New job VYDC-The Collaborative in Vermont

VYDC-The Collaborative

PROGRAM: The fulltime & part-time members of the VT Youth Development Corps AmeriCorps State Program (VYDC) implement diverse youth initiatives, fostering positive development & building resilience to help youth avoid opioid misuse & other unhealthy behaviors, transcend the effects of COVID-19, and the gain academic, social, & job skills needed to thrive. Website: VermontYouthAmeriCorps.org SITE: The Collaborative promotes a healthy community supporting substance-free youth in a caring environment. We provide programming for low-income and at-risk youth and their families in Windham & Bennington counties. Based on a positive youth development philosophy, The Collaborative fosters resilience and builds developmental assets allowing youth to succeed in school and beyond. Our programs include - Refuse to Use prevention program provides youth free access to a local ski mountain when they pledge to remain substance-free & attend educational opportunities; middle & high school groups cultivating youth leadership; afterschool & summer programs offering recreational & experiential learning activities; and a mentoring program that pairs youth with caring adults. The Collaborative delivers services regardless of ability to pay, including to the community’s most vulnerable populations. In support of our mission, the AmeriCorps member plans and implements innovative out-of-school time programs for middle & high school youth, manages mentor pairs, and ensures a substance use prevention focus in all activities. The member facilitates program outreach and secures non-federal grant funding & in-kind donations for member-supported programs. COVID-19: To address the short- & long-term impacts of COVID-19 (isolation from learning social interaction), lack of peer interaction, the member engages youth in learning programs and facilitates connections between youth & their mentors, peers, & community. Location: Londonderry, VT