series at the Middlebury Inn to But the fact that I get to live in a small town educate people on the neurobiology of addiction. community like Stars Hollow is one of the It is open to anyone in the general public. reasons why I enjoy life in Addison County so Additionally, I will continue to bring much — working at United Way is another!
up their sleeves and go where they are needed most. Email info@unitedwayaddisoncounty. org to learn more about volunteering! Thank you, Addison County, for entrusting UWAC with your time, talent, and treasure for the past 50 years. I am honored to be a part of the future of this great organization and look forward to working with you all. Sincerely, Helena D. Van Voorst Executive Director United Way of Addison County
Helena D. Van Voorst
Join us in supporting our local agencies.
Contribute today to the United Way. John Fuller, Master Plumber • 388-2019 Serving Addison County since 1989
Thank you, United Way! 282 Boardman St., Middlebury • 802-388-3608 www.hope-vt.org
PAGE 4 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018
Health class offers Heroin Epidemic Learning Program The Heroin Epidemic Learning Program, also known as H.E.L.P., is a youth prevention program created by United Way Regional Prevention Coordinator Jesse Brooks and Vergennes community member Jeremy Holm. It began its third year this fall. H.E.L.P. has been built into the health class curriculum at Mount Abraham Union High School and the Medical Professions class at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, which will “We are educate more than 100 meeting more students — this more than folks outside doubles last year’s total of Addison participants. As the program continues County who to grow in size, Brooks are doing has worked to enhance similar things the curriculum to include and taking Narcan training, CPR similar certification, and a Financial 101 presentation. Each approaches class is receiving a facelift to combat to include either life-saving the opioid or skill-building tools that epidemic.” are appropriate and useful — Jesse Brooks for all students. H.E.L.P. is also traveling to our neighbors down south in Rutland. Brooks has been working with the United Way of Rutland County, Project Vision and the Rutland City Police to incorporate the youth prevention program into one of their local schools. “We are meeting more folks outside of Addison County who are doing similar things and taking similar approaches to combat the opioid epidemic,” explains Brooks. “Rutland has models that we can learn from, such as
SOME ADDISON COUNTY students who participated in H.E.L.P. last school year were recognized at the UWAC banquet this past spring. Pictured, from left to right, are Mount Abraham Union High School students Ethan Sawyer, Patrick Marcotullio, Dana Norton, Mount Abe teacher Andrew Graham, Mount Abe Assistance Principal Justin Bouvier, and students Libby Johnson, Chris Wolak and Justice Green.
their Project Vision Center, and programs that they want to bring to their region, in this case H.E.L.P.” Schools and other communities are using H.E.L.P. as a way to connect students to reliable resources and connect students to the local faces that represent those resources in an effort to establish meaningful relationships that will hopefully help guide youth towards a healthy and safe lifestyle. MEMBERS OF THE local barracks of the Vermont State Police play a critical role in the H.E.L.P. program. At the 2018 H.E.L.P. Ceremony are, from left, Trooper Brett Flansburg, Lt. Jeffrey Danoski and Sgt. Matt Daley.
T
wo great companies working together to serve your needs!
Our combined knowledge and expertise offers you the following:
Proudly supporting the
VOLUNTEERS of
• Technical Sales Consultants • Calf & Heifer Programs
• Nutrient Management Representatives • Crop Inputs
• Political Involvement
UNITED WAY and all the work they do for our community. www.middleburyeye.com
91 Main Street | Middlebury, VT
388-2811
Monday–Friday 8am-5:30pm Thursday evenings until 8pm
www.FeedCommodities.com for current maketing information 800-639-3191 FCI Mill Locations: Middlebury, Vergennes & Newport, VT Bernardston, MA • Detroit, ME Malone, NY
Please call for a complete list of services 800-639-7051 BBI Store Locations: Middlebury, VT Sheldon, VT Champlain, NY
We can tailor a program to fit your needs!
United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018 — PAGE 5
With your aid we got local kids ready for school This past August the United Way of Addison County organized its third year of “The Back to School Shop,” a program that directly supports youth and schools in Addison County. The United Way recognizes that folks in the community look forward to and rely on the benefits of the program year after year. In combination with the collected supplies and nearly $4,000 in cash donations from donors in the community, the United Way was able to prepare more than 150 suppliesstuffed backpacks for elementary, middle and high school-age youth. The back packs were distributed by H.O.P.E. in Middlebury, the Vergennes Food Shelf through the Vergennes Congregational Church, St. Ambrose Church in Bristol and the Victory Baptist Church in Vergennes. Meeting the educational needs of our youth is paramount to their success, explains Jesse Brooks, regional prevention partnership coordinator for the United Way of Addison County. “We know that when students feel confident they perform better overall and we have the ability as a community through our organization to give every student in Addison County the chance to feel certain of their skills and capabilities,” she said. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly 50 percent of students in Addison County (grades 9-12) do not feel valued by their community.
VOLUNTEERS HELP STUFF school supplies in more than 150 backpacks for Addison County children. Shown lending a hand are, front row, Rory (left) and Flora, and back row (from left), Abigail, Reiss, Susan, Olivia and Judy.
“It is vital that programs like The Back to School Shop continue because of what it demonstrates to our youth,” Brooks said. “Since nearly half of our students feel this way it is an obvious priority to continue our efforts
We know that strong communities don’t happen by accident. Thanks to the United Way of Addison County for all you do to keep us united and strong. We’re proud to tell your story. ADDISON COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY L NEWSPA P PER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • ww w.AddisonIndependent.com
to offer and enhance The Back to School Shop and programs that are similar to it.” United Way of Addison County would like to thank the following who helped make this program a success: Vergennes Congregational
Church, St. Ambrose Church, H.O.P.E., Victory Baptist, and UTC Aerospace. Backpacks are still available for students by calling the United Way of Addison County office at 802-388-7189.
United at Work is leading our community in Resource Coordination on a peer level. Our Employee Resource Coordinator teams up with local businesses and HR Departments to help employees overcome every day employment barriers. The concept is simple; we use the workplace as a platform to better our community one employee at a time. How We Help: -Resource Coordinating -Education & Training -Peer Support -Credit Building and Repair -Future Planning and Home Buying Support -Free Tax Services -Income Advance Loans -Financial Coaching
Our family was facing homelessness. United at Work helped us find an affordable apartment.
What Employees are Saying
Trish helped me purchase my first car!
United at Work gave me hope and helped me see a better future
I thought I would never have credit. Trish helped me raise my credit score 40 points!
PAGE 6 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018
Staying in the lines
UNITED WAY OF Addison County Day of Caring volunteer Michele McHugh paints the front entrance ramp at the John Graham Shelter in Vergennes on Sept. 27. Volunteers spread out around the county on that Thursday and on Saturday, Sept. 29, to support local nonprofit agencies. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
DINE THE UNITED WAY United Way of Addison County P.O. Box 555 Middlebury, VT 05753
802.388.7189 www.UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org For 50+ years United Way of Addison County has been providing food resources for this community. This year, don’t just go out to eat, go out to eat AND feed another. When you dine at these restaurants during Dine the United Way, a portion of your meal sales will come back to UWAC. We will then turn that money around to support the programs and services in our community working to fight hunger. Don’t see your favorite local restaurant? Encourage them to give UWAC a call!
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018 Mister Up’s Restaurant & Bar 25 Bakery Lane Middlebury VT 05753 15% of proceeds on 11/15
Fire & Ice Restaurant 26 Seymour St. Middlebury VT 05753 10% of proceeds on 11/20
Daily Chocolate 7 Green St. Vergennes VT 05491 10% of sales on 11/6-11/10
Stone Leaf Teahouse 111 Maple St. Middlebury VT 05753 $1 of every pot, Wednesdays in November
Jessica’s at Swift House Inn 25 Stewart Lane Middlebury VT 05753 $1 per plate on 11/1 - 11/11
Bobcat Café 5 Main St. Bristol VT 05443 10% of proceeds on 10/15-11/13 Mondays
Mary’s Restaurant (Inn at Baldwin Creek) 1868 North 116 Road Bristol • 453-2432 100% of Cream of Garlic Soup Sales 11/8-10
Morgan’s Tavern (at Middlebury Inn) 14 Court Square, Middlebury VT 05753 10% of sales on 11/2 & 11/3 • 388-4961
Join us for some fun, great food, and support your local United Way. For more information, please visit www.UnitedWayAddisonCounty.org
Get help filing with My Free Taxes program The United Way of Addison County again this year is offering the My Free Taxes Program. The IRS classifies this program as a “facilitated self-assistance program” — where the tax filer enters their information in the My Free Taxes online program while an IRScertified volunteer (that’s us!) coaches them on navigating the website and finding answers to basic tax law questions. This online program allows for people to file up to three state returns and will not charge filers who make $66,000 or less in tax
year 2018. A couple big advantages to this program is that it can be used in the comfort of your own home, even without a tax coach, and filers can access their returns for up to six filing seasons. Head online to unitedway. org/myfreetaxes for more details. Appointments will be available at the United Way of Addison County for filers who prefer coaching from of an IRS certified volunteer. Call 802388-7189 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
United Way of Addison County
STAFF Executive Director: Helena D. Van Voorst Development & Marketing Director: Amy Bodette Barr Accounting & HR Manager: Steve Williams Prevention Coordinator: Jesse Brooks Workplace Resource Coordinator: Trish Brown Office Manager: Lee Bilson Volunteer Coordinator: Still Open!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: John Dale, Breadloaf Architects Vice Chair: Jerrod Rushton, Middlebury Fitness Treasurer: Darcy Tarte, People’s United Bank Secretary: Abigail Blum, Middlebury College Ann Hanson, retired Middlebury College Bruce Grove, Inn on the Green Bruce Bayliss, Entrepreneur Nial Rele, Middlebury College Logan Price, Community Investment Counselors
United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018 — PAGE 7
Funded Partner List UWAC 2018
HEALTH Open Door Clinic Age Well Elderly Services Five Town Health Hospice Volunteer Services Lund MiddSummer Lunch & Recreation Program WomenSafe Turning Point Center of Addison County EDUCATION Addison Central Teens & Friends Addison County Parent/Child Center Addison County Readers Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes Bristol Family Center Mary Johnson Children’s Center Otter Creek Child Center Starksboro Cooperative Preschool The DREAM Program HUB Teen Center & Skatepark Vermont Adult Learning Pathways FINANCIAL STABILITY Addison County Community Trust Addison County Transit Resources Charter House Coalition Counseling Service of Addison County HOPE (Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects) John Graham Housing & Services
$28,000 $15,500 $13,590 $4,500 $15,289 $200 $4,200 $20,000 $5,000 $3,888 $9,864 $1,703 $13,448 $13,986 $9,236 $13,986 $10,758 $1,369 $3,888 $10,758 $3,000 $15,000 $21,216 $25,000 $13,604 $21,033 $22,000
Thanks to the United Way for helping to keep our communities strong and vibrant!
Stay Involved. Stay Connected. Telecommunications Sales & Service Data Cabling & Fiber Optics John & Jim Fitzgerald
802-388-8999
16 Creek Road | Middlebury | 388-6054 www.countrysidecarpetandpaint.com Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 5:30, Sat. 8 - 3
BillBeck.com SUPPORTIVE, GENEROUS COMMUNITIES ENRICH US ALL Thanks to the United Way, its supporters & volunteers
Bill Beck Real Estate 802-388-7983
PAGE 8 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018
Meet our new staff Q andA
Trish Brown
Trish Brown
What is your position at UWAC? Workplace Resource Coordinator Where are you from? I was born and raised in Addison County, Vt. I Reside in Brandon. What’s your favorite place in the whole world? In the middle of a lake on a kayak or near the ocean with my family. What’s the last book you read? “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” by Ruby K. Payne, founder of Bridges Out of Poverty’s parent company, The Aha Process. What’s your favorite meal? I love Mexican/Tacos! If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple. What’s your favorite thing about working at UWAC? Every day I get to do my part to better our community by coaching and connecting employees with local resources. If you could grant one wish for Addison County, what would it be? That our community could “Bridge Out of Poverty.” How can we get in touch with you? If anyone needs to reach me or would like help with local resources I can be reached by phone (office: 802-388-7189 or cell: 802-349-7210) or email (trish@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org).
Do you know where to get help?
Amy Bodette Barr
What is your position at UWAC? Development & Marketing Director Where are you from? Vergennes, Vt. Where’s your favorite place in the whole world? Hawaii, although when I finally get the chance to go to Europe, I may change my answer. What’s the last book you read? (And did you like it?) “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.” It was chosen by my book club. I loved it because I have a soft spot in my heart for curmudgeons and appreciate the humor in their idiosyncrasies. I enjoy stories about people who learn to come out of their shell, connect with others and overcome obstacles, which is why I also adore a similar book called “Ove.” Historic fiction is my favorite genre, though. What’s your favorite meal? This is where my secret comes out — I have very simple culinary tastes. I’ll take a good tuna melt, tomato salad and piece of chocolate cake over a gourmet meal any day. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow ... or blue. Both remind me of a warm, sunny day. What’s your favorite thing about working at UWAC? Today is my first day in the office and I am already impressed with the positive, supportive energy of my new co-workers. I’m a team player and I can tell that I have joined an awesome, capable team of people at UWAC! In terms of the job, itself, I’m most excited about engaging in work that directly impacts
Amy Bodette Barr the lives of so many people in my community. If you could grant one wish for all of Addison County, what would it be? I would like us to set the bar as an example of a Vermont county that maximizes its resources and uses innovative ideas to make this a healthy and fulfilling place to live, for people of all ages and walks of life. How can we get in touch with you? You can reach me by phone (802-388-7189) or by email (amy@unitedwayaddisoncounty.org). I’d love to hear from you!
Helena D. Van Voorst
What is your position at UWAC? Executive Director Where are you from? I’m from Addison County. I was born in Middlebury, raised in Ferrisburgh, and live in Vergennes. What’s your favorite place in the whole world? My family’s summer camp in the Northeast Kingdom. The lake is clean, the cell service is spotty, and every possible moment is spent outside with my family. What’s the last book you read? I’m currently listening to “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss in my car and reading “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng at night. What’s your favorite meal? My husband and I discovered a recipe for chipotle pork cheeseburgers that has become — hands down — my favorite meal. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? “Mauvelous” because I love puns. What’s your favorite thing about working at UWAC? Working with some of the most passionate and caring people in Addison County. Not only the incredible staff here at 48 Court St. (though they are mauvelous), but also our board members, volunteers, donors, and funded partners. Every day I am inspired and motivated by the people I get to work with.
Helena D. Van Voorst If you could grant one wish for Addison County, what would it be? That everyone who lives here has the support they need to lead healthy, productive, happy lives. How can we get in touch with you? You are welcome to call me (802-388-7189) or email me (helena@unitedwayaddisoncounty. org)!
Do you need help finding help? Are you looking for help with everyday needs? Are you facing difficult times and are not sure where to turn? Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont and you will reach a highly trained contact specialist who will assess your needs and provide referrals to the resources in your community. Every day, specialists help callers find assistance for 2-1-1 is complex issues such as financial available 24 p r o b l e m s , hours a day substance abuse every day and suicide prevention and of the year. for simpler Multilingual issues such as assistance is also finding volunteer available. opportunities and donation options. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day every day of the year. Multilingual assistance is also available. Vermont 2-1-1 provides all people in Vermont with free access to community resources through information and referral. This access includes personal assistance by telephone and online through a searchable database of services. In Addison County, 2-1-1 received 503 calls in the first six months of 2018. Specifically, call specialists made the following number of referrals to your friends and neighbors: 85 Housing/Shelter 16 Utilities 98 Tax Organizations and Services 17 Legal Services 3 Public Safety 17 Health Supportive Services 30 Public Assistance Program 13 Mental Health Evaluation and Treatment 3 Substance Use Disorder Services 6 Community Planning and Public Works WHAT KIND OF SERVICES CAN YOU REFER ME TO? Vermont 2-1-1 provides all people in Vermont with free access to community resources through information and referral. This access includes personal assistance by telephone and online through a searchable database of services, including the following: • Child Care Resource and Referral • Clothing and Thrift Shops (See Vermont 2-1-1, Page 9)
United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018 — PAGE 9
Setting their sights high
UNITED WAY OF Addison County Board Chair John Dale, left, Development and Marketing Director Amy Bodette Barr and Executive Director Helena Van Voorst hope to achieve a goal of raising $660,000 during the organization’s 2018 campaign. Dale and his wife, Amy, are campaign co-chairs.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
Vermont 2-1-1 • • • • • •
(Continued from Page 8) Consumer Services Crisis Services Discrimination Assistance Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Education — GED Instruction, Computer Classes Employment Services
• Food Shelves and Nutrition Programs • Health Care Services • Alcohol and Drug Programs • Housing — Homeless Prevention, Shelter, Tenants’ Rights • Independent Living Services • Legal Assistance • Mental Health Care and Counseling
• Mentoring • Military, Family and Community Network • Parenting Programs • Senior Information & Assistance • Stop Smoking Programs • Support Groups • Transportation • Utility Assistance
• Youth and Family Services • Veteran Services • Volunteering • Wellness Programs 2-1-1 is a local call from anywhere in Vermont; confidential, and includes accurate, updated information about community resources in Vermont.
Thank You United Way for Your Support! Thank you to the United Way for over 40 years of Support! Mary Johnson Children’s Center Programs 81 Water St., Middlebury, VT 05753 • office@mjccvt.org
20 Armory Lane, Vergennes VT 05491 www.bgcvergennes.org • (802)870-7199
PAGE 10 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018
Tatum Laliberte with her family
Cameron Litchfield-Farrar with former school board member Ruth Hardy
United Way recognizes youth for their community service The United Way Youth Service Award recognizes students in elementary, middle school, high school and college attending any of the schools in Addison County. These
awards come with a small grant to be given to the local health and human services nonprofit organization of the recipient’s choice. On Sept. 21 we hosted our Campaign
BE A MEMBER. NOT JUST A NUMBER. At Co-op, we’re member owned and member committed. Since 1915 we’ve been providing protection for individuals, farms and businesses with a large network of local agents, fast and fair claims service, knowledge of farm safety practices and affordable rates.
Kick Off event at the Vergennes Opera House, where we recognized five students in Addison County with Youth Service Awards. The following students were recognized: • Justice Green of Mount Abraham Union High School, nominated by Mount Abe health class teacher Amanda Bodell. • Tatum Laliberte of Mount Abraham Union High School, nominated by Mount Abe Assistant Principal Justin Bouvier. • Cameron Litchfield-Farrar of Middlebury Union Middle School,
nominated by Kristin Bolton at Elderly Services Inc. • Giulia Napoli and Margo Reigle of Middlebury College, nominated by Ashley Laux, program director at the Center for Community Engagement. Do you know a student who should be recognized for their leadership and volunteer services? Please reach out to us at the United Way of Addison County to learn more about our youth awards and how they may be recognized.
At the Co-op, you’re a member, not just a number.
Thank you, United Way, for your work in our communities!
HOME
•
AUTO
•
BUSINESS
•
FARM
292 Colonial Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753-5890 (802) 388-7917 | (800) 639-4017 www.co-opinsurance.com | www.facebook.com/coopinsco
Member owned. Member committed.
Justice Green of Mount Abraham Union High School
United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018 — PAGE 11
High schoolers care
STUDENTS IN THE Medical Professions Class at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center volunteered at Memorial Sports Center in Middlebury for Days of Caring.
Annual Dine United event kicks off October 25
Don’t just go out to eat, go out to eat AND feed another. United Way of Addison County is joining with restaurants in the area to raise funds for area nonprofits. When you dine at a participating restaurant during Dine the United Way, a portion of your bill will come back to the United Way of Addison County. We will then
turn that money around to support the programs and services in our community working to fight hunger. Dine United Way Restaurants make a difference. As we all know, needy families and individuals in our community go without proper food, shelter and essential medical care every day due to a variety of factors including
low wages, job loss, injuries, illness, age, domestic violence or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to hard times, children and the elderly are at the most risk, and they make up the largest number of clients our funded partners serve. With the generous support of people like you, we help many of these families and individuals
not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training, education, counseling, elderly assistance and temporary housing. UWAC will announce the participating restaurants in the coming weeks. Dine United kicks off this Thursday, Oct. 25, with Mr. Ups Restaurant on Bakery Lane in Middlebury.
Lt. Danoski receives ‘Prevention Champion’ award United Way of Addison County distributed all over Addison County presented its “Prevention Champion” “Jeff ’s passion and support through traffic violation stops, award to Lt. Jeff Danoski, commander for the youth prevention sobriety check points, events and in of the Vermont State Police New program is the main reason our high schools.” Haven barracks, this past springs. the program gained state-wide United Way officials said Danoski At the H.E.L.P. (Heroin Epidemic also looks to educate Addison County Learning Program) ceremony UWAC interest, which has created new citizens about proper pharmaceutical officials praised Danoski for his role in opportunities to connect and disposal, he not only has worked to educate more of our area youth.” promote permanent disposal locations substance use prevention. — Jesse Brooks and temporary sites for Take Back “Jeff’s passion and support for the youth prevention program is the main Day, but also connected UWAC to reason the program gained state-wide other agencies looking for support interest, which has created new opportunities to connect around safe storage and proper disposal. and educate more of our area youth,” said Jesse Brooks, Lt. Danoski is the first recipient of this award, he UWAC’s Regional Prevention Partnership Coordinator is a truly devoted and caring partner who actively and H.E.L.P. Director. “Jeff seeks partnership and seeks involvement to determine long-term solutions, collaboration opportunities to increase prevention and meaningful partnerships and innovative approaches to treatment resources to our region; he has generously discover sustainable solutions to issues that are greatly worked with me to create resource cards that get impacting our community.
The Oxford Company & The Oxford Rug Hooking School Supports The United Way And Their Volunteers. Thank You For Making The Addison County United Way The Best In New England.
LT. JEFF DANOSKI
Let’s Together, let’s create a community in which everyone has what they need to be successful.
HOST A WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN!
STRONGER TOGETHER BECAUSE WE LIVE UNITED
Every year United Way of Addison County unites dozens of businesses and community partners, and hundreds of employees to create and support access to opportunity for all who live in Addison County. By hosting a campaign in your workplace, employees can donate through payroll deduction to participate in supporting more than 30 programs and organizations right here in Addison County.
Ask your employer to host a campaign. Call us at 388-7189.
United Way of Addison County
PAGE 12 — United Way • Addison Independent, Thursday, October 25, 2018
Thank You!
TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS FOR MAKING DAYS OF CARING 2018 A HUGE SUCCESS!
Days of Caring Volunteers from the Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement help out with the Books to Birth program for Addison County Readers
Students from the Medical Professions Class at Hannaford Career Center volunteering at Memorial Sports Center
TO OUR BUSINESS, AGENCY AND SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS: Mary Hogan 4th Grade Class, Hannaford Food and Pharmacy, Vermont Adult Learning, WomenSafe, Middlebury College Women’s Basketball, Middlebury College Men’s Lacrosse, Middlebury College Men’s Baseball, Middlebury College Women’s Lacrosse, Middlebury College Women’s Softball, Hannaford Career Center, Bread Loaf, Mt. Abe, Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement, The Richards Group, ACTR, Middlebury College Middlebury Volunteers Group
TO OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS: Maple Landmark, Countryside Carpet & Pain, Kennedy Brothers, Monument Farms, Bourdon Insurance, WOKO, Texture Salon, Cooperative Insurance, Bristol Financial, Lincoln Applied Technology, VT211/Help Me Grow, Jackmans of Bristol, Woodware, Conner & Buck Builders, 802 Print
TO OUR JOB SITE COORDINATORS: Marie Murphy, Wendy McIntosh, Amethyst Peaslee, Zoe Kaslow, Catherine Brooks, Amanda Burnham, Karrie Martell, Shirley Ryan, Christiane Kokubo, Rob Carter, Linda January, Fernanda Canales, Rick Marshall, Tasha Ball, Peter Kellerman, Jessica Danyow, Chris Hale, Jeanne Montross & Lily Bradburn, Sadie
TO OUR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS — LIVING UNITED: Vijaya Wunnava, Charlene Bryant, Jill Rainville, Abby Blum & David Small, Michele McHugh, Tania Bolduc, JoAnne Kenyon, Robin Vincent, Ron Holmes, Jennifer and John Nuceder, Melody Hescock, Charolotte Tate
TO OUR JOB SITES: Addison County Readers, Lincoln Library, College Street Children’s Center, Middlebury Teen Center, Rokeby, Mary Hogan Elementary School, Living Well, Hospice Volunteer Services, Open Door Clinic, Addison County Chamber, Otter Creek Child Center, Salisbury Community School, Friends of Middlebury Hockey, Willowell Foundation, John Graham Shelter, Addison County Humane Society, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, HOPE, Middlebury Music Center
United Way of Addison County P.O. Box 555, 48 Court Street, Middlebury, VT
388.7189
unitedwayaddisoncounty.org