Grantees

Youth First Mentoring plans to boost the protective factors of their established community mentoring program by offering an enrichment program that involves youth in the arts, sciences, outdoors, service, and wellness. This will close the opportunity gap at-risk youth face, enhance youth and mentor recruitment, strengthening social connectedness, resilience and outcomes for youth. The youth they serve are often deprived of typical enriching and educational experiences because of the risk factors they face (poverty, parental absence, e.g.). They will augment this with an educational program for mentors on adolescent development, adverse childhood experiences, and mental health first aid, which will boost protective factors in their mentor relationships.

Northeast Community Action (NEKCA) is a community based organization which provides holistic services designed to address the root causes and effects of poverty throughout the Northeast Kingdom. Through a partnership with Arlington high school in St. Johnsbury, NEKCA's Youth Food Education and Community Engagement Program provides at-risk youth with innovative culinary education led by renowned local chiefs and offers youth the opportunity to provide meal distribution to families in need in the community. The program provides youth with skills that they can utilize in a professional environment while promoting meaningful community engagement.

Funds used to support the Youth Leadership Program state-wide.

A youth leadership program.

Fund a four-day summer Youth Leadership Forum, for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities who want to learn leadership and independent living skills.

Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile is a mobile library and literacy organization serving rural communities in northwestern Vermont. We bring books, learning activities, and community connections directly to children, youth, and families who face barriers to accessing community resources. Our focus is on helping to close the education gap by making reading and learning exciting, fun, and accessible. By traveling to towns across Franklin and Grand Isle counties, we are able to meet people where they are, in their driveways, in a way that traditional libraries and organizations cannot. Our unique structure brings information, books, and connection right to the people who need it most.

Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile is a mobile library providing books and stories to children and families throughout Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. We travel throughout the region providing equal access to books, information, and resources regardless of economic status. Often the bucolic scenery of rural Vermont hides challenges faced by many impoverished Vermonters including lack of reliable transportation, internet access, and enrichment opportunities. Books are often overlooked when there is a struggle to make ends meet. FGI Bookmobile's unique structure overcomes some of these barriers by going directly to our patrons. Access to information helps to close the education gap between social classes.

Strength and formalize existing Youth of the Year Program to firmly establish it as a year-round effort.