Jerry has participated in a six-week
financial education program and
says that what he liked most was
“learning to spend less and save
money.” He is now looking for a
second job to help him pay his bills
and open a savings account.
When people have the knowledge and skills to make sound
financial decisions, they can improve their economic condition
and achieve monetary self-sufficiency. Educational programs for
adults and high school students provide the tools to increase
income, build savings and to gain and sustain assets.
“There must be a thousand beans on there! And I planted that!,”
said Noah, a 3rd grader. The overall physical health of people
in many of our communities is of concern. By increasing the
knowledge of and access to healthy foods and opportunities for
physical activity, diseases like cardiovascular, diabetes and other
chronic illnesses will be reduced and people’s quality of life will
be improved.
Early Learning
“Being able to read with my preschool-age son is a joy. We love that time together and I can see his learning skills improving every day,” says a local mom.
Children begin to learn at birth. Cutting edge educational
materials are made available to parents and caregivers that offer
easy, “doable” teaching opportunities in everyday moments,
such as when reading to children and grocery shopping. These
materials not only teach children the skills needed to be ready to
start school, but build strong interpersonal relationships.
Basic Needs
To meet the basic needs of individuals in our communities, we help in administering the Vermont 2-1-1 system, a free and confidential number to call 24/7. To access health and human service information and resources just dial 2-1-1 to speak to a call specialist.
Free prescription discount cards are available to those who do not have prescription drug insurance. This program has helped thousands of people who may not otherwise have been able to afford their medications.
We make available to non-profit organizations donated items through our Goods and Services Program, participate in the collection of food for local food shelves, and help coordinate the distribution of fuel assistance dollars.
During the devastating flood in May 2011 in Central Vermont, Green Mountain United Way was instrumental in opening the Flood Recovery and Resource Center in Barre, along with several other local organizations. Residents then had a place to go where they could learn of the resources available to them after being displaced from their homes and businesses. “It was such a relief to know that there was someone at the Resource Center who would listen and advise us the best way to access the assistance we needed,” said one whose home was damaged by the flood.
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Washington/Orange Office: 963 Paine Turnpike N #2 Montpelier, VT 05602-9163 802-229-9532 info@gmunitedway.org |
Caledonia/So. Essex Office: 1325 Main St. St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 802-745-0101 nbaker@gmunitedway.org |
Orleans/No. Essex Office: 69 Main St., P.O. Box 33 Derby Line, VT 05830 802-647-2148 mroy@gmunitedway.org |