Grantees: Social/Emotional Development
Addison Central Teens & Friends Inc
ACTivating Youth Innovation
Addison Central Teens (ACT) provides teens ages 12-18 with healthy meals, adult mentorship, and low-to-no-cost recreation and life skills programs, while connecting them with the necessary resources to help them thrive. We are committed to creating a space where all youth are heard, feel safe, and have autonomy, especially those most marginalized. We are open year-round for services ranging from after-school drop-in hours to summer camp. ACT is expanding their flagship drop-in program to give teens agency and a chance to innovate in the wake of the pandemic through STEAM-based workshops, community service, and civic engagement opportunities. Teens will be empowered to create a community where they feel valued and want to live.
Capstone Community Action
Building Resilience in Children and Families
Capstone Community Action’s Head Start program operates under the core tenet that family and child outcomes improve when families are given opportunities to make positive changes and children learn strategies to support their social-emotional well-being. In our 2020 program year, 80% of all enrolled children experienced one or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or traumatic events. In 2020, there was a 4% increase in the category of household and/or family member with depression or mental illness. After successfully implementing our resiliency-building program in our 3 preschool classrooms at our Lamoille County Early Learning Center, we are implementing this program at our center in Barre.
MoonRise Therapeutics
Strengthening Families at MoonRise Therapeutics
MoonRise Therapeutics (MRT) is a farm-based nonprofit dedicated to healing emotional and psychological trauma and promoting mental health in the Upper Valley of Vermont. MRT brings together children, families, and adults in need with highly skilled clinical professionals and a herd of well-loved horses. This practice of integrating horses into mental health workcreates a uniquely effective setting for healing and growth. As a member of Mt. Ascutney Hospital’s Strengthening Families workgroup, MRT requests funding for regional programs to support their Circle of Security trainings and Play Groups. Circle of Security enhances caregivers’ social connection, resulting in stronger, more secure attachments for children and families.
NFI Vermont, Inc.
NFI Vermont - Trauma-Informed Schools Program
The Trauma-Informed Schools Program (TISP) is a resilience-focused consultation and training program helping schools become better equipped to address the impact of trauma and adversity and increase resilience and healing. TISP recognizes the impact of stress and trauma is disproportionate and is therefore designed as part of other equity and social-emotional initiatives. Operating successfully since 2010, TISP is committed to efficacy and improvement. NFI will create a committee to design an updated curriculum, fully integrated between mental health and educational best practices, and facilitate implementation across Vermont.
University of Vermont Extension 4-H
PROSPER at Derby School
PROSPER is an evidence based partnership model that facilitates the delivery of two evidence based programs that build strong families and help youth avoid risky behaviors. UVM Extension, Derby School, North Country Middle School and community partners will come together to implement strategies and programs that support needs identified in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey data by building protective factors through a strengths based approach. We will continue building the project that was disrupted by COVID. This site adds to others in the NEK implementing the PROSPER model supporting youth and families in having the skills they need to thrive.
Upper Valley Haven
Upper Valley Haven Children's Program
The Upper Valley Haven's Children’s Services Program (CSP) provides critical support to children who are or who have ever been homeless. Since 1980, the Haven has served tens of thousands of individuals & families who are struggling with homelessness and poverty through access to food, shelter, educational programming, & service coordination. As part of our mission to break the cycle of poverty, our CSP offers the community's most vulnerable children, with high ACES scores, educational & developmental opportunities. This support is critical for the children we serve, who are suffering disproportionately from the social, educational, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic & who have all suffered the trauma of homelessness.
Vermont Family Network
Puppets in Education’s Anxiety/Worry and Bullying Prevention/Kindness
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. Using 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 all communities. For over 40 years, PiE has reached 10,000 children annually in Vermont schools. We promote empathy and kindness while educating students about strategies that break the cycles of abuse, bullying and harassment.