Grantees

Increase the number of preschool and kindergarten children who learn to identify their feelings and communicate them in positive and in appropriate ways.

This grant will be used to purchase equipment for use in the classrooms to promote the social and emotional growth of children ages 0-5.

Finding Our Stride (FOS) has been addressing the mental and physical health of VT and NH youth for 12 years, reaching over 3,000 kids, grades K-8, with free and accessible after school running programs. In 2021, through careful evaluation, FOS confirmed its meaningful impact on the fitness and social emotional growth of participants (more data below). In 2022, through a board-led strategic plan, FOS committed to growing its regional impact. In spring of 2023, due to a high level of interest, FOS will expand from 10 to 15 VT sites. FOS is in conversation with ten additional VT sites for 2024 and 2025.

Finding Our Stride (FOS) is a FREE, donor-funded, high quality, enriched after-school running program in the states of VT and NH for elementary and middle school aged children. Since 2011, FOS has boosted fitness, self-esteem, and resilience in more than 4,000 runners while connecting them to peers, mentors, and their communities. We are now in 20 VT schools, have created a social-emotional learning curriculum with the Positivity Project, and support children by providing them with impactful relationships with trusted mentors and increased awareness of their own character strengths. VT children can thrive when they know they are strong, competent, and supported.

First Expressions brings the arts to life for SAPCC's youngest learners and their families. Through quarterly artist residencies in our early childhood program, local dancers, musicians, and visual artists will lead hands-on creative experiences for children in our care. Each residency will conclude with a family-centered community event open to enrolled families and local children ages birth to six. These gatherings will feature performances and interactive activities that invite families to explore creativity together. By connecting young children with professional artists and welcoming families into the experience, First Expressions expands access to high-quality arts learning while strengthening community connection and engagement.

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.

The Fletcher Memorial Youth Library in Ludlow, VT. provides programing and services for children ages 0-18 and their caregivers. Due to restrictions caused by Covid-19, our library is not open to the public. In hopes of being able to offer a unique way to play and learn while visiting the library grounds, we are purchasing the materials to create an outdoor sensory path and additional tools to support outdoor programming.