United Way of Northwest Vermont has a long history of promoting and facilitating volunteerism, advocacy, and giving. Volunteerism is the basis of our mission to build a stronger region by mobilizing our community to improve people’s lives. We offer a range of programs that serve many demographics across Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties. These include education, support, and advocacy for the nonprofit sector with Common Good Vermont, improving job retention and advancement of employees in our Working Bridges program, and sponsoring two AmeriCorps Senior volunteer programs. Additionally, through special initiatives such as the Mental Health Initiative and Prevention Center Network, we are bringing partners together from all sectors to strengthen Vermont’s mental health system and reduce substance misuse among youth and young adults in Vermont. Along with these programs and initiatives, United Way funds a portfolio of grants which provide stability and capacity for our community in responding to the needs across our region. The scope of services supported by these grants includes: emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness and people fleeing domestic violence; housing retention services; and alternative housing options for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with limited financial means; services and resources to help people gain financial stability and meet basic needs such as food access and transportation supports; support for families, including home visiting, and early childhood services; services promoting healthy family relationships and reducing risk of child abuse and neglect; accessible and appropriate mental health services for people of all ages; recovery and wellness supports; reducing impacts of substance misuse; and a wide range of services and supports for all members of our community, including older adults, people with intellectual disabilities, New Americans, and people living with chronic conditions.