Founded in 1965, Capstone Community Action improves the lives of Vermonters in need by providing opportunities, education, and vital assistance. By breaking down the barriers that prevent people from thriving, we offer the hope people need, the dignity everyone deserves, and a better community for all. Capstone Community Action is part of a nationwide network of community action agencies (CAA) established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in order to fight America’s War on Poverty. Today, there are nearly 1,000 CAAs across the United States. CAAs are a primary source of support for Americans who are living in poverty in both rural and urban areas. Capstone Community Action is one of five CAAs in Vermont. Capstone Community Action (formerly known as Central Vermont Community Action Council) has served low-income residents of Lamoille, Orange, and Washington Counties and nine communities in Windsor, Addison, and Rutland Counties. Over the years, Capstone has earned a reputation for leadership in education on poverty issues, advocacy on behalf of low-income families, and developing innovative strategies and programs to reduce poverty in Vermont. As a result, we rebranded in 2014 from Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc. to Capstone Community Action, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we provide a wide offering of programs and services for low to moderate income Vermonters aimed at reducing poverty and creating prosperity. The core source of funding for CAAs comes from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) which channels federal funds through the states to local agencies to fight poverty and promote self-sufficiency. Nationally, CSBG funding accounts for less than 10 percent of CAA funding. We use these federal dollars to build and attract additional investments in their programs from state, local, and private sources.

The Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving communities in all 14 counties of Vermont through a network of 215 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. The Vermont Foodbank distributes 12 million pounds of food annually to as many as 153,000 Vermonters. The Vermont Foodbank, a member of Feeding America, is nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation.

Tri-CAP helps individuals and families increase their social and economic self-sufficiency and, in turn, strengthens the very fabric of our communities. We achieve this through advocacy, outreach, education, and assistance.

VRS was founded in 1997 to provide exceptional care management while offering an alternative to the usual corporate structured, market driven service organizations. Some two decades later, we have grown to cover all of New England with strategic partnerships across the country. Employee owned and operated, we are able to deliver customized services with integrity and personal commitment while remaining accessible and accountable. Well into our second decade, VRS continues to offer specialized services and consultation that result in consistent and reliable resolutions. Our tradition of knowledge and stability guarantees timely and efficient return-to-work outcomes that save you time and money. As we grow to meet the needs and demands of an increasingly complex market, VRS remains steadfast in our dedication to exceed the high expectations of our customers. We thank those of you who have given us the opportunity to work together, and we look forward to many years of successful resolutions as we endeavor to meet the demands of the future. To those who have yet to work with us, we simply ask that you give us a try. We believe you will appreciate the VRS difference.

We are the leading experts and advocates in healthy aging for central Vermonters. We respect the wishes of aging persons to age at home, remain healthy, stay active, and connected to the communities they know and love. Our Vision is a world where aging is honored. Our Mission is to support central Vermonters to age with dignity and choice. What we Value: At CVCOA, we believe in the self-determination, dignity, and choices of elder persons. How do we do it? We connect you to benefits and services you may be eligible for such as personal care, household help, housing, transportation, mental health services, and legal support. We create an individualized plan for you and coordinate your services for your long-term support at home. We help family caregivers and loved ones to cope and thrive. We refer you to Meals on Wheels and nutrition services. We connect you with volunteers when extra help is needed. We advocate for aging persons in the community and before policy makers. We work hand in hand with our partners in healthcare to coordinate your care needs. We respond to your calls Monday-Friday about any aspect of aging services. Since 1972, CVCOA has supported aging persons in Central Vermont. We are one of five Area Agencies on Aging in Vermont authorized to provide services under the federal Older Americans Act.

The Vermont Community Loan Fund creates opportunities that lead to healthy communities and financial stability for all Vermonters. VCLF is a mission-driven, community-focused alternative lender. We make loans to local businesses, community organizations & nonprofits, child care providers and developers of affordable housing who don’t qualify for a loan from a traditional lender. We combine our loans with financial consulting and business development services to make sure our borrowers have access to everything they need to succeed.

Laraway Youth and Family Svcs is an education management company based out of P.O. BOX 621, Johnson, Vermont, United States.

For more than 22 years, CVCLT has developed and maintained safe, decent and affordable housing for Central Vermonters. We manage about 400 apartment units through our Property Management Department in Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties. CVCLT rehabs existing properties and develops single-family and mutil-family housing developments. Through our HomeOwnership Center, we offer home ownership classes, foreclosure counseling and low-interest loans for safety and energy upgrades to existing homes.

NORTHEAST KINGDOM COMMUNITY ACTION, INC is a government administration company based out of 70 MAIN ST, Newport, Vermont, United States.

• Delivered comprehensive employment and transition services to 40 youth, facilitating their integration into the workforce. • Spearheaded training sessions with local businesses and job seekers, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing employment and retention rates. • Implemented innovative strategies to address barriers to employment, resulting in increased job employee and employer satisfaction.

Vermont Center for Independent Living is a nonprofit directed and staffed by people with disabilities. We work to promote the dignity, independence and civil rights of Vermonters with disabilities.

Our mission is to ensure our neighbors with disabilities are at home in the community. Green Mountain Support Services is a Specialty Services Agency (SSA) with our main office in Morrisville, Vermont. We are one of 15 agencies in the State of Vermont that has been designated to provide community-based services under the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL). We are committed to the following: Services focus on the individuality of each person and are relevant to the experiences and expectation of each individual. By improving the quality of life for the people we serve, the quality of life in the community is enhanced as a whole. To expect providers to be aware of the influence they have over people’s lives, and that their interactions will be respectful while promoting dignity. Empowerment and decisions should be passed to the individual and their families whenever possible and that treatment and recovery plans should always reflect their values, needs and service agreements. Natural families and natural supports are ideally the most effective avenues to ensure equality, acceptance and normalized community involvement for the people we serve. Developing and using current best practices which allow for positive growth enhancement for all. People with developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to improve their economic situations when possible. Individuals, guardians and service providers must recognize the right to accept new challenges, allowing room to fail or succeed with the understanding that the mere effort is a success in itself.