From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 4/17/26
At CVOEO, we believe in collaboration and transparency. That’s why every week Executive Director Paul Dragon shares a roundup of updates and initiatives to keep everyone, from our 300+ team members to the broader community we serve, informed and connected. Here’s what’s new this week!
Weekly Update:
Gratitude and Recognition
Lisa Ouimette received a thoughtful note and flowers after housing this couple.
Also, Lisa is a poet and here is line from one of her poems on the unhoused - “To be real, to be seen, to be looked at in the face” - If you would like the full poem, please reach out to Lisa.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Kelley Newell from our Head Start program on receiving the Outstanding Community Partner in Service-Learning Award from the University of Vermont.
Kelley was nominated in recognition of her many years of leadership in the partnership between CVHS and UVM for the Kiddie CATs (Children and Teachers on the Move) Program. Through this program, teams of UVM students are matched with Head Start classrooms each semester, where they implement a physical activity curriculum and serve as general classroom volunteers for several hours each week. This longstanding collaboration has strengthened program quality and improved outcomes for children and classrooms alike.
Thank you, Kelley, for your dedication and leadership.
Head Start Community Collaborations – Friday Enrichment Sessions
Head Start continues to work in close collaboration with partners across CVOEO and the broader community to bring resources, information, and experiences to families enrolled in our programs.
Friday morning Enrichment Sessions are held at the Head Start Family Connections Program in downtown Burlington. Recent and upcoming sessions have included:
- Adult and Child First Aid and CPR training and certification
- Vermont Adult Learning information sessions
- Parenting discussions with Howard Center Mental Health Consultants
- Q&A sessions with UVM Medical Students
In addition, CVOEO’s Weatherization Service previously shared information on services available to income qualified households. Currently, Fair Housing Outreach Coordinators are offering a three-part Renter’s Workshop series, which includes the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a Financial Futures Advisor upon completion.
Champlain Place Winter Warming Shelter
Referrals to the Winter Warming Shelter stopped last Friday. However, the team is not discharging guests and is maintaining placements until permanent housing becomes available.
This approach is rare for warming shelters and reflects the compassion and extraordinary effort of staff, who also operate this 42 person year round shelter. Outstanding work by the entire team.
Champlain Place Operational Needs
The Champlain Place has secured buckets for spring “greening up” efforts and is now seeking large clay pots for the community garden.
Feeding Champlain Valley Donations and Volunteer Support
In March Feeding Champlain Valley received:
- 42,181 pounds of food were donated to the Burlington food shelf
- 527 volunteer hours were logged
- Included 1,380 pounds of food donated by the Middlebury Lion’s Club
We are so grateful for the support of our community!
Burlington Mayor Visits CVOEO Programs
The Community Resource Center and Feeding Champlain Valley teams welcomed Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak to our Old North End site on April 8. The mayor served hot meals alongside staff and volunteers, toured the food shelf, and received program updates. She also met with CRC staff and viewed progress on renovations at 228 N. Winooski Avenue.
Healthy Roots Collaborative: First Glean of the Season
Anna P. completed her first glean with Gabby from the Intervale, harvesting 104 pounds of spinach from Intervale Community Farm and Head Over Fields. A great start to the season and a strong partnership in action.
