New job VYT-The Collaborative in Vermont

VYT-The Collaborative

PROGRAM: The VT Youth Tomorrow AmeriCorps VISTA Program supports initiatives helping low-income youth & families develop job skills & academic proficiency, build connection to their community, access health & mental health care, find housing, become food secure, and connect with essential services needed to transcend poverty, avoid unhealthy behaviors, reverse the impacts of COVID-19, and ultimately thrive. Website: www.vermontyouthamericorps.org SITE: The Collaborative promotes the development of a healthy and involved community supporting substance-free youth in a caring environment and provides programming for low-income and at-risk youth and families. Programs include: Refuse to Use (provides youth access to a local ski mountain if they engage in 5 asset building & substance use educational events), middle & high school empowerment groups, Extended Day Program, a mentoring program pairing youth with caring adults, and a 6-week summer camp which promotes healthy choices, recreation, & education. The VISTA is integral to the development of the Collaborative’s out of school time programs for low-income youth. Programs are based on the positive youth development philosophy and help build skills that help youth succeed in school, as well as asset-building and social capital that help them transcend poverty. The VISTA builds capacity through planning, creating systems, fundraising, managing and recruiting volunteers, promotion and outreach, and evaluating programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. The VISTA’s efforts support our service learning programs and our community garden and nutrition programs where youth learn about gardening, nutritious food, and cooking. Low income youth & families in our community were hit hard by COVID-19. Food insecurity is rising, and many struggle with child care. The VISTA’s service enhances our ability to provide safe programs promoting connection, prevention, & education. Location: Londonderry, VT