Green Mountain United Way

09/03/2026

This is the BEST part of our work- meeting, convening, and aligning goals for working families of VT. Thank you, NEK Workforce Expansion Program, for an excellent day of exchanging proven methods of stabilizing the workforce through shared initiatives with employers and community service providers. And big thanks to our tabling partner, the one and only, Ric Cengeri of HomeShare Vermont

09/03/2026

You can have the best plan on paper for local and state emergency response, but it rarely meets the moment unless you have exerted the effort to build the trust and connections with those that are the community first responders. Thank you, Treasurer Pieciak and your team, for your listening and learning about what rural community collaboration is all about.

08/31/2026

It's back to school time! Our local schools have become important community hubs that provide so much more than learning. They requested the usual pencils and paper, and also items you wouldn't expect: laundry detergent, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sneakers, socks, deodorant, food to send home and for snacks during the school day, hair brushes, and lice kits.

Here's why:

One educator recently told us that 25 students in their small elementary school are living in unsafe or unstable housing.

Nearly 1,700 students who are homeless were enrolled in Vermont's public schools during the 2024-25 school year (the most recent year for data).

Families are couch surfing, living in cars and hotels, or staying at emergency shelters.

Their children are showing up to school without shoes for PE; with nowhere to brush their teeth, take a shower, or do laundry; hungry.

And so we all pitched in this year. Many, many thanks to the generous hearts at First Congregational Church of Berlin, Fast Enterprises and the Vermont FASTies, and Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. We could not have provided this level of support without you! Please know that a child's life is improved because of your caring.

08/26/2026

Working Bridges, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont and Green Mountain United Way, is in the news!

"Twenty years after its launch, Working Bridges is still helping Vermonters gain the financial literacy skills needed to make their dreams a reality.

It can be rare for programs to have that kind of tenure, but for Working Bridges, the work has gained even greater importance as income inequality widens and essentials like housing and healthcare become more expensive."

NORTHWEST VERMONT — Twenty years after its launch, Working Bridges is still helping Vermonters gain the financial literacy skills needed to make their dreams a reality.

08/18/2026

Our annual back-to-school supply drive is off to a great start! The donations are rolling in, starting with a fabulous batch of much-needed items from our friends at Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. Thank you to your whole team for being what our community needs! Your hearts are so generous and we are lucky to have you as partners in this work.

08/17/2026

It's National Nonprofit Day! We're taking the day to appreciate the many contributions of our nonprofit partners, along with CommonGoodVT.org, who is launching today their "Nonprofits Get It Done" awareness campaign.

It's a great opportunity to celebrate the nonprofit organizations serving our communities, as well as the staff, volunteers, board members, and partner agencies. Together, we make our communities stronger.

This wonderful commentary by Abby Long with Northeast Kingdom Collaborative sums it up well:

"The challenges facing rural Vermont are too great for any one organization or person to solve alone. But together we are building a more resilient and vibrant Northeast Kingdom."

Rural organizations wear many hats and stretch every dollar. Coordinating them is a necessity, not a luxury.

08/05/2026

For years, Tatum’s Totes has proudly provided bags through Green Mountain United Way, and we’ve come to recognize the natural ebbs and flows of need throughout the year. This year has been different. We’ve seen a steady increase in need all summer long.

It is truly an honor to do this work, helping ensure that every baby, child, and teen entering foster care receives a fully stocked backpack along with comforting items to support them during a difficult transition.

Right now, we are especially in need of:
🧸 Stuffed animals (Pusheens are always a favorite!)
⭐Pre-rolled fleece blankets
🎲 Toys for children ages 4–16

If you or someone you know is able to donate any of these items, it would make a meaningful difference and help us keep our backpacks full.

Please send me a private message or email our Executive Director, Tawnya Kristen, at [email protected] if you’d like to help.

Thank you for your continued support. More importantly, thank you for helping share comfort, kindness, and love with a child you may never meet. ♥️

07/30/2026

Big news! 🎉 Working Bridges, a joint program of United Way of Northwest Vermont and Green Mountain United Way, is spotlighted in a new report and docuseries by FINRA Investor Education Foundation and United Way Worldwide. This incredible program, and the regional collaboration between our two local United Ways, is being held up as a model for supporting working families and strengthening local economies.

Favorite quote: "It's a very human solution. It's really just walking through the world and caring about each other." - Connie Beal, MPA, Docuseries Part I, Supporting a Resilient Workforce

The FINRA Foundation and United Way are releasing new research that spotlights United Way of Northwest Vermont and Green Mountain United Way as they engage in a first-of-its kind collaboration, bringing the Working Bridges program to regional scale to reach more workers and serve them better.

In 2025 alone, the program served more than 10,000 employees across 33 employers — reducing stress, boosting benefits usage, and building financial resilience.

📄 Read the report and watch the newly released docuseries: https://bit.ly/4xdm65b

06/30/2026

Our Working Bridges team champion, program director Connie Beal with United Way of Northwest Vermont, shared some sage wisdom with the graduation class of 2026 in the St. Albans Messenger. Everyone should read it, no matter your age, because it applies to all of us at all life stages, and she finishes with these wise words:

"You are capable. You are loved. You are enough.

May you build community where you feel seen, valued, and where you belong. That is my wish for each of you—that you discover a deep sense of purpose and connection that brings you joy and meaning."

Read the whole thing here:

This letter is from Connie Beal, Working Bridges director at United Way of Northwest Vermont.

06/29/2026

The2026 nonprofit application for VtSHARES is now open!

VtSHARES is a Vermont fundraising program that allows state employees to make donations to a nonprofit of their choice through payroll deductions. This is a program coordinated by Green Mountain United Way and a committee of state employee ambassadors.

Every nonprofit who wants to be included in the program must apply.

Please visit the Green Mountain United Way website at www.gmunitedway.org/vtshares for information and instructions.

Thank you for being part of VtSHARES!