Grantees

The Big Brothers/Big Sister program will help children facing adversity to succeed at school by matching them with caring volunteer mentors who impact their social and emotional competencies, attitudes towards school, and attitudes towards risky behaviors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont County (BBBSWC) is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). Established in 1904, BBBSA is the oldest and largest mentoring organization in the country. BBBSWC have been providing quality one-to-one adult-to-child mentoring programs for youth age 6-18 throughout Windham County for the past 42 years. We currently serve 67 youth in site and community-based programs with a special focus placed on children with incarcerated parents; those at risk for juvenile justice involvement or truancy; children in foster care or residential placements, or who are living in poverty or undesirable circumstances.

Continue their established afterschool program serving students in grades 3-6, providng engaging youth-centered enrichment opportunities for older elementary students

Local Motion will expand a social marketing campaign that increases rates of helmet use among youth and teen bike riders by making helmet use cool.

Since 1994, we have strived to eliminate barriers for people to access one of Vermont’s greatest natural assets, Lake Champlain. We have created programs to promote better gender balance, classes for individuals with disabilities, scholarships for low-income families, and initiatives to promote sailing among older Vermonters. Now, in our 28th year, we are shifting focus to address racial, ethnic, and cultural barriers to access recreation on the lake. In partnership with Burlington’s Trusted Community Voices we have designed the Diversity Access Initiative to create a new, long-term pathway for children in our community who identify as Black, Indigenous People of Color to access lake-based recreation in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

The Black Youth in Action (BYA) Program offers youth a collective space focused on health, wellness, and belonging. Black youth in Vermont have limited opportunities to engage in positive spaces with other Black youth and adults. This program provides that opportunity while creating healthy life habits and discipline to contribute to future success. BYA provides social connection, mentorship, and community service activities for teens, along with opportunities to explore flexible pathways after high school.

Blue Mountain Union School recently became a full day/full year preschool program and are looking at ways to enhance the materials that are available to our children. With the expansion of our program we are adding an outdoor classroom space for our students to explore within and use their imagination to a whole new world of excitement and learning. With the funds from this grant we are purchasing water exploration tables, mud kitchens, outdoor reading nooks and more. We currently serve 40 children within our preschool program and they come from a variety of backgrounds. Being outdoors is something that many of them are missing or have missed from the pandemic. We plan to expand their learning and their world.

Support for the outreach and literacy activities of the Franklin/Grand Isle Bookmobile.