Community Matters

February 1, 2024

Ryan Murphy, MSW, is Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services

United Counseling Service (UCS) welcomes Ryan Murphy, MSW, as its new Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services. Murphy comes to UCS with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health and substance use services field, most recently working for the State of Vermont as District Director of the Rutland Area Office of Child Protection Services. 

Pictured: Ryan Murphy, MSW, UCS Director of Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Read full article.

Early Childhood Services Assistant Director Kim Lawlor-Batty joins Snelling Center for Government’s Early Childhood Leadership Institute 2024

ECS Assistant Director, Kim Lawlor-Batty, has been selected to join the Snelling Center for Government's Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) 2024.

Kim was selected to participate from a competitive application process to join the six-month long cohort, learning and networking with early childhood colleagues from around Vermont. 

Pictured: Kim Lawlor-Batty, who was selected for the Early Childhood Leadership Institute 2024

Photo courtesy of Snelling Center for Government

Learn more.

Joe Bishop presents solo art show at Left Bank Maurice Kahn Gallery in North Bennington

Night to Shine returns February 9 at Grace Christian School in Bennington

Community members with special needs will celebrate this year's local Night to Shine event on February 9 for an unforgettable prom experience. The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors Night to Shine across the globe and Bennington will host its annual celebration at Grace Christian School.

Learn more.

Pictured: A Night to Shine attendee

Photo courtesy of Tim Tebow Foundation

Congratulations, Lauren!

Pharmacist Lauren Carter works at Genoa Healthcare located inside United Counseling Service and recently won Top Site Manager out of all Genoa locations across the country!

From Genoa: The Genoa Outstanding Achievement Awards reflect our mission to provide the best quality of pharmacy care possible by recognizing and rewarding team members who go above and beyond for the communities we serve. 



We wish Lauren a heartfelt congratulations and are so thankful for the high quality care she provides every day for our clients!

Pictured: Pharmacist Lauren Carter, winner of the Genoa Healthcare 2023 Top Site Manager Award

In other news:

'I had a dream:' Individuals in recovery are giving back to the community: Bennington Banner

Read the incredible recovery stories of local heroes, including UCS Emergency Clinician Jamie Spear, who helps community members in crisis every day.

Read article.

Community Care Network – Rutland Mental Health Services: Strengthening families through horses: VT Digger

Located in Belmont, Vermont, the Reinbow Riding Center is a therapeutic facility that combines the gentle presence of horses with therapeutic activities to foster emotional growth and resilience. 

Read article.

Home is where Healing and Better Mental Health Begins through Community Collaborations–Washington County Mental Health Services: VT Digger

This is the vision of Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS). How does an agency, or a broader community, attain a goal based on a vision? Establish a starting point. That point is “at home”. 

Read article.

The next Superhero 5K and Kids' Dash is November 2, 2024

We are already preparing for this year's Superhero 5K and Kids' Dash on November 2! Keep an eye on our Superhero 5K event page for registration details.

Pictured: A young person wears a hotdog costume while running in the 2023 Superhero 5K.

We're hiring! Visit ucsvt.org/careers

(Pictured: Union Street Group Home Manager Mana and client Pam at the Holiday Craft Fair)

Assistant Director

• Assistant Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services: Maintain clinical oversight of Substance Use and Community Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs. Lead staff in enhancing services and achieving positive outcomes.

Developmental Services:

• Direct Support Professional: Make a difference in the lives of others by helping adults with developmental disabilities reach their goals and develop relationships in their communities. (*Opportunities available in the Employment, Community Supports and Residential programs)

Outpatient Mental Health:

• Outpatient Clinician: Provide mental health counseling, case management, and educational services as a member of the Outpatient Mental Health team.

Early Childhood Services:

• Infant and Toddler Teacher: Care for infants and toddlers ages six weeks to three years while providing a clean, safe and fun learning environment.
• Bus Driver/Teacher Assistant: Help children in your community get a bright start at Head Start/Early Head Start. Provide transportation to children as a bus driver 15 hours per week and help out in the classroom 25 hours per week.
• Behavior Interventionist: Provide behavioral support and case management to clients to help strengthen their connection between home, school and community.

View our current job openings at ucsvt.org/careers.

Your gift helps us build a stronger community.

Your support makes a world of difference to our friends and neighbors. Please consider donating today at ucsvt.org/give.

(Pictured: Clients caring for their plot in the Bennington Community Garden)

(802) 442-5491 | ucsvt.org