|
Since 1965, CVOEO has partnered with individuals and communities to create a Champlain Valley that is economically, socially, racially, and environmentally just. Each of our nine distinct, yet interconnected programs approaches justice through its unique perspective and strategic angle. We know that the various aspects of justice intersect and diverge, and that they depend on each other in the ongoing quest to create a society where each person belongs and is able to achieve economic independence.
This month, we take a moment to reflect on the intersectionality of justice. From the Crystal Family New Hope Award that recognizes the contributions, accomplishments, and impact of New Americans in our community, to the work of CVOEO's Community Action Network and our response to the recent floods, the march towards justice takes many forms. We thank you for your partnership and hope that you will continue to join us in this work.
| |
|
2023 New Hope Award
Nominations Open
| |
Omar Biladi, 2020 New Hope Award winner, with his children | |
|
CVOEO is accepting nominations for the 2023 New Hope Award. The annual award, made possible by the generous support of the Crystal Family, was established in 2017 to recognize two individuals’ contributions, accomplishments, and impact within the community.
To be eligible, nominees must be a New American individual, family, or group whom you and/or your organization feels should be recognized. Nominations must be submitted via the link below by Friday, September 22 at 5PM.
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 October 21 at the UVM Fleming Museum of Art as part of the 2023 Karibu Cultural Celebration.
| |
|
Program Highlight
Community Action Network
| |
Travis Poulin, Community Action Network Director | |
|
In 2022, CVOEO’s Community Action Network was created, bringing together our three Community Action programs. The Network’s three offices in Burlington, Middlebury, and St. Albans provide a variety of services to people throughout the Champlain Valley, including:
-
3SquaresVT outreach, information, and application assistance.
- Distribution of Farm to Family Coupons, provided annually between July 1 and September 30 or until supplies run out.
-
Financial assistance and housing case management: housing advocacy, financial assistance to stabilize housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness, subsidized housing application assistance, and housing case management/housing navigation for individuals and families experiencing literal homelessness as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
-
Tax preparation: free income tax, rent rebate, and homestead property tax forms assistance, offered during the tax season (February 1 to April 15) under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).
-
Home heating and utility advocacy and assistance: seasonal fuel applications, VT Gas and Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance Program (EAP) applications, application assistance for the Crisis Fuel Emergency Heating System (EHS) repair or replacement program, and financial assistance with home heating fuel and metered utility bills required to maintain heat in the home, financial assistance is available during the heating season, October through April, as funds allow.
| |
|
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, victims of flooding with a prior IRS filing due date of October 16 now have until November 15 to file and pay. If you or someone you know needs to claim a disaster loss for property that is not covered by insurance or other reimbursements, use the disaster designation of VERMONT FLOODING, FEMA-3595-EM. For more information, connect with our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) team today. Please note: all are encouraged to prepare relevant information about flood losses in advance of VITA appointments this upcoming tax season. Staff will be prepared to assist with this need during the tax preparation and filing process.
Finally, 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.
| |
|
Meet the Board
Andrea Treadway
| |
As part of our ongoing effort to highlight members of CVOEO's Board of Directors, we are pleased to introduce Andrea Treadway, a representative from Addison County. | |
"Several years ago, I was going through a divorce and needed some help. I went to the Addison Community Action office and instantly felt welcomed. I received help with fuel assistance and the SNAP program. It was such a positive experience during a challenging time that I wanted to give back to the program that helped me and my daughters." | |
|
Careers at CVOEO
Join 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.
| | | | |
