VYT 2019-2020 Summer/Fall Newsletter

VYT VOICES Summer/Fall Edition

CONTENTS

1.

VYT Team Introduction Members Ending in August/September: 2. Olivia Miller 3. Logan Racz 4. Sarah Hurley 5. Matthew Hudson 6. Ellie Carr-Dickerson 7. Lucy Bolognese 8. Brittany Worsham Members Ending :After September: 9. Mona Abdelghani 10. Bethany Lambert 11. Chet Cienkowski 12. Anna Tosi 13. Lyllie Harvey 14. Dwight Lomax 15. Sneha Singhania 16. Benjamin Brownell 17. Nicholas Ellis Additional Information: 18/19. 2019-20 Accomplishments 20/21. Host Sites 22. Contact Information

We are happy to share the VYT Voices Summer/Fall edition.

The Vermont Youth Tomorrow AmeriCorps VISTA Program (VYT) supports organizations across Vermont which create opportunities for youth in lowincome families to rise above poverty and flourish. VYT VISTA members build the capacity of initiatives designed to – (1) provide access to affordable health care, mental health and substance misuse prevention and treatment programs, healthy food, housing, and other comprehensive support services; (2) develop job skills and academic proficiency; (3) increase food security; and (4) promote the cultivation of social assets necessary to transcend poverty, avoid unhealthy behaviors such as opioid misuse, and ultimately thrive.

For the VYT members who began service in August and September 2019, we asked them to examine why they chose to serve and complete the statement, "I serve because. . .." As they completed their service in 2020, we asked them to reflect on the impact they had in their communities and finish the sentence, "Because I served. . .." For all members, we asked them to assess how they supported their site’s resiliency in addressing the acute and chronic poverty-related issues exacerbated by COVID-19.

Join us in celebrating the VYT members’ unwavering dedication and remarkable accomplishments.

We hope you enjoy!

1.

Olivia Miller

Winooski’s volunteer program went through significant changes when the Stay Home Stay Safe order went into effect in Vermont. I developed a new volunteer application specific to COVID-19 related needs which helped us narrow down who was willing and able to volunteer during this crisis. I partnered with local and national organizations such as AgeWell, RedCross, the Winooski Food Shelf, and the Winooski Housing Authority to help recruit and dispatch volunteers to serve under-resourced community members. The biggest area of need I’ve been focusing on during the COVID-19 crisis is food insecurity. During the pandemic, I assisted with meal deliveries in Winooski.

There was a significant uptick in request for meals from community members during in the month of March. I have also helped coordinate volunteer efforts at the Winooski Food Shelf during the pandemic. I feel grateful to be able to serve my community during a time of significant need.

2.

Winooski Community Services Department Winooski, VT

Logan Racz

The Howard Center community has been completely altered over the past several months. Serving in the Development and Communications office meant that I was interacting with staff members with diverse backgrounds on a daily basis. From accountants to clinicians, administrators to maintenance staff, I saw how intertwined many of the agency’s efforts truly are. The intermingling of these diverse individuals creates a network that is fascinating, one in which they both appreciate the value of each and find ways for their actions to benefit others. On March 13th, when Vermont entered a state of emergency due to the coronavirus, Howard Center offices closed and I began serving remotely from my apartment. My service took the form of gathering information and resources available to the community, followed by organizing and presenting the information in a useful manner for the public and our staff. I truly enjoyed serving to improve the capacity of Howard Center.

3.

The Howard Center - Development Office Burlington, VT

Sarah Hurley

My organization adapted remarkably well to the realities of COVID-19. We pivoted to online programming and virtual mentoring shortly after the pandemic started moving colleges to remote learning. My service was primarily focused on creating the online infrastructure to support this distance programming. I managed a Facebook group that connected our mentors, gathered resources and activities to support mentors in their distance programming, and created intranets to facilitate & support the functioning of our summer program. I also researched computer tablets, assisted in the purchasing process, and applied for grants as we sought to ensure the youth had access to computers and the internet. Throughout the implementation of social distancing, the organization continued to provide mentoring services to youth, and I assisted in providing technical resources to make that happen.

4.

The DREAM Program South Burlington, VT

Matthew Hudson

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, I have attended many online meetings regarding virtual mentor and mentee outreach and helped construct an effective communications plan to make sure communities were aware of programs available for DREAM youth. We spent time creating content and ideas for online-only activities and came up with many creative ways for mentors and mentees to spend time together remotely. We also spent a great deal of time developing and facilitating a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee to further the mission of the organization. This reinforced the program’s goals of improving the quality of its outreach to the communities we serve, with a focus on issues of race and poverty. We also spent time raising funds for future projects and events and making sure that what we provided helpful structure and content for the future.

5.

The DREAM Program South Burlington, VT

Ellie Carr-Dickerson

During these unprecedented times, I supported my site’s resiliency in addressing poverty-related issues by keeping in contact with community partners to learn of any new COVID-specific needs, connecting them with volunteers and donors on the Middlebury College campus and in the community. I also kept in contact with student leaders to help them determine their groups’ capacity to adapt programming to the new realities of COVID-19, and I provided them with ideas and support for adapting effectively. This summer, I supported Middlebury College CCE in developing questions for the college to consider and address as they developed their plan for reopening in the fall, developed a process for making the tough decisions left up to the CCE, and brainstormed remote programming options for many potential scenarios as we look to the fall.

Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement

6.

Middlebury, VT

Lucy Bolognese

When COVID-19 hit, my service site responded quickly and efficiently.

We created a social media campaign to keep people in our tiny rural community connected and entertained during lockdown. I was the point person for this project and responsible for creating posts and uploading them to Facebook. In addition to the social media campaign, I assisted my host site in reimagining the programs and events that would have originally happened in person. The biggest event, a fundraiser called the West River Trail Run, turned into a virtual run and was a huge success. I created the logo for the virtual run, assisted with brainstorming and reached out to retailers for in-kind donations. The community came together virtually which reminded everyone that we are all connected and that together we can do so much.

7.

The Collaberative Londonderry, VT

Brittany Worsham

I never thought something like this would happen in my lifetime.

The pandemic and other events have impacted the small hamlets of Greensboro, Hardwick, and Craftsbury in surprising ways. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, I have supported my site by listening to stories from locals about the impact of COVID-19 on their lives, providing a space for community members to work in a safe setting, and building relationships with new residents to increase the reach of WonderArts’ services and programs. Regularly listening to community members is the only way we can address their needs, and it should always be the first step in poverty alleviation.

8.

WonderArts Greensboro, VT

Mona Abdelghani The DREAM Program White River Junction, VT

White River Junction, VT

Mona will be serving through mid-November, 2020

9.

Once quarantine began, everyone at my site had to really dive into thinking about how we can continue serving the communities, which had always relied heavily on in-person human connection. Through this spring and summer, I supported my site's resiliency by exploring avenues of virtual mentoring. Alongside community stakeholders, we created guiding documents for mentors to help them continue mentoring virtually. I also began doing virtual check-ins with youth and their families to ensure all their needs were met during this time.

Based on those conversations, I developed new community partners for the families living in two of the communities that I serve to ensure that they receive summer lunches. So, while serving at home was a hard adjustment at first, it ended up being possible to continue supporting communities, mentors, and families through virtual connections and lots of online meetings.

Seeing the resilience, strength, and care within my site and the communities I serve is what has inspired me most. Everyone was so willing to continue to volunteer and serve to make sure our communities were supported.

Bethany Lambert Randolph Area Community Development Corporation

Randolph, VT

Randolph, VT

Bethany served through October 2020

10.

I began my service in March and was just getting settled into the office when the Stay Home Stay Safe order was enacted in Vermont. My service changed from planning community events to helping the community create a mutual-aid network. The Randolph Area Mutual Aid Network (RAMAN) was created in collaboration with other local non-profits and community leaders to coordinate the resources and support available in the area. RAMAN seeks to find solutions for poverty-related issues that have been changed by the pandemic: issues like access to food, housing, and internet. I supported my site and RAMAN’s efforts by creating digital platforms to post information about the aid they offer. I am inspired by this great community that I have the chance to be a part of this year. The way they came together in the face of this crisis is amazing and I am honored to help in any way that I can.

Chet Cienkowski Montpelier Community Services Department

Montpelier, VT

Montpelier, VT

11.

Chet served through October, 2020

After COVID-19 struck, we were all left trying to figure out how to best proceed and help the community during an incredibly difficult time. I am proud to say my service site rose to support the community in any way possible. Our involvement started with localized “food shelves,” which were outdoor cabinets stocked with food and toiletries for those in need. We also became involved with an organization that picked-up groceries for those who were especially vulnerable. As the program continued, we began raising funds for gift cards for individuals in need to purchase groceries and other necessities.

I am continually inspired by the community’s willingness and eagerness to help those who have been affected by COVID-19. It seems that the longer the pandemic goes on, the more obstacles are being thrown in our way. However, the community keeps finding ways to clear the obstacles and prepare for whatever the future may hold!

Anna Tosi

VYT Team Leader Montpelier, VT

Montpelier, VT

12.

Anna will be serving through mid-November, 2020

Since the COVID-19 outbreak our physical office has been closed since March, and I have been serving remotely. Many of my regular service projects have remained the same, although I haven’t been able to see any of our VYT team in person since March. While I miss seeing members, it has been fun finding ways to connect with them virtually. As my time with VISTA comes to an end soon, I’m looking forward to hearing what is next for members ending service in August and September, as well as greeting the members who are beginning service this August!

Lyllie Harvey Camp Thorpe Burlington/Goshen, VT

Camp Thorpe

13.

Lyllie will be serving through early December, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to do a lot of adjusting at Camp Thorpe. Most of our service up to this point had been focused on preparing for a full summer of camp. With camp no longer running, we’ve shifted to online gatherings while also working with limited funds. This summer has challenged us to be creative in our thinking and execution to meet a diverse set of needs that our camp serves.

We have been sending campers craft packets, bookmarks, masquerade ball masks, and wildflower seed packets. Each activity is accompanied by optional virtual meetings. We are also piloting weekly dance parties, and planning several different courses of action for future connection with campers given the uncertainty of next year’s camp status.

Dwight Lomax Camp Thorpe Burlington/Goshen, VT

Camp Thorpe

To respond to the stay home order after the COVID-19 outbreak, I created an activity that promotes remote reading for our campers. Each camper has received a blank bookmark with a Camp Thorpe sticker and letter. Campers have been able to design their bookmarks however they like. We will be holding virtual sessions to see everyone's designed bookmarks.

I wake up trying to contribute more to camp than I did yesterday. We are always looking for new ways to entertain the campers. Keeping the creative juices flowing inspires me to do my best.

14.

Dwight will be serving through early December, 2020

Sneha Singhania The DREAM Program South Burlington, VT

DREAM Office

During this public health crisis, DREAM pivoted its entire summer operation to provide the youth we serve as consistent, supportive, and enriching a summer as possible.

The organization was quick to recognize the increased importance of providing youth with a valuable and connected summer and maintaining the mentor-mentee relationship, even via virtual means. I was able to support the organization by helping to create and implement a virtual programming system.

The part of my service that inspires me is witnessing the thoughtfulness and agility of the organization and so many other organizations during this incredibly challenging time.

Sneha served through October, 2020

15.

Benjamin Brownell Howard Center- Project Hire

Burlington, VT

Burlington, VT

16.

Ben served through October, 2020

During the initial outbreak of the COVID-19, Project Hire saw many clients become unemployed due to the shutdown and stay at home order. While many of my regular service projects remained, they were majorly changed due to the new data brought on by the unemployment figures. I’m glad we have such a strong and caring team at Project Hire, and I feel that we all helped each other navigate these confusing times.

Even with the disruption, I helped my site streamline client information through our shared data system, connect individuals to community outreach programs, and develop health and wellness classes through a virtual platform.

As we move forward, I am glad to see a strong cohesion in the Project Hire team, and I am hopeful that our clients will soon be able to safely return to work.

Nicholas Ellis Essex CHIPS

Essex, VT

Due to COVID-19, the challenges I faced as a VISTA member took a serious shift in the second month of my service. My service site, Essex CHIPS, runs a number of youth development programs within the greater Essex Junction community.

To meet the unprecedented challenges, we needed to adapt our existing programs to serve youth virtually.

Essex, VT

One of the key problems we faced was funding. CHIPS hosts a variety of community events and fundraisers each year—a 5k run, for example—that were no longer possible during a global pandemic. As an AmeriCorps VISTA, I dedicated my service almost entirely to grant writing to help CHIPS find funding so we could continue to adequately serve at-risk youth in our community.

As I move forward in my service, I’m looking forward to expanding my role to increase the capacity of CHIPS through the organization of databases, facilitation of community events, and outreach to constituents to keep them informed of CHIPS news.

Nick will be serving until February, 2021

17.

2019-2020 Accomplishments VYT members...

Procured $501,657 in grants, donations, in-kind, and volunteer resources to enhance programs and initiatives that support low-income youth and families

Developed

46

programs designed to build resiliency, including nutrition education, physical movement, job skills and internships, financial literacy, academic skills, mentoring, tutoring, afterschool programs, literacy, and service learning Â

Developed

163 tools

to make services more efficient and effective, such as evaluations, forms, applications, instructions, toolkits, manuals, training materials, policies and procedures

Recruited

441

community volunteers, mentors, and tutors who gave more than

8,142

hours of service to communities, organizations, and youth

18.

Collaborated with community stakeholders

81

(nonprofit agencies, businesses, schools, municipalities, state government, etc.)

Created

1,292

posts on social media platforms.

Developed

115

public relations tools.

Designed

17

Public relations and media plans.

19,414 vulnerable individuals directly benefited from the efforts of VYT members! .

Defying the COVID-19 obstacles, VYT VISTA members made major strides in building the capacity of organizations engaged in fighting poverty. Some members also played significant roles in pandemic response by pivoting their service to meet critical needs. Our pride in what VYT members accomplished is immeasurable.

19.

HOST SITES Camp Thorpe (Goshen & Burlington, VT): Camp Thorpe is dedicated to providing a fun and safe camping experience to children and adults with special needs.

The Collaborative (Londonderry, VT): The Collaborative promotes the development of a healthy involved community supporting substance free youth in a caring environment.

The DREAM Program (South Burlington & White River Junction, VT): DREAM's mission is to close the opportunity gap for youth in low income housing. DREAM serves youth ages 5-21 who live in low-income housing communities in and around Burlington, White River Junction, and Bennington, Vermont by providing programming and mentor relationships with college students.

Essex CHIPS (Essex Junction, VT): Essex CHIPS is a small non-profit agency whose mission is to support, engage, inspire, and empower youth to make healthy decisions and become community leaders. Its impact is reflected in a higher quality of life for all particularly those disadvantaged by social inequities & poverty.

Howard Center (Burlington, VT): The Howard Center provides mental health, substance use, education, and developmental services across the full age spectrum.

Howard Center, Project Hire (Burlington, VT): The Howard Center provides mental health, substance use, education, and developmental services across the full age spectrum. Project Hire is a program that helps individuals with developmental disabilities find meaningful, competitively paid careers. Project Hire helps clients with career planning, resume writing, job search, benefits counseling, and related activities, while also supporting individuals in working toward independence and self-sufficiency.

Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement (Middlebury, VT): MCCCE prepares students for lives of meaning and impact through service, scholarship, and citizenship. Six youth and mentoring programs work to strengthen communities, contribute to the public good, and improve outcomes for youth across Addison County.

20.

HOST SITES Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement (Middlebury, VT): MCCCE prepares students for lives of meaning and impact through service, scholarship, and citizenship. Six youth and mentoring programs work to strengthen communities, contribute to the public good, and improve outcomes for youth across Addison County.

Montpelier Community Services Department (Montpelier, VT): The City of Montpelier’s mission is to serve the citizens of Montpelier and increase opportunity for all its residents. The Community Services Department helps low-income people through free and reduced cost programs.

People’s Health & Wellness Clinic (Barre, VT): The People’s Health & Wellness Clinic’s mission is to provide primary health care and wellness education to the uninsured and underinsured community members of Central Vermont who cannot otherwise afford these services.

Randolph Area Community Development Corporation (Randolph, VT): RACDC’s Mission is to preserve and develop safe and affordable family and elderly housing for low and middle income residents; attract and retain sustainable businesses with livable wage jobs; and build community alliances to support downtown and village center revitalization in VT’s White River Valley.

Winooski Community Services Department (Winooski, VT): The mission of the WCSD is to promote lifelong wellness; enrich the lives of community members; and to offer high-quality, affordable programs, activities, and events that meet community needs and respond to community Interests.

WonderArts (Greensboro, VT): WonderArts is a multidisciplinary community organization that connects, empowers, and supports our rural Vermont communities by providing hands-on activities and enrichment to all ages. Activities include enrichment programs for youth in school and afterschool, and each program supports the wellbeing and resilience of the community.

VYT Leader (Montpelier, VT): The Vermont Youth Tomorrow AmeriCorps VISTA Program (VYT) Leader supports members across Vermont in maximizing their impact in their communities.

21.

Vermont Youth Tomorrow AmeriCorps VISTA Program (VYT) Mission: The Vermont Youth Tomorrow AmeriCorps VISTA Program (VYT) supports organizations across Vermont which create opportunities for youth in low-income families to rise above poverty and flourish.

Vision: Hope, justice, and wellbeing for all Vermont youth Motto: Ingenuity choreographing youth potential VYT is a program based at the Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Club.

The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter belong to the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the site where the AmeriCorps VISTA members serve, Vermont Youth Tomorrow, the Washington County Youth Service Bureau, and AmeriCorps

Connect With Us! twitter.com/VTAmeriCorps @VTAmeriCorps instagram.com/americorps_vyt_vydc @americorps_vyt_vydc facebook.com/vermontyouthamericorps

linkedin.com/company/vermontyouthamericorps

VYT AmeriCorps VISTA Program P.O. Box 627 Montpelier, VT 05601-0627 802.229.9151 phone www.vermontyouthamericorps.org

22.

VISTA Team Leaders Anna Tosi & Joe Warburton

vyt.leader@wcysb.org

Assistant Directors Danielle Shaw dshaw@wcysb.org Olivia Gotaski vydc.vytad2@wcysb.org Hans Heisler vydc.vyt.AD1@wcysb.org

Program Director M. Kadie Schaeffer vyt.vydc@wcysb.org