Grantees

COTS offers specialized programming for children in our family shelter to reduce the negative impacts of homelessness. We propose expanding this by offering an education-centered curriculum in shelter, focused on developing healthy life tools children can transfer to their school experience. This curriculum, designed for pre-K-12th grade, will provide children with healthy psycho-emotional tools: healthy attachments, behavioral regulation, impulse control, logical reasoning and a healthy self-concept. We will work with parents to help reinforce this learning in their home. These tools will strengthen overall literacy, thinking skills, learning strategies, social interactions, and psycho-emotional regulation.

Make contact with new fathers through collaboration with agencies and hospitals to set up monthly support groups, on-on-one support, and postpartum phone followup to discuss concerns. The primary focus of the facilitator at these support groups is to provide educational materials and resources to new fathers, while discussing their role in the birth and responsibilities for care once the baby arrives

An early childhood literacy program that focuses on teaching emotional competency skills to reinforce reading comprehension and social skills in order to prepare children for kindergarten.

Prove children of the A.C.E. Before and After school program an opportunity to enrich their afterschool time with Colchester Parks and Recreation.

This grant will fund the expansion of “Caring Dads” sessions which aim to create a good experience and build on fostering warm and intimate relationships with Dads and their children. It is two 17-week sessions with male and female facilitators.

To purchase new materials to enhance the curriculum and preschool environment

The Village of Enosburg Falls is working to open a Youth Center within walking distance of the middle & high schools. Being in a space designed for and with youth will enhance their sense of self-worth through activities and relationships. Youth in our community do not feel a sense of belonging outside of school and the library is our only youth-friendly business. This space will help youth express themselves, explore their self-identities, provide safe opportunities for stepping outside of their comfort zones, and the grace of being supported through their trial and errors, rather than reprimanded or discouraged by them. This Center will increase youth mental health and help increase youth-positive feelings in the community.

To purchase equipment items for their preschool and playgroup programs that will enhance learning opportunities.