Last month, many Vermonters experienced immense loss. At the same time, however, our communities came together and displayed incredible resilience. Together, we persevered through intense heat, hazy skies, and catastrophic flooding. We watched as many neighbors lost their crops, their livelihoods, and their possessions. We witnessed the pain and suffering, we felt the despair, and we also witnessed love and we felt hope for our future. Last month we were reminded that our community can overcome any hardship when we come together.

This month, we invite you to lean into community. Let’s continue to come together and support those in need. Let’s celebrate all that connects us. Let’s cultivate hope for a brighter and a more just future for all.

Flood Response

CVOEO Resources for Vermonters

CVOEO’s statewide Housing Advocacy Programs (HAP) staff strive to support all Vermonters, and especially renters, mobile home residents, and people experiencing housing discrimination. Guided by its mission, HAP recently developed resources to help renters and people living in mobile home parks navigate the aftermath of recent unprecedented floods.

In addition, CVOEO's Financial Futures Programs have stepped up to offer support to small businesses in need. Micro Business Development Program staff are available to support small businesses affected by the recent flooding, including providing assistance with accessing funds through the newly formed Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund. For support, connect with a Micro Business Coach by contacting Rachel Goldstein, Director of CVOEO's Financial Futures Programs, at 802-860-1417 X121 or by emailing rgoldstein@cvoeo.org.

For general questions, CVOEO's Community Action Network staff are here to help.

2023 Karibu Cultural Celebration

Save the Date: Saturday, October 21

Karibu, CVOEO's annual community-centered cultural event, will be held at the University of Vermont’s Fleming Museum of Art, on Saturday, October 21! Join us as we celebrate the growing diversity of the Burlington area through fashion and performance.

All are invited to this critical fundraising event that supports CVOEO’s Asylum Seekers Assistance Program. Tickets will become available in September.

Program Highlight

Office of Racial Equity & Community Inclusion

Virginie Diambou, Director of Office of Racial Equity & Community Inclusion

On July 1, 2023, CVOEO's Racial Equity Office expanded to become the Office of Racial Equity & Community Inclusion (ORECI), and now includes the Community Ambassadors Program, formerly a part of CVOEO's Financial Futures Programs. 

As part of the ORECI, Community Ambassadors provide interpretation and translation services and respond to hotline calls from community members seeking service referrals to CVOEO's programs. They also host resource navigation gatherings, formerly called house parties, where they share important news and information about the resources available at CVOEO, and collect community members' insight on better ways they can access services.

In addition, ORECI will continue to facilitate regular trainings for CVOEO staff on topics such as racism, bystander intervention, motivational interviewing, and more. ORECI creates tangible progress and organizational development to advance racial justice at CVOEO, and engages in initiatives statewide to influence policy and advance racial justice.

Meet the Board

Aden Haji

As part of our ongoing effort to highlight members of CVOEO's Board of Directors, we are pleased to introduce Aden Haji, a representative from Chittenden County. 

"CVOEO is unique because of the multi-layered approach to addressing community issues. It is vital to have an organization that works in partnership with the community."

Aden Haji

Careers at CVOEO

Strengthen our team

Join one of the VermontBiz and Vermont Chamber of Commerce's top 57 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2023, and help make a difference in our community.

At CVOEO, our caring and dedicated staff is the heart and soul of our organization, and we want you to join us.