Our Organization
Mountain Communities Supporting Education (MCSE) is commonly referred to and does business as The Collaborative.
We are a 501c3 non-profit prevention organization with a mission to empower the youth, families, and communities of Vermont through acceptance, resilience, and engagement We currently operate out of our Londonderry-based office and have been serving Windham, Windsor, and Bennington counties in Vermont since 1999. MCSE is also the fiscal sponsor of the Black River Area Community Coalition (BRACC), ACT Bennington (ACT), and Prevention Works!VT (PW!VT).
Board of Directors:
Kathleen O’Reilly, Chair
Ann Alford, Secretary
Martha Cowles, Treasurer
Allison Stori Hopkins
Meghan Ward
Mark Weikert
Core Staff Team:
Maryann Morris, Executive Director
Jackie Borella, Financial Director
Alice Abraham, Projects Manager
Devon Collins, Childcare
Jacob Dombroski, Programs Assistant
Amanda Fouda, School Based Youth Program Director
Sally Hespe, Communications & Development Director
Lauren Ingersoll, Projects Assistant & BRACC Director
Samantha Pearce, Community Epidemiologist
Natalie Philpot, Programs Coordinator
Victoria Silsby, Prevention Specialist
Thomas West, Projects Manager
Belief Statement:
All children are inherently good.
All children, teens and adults may make unhealthy decisions, but will be given the opportunity to make healthy choices with the advocacy and support of The Collaborative
At heart, all parents seek to promote the best interests of their children.
When youth and adults are provided enough information and cultural support, they will make healthy decisions to avoid the onset of substance abuse
Positive proactive substance use prevention throughout the entire community will facilitate the development of healthy independent teens
In our communities, each member, organization and system plays an integral role in conveying to youth the clear and consistent message that youth are expected to be substance free and rewarded for their commitment.
Our services and public resources are available to all families and individuals
Fiscal Agency Staff Teams:
Black River Area Community Coalition
Lauren Ingersoll, Projects Director
Andrew Moore, Program Supervisor
Dare Chammings, Director of Operations
Alyssa Irizarry, Projects Coordinator
Beth Shrader, Director of Programs
Taysa Lynch, Operations Coordinator
Letter From The Director
As we reflect on the past year, we are grateful for the community support we have received. This generosity from so many has significantly impacted our work, empowering youth, families, and individuals throughout Vermont. We've grown and adapted considerably, rebranding programs, expanding our reach, and strengthening our organization to become a key player in promoting healthy communities.
Maryann Morris, Executive Director
Local, Regional, and Statewide Impact
The Collaborative is one of the larger substance misuse prevention organizations and mentors fiscal agents in the state of Vermont.
What is a Fiscal Agency Partnership, and how does it work?
We are currently the acting fiscal agent for three other nonprofit prevention organizations: BRACC, ACT Bennington, and Prevention Works!VT. The Collaborative helps its partner agencies focus on their core mission by managing financial and administrative functions on their behalf. We provide their organizations with risk management support, organizational oversight, grant management, technical assistance, and prevention expertise.
The Black River Area Community Coalition serves youth in the Ludlow, Chester, Plymouth, and Mount Holly areas
Our team of 11 staff works closely with the teams of our fiscal partners, building prevention capacity across three counties and collaborating every step of the way. By aligning our projects that have similar mission and values, we augment each other’s work in the community to connect and support healthy communities through substance misuse prevention. You can read more about our fiscal partners and their annual updates on pages 15, 16, and 17.
ACT Bennington serves youth in the Bennington area
Prevention Works!VT serves individuals across the state of Vermont
What Does Our Work Look Like?
PRIMARY PREVENTION
Taking proactive measures “upstream” to prevent substance-related issues from ever occuring
SECONDARY PREVENTION TERTIARY PREVENTION
Identifying behavioral health challenges and providing critical early response
Supporting individuals “downstream” who are facing crisis and in need of urgent help
By addressing the root causes of substance misuse, we can prevent harm before it occurs Some of our upstream prevention work includes:
PUBLIC POLICY INFLUENCE
SMOKE-FREE SPACES
Rx LOCK BOX PROMOTION CANNABIS SAFE STORAGE AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
AFTERSCHOOL CHILDCARE
YOUTH-LED PROGRAMS
SCHOOL PARTNER NEWSLETTER
Here, our team is focused on at-risk populations, providing tools and support for both communities and individuals to improve health and avoid further harm.
RTU PROGRAM
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
LOCAL DATA ASSESSMENTS
DISPARITY IMPACT REPORT
GSA/LGBTQ+ INITIATIVES
ON-SITE SCHOOL EDUCATION
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Interventions here are supporting people with coping skills, recovery services, and dealing with the consequences of trauma.
CESSATION RESOURCES
STIGMA-FREE CAMPAIGNS RECOVERY SERVICES
RESTORATIVE PRACTICE
HEALTH EQUITY ADVOCACY
IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY TO SUPPORT NETWORKS INFORMATIONAL CAMPAIGNS
“ There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river.... We need to go upstream, and find out why they’re falling in. “
― Desmond Tutu
Childcare Programs
We are currently the only after school program serving the Londonderry area that accepts children from other schools and allows for the application of state subsidies.
Extended Day Program (EDP)
The Collaborative runs a licensed 5 STARS Vermont accredited After School Program at Flood Brook School called the Extended Day Program (EDP). We provide safe and reliable care throughout the school year in a fun and enriching environment that emphasizes social, academic, and emotional growth Students are engaged in wholesome learning, skill-building activities, S.T.E.A.M. projects, outdoor play, team sports, and inspirational stories from guest speakers. This past year, we expanded our program to homeschooled youth and students attending school outside of Flood Brook In 2024, EDP participation doubled with up to 25 youth per day!
Mentoring Program
Thanks to MENTOR Vermont, supporters like you, and our caring adult volunteers, we ’ re able to continue nurturing the social, academic, and emotional growth of our students In 2024, we had 14 matches for our mentees!
Flood Brook Middle School Clubs
OurCollab&Gabclubisayouth-ledinitiativethatmeets monthlyforprevention-baseddiscussions.
MiddleschoolersinourSunshineClubmeettwice/month tovolunteeronschoolandcommunityserviceprojects.
OurGSAclubmeetsweeklyandcreatesasafeand affirmingspaceforLGBTQ+youth
Summer Camp Program
Summer Camp operates each year from July to August for youth (ages 5-12) to enjoy summertime fun and daily coordinated activities with a different theme each week. While our campers are split into age-based groups for age-appropriate activities, everyone gets to participate in educational field trips, swimming, and hiking adventures
FIELD TRIPS AND EVENTS IN 2024 INCLUDED:
Memorial Pond
Week of hiking at local parks
Bromley Mountain Adventure Park
Manchester pool day
North Meadow Farm
Resilience Through Understanding (RTU)
Incentivizing Asset-Building and use Education
nding (RTU) is an educational program for middlethat teaches the health risks of substance use and activities The Collaborative has expanded its to include a spring/summer RTU program season, ng fall/winter program season Through RTU, The ing youth and schools real-world incentives to gh season passes to Stratton Mountain Resort, Riley Rink Ice Skating, Viking Nordic Center, Magic , stival, Riley Rink Disc Golf, and Dorset Players.
“I think it’s wonderful that this program is not just focusing on drugs but on mental health as well, and so many kids are better equipped to face issues revolving around drug use in the future!
- 8th grader RTU participant
Barrit Perry, Burr and Burton Academy Senior is the recipient of the 2024 RTU Scholarship!
“I believe that community and trust go hand in hand and when you’re able to rely on your community in return you learn to trust yourself and choices. When you have the courage to be honest it provides a level of self being in mental freedom.”
- Caring adult of a homeschooled 9th grader
RTU 2024 Highlights
Relationships/Mental Health Connection Challenge
Matt Wolf from Vermont Afterschool presentation
Stephen Hill presentation for Kickoff event
6 sessions of Yoga for Conscious Communication
Stratton Escape Games
Wilson House Mental Health and Recovery Panel
Partnership with NAMI/mental health practitioners
Community Book Club sessions
Over 50 RTU school and community-based events
Expansion of youth community service options
In 2024, RTU’s poster was accepted by CADCA, the largest prevention organization in the country, and featured in their presentations
Partnership with Dartmouth’s Human Design Challenge
The Senior Design Challenge is an interdisciplinary twenty-week capstone course for undergraduate students at Dartmouth College. In 2024, they chose RTU for their project and worked with our team using human-centered design to unveil key insights into how we could increase retention rates of 11th and 12th graders in our program.
Thanks to the generous commitment of the organizations above, combined with oversight from The Collaborative— the RTU program reaches students from Arlington Memorial High School, Burr and Burton Academy, The Dorset School, Flood Brook School, Leland & Gray, Long Trail School, Maple Street School, Manchester Elementary and Middle School, new partner Stratton Mountain School, The Mountain School at Winhall, and the homeschool community within the catchment area of the above schools.
Mission-Driven Projects & Events
Annual Prevention Grand Rounds
On July 2, 2024, the annual Substance Misuse Prevention Grand Rounds, hosted by The Collaborative, was held at the Manchester Community Library. This year’s theme was “Making the Healthy Choice, the Easy Choice.”
Prevention 101 Workshop
In August 2024, The Collaborative in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health Division of Substance Use Programs hosted a free Prevention 101 training in Manchester. The interactive session brought together youth organizations, school staff and administration, healthcare and non-profit-organizations from across Bennington County to learn about substance misuse prevention in the public health sector and how to best serve the community and specific populations, specifically youth.
This event was a huge success in uniting a cross-section of the community to connect and identify areas to incorporate substance prevention into their ongoing work. 11 community organizations and state agencies serving Bennington County and beyond plus 25 individuals, equals approximately 368 new and individual connections! ACT Bennington was the featured presenter, highlighting three of their signature youth programs that support, increase engagement and connectedness, and develop leadership skills
Livin’ Local Map
The Map Project is an interactive, crowd-sourced finder to help people locate art, culture, sports, hobbies, and community services. Some examples include waterfalls, parks, trails, music and art stores, concert venues, and more!
Facilitator Katie Niebuhr, Prevention Consultant for Bennington Health Department proclaimed that this event was “a wonderful opportunity for Bennington community partners to come together and assess how to best serve our youth in substance misuse prevention.”
Nonprofit Community Workshop
TC staff attended Manchester Community Library’s Nonprofit Community Conversation multiple workshops on marketing and communication, platforms and technology, and storytelling.
Mental Health & Recovery Panel at the Wilson House
The Wilson House hosted The Collaborative's Resilience Through Understanding (RTU) Mental Health and Recovery Panel in collaboration with Turning Point Springfield and Turning Point Bennington Benjamin Lerner, Benjamin Tuff, TC’s Programs Coordinator Natalie Philpot, and other members of the recovery community shared their stories and journeys to recovery with an audience of nearly 60 adults and youth.
Empowering Local Schools
Since its creation in 2023, the School Prevention Resource Center website has been accessed by almost 100 local school staff This site was created in partnership with Bennington County Regional Partnership (BCRPP) to support educators with curriculums, policies, lesson plans, activities, and substance-specific resources that encourage healthy school environments
2024 Pride Parade in Bennington
TC partnered with ACT Bennington and Shires Young Professionals at Queer Connect’s 6th Annual Pride Weekend in downtown Bennington. What began as a civil rights demonstration in New York City in 1970, Pride March is now a major part of Pride month celebrations across the world. Thanks to the policy efforts of TC and its partners, the staging area for the March was substance free for the first time
Vermont’s Prevention Community Hosts First Statewide Conference
In May of 2024, prevention professionals and community partners gathered in Fairlee, Vermont, for Prevention Works: Connections and Community First of its kind, this conference aimed to increase the capacity of qualified professionals from the community, schools, and higher education to address prevention needs through professional development opportunities. Over 190 prevention-aligned professionals from five New England States participated in 13 workshops featuring the topics of youth engagement, vaping, marketing and communications, coalition development and current trends in substances. The Collaborative’s own Natalie Philpot presented on vaping.
Engaging Young Adults & Caring Adults
We’re currently promoting two outreach campaigns: “Reach Your Potential” highlights ways young adults can thrive substance-free, from engaging with the outdoors to art and friends; “Listen. Talk. Connect.” helps adults in the region hear what others have to say about how they are listening to young people, while having constructive dialogues about healthy choices. Over 900 young adults and 1,400 caring adults have accessed these resources to date.
REACH YOUR POTENTIAL LISTEN. TALK.
In the words of one parent, “We all want our young people to be their best selves and lead healthy lives.”
Green Peak Alliance Resources
The Collaborative coordinates Green Peak Alliance (GPA), a regional network of prevention organizations working across East Central VT. Many of the resources that we use for events and community activities are created by GPA just for you. A sampling of GPA materials: Developmental Assets, Cannabis Caution, Opioids & Safety, Stigma-Free Language, Safe Celebrations, and Tools for Schools
Results-Based-Accountability (RBA) Training for Prevention Partners
A two-day summit of talks, activities, and workshops was hosted in October by The Collaborative and the Prevention Lead Region 4 Coordination team. Results-Based Accountability (RBA) is a disciplined way of thinking and taking action that can be used by organizations to improve quality of life in communities, cities, and counties, as well as to improve the performance of programs. We were pleased to provide this opportunity to organizations throughout the Windham, Windsor, and Bennington counties for applied learning to use RBA’s five step process for continuous quality improvement.
Mental Health First Aid Training
In response to our nation’s mental health crisis and to increase mental health literacy in our communities, The Collaborative and ACT Bennington brought Mental Health First Aid training to Bennington County and beyond This skills-based course gives people the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary.
Addressing Tobacco and Vaping
The Collaborative is recognized as an expert in tobacco and vape policy promotion by our local schools, communities, partnering organizations, and other coalitions. For over 16 years, tobacco prevention and cessation have been intertwined in TC’s outreach, education, environmental strategies, and programming and events.
Leading Smoke-Free Strategies
We were one of the first organizations to successfully embrace policy work and readily accomplished both a town and business smoke-free policies: The Town of Dorset and Magic Mountain Ski Area. Both accomplishments included signage and cessation support services for employees and family members. TC continues to build upon the many successes to curtail exposure of second hand smoke by providing technical assistance and leadership in tobacco control work
Education and Policy Influence to Protect the Health of Vermonters
In 2024, The Collaborative moved to educate decision-makers at the Vermont Statehouse on S 18, a bill that would ban the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco in Vermont and prevent the addiction of the next generation of Vermont kids Executive Director Maryann Morris testified before the VT Senate on how menthol and flavored vapes hook kids. As she describes the impact on our local youth, she quoted one 12th grader: "I am thinking about how the companies making these products prey on those struggling or young/naive This says a lot about the nature and intention of their product Integrity means nothing to these companies "
On-Site School Education
The Collaborative has been working closely with Flood Brook School in what we call a "three-prong approach" to vaping This initiative includes youth, caring adults, and school educators and staff in critical conversations about the health risks associated with vaping. By working in partnership with almost 70 students, we can learn together about the impact of vaping on individuals, our families, and our community We’re grateful to share resources with our community, such as our Vaping Portal website, to help schools, caring adults/parents, and young people come together to make healthier choices.
Softball Team vs. Secondhand Smoke
Green Mountain Lightning (GML) softball team had to regularly walk by smoke-filled cars when going to and from practice at Manchester's Memorial Park. They asked The Collaborative “how can we stop people from smoking/vaping in their cars while at the softball field?” To enforce the Recreational Center policy, we helped the park install more Substance-Free signs. GML families, community members and local businesses are proud partners on keeping this a healthy space for all to enjoy!
Prevention Lead Region 4 Vermont (PL4)
This new regional approach to funding keeps dollars closer to communities.
Led by The Collaborative, the PL4 is organized under a grant from the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), Division of Substance Use Programs. The PL4 is empowering local decision-making at the community level, allowing more flexibility to leverage existing resources according to need and impact
We currently have 16 funded organizations working within the PL4 region across the four health districts of Bennington, Brattleboro, Springfield, and White River Junction. Each district is covered by a VDH Prevention Consultant and a PL4 Community Liaison helping to guide evidence-based prevention efforts across the region
PL4 Strategic Planning Events
PL4’s strategic planning process, led by Executive Director of The Collaborative, Maryann Morris, and collective impact expert Deb Halliday, culminated in a dynamic two-day event held at Mount Snow and Ascutney Mountain Resorts. With over 60 participants, including community leaders, sector representatives from recovery, schools, housing and law enforcement, PL4 Advisory Committee Members, and funded partners, the sessions focused on shaping a 5-7 year regional plan for substance misuse prevention.
2024 Disparity Impact Report
PL4 is charged with leading the region in the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) process to determine needs, gaps, priorities, and funding allocations. In 2024, our Disparity Impact Report was published using data from the PL4 needs assessment revealing significant risks and strengths in our community regarding substance misuse prevention
Digital Catalog of Communications
Published last year, this digital catalog was created for partners to use as an informational guide for carrying out prevention messaging The catalog includes links to toolkits with powerful communications designed to address isolation, connect people with care and resources, and educate communities on how to make healthy choices.
Professional Development & Leadership
Vermont Strong! 24 Vermont
prevention professionals visit
2024 CADCA National Forum
We appreciate our long-standing staff! In 2024, The Collaborative honors Dare Chammings and Natalie Philpot for their dedicated 5 years of service.
The Collaborative’s Programs Coordinator Natalie Philpot and Certified attended the Annual National DCA: Community-based, Advocacying Association.
elcoming New Staff!
Thomas West
Thomas is dedicated to helping his community address critical issues and equity for all Vermonters. As our new Project Manager, he provides technical assistance and administrative support for grants and initiatives at The Collaborative
lly Hespe
y comes onboard as our new mmunications and Development ector, bringing a long history of nonit marketing skills and educational k to her position. Her first volunteer in Vermont was as a Mentor at The aborative!
Summer Intern Hillary Morrow
Hillary Morrow grew up in Weston, attended our RTU program, and currently is studying Brain Science at Tufts University Her internship with us was arranged by Susan White, Director of Health Careers at Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center.
The Black River Area Community Coalition (BRACC) is a communityled, substance misuse prevention coalition mobilizing under a shared mission for support positive youth development. BRACC serves the youth communities of Ludlow, Chester, Plymouth, and Mount Holly.
The Chester Teen Center
Ourvisionisasafespaceinthecommunityforlocal teenstoconnectwitheachother,havefunandbe creative,developleadershipskills,andhaveaccess tosupportandmentorship.
InMarchof2024,BRACCroundedupafocusgroup ofstudentambassadorsfromGreenMountainUnion HighSchooltomeetregularly,sharetheirideasand explorethepotential,thechallenges,andthe feasibilityofcreatingateencenterintown.InApril 2024,theChesterGreenMountainChurchopened theirdoorstoBRACCandouryouthgrouptouse theircommunityspace.Sincethen,we'vefacilitated youthgatheringseveryweek.We’veheldover30 teencentereventssofar,andnowseebetween15 and30youthshowingupeachdaywe’reopen!Our programisopeneveryWednesdayandFridayfrom 3-5:30pm Registrationisfreeandexclusiveto teensingrades6andup
2024TEENCENTERHIGHLIGHTS:
HiredassistantprogramsupervisorAndrew Moore(youthbehavioralinterventionist)
Purchasedandinstallingausedpooltableand basketballhoopattheteenspace
TeensvolunteeredattheChesterFallFestival
Createdanewwebsitepageandanofficial registrationprocessforparticipants
PartneredwithOkemoValleyTVonastudentledmediaprojectandfieldtriptotheirstudio SAPATVinterviewedprogramparticipants
Engagedlocalstudentsinadesigncontestfor thenewteencenterlogo
Launchedafundraisingcampaign
Securedtwoprivategrantsandanopportunity toexpandbuildingspaceforprogramactivities
PresentedattheSpringfieldRotaryClub
Our renovation project is moving forward to enhance and expand the permanent teen center. Thanks to many community members and businesses who have contributed to fundraising efforts, we've raised over $8,000 for the project in addition to having in-kind services committed from local contractors and volunteers!
Prevention Education & Outreach
BRACC continues to share its quarterly School Partners eNewsletter with over 200 education workers across Southern Vermont. In June 2024, BRACC also held its second Student Wellness Fair Event in partnership with Green Mountain Union Middle/High School, and presented on social media and mental health at the Chester-Andover Elementary school As a recipient of the PL4 grant in 2024, BRACC has been able to turn its teen center project into a successful program, sustain meaningful connections throughout the community, and create more access to prevention resources for individuals.
Our program now serves over 60 local youth!
THE CHESTER TEEN CENTER
ACT Bennington (ACT) is a substance misuse prevention coalition focused on supporting youth in Bennington County through community engagement, education, advocacy, and healthy community design.
Building Health Equity
The Take Care Project distributed more than 75,000 menstrual and hygiene products in Bennington in 2024.
In March 2024, we celebrated one year of hosting monthly Period Packing Parties. We are so grateful for the 50+ volunteers of all ages who contributed over 200 hours helping us assemble nearly 3,000 period Care Packages for our community The Take Care network in Bennington grew as we distributed Care Packages to low-income housing communities, the OB/GYN and pediatrics department, and elementary schools.
During Period Poverty Awareness Week, we worked to raise awareness about period poverty and its impact on our community Through events like Trivia Night, Knit Nite, donation drives, and tabling at Mt Anthony Union Middle School, we connected with community members of all ages, sharing our vision of ensuring that everyone in Bennington has access to essential period products.
Youth Led Initiatives
The Youth Leadership Group at Mt. Anthony Union Middle School focused on youth mental health this year. Students developed an idea for "Calm Down Boxes," a tool to help students deal with big or challenging emotions in times of stress, anxiety, or crisis. The YLG also presented at the school-wide Family Night and to the Bennington Select Board Meeting, where they spoke about youth mental health and solutions at both school and community levels.
Over 1,100 Sunshine Boxes were distributed in 2024! These monthly take-home kits are filled with crafts, resources, and activities to help build resilience and normalize conversations about mental health and substance misuse Themes included mindfulness, healthy relationships, gratitude, and nature. The project was launched by student leaders in 2021 and has continued thanks to community support and sponsorship.
Pride is Prevention
Hosted in partnership with Queer Connect, YourSpace is a monthly event series for LGBTQ+ and Allied youth that centers joy, connection, and community A team of youth leaders planned and led events including Cozy Crafting, Drag Cooking Class, Earth Day Terrarium-Making Party, Splash Day, and the Green Mountain Monster Mash. ACT also co-sponsored Queer Youth Prom and Leadership Day for GLOW (the middle school GSA) to kick off Pride Month
Community Care
ACT is committed to addressing and preventing substance misuse through collaborative action and community engagement. ACT staff and members actively contributed to various initiatives including the Bennington County Hunger Council, Project Alliance, SVSU Health & Wellness Team and Unaccompanied Youth Taskforce, and Prevention Works! Vermont workgroups. In 2024, our work as a PL4 grant recipient allowed us to increase connection-and capacity- to grow and sustain programs that strive to improve community health outcomes
Aligned with this work is the production of accessible resource guides such as the Bennington Help Map and the Bennington County Food Resources Calendar to help community members get what they need to thrive
Workforce Development Accomplishments
In 2024, Workforce Development initiatives achieved significant milestones to strengthen Vermont's prevention field:
PW!VT is part of a statewide substance misuse prevention community where Prevention Professionals, the Vermont Department of Health Prevention Consultants, and youth-serving organizations across the state are all working to create healthier communities.
Career in Prevention Materials: Developed an engaging infographic and talking points to promote prevention careers among high school and college health program students.
Collaboration with Health Liaisons: Partnered with Chittenden/Grand Isle School Health Liaisons to expand material distribution and outreach
Support for the Governor’s Institute of Vermont: Collaborated with the Health & Medicine Institute to introduce prevention careers and pilot resources for students.
School Counselor Engagement: Piloted career materials with BUHS counselors and presented them at the VT School Counselors Association Conference.
Southern VT Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Recognition: Prevention Specialist is now listed as a career option on the Vermont AHEC website
Advanced Career Focus Group: Hosted in May 2024, identifying professional development needs, including business skills and supervision. These priorities informed the Coalition Business Academy’s Winter/Spring 2025 offerings in partnership with New England Public Health Training Center (NEPHTC)
Launch of the Prevention Hub: Established a dedicated resource platform for prevention professionals, including a specialized section for school-based staff.
Onboarding Toolkit: Released My First Year in Prevention, created by Mariah Flynn during her NEPTTC fellowship, to support new prevention professionals.
Early Career Focus Group: Held in December 2024 to identify onboarding and orientation needs for new professionals
Professional Development Workshops: Delivered workshops on leveraging AI, advocacy, and addressing substance use among older Vermonters.
PW!VT at The National Prevention Network Conference
In July, Prevention Works!VT represented Vermont at the National Prevention Network Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The workshop, Workforce Development in Smaller, Rural States, showcased Vermont’s innovative approach to building a robust prevention workforce.
VT Statewide Prevention Conference
This inaugural event in May 2024 aimed to enhance the capacity of professionals from schools, community organizations, and higher education to meet Vermont’s prevention needs through dynamic professional development opportunities
Attendance: 188 in-person attendees from five New England states, with an additional 31 joining virtually.
Workshops: 13 sessions on youth engagement, vaping, marketing, coalition development, and substance use trends
Keynote Address: Pam Garramone, M Ed , delivered an inspiring presentation on positive psychology, encouraging attendees to embrace gratitude practices for improved mental well-being.
More Highlights from 2024...
The Vermont Prevention Certification Board introduces the new Associate Prevention Specialist (APS) Credential: providing a manageable pathway for those beginning their journey in the prevention field.
PW!VT launches the Vaping Clearinghouse, a comprehensive hub for vaping-related resources. This resource is designed to empower stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, and community members with the tools they need to combat vaping effectively
Our new Prevention Hub is a workforce-focused resource designed to support prevention professionals at every stage of their career.
Community Partners, In-Kind Donors & Volunteers
We want to thank all of the individuals, businesses, schools, and partnering organizations that invest in our good work here at The Collaborative. The list below highlights our allies in prevention from 2024, and we are grateful for their support!
ACT Bennington
Amy Anselmo
Battenkill Valley Health Center
Representative Becca Balint
Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office
Bennington Farmer's Market
Bennington Police Department
Bennington Regional Planning Commission
Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union
Gage Bergeron
Berkshire Family YMCA/Bennington Rec Center
Blue Gentian Lodge
Bob Borella
Burr & Burton Academy
Center for Restorative Justice
Center for Whole Communities
Communicators Group
Couch Family Foundation
Dana and Malcolm McNair
Dorset Players Inc
Dorset Theatre Festival
Deerfield Valley Community Partnership
Essex CHIPS
First Congregational Church of Manchester
Flood Brook School
Grandma Miller's
Greater Falls Connections
Green Mountain Union Middle/High School
Green Peak Alliance
Cassie Halstead
Hartford Community Coalition
Christine Healy
Kanthaka of North Bennington
Susan Kleiner
Leland & Gray Middle and High School
Benjamin Lerner
Let's Grow Kids
Little Rivers Health Care
Long Trail School
Maggies Farm
Magic Mountain Ski Area
Manchester Community Library
Manchester Elementary Middle School
Manchester Police Department
Maple Street School
Mentor Vermont
Merrill Lynch Investments/John Jacobi
Michael Sozek
Mount Anthony Union Middle School
Mountain Community Arts
Mountain Valley Health Center
Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
Mt Ascutney Prevention Partnership
Neighborhood Connections
Nellie Mae Education Foundation
New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
North Star Health
Northshire Bookstore
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Old Mill Road Media
Peru Congregational Church
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Pownal Skatepark
Queer Connect
Riley Rink at Hunter Park
Rural Techies
Samara Foundation
Senator Bernie Sanders
Shires Housing
Smokey House Center
Southeastern Vermont Community Action
Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Southwestern Vermont Health Care
Stewart’s Shops
Stratton Community Foundation
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain School
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA)
The Dorset School
The Mountain Goat
The Mountain School at Winhall
The New American Grill
The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy Northshire
The Second Congregational Church of Londonderry
The Tutorial Center
The Vermont Country Store
The Wilson House
Town of Dorset
Town of Landgrove
Town of Londonderry
Town of Ludlow
Town of Manchester
Town of Peru
Town of Weston
Town of Windham
Town of Winhall
Turning Point of Bennington
Turning Point of Springfield
Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission
United Counseling Service
Vermont Afterschool
Vermont Arts Exchange
Vermont Children's Trust Foundation
Vermont Community Foundation
Vermont Department of Children & Families
Vermont Department of Health
Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Vermont Foodbank
Viking Nordic Center
Vital Communities
W. Collective
Senator Peter Welch
West River Valley Thrives
Winhall Police & Rescue
Our 2024 Financial Supporters
Thanks to your past support, The Collaborative’s programs have made a difference in the region for over 25 years. Your investment in our work has allowed us to expand our reach as a leading prevention organization, strengthen our internal structure, and sustain programs that resonate with today's youth and families.
$100 - $249:
Judy
Muench
Kathleen O'Reilly
R K Miles
Skip Raymond
Richards Insurance Group
Beth and Brad Rozema
Margaret Rubin Elsie Smith
Anamaria Stori
Mark and Lenore Szuchman
Kate and Joel Townsend
Alison and Patrick Walsh
Wantastiquet Foundation
Mark and Tina Weikert
Jonathan and Thomas West
James and Sara Young
$250 - $499:
$500 - $999:
Beth and Ed Condict
The Jean and Joe Holman Charitable Fund
Londonderry Tri-Mountain Lions Club
Edward Magee
Tia Rosengarten
Weston Women's Club
$1,000 AND OVER: Anonymous
Great Scott Financial
Linville Family Foundation
Kelly Pajala
Walter Scott
Town Fair Tire Foundation
Vermont Country Store
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this report. Please accept our apologies for any errors or omissions.