Vermont

Vermont Employment
Vermont Affordable Rentals
Vermont Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
VERMONT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Vermont Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL DISASTER RELATED NOTICES ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “VERMONT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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NEW SBA Logo
Attend the May Virtual Loan Clinic for Businesses

Tuesday May 1, 2012
Attend a free virtual loan clinic to learn about borrowing money for your business. Learn what lenders are looking for in a loan application and how the SBA loan programs can benefit your business.
Attend either at 9 a.m. or join a repeat session at noon.
Log onto the webinar https://www.connectmeeting.att.com & dial toll free to 1-888-858-2144 using access code 2779422.
For more information contact Vallerie Morse at 802-828-4422 x211 or vallerie.morse@sba.gov

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Vermont Head Start
Managing Agency Vermont http://www.vermont.gov
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can call the Vermont Head Start Collaboration Office at (802) 241-2705 or visit: http://www.vhsa.net/stateco.html#

Posted 04-09-12

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FESTIVALS AND FUN TIMES:

Vermont, St. Albans
Vermont Maple Festival
Dates: April 27, 2012 – April 29, 2012
Location:
St. Albans, VT
Franklin County
Phone Number: 802-524-5800
Description: This annual celebration of the Vermont maple harvest includes maple exhibits, food contests, antique and craft shows, fiddlers show, talent contest, Vermont specialty foods show, pancake breakfasts, a carnival

Vermont, Enosburg Falls
Vermont Dairy Festival
Theme this Year: Jumpstart With Milk!
Vermont Dairy Festival Dates: May 31, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location:
Enosburg Falls, VT
Franklin County
Promoter: Enosburg Lions Club
Phone Number: 802-933-5921
Description: Arts & crafts, horse pulling, stage shows, two-hour parade on Saturday, country & western jamboree on Sunday. Parade on Saturday. Fireworks and magicians.

Vermont, Brattleboro
Strolling of the Heifers
Dates: June 1, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location:
Brattleboro, VT
Windham County
Event Hours: starts 10am

Vermont, Manchester
Manchester Antique and Classic Car Show
Dates: June 9, 2012 – June 10, 2012
Location: Dorr Farm
Manchester, VT
Bennington County
Phone Number: 802-362-2100
Description: 900 antique and classic autos in 42 classes

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Whistling Man Schooner Co. – Voted Best Sail by Yankee Magazine 2011: The “Friend Ship” , operated by Whistling Man Schooner
Co. is a reproduction of the Friendship Sloops that operated along the New England coast during the end of the 19th century and very
beginning of the 20th century. Similar craft also carried people and small cargoes on Lake Champlain when sailing vessels were the
heart of commercial activity in this area. This one is United States Coast Guard certified and takes guests on 2 hour tours of Lake
Champlain from Burlington, Vermont’s waterfront. The route is flexible and determined by “wind” (direction and speed) and “whim”
(that of the passengers and the captain). Guests of all ages are welcome and are free to bring along food and beverage of their
choice. Private sails of 2 hours or longer are also available. The “Friend Ship” is a totally different way to experience Lake
Champlain. It invites you to see the Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east much as Samuel de Champlain
saw them in 1609, from the quiet elegance of a wind powered vessel slicing through the water of America’s 6th largest body of fresh
water. Phone: 802.598.6504

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Vermont Dr. Dynasaur (SCHIP)

Managing Agency Vermont http://www.vermont.gov

Program Description
Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur offers health care insurance for eligible Vermont children, teenagers up to 18, and pregnant women.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Vermont, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual
household income before taxes of less than $46,800 if two people live in the household; $57,600 if three people live in the household;
$68,400 if four people live in the household; $80,400 if five people live in the household; $91,200 if six people live in the household;
$103,200 if seven people live in the household; $111,400 if eight people live in the household; and $122,400 if more than eight people
live in the household. For larger households, add $11,000 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level,
you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
The application for this program can be found at the following website:

http://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits/apply_for_benefits

Program Contact Information

To learn more about Vermont’s Dr. Dynasaur program, please visit:http://www.greenmountaincare.org/vermont-health-insurance-
plans/dr-dynasaur

Or please call toll-free to get more information about Dr. Dynasaur: 1-800-250-8427

You can also contact your local Department of Prevention, Assistance, Teens under 18, and Pregnant Women (PATH) district office.
District offices can be found at:http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices

06-03-11

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Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance

Managing Agency Vermont http://www.vermont.gov

Program Description
The Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance can provide any eligible person physically present in a living unit in Vermont with fuel
assistance by paying their heat directly to a fuel supplier, or by giving assistance to people whose rent includes the cost of heat,
$50.00 for people who rent a room in someone else’s home, or $5.00 for people whose rent includes the cost of heat AND who live in
public, subsidized, or Section 8 housing.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Vermont, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $21,672 if one person lives in the household;
$29,136 if two people live in the household; $36,624 if three people live in the household; $44,112 if four people live in the household;
$51,576 if five people live in the household; $59,064 if six people live in the household; $66,552 if seven people live in the household;
and $74,232 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,476 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
The application for Vermont Fuel Assistance can also be found at the following location:

http://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits/apply_for_benefits

Program Contact Information

You can receive an application by calling the Fuel Office at: 1-800-479-6151

or 802-241-1165

Applications (pdf) for Vermont Fuel Assistance can also be found online at:http://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits/apply_for_benefits

06-03-11

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NERRC is one of six Regional Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Center provides special education technical assistance to help state education agencies improve their systems of early intervention, special education and transition services for children with disabilities. Find more resources for parents and educators in your state.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/vermont/education

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Program Description
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for Vermonters. It’s for eligible seniors 65 or older, people who are blind or
disabled, children, pregnant women and parents. Medicaid covers most medical care and services, such as doctor visits, hospital
care, prescriptions, vision and dental care, long-term care in a nursing home or at home, physical therapy and more.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Vermont, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income
or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19, blind,
have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Vermont Medicaid, please visit:

http://www.greenmountaincare.org/vermont-health-insurance-plans/medicaid

You can call the Prevention, Assistance, Transition, and Health Access (PATH) hotline toll-free at:
1-800-250-8427

If you have a hearing disability, please call the TTY number:
1-888-834-7898

Or you can contact your local PATH office:

http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices

Managing Agency
Vermont

http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
Food stamps are benefits you use when you shop for food. You use a Vermont Express electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to
spend your food stamps. You can use a Vermont Express card at most stores that sell food. You use food stamp benefits — in
addition to other food money– to buy more and better food.

If you are 65 or older or have a disability, you may be able to get your benefits deposited directly into your bank account. If you do not
have a bank account, you can use food stamp benefits on a Vermont Express card like cash.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
In Vermont you get food stamps through the Department of Prevention, Assistance, Transition, and Health Access (PATH). To find
out if you are eligible, a PATH worker will review your situation and your resources and income. The worker will also tell you what
documents you may need to provide to verify this information.

You may also visit the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger website to get more information:

http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com

The only way to find out if you are eligible for food stamps is to apply. Call, write, or visit the PATH office nearest you. Don’t know
which PATH district office serves your town? Click here to find out:

http://www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices

or call:
800-287-0589

Managing Agency
Vermont

http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; $68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/directories/su_sd_A_C.html

Program Contact Information
For additional information on the programs, please visit the Vermont School Nutrition Programs web site at:

http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_nutrition/school_nutrition.html

For more information on who to contact within the Vermont Child Nutrition Program office if you have questions:

http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/directories/general_numbers.html

You can also contact your child’s school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.

Managing Agency
Vermont

http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
Welcome to Vermont WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Our goal is to improve
health by informing families about good health practices and by providing nutritious foods to eligible Vermonters. Every year,
thousands of women, infants and children receive health screenings, nutrition assessments and health education from the Vermont
WIC program. The WIC program in Vermont is administered by the Vermont Department of Health.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and, (2)
meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members who
participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://healthvermont.gov/local/district/district_office.aspx#find

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on the WIC program of Vermont, visit their website at:

http://healthvermont.gov/family/wic/wic_vt.aspx

You can also call the Vermont Department of Health toll-free from within Vermont at:
800-464-4343

or locally at:
802-863-7333

Managing Agency
Department of Health (VT)

http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont, your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.

http://www.education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_nutrition.html

Program Contact Information
You can also contact your local school district to learn how to receive Vermont SMP benefits.

If you have questions regarding the Special Milk Program, please call the Vermont Department of Education-Child Nutrition
Programs office at:
802-828-2447

Managing Agency
Vermont

http://www.vermont.gov

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Program Description
The mission of the Weatherization Program of Vermont is to reduce the energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the
elderly, people with disabilities, and children, by improving the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes while ensuring their
health and safety. The program is administered by the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Vermont and your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $21,179 if one person lives in the household; $27,696 if two people live in the household; $34,213 if
three people live in the household; $40,730 if four people live in the household; $47,246 if five people live in the household; $53,763 if
six people live in the household; $54,985 if seven people live in the household; and $56,207 if more than seven people live in the
household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please contact your local administering agency at the following location:

http://dcf.vermont.gov/oeo/weatherization_offices

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program, please visit our website:

http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/oeo/weatherization

Managing Agency
Vermont

http://www.vermont.gov

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!