Grantees: Parent Ed/Support
Dad Guild
Dad Guild uses a multifaceted approach to engage father figures in their caregiving roles. Since 2019, the organization has developed and implemented over 600 hours of programming to a growing network of nearly 800 fathers across the state of Vermont. The Dads & Kids program is the organization’s most popular, attracting over 200 unique participants (including 90 dads) in the 2021-22 fiscal year. In this program, dads and their children meet up at playgrounds, sporting events, restaurants, nature trails, and libraries to connect with one another. Fathers participating in the playgroups strengthen and grow their own peer support network, while children who participate benefit from strengthening their relationships with their own fathers.
Good Beginnings of Central Vermont
Babywearing enables caregivers to bond with their newborns, manage stress, and care for their baby and themselves. Families worldwide have carried their babies for centuries. But for many families today, babywearing can be expensive - and overwhelming. Carrier options are confusing and complicated; a good quality carrier may cost over a hundred dollars. Many new parents give up after one failed attempt because they lack sustained support and the ability to try different carriers until they find a good fit for their needs. This program breaks down barriers to babywearing via individualized fitting assistance, practical information on how to carry your baby, and access to a variety of carrier types in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
King Street Center
King Street Center, located in downtown Burlington, serves children and youth ages 18 months to 18 years and their families through our Toddler, Preschool, K-5, Middle School, High School, Mentor, and Family Support programs. Family engagement is critical for student achievement and social development, and is a powerful strategy for sustainable long-term student success. Our philosophical approach is to serve the whole child, which means not just supporting their own development, but also their families so they are able to provide a positive and resilient environment at home.
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Inc.
NVRH’s Community Connections program supports individuals and families to meet their whole-person wellness needs. Many students and families in the Northeast Kingdom face disproportionate health and social barriers to maximizing their potential, such as social isolation and disconnection, substance use, and marginalization. This new initiative will integrate a Community Health Worker (CHW) at the St. Johnsbury School to meet families where they are utilizing research-informed approaches, such as Strengthening Families, to support child and family well-being. Addressing risk factors for adverse childhood events, juvenile delinquency, truancy, and mental illness, the CHW intervention will support better outcomes for our youth and families.
Outright Vermont - Expanding and Innovating Programs for Families of LGBTQ+ Youth
Outright is building a VT where all LGBTQ+ youth have hope, equity, and power. A crucial step is ensuring that they have supportive adults in their lives - starting at home. According to The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, “LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year.” The goal for our family programs (TransParent, Panorama, Gender Creative Kids) is to equip parents and caregivers to be that accepting and supportive adult. They plan to add a new member to their Family Programs team, allowing them to increase participation, expand offerings, reach new regions, and apply new innovative approaches to their work alongside families.