Grantees: Social/Emotional Development

Vermont Family Network (VFN) empowers and supports all Vermont families of children with special needs. Puppets in Education (PiE) was a stand-alone nonprofit until 2017, when it merged with VFN. Utilizing life-sized puppets, PiE teaches children how to keep themselves safe and healthy and to appreciate each other’s differences through educational programs for pre-K–8 students and their adults. Our programs model effective leadership and problem-solving skills and demonstrate respect and inclusion in a diverse community. For over 38 years, PiE has reached 10,000 children a year in schools throughout VT, promoting empathy and kindness for all while educating students in strategies to break the cycles of abuse, bullying, and harassment.