FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

We believe that all youth deserve the opportunity to thrive. We envision a Vermont where all families have access to affordable, high quality early childhood education and school-age care.

Priorities:

• Increasing funding for the Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) to improve Vermont families’ access to quality childcare.
• Empowering childcare providers to improve their STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System) score through training and funding incentives.
• Addressing Vermont’s childcare workforce shortage crisis through funding, education and job training programs, in partnership with community organizations and government.
• Expanding programs that address the achievement gap and set kids up to succeed, including pre-kindergarten, school readiness, and summer learning initiatives.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING

We support holistic and collaborative efforts to improve Vermonters’ health, strengthen families, and promote active lifestyles for residents of all ages.

Priorities:

• Expanding programs that address food insecurity, including the summer meals program.
• Reducing the childhood obesity rate through increased physical activity and nutrition education, per Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) guidelines.

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

We leverage our trusted position in the community, private funds, and volunteers to provide critical services that would otherwise fall to the government. We believe in working with our neighbors to address cross-sector challenges.

Priorities:

• Protecting tax exemptions for charitable organizations that address community needs unmet by government.

COVID-19:

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused incredible strain on Vermont families and the organizations that serve them.

Priorities:

• Accessing critically needed federal and state COVID-relief funds to ensure our ability to provide essential childcare and wellness services in our communities.
• Addressing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, including hunger, learning loss in school-aged children, social isolation and mental health.