Community Matters
December 2021
We are all in this together. We continue to follow guidance from public health officials and government agencies regarding COVID-19, so we can continue to support our community.
A Year to Remember
Dear Friends,

We are continually learning, growing and adapting to serve our community
and meet the growing need for our services. Our 2021 Annual Report is a
snapshot of our accomplishments and a reflection of the hard work and
devotion of our staff, who have risen to the challenge of this year and who
have been nothing short of heroic.

In times like this, with increased substance use, anxiety, stress, and
depression, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are. While the
future is unpredictable, one thing I know for sure: together we can get
through anything.

Thank you for helping us.

Lorna Mattern, Executive Director
4th Annual UCS Superhero 5K was a huge success.
On Saturday, November 6, hundreds of superheroes took to the streets for the 4th annual UCS Superhero 5K. The 3.1 mile route began and ended at the Bennington Recreation Center with runners able to run down a portion of Main Street that was closed to traffic. A cheering crowd welcomed runners as they raced to the finish line.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible and a special thank you to the Bennington Police Department who helped make this event safe and helped lead our Superhero Kids’ Dash.

Proceeds from this year’s Superhero 5K will benefit The Gathering Place at Camp Ondawa. This heroic program offers individuals with intellectual disabilities a camping experience that is close to home, with people that they know and trust.
The Holiday Blues
As the holidays draw near it is important to remember that help is here. Watch as we revisit Coping with Holiday Blues. Lorna Mattern, Executive Director and Katie Aiken, BluePrint Clinician discuss the signs and symptoms to look for and how you can help someone who is struggling during the holiday season.
Vermont Business Magazine recognizes Rising Stars
Class of 2021
Congratulations to our very own Beth Wallace for being recognized as a Rising Star. The list is comprised of 40 winners under the age of 40. Award recipients were selected by a panel of judges for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and involvement in their communities. Beth is the Family and Community Support Partnership Manager with our Bennington County Head Start/Early Head Start Program...Read more.

Pictured: Beth Wallace at UCS Spring Center Grand Opening.
2 Park Street | North Bennington, VT 05257 | 802-442-3686
Bennington | North Bennington | Manchester | Pownal
Students honored to name the plows
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) named three of its snowplows Snowasaurus, Pumpkin the Plow Truck, and Snowdigger after students at Head Start/Early Head Start of Bennington County suggested the names. Throughout the fall of 2021, schools from around Vermont came up with names for VTrans snowplows in their local maintenance district.

The plows visited three Head Start facilities, including the brand-new Spring Center, on Wednesday morning as part of Vermont Plow Day with their newly attached name tags proudly displayed on the side. Kids learned all about the trucks and how they help to keep drivers safe in the winter weather.
Building for the community
In early November, the Bennington County Head Start/Early Head Start Family Services Team volunteered to build window inserts as part of the local Window Dressers Community Build event. For four hours, Family Service staff assembled window inserts that will ultimately be used in area homes to reduce heat loss and heating costs. The crew used this as a team-building activity that offered the added benefits of learning new skills and giving back to the community. It was fun and satisfying to see the results of our labor: over sixty frames were assembled by the end of the shift!

Pictured: UCS Family Service staff showing off their creation.
We are Here for You.
Will You be Here for Us?
We have a deep commitment to building a stronger community. Our staff are driven by a common purpose to do the right thing for our clients, our community, and each other. In the past year, calls for our services grew by 134%. The demand for our services is ever-increasing while our funding is not.

Your support is crucial. Our goal is to raise $100,000. Please consider contributing any amount today. Together we can continue to build a stronger community.

Donations can be mailed to:
United Counseling Service
PO Box 588
Bennington, VT 05201
We ❤️ Our Staff
Our employees are creative, thoughtful, energetic, forward-thinking and empowered. If you or someone you know wants to make a difference and help those who need it most, consider joining UCS. Visit ucsvt.org/careers to learn more.

Please be advised that the COVID-19 has altered the way we are currently recruiting. Should you be contacted for consideration, we are limiting job interviews to telephone or video communication, in order to align with guidance by the CDC. Hiring for certain positions may be slowed by efforts being used to promote social distancing and other recommended strategies. We thank you for your understanding as we navigate the best way to keep you, employees, and our community safe. 

Pictured: (L) Lori Vadakin, Director of Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use and Jaci Brillon, Universal Access Coordinator
(802) 442-5491 | ucsvt.org