Grantees

Outright is building a Vermont where all LGBTQ+ youth have hope, equity, and power through programs like the vibrant and robust statewide Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Network. While 30% of VT public schools have a GSA, only 2% of the state’s GSAs are in an elementary school. Why is this important? Because by age 4, most children have a stable sense of their gender identity (American Academy of Pediatrics), by age 8, the average trans person has socially transitioned, and between ages 10-13, the average LGBTQ+ youth has begun feeling they may not be straight (Pew). Outright is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for young people by celebrating their identities, combating isolation, and making their schools safer, by expanding supports in elementary schools.

The Sharon Academy will provide presentations and facilitated discussions on high-interest topics for youth, families, and community members. The primary goal of this project is to build community through connection, shared resources, and learning, and to provide education and support in optimizing the social and emotional development of our adolescents.

MoonRise Therapeutics (MRT) is a farm-based nonprofit healing emotional and psychological trauma, and promoting mental health in the Upper Valley of Vermont. MRT brings together children and adults in need with skilled clinical professionals and a herd of well-loved horses. The practice of integrating horses into mental health work creates a uniquely effective setting for healing and growth. As a member of Mt. Ascutney Hospital’s Strengthening Families Workgroup, MRT is being funded to continue running Circle of Security Parenting trainings, Playgroups, and Family Days. These programs are designed to enhance caregivers’ social connection, resulting in stronger, more secure attachments for children and families.

The St. Albans Free Library is a beloved institution here in the heart of St. Albans City. I am requesting grant funding through the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation for a once monthly Friday evening event at the St. Albans Free Library for high school students. In an effort to provide teens an outlet for some good safe fun that’s also free, we’d love to offer our beautiful library space for a program called First Fridays. The goal of the program will be to offer a safe space where teens can come and be fed, socialize, participate in one of the evening’s events, or just hang out. We plan to have food, drink, movies, and games at each program, (we have a movie room) and one special performer/event that will differ from month to month.

Expand current services to include a new program for children in grades K-8, throughout Vermont, addressing Autism Spetrum Disorders and related social communication disorders.

The Milton Elementary School located in Chittenden County is one of the largest elementary schools in the state; it has 650 students in pre-kindergarten to 4th grade. Coming off the heels of the pandemic, MES has seen a large increase in behavioral issues affecting students’ academic and social experiences. In an effort to help our students in need of social-emotional skill development and their families, MES seeks to create specialized Social Emotional Learning (SEL) support services. The Monarch Classroom will provide guided mindfulness and sensory activities for students to learn and practice regulation, optimistic thinking, self-awareness & personal responsibility, and provide resources to continue this practice at home.

MoonRise Therapeutics (MRT) is a farm-based nonprofit healing psychological trauma and promoting mental health and well-being. MRT offers prevention and psychotherapy intervention, integrating horses, art and movement, to create a uniquely effective setting for healing and growth. Success will be leveraged by using MRT’s Family Support Services, utilizing the CIrcle of Security attachment based model, as a channel to pilot more intensive clinical intervention services provided to families in crisis. The goal is to help caregivers/children develop healthy secure attachments, which are the foundation for success in school, social relationships and predictive of a general sense of competence and well-being.