Summer
A special publication of the Brattleboro Reformer and the Bennington Banner Saturday, June 13, 2026
Concerts and deck hangs on tap at Valley Craft Ales
By C hris M ays Vermont News & Media
With the outdoor deck overlooking the picturesque Deerfield River now open and filled with live music, Valley Craft Ales is the ultimate destination this summer.
Located at 18 North Main St. in Wilmington, Valley Craft Ales has quickly established itself as a premier music venue in Southern Vermont, hosting renowned acts such as Bearly Dead, Consider the Source, Hayley Jane Band, Dizgo, Space Bacon, Brass Queens, and Yarn. This summer’s concert series features an impressive lineup, including Rigometrics on July 11, Brule County Badboys on July 12, Jed Harrelson on July 13, KALE on August 2, The Mallet Brothers on August 22, Shebad on August 30, and Weird Phishes on Sept. 19.
Adding to its charm, Valley Craft Ales recently introduced a café that serves premium coffee sourced from talented roasters throughout the Northeast. Guests can also enjoy unique coffee cocktails, making it the perfect spot to unwind before or after a concert. Additionally, the venue features 21 inn rooms upstairs, ideal for those looking to extend their stay.
Valley Craft Ales is open from 3 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.
The establishment offers a delightful menu featuring a variety of craft beers available throughout Vermont, as well as New Haven inspired Apizza (pronounced ahbeetz). Guests can indulge in elevated hotdogs, gelato made from local milk and eggs, meatballs, crostinis, olives, and pretzels.
This summer, Valley Craft Ales’ ever-expanding menu features beloved favorites returning. One highlight is the Asparagus Pie, crafted with fresh asparagus sourced from the Hadley, Mass., region, topped with mozzarella, provolone, roasted leeks, crispy prosciutto, and a hint of lemon zest. Another standout is the Pinello White, paying homage to the founder of Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This white pie boasts a sesame crust, enriched with mozzarella, ricotta, and caramelized onions, and is finished with lemon zest and parsley for a burst of flavor. For something classic, the Margherita pizza showcases the finest Calabro Fresh Mozzarella and Bianco Di Napoli tomatoes, delivering a timeless taste that every pizza lover will appreciate.
The concept from Co- Founders/ Brewers Justin Maturo and Travis Charlow is simple. “We use the best ingredients and don’t waver from this concept.”
take pride in their craft brew and make no excep tions for the summer. Keep an eye out for some of the seasonal favorites on draft:
Fetta Di Casa Italian Pilsner: This refreshing pilsner is a summer staple, Brewed with Malts from the Eraclea Region. Slightly sweet with notes of honey, spicy and fruity.
Coche De Carreras Mexican Lager: Valley Craft Ales is excited to announce the return of this fan-favorite. Enjoy this light and flavorful lager while knowing that a portion of the proceeds supports charity Rally 2 Give.
that boasts a smooth and light refreshing finish. It’s the perfect companion for warm summer days and vibrant evenings.
All are invited to come and experience what makes summer at Valley Craft Ales so special. With a beautiful summer deck overlooking the river, live music, perfectly baked pizza, and refreshing beers, there’s no better way to celebrate the season.
Follow Valley Crafts Ales on social media and check valleybeer. io for updates on upcoming events, featured dishes, and beer releases.
802 Credit Union grows while staying true to their local roots
BoB audette Vermont News & Media
For more than seven decades, 802 Credit Union has been woven into the daily life of communities across Vermont and New Hampshire.
Since opening their doors in 1953, they have been guided by a simple belief: banking should be personal, local, and built on trust.
“What began as a small financial cooperative has grown into a full-service financial institution focused on helping people and communities thrive,” said Kacie Charest, Manager of the Brattleboro branch of 802 Credit Union.
Today, the credit union serves members from its headquarters in Barre and through branches across both states, offering everything from checking and savings accounts to mortgages, auto loans, business services, credit cards, and financial counseling. It’s a modern financial institution, but one that still operates with the heart of a neighborhood cooperative.
“As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, our goal is to help members succeed financially while reinvesting in local people, organizations, and initiatives,” said Charest.
That member-first philosophy is central to how 802CU sees its role. Unlike traditional banks, the credit union is owned by the people it serves and governed by a volunteer board of directors. Decisions are made locally, by people who understand the needs of the region.
“At 802CU, relationships come first,” she said. “We focus on personalized service, local decisionmaking, and giving back to the communities we serve.”
That commitment shows up in ways big and small, such as supporting local nonprofits and schools, helping families navigate major life milestones, and investing in the financial well-being of members at every stage of life.
“We are incredibly proud of our culture, our people, and our community impact,” said Charest. “We strive to make a positive difference every day.”
Even as the credit union has expanded through mergers and technological growth, its identity has remained grounded in local connection. 802 Credit Union staff pride themselves on knowing their
members by name, understanding their goals, and offering guidance that feels personal rather than transactional.
“We believe banking should feel personal, welcoming, and trustworthy,” said Charest.
If there’s one thing the credit union wants future members to know, it’s that they’re not just customers but are part of something larger.
“We call them members at 802 Credit Union,” she said. “802 Credit Union is more than a financial institution. We are neighbors helping neighbors.”
Whether someone is opening their first savings account, buying a home, starting a business, or planning for the future, 802 Credit Union aims to be a steady partner that is rooted in local values, committed to community, and built for the long haul.
Get involved with the Better Bennington Corporation
A vibrant downtown doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, collaboration, investment, and most importantly, people who care about their community. That’s where the Better Bennington Corporation (BBC) comes in.
As Bennington’s designated Downtown Organization, the Better Bennington Corporation works year-round to support, promote, and strengthen Downtown Bennington. Guided by the four pillars established through Vermont’s Downtown Program, Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Organization, the BBC serves as a driving force behind many of the initiatives, events, and improvements that help make downtown a destination for residents and visitors alike.
One of the BBC’s most visible community services is the operation of the Downtown Visitor Center. Through a dedicated docent program, volunteers welcome visitors, tourists, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, offering information, recommendations, directions, and local hospitality. As visitation continues to grow, the organization is actively seeking additional volunteers who want to help showcase the best of Bennington while serving as ambassadors for our community.
The Better Bennington Corporation is also responsible for producing many of the events that bring thousands of people downtown each year. Signature events such as MayFest and Harvest Fest attract nearly 10,000 visitors in a single day, creating significant opportunities for local businesses, restaurants, lodging
establishments, and retailers. Volunteers play an essential role in making these events successful, assisting with everything from event preparation and setup to entertainment coordination, children’s activities, gate operations, and breakdown after the festivities conclude.
Beyond these major festivals, the BBC also produces ArtsFest, Bennington’s annual celebration of art and creativity, and coordinates promotions surrounding Small Business Saturday to encourage residents to support local businesses during the holiday season.
Partnerships are another important component of the BBC’s work. One longstanding collaboration is with Hemmings Motor News, helping produce the popular Hemmings Cruise-Ins. The BBC secures sponsors, coordinates musicians and entertainment, and promotes the series, creating another reason for people to visit and enjoy downtown throughout the summer months.
The organization’s work extends well beyond events. In 2021, the BBC launched the online Downtown Business Directory, providing a centralized resource to help residents and visitors discover downtown businesses and services. More recently, the organization introduced Beans and Bagels, informal morning gatherings that provide downtown business owners and stakeholders with updates, networking opportunities, and discussions about issues affecting the district.
The BBC’s Design Committee has also played a major role in enhancing the appearance and character of
downtown. From researching and implementing improvements that helped transform the Riverwalk, to coordinating rotating street banner projects, supporting beautification efforts, and expanding public art installations, committee members help ensure that Downtown Bennington remains welcoming, attractive, and reflective of the community’s identity.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Better Bennington Corporation works closely with the Town of Bennington, the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, local first responders, and the many business and property owners who make up the designated downtown district. However, like many community organizations, the BBC operates with limited financial resources. Its core funding comes primarily from the downtown beautification tax, making private sponsorships, donations, business partnerships, and volunteer support critical to its continued success and growth.
The Better Bennington Corporation doesn’t simply promote Downtown Bennington, it helps create the experiences, events, and initiatives that make downtown vibrant and successful.
Whether you’re interested in serving on the Board of Directors, joining one of the organization’s committees, volunteering at events, assisting at the Visitor Center, sponsoring community programs, or making a charitable contribution, there are many ways to get involved.
The future of Downtown Bennington depends on people who care
about its success. If you’d like to be part of that future, the Better Bennington Corporation welcomes your involvement.
Visit https://www.betterbennington.com/volunteer for more information.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Downtown Visitor Center located at 215 South Street, Bennington, VT
Hemmings Cruise-Ins and Thursday Night Live.
PHOTO BY DANNY ZAFFARANO
PHOTO BY DANNY ZAFFARANO 39th annual MayFest was a huge success
Join the Mission: Careers that make a difference
More than a job. A mission.
As Vermont continues to face growing challenges in healthcare and long-term care placement, MissionCare at Bennington has emerged as a critical resource for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. But the success of this unique facility depends on more than buildings, programs, or policies—it depends on people.
At the heart of MissionCare’s success are its Licensed Nursing Assistants, nurses, and caregivers who provide compassionate, hands-on care to residents every day. Their work extends far beyond meeting physical needs. They build relationships, restore dignity, offer comfort during difficult times, and create a true sense of home for individuals who often have nowhere else to turn.
MissionCare at Bennington was established to address a significant gap in Vermont’s healthcare system by serving residents with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs. Many residents arrive after lengthy hospital stays or difficult life circumstances. For them, the care they receive is life-changing. For staff, it is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every single day.
While the work is important, leadership at MissionCare believes that caregivers deserve a workplace where they feel supported, appreciated, and valued. The facility has worked hard to create a positive culture built on teamwork, recognition, and professional growth. Staff members enjoy regular employee appreciation events, monthly raffles, and opportunities to connect outside of
“Our caregivers are the reason residents thrive here.”
Christopher oldhaM, Director of Community Relations
their daily responsibilities.
“We ask our team to do incredibly important work, and we believe they deserve to be recognized for it,” said Christopher Oldham, Director of Community Relations. “Our caregivers are the reason residents thrive here. They show up every day with compassion, patience, and a commitment to making a difference. If you’re looking for a career with purpose, this is a place where your work truly matters.
In addition to a supportive work environment, MissionCare offers competitive compensation and incentive programs designed to reward dedication and performance.
Current opportunities for Licensed Nursing Assistants include a $4,000 sign-on bonus, substantial shift differentials, shift pick-up bonuses, quarterly raises, travel stipends for employees commuting from outside the Bennington area, referral bonuses, and ongoing opportunities for advancement.
“Our goal is to create an environment where employees can build long-term careers while feeling appreciated and supported,” said Administrator Tabitha Davis-Barron. “The work being done here impacts residents, families, hospitals, and communities across Vermont. We are proud of our team and excited to welcome others who want to be
part of something meaningful.”
For many employees, MissionCare is more than a workplace. It is a mission.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the need for dedicated caregivers has never been greater. Those who choose to join the MissionCare team become part of a larger effort to improve healthcare outcomes, support Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens, and strengthen the state’s continuum of care.
For individuals seeking a rewarding career with purpose, MissionCare at Bennington is inviting them to answer the call.
Join the Mission.
“The work being done here impacts residents, families, hospitals, and communities across Vermont.”
taBitha davis-Barron, Administrator
Garware Fulflex USA: Setting the standard of excellence for 95 years
By B oB audette Vermont News & Media
For nearly a century, Garware Fulflex, a global pioneer in rubber product manufacturing and thingauge calendering processes, has provided elastic tapes, threads, films and other polymer products that have over the years been used in golf balls, for fasteners for diapers, and for straps for all kinds of industrial face masks, hospital masks and even gas masks in World War II.
Today, Garware Fulflex serves a worldwide market, exporting to over 85 countries and supplying Fortune 500 companies with precision-engineered solutions tailored to a diverse range of industries including makers of medical and personal protective equipment and hygiene, sports and fitness equipment. Fulflex’s products are also used in industrial, food and agriculture, and eco-friendly applications.
Garware Fulflex’s expertise spans mixing, calendering, molding, extrusion, and polymer technologies — earning the company a reputation for delivering superior quality and reliability.
Garware Fulflex in Brattleboro has been in operation since 1932, although its origins go back to 1863, with the founding of the Easthampton Rubber Thread Company. With such a legacy, it is no surprise that the company continues to be a leader in meeting the ever-changing needs of the global market.
“We are now entering the footwear industry,” said Don Venice, vice president of operations, who has been with the company for 50 years. “It’s an exciting venture that will add jobs to the local economy.”
Venice said the folks who have made careers at Fulflex are responsible for the company’s many accomplishments.
“Our great employees are the key to our success,” he said, emphasizing the dedication and skill that drive their operations.
This team-based excellence, paired with cutting-edge manufacturing facilities in both the United States and India, has made Garware Fulflex the preferred supplier for leading global companies.
Innovation and teamwork is only one part of the equation for Fulflex’s success though. Garware Fulflex is equally committed to sustainability and community responsibility. Some of the measures they have taken to reduce their environmental impact include implementing sustainable technologies like solar, utilizing biomass briquette-fired
boilers, and minimizing both their consumption and waste. The company integrates eco-conscious practices into almost every aspect of its operations, ensuring their growth is aligned with conserving natural resources and reducing their carbon footprint.
For more information, visit www. fulflex.com.
Fulflex India
Creating healthy smiles and lasting relationships at Riverside Dentistry
By Caroline K atz
Riverside Dentistry has become a trusted resource for patients throughout Bellows Falls and the surrounding region by focusing on what matters most: providing exceptional dental care in a welcoming, patient-centered environment. The practice combines modern technology, advanced clinical services, and a highly skilled team with a commitment to making every patient feel comfortable, informed, and cared for.
From routine preventive care and hygiene visits to restorative dentistry, dental implants, and same-day emergency treatment, Riverside Dentistry is designed to meet the needs of patients at every stage of life. The practice takes pride in offering comprehensive care under one roof, allowing patients to receive high-quality treatment close to home while building long-term relationships with a team they know and trust.
What sets Riverside Dentistry apart is its emphasis on people. Every as-
pect of the practice is guided by the belief that dentistry should be both clinically excellent and genuinely compassionate. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, understand their treatment options, and take an active role in decisions about their oral health. Whether someone is visiting for a routine cleaning or a complex restorative procedure, the goal is always the same: deliver outstanding care while creating a positive and comfortable experience.
That commitment begins with the practice’s exceptional team. Riverside Dentistry is supported by highly trained hygienists, Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs), dental assistants, and administrative professionals who work together to provide seamless care. Their expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to patients are central to the practice’s success. Beyond their clinical skills, team members are known for their ability to build relationships, ease anxieties, and help patients feel at home throughout their visit.The collaborative nature of the team al-
lows Riverside Dentistry to provide a level of care that extends beyond treatment alone. Preventive education, personalized recommendations, and ongoing support are integrated into every patient interaction. The result is a practice focused not only on addressing immediate dental needs but also on helping patients achieve and maintain long-term oral health.
Leading the practice is Dr. Remi Katz, who became the owner of Riverside Dentistry with a vision of preserving and strengthening a practice rooted in patient care. His approach emphasizes compassion, transparency, and clinical excellence, while empowering the talented team around him to deliver the highest standard of care. Together, they have created an environment where patients feel respected, understood, and confident in the treatment they receive. Riverside Dentistry also reflects the values of the Vermont community it serves. The practice appreciates the opportunity to care for individuals and families across generations and understands the importance of build-
ing trust through consistency, reliability, and genuine personal attention. Many patients return year after year not only because of the quality of care they receive, but because of the relationships they have developed with the team.
Today, Riverside Dentistry continues to grow while remaining focused on its core mission: providing comprehensive, compassionate dental care that improves health, restores confidence, and helps patients feel their best. Through a combination of advanced dentistry, individualized treatment, and an outstanding team, the practice has established itself as an important part of the Bellows Falls community and a trusted partner in oral health for patients throughout the region.
Purple Sarah Day Spa: Expanding beauty, wellness, and self care in Brattleboro
Purple Sarah Day Spa has become known throughout Brattleboro and beyond as a place where advanced services meet thoughtful care. Founded by Sarah Hunter, the locally owned full-scale day spa was created with the goal of bringing together beauty, wellness, education, and genuine connection under one roof.
Opening in January 2020, Purple Sarah began with a vision of creating something the area had long been missing: a true day spa experience where clients could come for one service or spend an entire day focused on self care. Like many businesses opening during that time, the spa faced immediate challenges during the pandemic shutdowns, but continued growing through resilience, community support, and an ongoing commitment to client care.
Today, Purple Sarah Day Spa offers services ranging from hair, nails, skincare, massage, lashes, waxing, permanent makeup, body treatments, wellness services, and advanced skincare offerings that continue expanding each year.
Two of the spa’s newer and rapidly growing specialties are Ashiatsu barefoot massage and permanent makeup services.
Ashiatsu massage is becoming a very popular massage service at Purple Sarah Day Spa. Using overhead bars for support, therapists apply controlled pressure with their feet rather than their hands, allowing for broad, deep pressure while remaining relaxing and comfortable. Clients seeking therapeutic relief often appreciate the ability to achieve deeper work without the sharp discomfort commonly associated with traditional deep tissue massage.
“Our clients are often surprised how relaxing it is,” says owner Sarah Hunter. “Many people hear ‘walking on your back’ and immediately become nervous, but the reality is that Ashiatsu allows for controlled pressure and a very different experience than people expect.”
Permanent makeup services have also continued growing in popularity as clients look for ways to simplify their routines while enhancing natural features. Purple Sarah offers services including microblading, powder
brows, ombré brows, and lip blushing.
Rather than creating a one-size-fitsall look, the focus is placed on customization and long-term wearability. Brow and lip services are carefully designed around each individual’s facial features, preferences, skin type, and lifestyle.
“We want people to still look like themselves,” says Hunter. “The goal is enhancement, not creating something that doesn’t fit the person.”
Education and continuing education remain central to the business philosophy. Sarah, who has spent 24 years in the beauty industry, continues training alongside her staff while expanding both services and offerings.
The spa also carries a large retail selection featuring products for hair, skin, body, and self care across multiple price points alongside gifts and wellness items.
What many clients say keeps them coming back, however, is not simply the services themselves. Purple Sarah describes itself simply: “A real spa for real people.”
The environment intentionally focuses on creating a space that feels comfortable, welcoming, and approachable. Purple Sarah is a total vibe. Clients often describe the space as warm, welcoming, and community focused.
As demand continues to grow, many services now book weeks in advance. To keep pace, the business continues adding staff, expanding services, and planning for future growth.
For Purple Sarah Day Spa, growth has never simply been about adding services. It has been about creating a space where people feel comfortable investing in themselves and being themselves.
Purple Sarah Day Spa 464 Putney Rd Brattleboro, Vermont
Website: www.purplesarah.com
Email: PurpleHsarah@gmail.com
Phone: 802-416-1891
Owner & Founder: Sarah Hunter Facebook: facebook.com/ PurpleHSarah Instagram: @purpleHsarah
Ashiatus Massage
Comprehensive Computing: Bennington’s homegrown IT partner celebrates new milestones
Byrom Jomaa founded Comprehensive Computing in June 2023 with a vision to provide top-notch IT services in Southern Vermont. This family-owned business, located in Bennington, is driven by Byrom’s expertise and the invaluable support of his parents, Tony and Renee Jomaa, and his siblings, Olyvia, Leena, and Callam.
MEET THE FAMILY
Byrom Jomaa, a Mount Anthony Union High School and Vassar College graduate, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science with Correlate Sequences in Earth Science and Mathematics. His passion for continual learning fuels his role as both an IT professional and a business owner. Byrom’s dedication is evident in his eagerness to attend seminars and watch how-to videos, ensuring he stays updated with the latest technology.
Tony and Renee bring decades of experience from their computer business in Colorado, providing a solid foundation for Comprehensive Computing. Byrom’s siblings, Leena and Callam, currently students at MAUHS, possess strong organizational and computer skills and are active members of the First Robotics Cookie Clickers team. With an Associate Degree in Business from the
Community College of Vermont, Olyvia excels in graphic design and accounting, contributing significantly to the business.
SERVICES
Comprehensive Computing offers managed IT services tailored for solo professionals, micro-businesses, SMB firms, and nonprofits. Some of their services include:
• Technical consulting
• Computer networking
• Backup guidance
• Computer repair
• System design
• Wi-Fi upgrades
• Programming Comprehensive Computing manages workstations, mobile devices, servers, and networks, and provides security and IT assessments, advice, and complete IT management. Their comprehensive support plans ensure regular maintenance and proactive IT management, effectively becoming your IT department.
WHAT SETS THEM APART
“At Comprehensive Computing, we don’t just address issues as they arise; we proactively strategize and plan for your IT needs. Our goal is to integrate seamlessly into your operations, providing a level of service that makes us your IT department, regardless of your business size. This proactive approach and dedication to client satisfaction set us apart from the competition.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Comprehensive Computing’s commitment to Bennington extends beyond business. By offering highquality, local technology support, they aim to make business easier and more efficient, attracting valuable professionals to the area. By investing in local IT support, they help contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the Bennington area.
In 2024, Comprehensive Computing was awarded “Member of the Year”
by the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Byrom and his team also volunteered their time and services at Garlic Town USA 2024, enabling the festival with strong internet connectivity and strategic cabling. Later that fall, they supported Harvest Fest 2024 with a convenient charging and rest station for eventgoers.
On January 31, 2024, the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 Annual Meeting, further solidifying Comprehensive Computing’s standing as an engaged and impactful local business.
Now, in mid-2025, Comprehensive Computing is preparing for its next exciting chapter: a move to a new business location at 209 Washington Avenue in Bennington. The new space is set to open on July 1st 2025, offering expanded capacity to serve the growing needs of their clients.
WHY BENNINGTON?
Byrom chose to open Comprehensive Computing in Bennington to address the significant need for IT professionals in the area. With family support and a strong sense of community, the decision was clear. Highquality local technology support not only aids local businesses but also encourages talented youth to stay and contribute to the region’s growth.
“At Comprehensive Computing, we are dedicated to enhancing your business’s technological capabilities, ensuring you can focus on your core mission without worrying about IT. Partner with us and experience the difference a proactive, dedicated IT team can make.”
CONTACT US
For more information about their services or to get in touch, visit their website: www.comprehensive-computing.com
More than a job: How LNAs change lives at Cedarcrest
At Cedarcrest, Licensed Nursing Assistants are far more than caregivers; they are trusted companions, advocates, teachers, cheerleaders, and an essential part of the children’s daily lives.
Located in Keene, New Hampshire, Cedarcrest provides specialized medical care, education, therapies, and enrichment programs for children and young adults with complex medical and developmental needs. Every moment of care requires compassion, patience, clinical skill, and genuine human connection, qualities that Cedarcrest LNAs bring to work every day.
THE HEART OF DAILY CARE
For many residents, LNAs are the people who help start and end each day. They assist with daily routines, support medical and personal care needs, encourage independence, and help create moments of joy that make childhood special.
Whether it is helping a child participate in a favorite activity, celebrating a developmental milestone, or simply providing comfort during a difficult day, LNAs are deeply woven into the fabric of life at Cedarcrest.
“Our LNAs build extraordinary relationships with the children,” said Jay Hayston, President & CEO at Cedarcrest. “They know their personalities, their communication styles, their
favorite songs, their routines, and the little things that make them smile. That consistency and connection are what make this place work.”
A CAREER WITH PURPOSE
Working as an LNA at Cedarcrest offers something many healthcare settings cannot, the opportunity to form lasting relationships and truly watch children grow and thrive over time. Employees become part of a closeknit, mission-driven team united by one goal: helping children live their best lives.
For many staff members, Cedarcrest also becomes the beginning of a meaningful long-term healthcare career. The organization actively supports professional growth and development, with many employees
advancing from child care assistant roles into LNA positions and continuing on to become LPNs, RNs, and nursing leaders. Cedarcrest’s leadership understands that investing in LNAs strengthens the entire organization and directly enhances the quality of care provided to residents.
A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT UNLIKE TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARE
Unlike a hospital or short-term care setting, Cedarcrest is home for the children and young adults who live there. LNAs become part of birthdays, holidays, school achievements, recreational activities, and milestone moments. Staff members may help support a child during therapy sessions in the morning, participate in outdoor activities in the afternoon, and cheer them on during an adaptive dance
class, prom, or community outing later in the week.
The environment is fastpaced and medically complex, but also filled with laughter, creativity, teamwork, and purpose.
“Cedarcrest is a place where you can see the impact of your work every single day,” Buffy Meliment, Director of Nursing, shared. “You’re not just completing tasks, you are helping children experience joy, connection, and opportunities they may not otherwise have.”
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CARE
As the need for skilled pediatric healthcare professionals continues to grow, Cedarcrest is actively seeking compassionate, dedicated LNAs who want to make a meaningful difference.
The organization offers flexible scheduling, opportunities for advancement, tuition reimbursement, professional development, wellness initiatives, and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees.
Cedarcrest offers the opportunity to be part of something bigger, a missioncentered community where the work changes lives.
For individuals looking for a career that combines purpose, teamwork, compassion, and growth, becoming an LNA at Cedarcrest is more than a job. It is a chance to help give children extraordinary childhoods.
We Love Our Volunteers! lu
The Impact of One
Habitat homes are built by groups of people. At least, that's how it looks from the outside. You see volunteer teams in matching shirts, wall raisings packed with people, and build sites buzzing with activity. What you don't always see are the hundreds of individual decisions that made that moment possible.
One volunteer signs up for a Saturday shift. One donor makes a gift. One person chooses to donate a cabinet to the ReStore instead of sending it to the landfill. One future homeowner commits to the long process of preparing for homeownership. By themselves, none of those actions builds a house... But together, they do.
It's easy to underestimate the impact of one person because the results aren't immediate. One volunteer doesn't frame an entire home. One donation doesn't purchase every building material. One afternoon doesn't solve a housing crisis. But Habitat's work has never depended on one person doing everything. It depends on many people doing something.
Every home we build is the result of hundreds of individual contributions. Some take a few minutes. Some take years. All of them matter. Interested in becoming one of them? Whether you can volunteer once a week or once a year, there's a place for you in our mission.
BenningtonCountyHabitat.org/volunteer
