CVOEO empowers individuals, families, and communities through a comprehensive range of anti-poverty programs and services. From housing and food assistance, to education and translation services, CVOEO provides essential support to our neighbors in need.

Beyond our core services, CVOEO fosters a sense of community through opportunities for celebration, fundraising, and advocacy. This month, we're excited to highlight critical fundraising initiatives like 2024 Karibu and Wheels for Warmth, recognize the achievements of our Feeding Champlain Valley team and New Hope Award recipients, and share insights from our Executive Director, Paul Dragon.

We invite you to join us this month, and throughout the year, as we work together to create a more vibrant and equitable community for everyone.

2024 New Hope Award

Final Day for Nominations

Rachel Goldstein, 2023 New Hope Award Nominator

Today marks the final day to submit your nominations for the 2024 Crystal Family New Hope Award.

This annual honor, established in 2017 with the Crystal Family's generous support, recognizes two outstanding New American individuals. It celebrates their contributions, achievements, and the positive difference they have made in our community.

Visit cvoeo.org/new-hope-award today to learn more about eligibility and submit your nomination.

Each recipient of the award receives a $1,000 gift and is celebrated during an annual award ceremony. This year, the ceremony will be held on November 2.

2024 Karibu Cultural Celebration

Saturday, November 2

The 2024 Karibu Cultural Celebration is coming up soon, and we invite you to be a part of this special event!

Karibu, which means “welcome” in Swahili, is CVOEO’s annual community-centered cultural celebration to honor the growing diversity of our region through fashion and performance. This year, the event is taking place on November 2 at the UVM Fleming Museum of Art.

All funds raised by the event directly support CVOEO's Asylum Seekers Assistance Program, which provides asylees with emergency funds to purchase essential personal items or address an unanticipated financial crisis.

Can't attend? Your donation of any amount to the Asylum Seekers Assistance Program will make a significant difference. Help provide asylum seekers with the resources they need to rebuild their lives in Vermont.

Emergency Shelter Program

CVOEO calls for reinstatement

Paul Dragon, Executive Director, CVOEO, shares, "CVOEO is calling for the immediate reinstatement of the emergency shelter program."

Paul emphasizes, "if reinstating the hotel program is no longer possible due to room shortage, than the State, including the Agency of Human Services and the Agency of Education, should establish temporary shelters and deploy state employees as we do during public emergencies. Alternatively, the State should hire temporary employees or contracted staff, including child development specialists to operate the shelters."

He continues, "nonprofit organizations that are already stretched to the limit can play an important supporting role for these shelters."

Read the full piece via the link below.

Wheels for Warmth

October 24- 26, 2024

Donate or recycle your old tires and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Vermonters! The 19th Annual Wheels for Warmth event will take place on Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, October 26.

Proceeds from this event will help provide emergency heating assistance through the Warmth Support Program. Every dollar raised goes directly to those in need, ensuring our community stays warm throughout the winter.

To find out more about specific locations, times, and how to donate, please visit the Wheels for Warmth website linked below.

Feeding Champlain Valley

Program Highlght

This month, we celebrate our Feeding Champlain Valley culinary team at the Burlington Food Shelf and highlight an opportunity to come together to support 50 years of our food access work.

Our culinary team, led by Culinary Manager & Chef Instructor, Jon Barzensky, alongside Meal Production Coordinator, Charlie Desseau, works tirelessly to provide nutritious meals to our community. Every day, they prepare delicious breakfasts for our visitors and nutritious meals for local distribution.

Together, Jon and Charlie curate a diverse array of meals that are packaged for various shelters throughout the Champlain Valley. Their collaborative efforts ensure that each meal meets nutritional standards, while also providing a variety of options each and every day. We are truly grateful for their commitment to delivering healthy, nutritious, and delicious food to our community!

Looking for a way to get involved? In honor of Feeding Champlain Valley's 50th anniversary, join us for the Diamonds are Forever, A Golden Gala on October 12 at the Burlington Country Club. Dress to impress for an evening of music, dancing, and a diamond giveaway. The event is close to selling out, so buy your ticket soon!

Careers at CVOEO

Join our team

Join our team and make a difference in your community! Our compassionate and committed team members are the driving force behind everything we do at CVOEO.