Grantees

Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate a Northeast Kingdom where all people thrive free from abuse and oppression. Through our Advocacy, Family-Based Services, and Social Change programs, we support survivors, strengthen families, and prioritize prevention. We are seeking funding to expand our Early Prevention Education Program, piloted in 2024–2025, by bringing our Boss of Our Body curriculum to two childcare centers and four kindergarten classrooms each year. This program teaches young children essential body safety skills. We will also provide one annual adult training to help caregivers and teachers become more “askable” and confident discussing safety and healthy relationships.

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.

The sand has been shifting under our feet since March of 2020. This has been especially challenging for children. For 40 years Vermont Family Network’s Puppets in Education (PiE) has connected with children through powerful puppet programs that address social and emotional issues. During the pandemic, PiE adapted two topics most needed by students to virtual format: Kindness/Bullying and Worry/Anxiety. Schools now need a third option: one that addresses mental health and anti-bullying TOGETHER. Schools and teachers report that children are so stressed that they are lashing out at fellow students, faculty and family. This new program will unite being an “upstander” with recognizing one’s own stress and how to calm oneself.

Vermont Family Network (VFN) empowers and supports all Vermont families of children with special needs. VFN’s program Puppets in Education (PiE) uses life-sized puppets to teach children how to keep themselves safe and healthy and to appreciate each other’s differences through educational programs for PK–8 students. PiE programs model effective leadership and problem-solving skills and demonstrate respect and inclusion in all communities. For 41 years, PiE has connected with children through powerful puppet programs that address social and emotional issues. PiE reaches 10,000 children annually in VT & NY schools. We promote empathy and kindness while educating students about strategies that break the cycles of abuse and bullying.

Vermont Family Network (VFN) empowers and supports all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs. VFN’s Puppets in Education (PiE) program uses engaging, life-sized puppets, animals, and creatures to teach social-emotional learning, safety, and inclusion to PK–6 students. For 45 years, PiE has helped children build empathy, problem-solving, and leadership skills through interactive storytelling. Each year, PiE reaches more than 10,000 students in Vermont and New York schools, continually adapting programs to address the evolving needs of children and families.

Vermont Family Network (VFN) empowers and supports all Vermont families of children with special needs. VFN’s program Puppets in Education (PiE) uses life-sized puppets to teach educational programs for PK–6 students. PiE programs model effective leadership and problem-solving skills and demonstrate respect and inclusion in all communities. For 44 years, PiE has connected with children through powerful puppet programs that address social and emotional issues. PiE reaches 10,000 children annually in VT & NY schools. Their pilot Resiliency Program will take students on a journey of one puppet’s resiliency in the face of hardship, promoting engaging discussions that address the key elements of building resiliency.

A program to assist teens on how to resolve conflicts.

Support materials and equipment for WHBW Education Program which focuses on children and youth being free from violence and bullying in school and in the home.