From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 4/9/26

Weekly Update:

Our work is about connection—how we show up for each other and for the people we serve every day. I’m deeply grateful for what you do, and especially for how you welcome people—and each other—into our spaces and our working lives.

Gratitude

Recently, a guest at the Community Resource Center shared this reflection:

“I’ve been homeless in so many different places, and this is the only place I’ve ever been where people actually care about you and take time out of their day to check in with you, as opposed to it feeling transactional.”

This speaks volumes about the culture of dignity and respect you create every day. Thanks CRC team! As part of this spirit, April is Gratitude Month at CVOEO.

Stories of Home

As part of Fair Housing Month, CVOEO’s Fair Housing Team hosted Stories of Home at Main Street Landing. Four CVOEO team members shared reflections on how they understand “home” in the past, present, and future.

It was a powerful evening, and I encourage you to watch the recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N2bmdQuSuQ

CVOEO Recognition as Best Place to Work 2026

I’m excited to share that CVOEO has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for 2026. This recognition reflects your work, your values and how you embrace our collective mission.

Read more and see the featured team photo here: 65 Businesses Ranked As Best Places to Work in Vermont 2026 | Vermont Business Magazine

Champlain Place Green Up Day – May 2

Champlain Place will host Green Up Day on May 2, with staff and guests working together to clean and care for the surrounding neighborhood, including:

• The Rotary
• Shelburne Road (Rotary to Birch)
• Birch & Hoover (first block)
• Callahan Park green
• Champlain Place grounds

Thank you to the Champlain Place team and guests for demonstrating stewardship in action. Please note: Champlain Place Shelter urgently needs trash pinchers/grabbers. Donations or loans are greatly appreciated.

Community Resource Center

The Community Resource Center continues to see high demand, serving more than 100 people daily, and 150 visitors one day in March.

To further support the dignity and the mutual connection we have with our guests, Al from The Shop in Burlington is now providing free haircuts every Monday. We’re grateful for this partnership and for the CRC team and the FCV team!

Weatherization Apprenticeship

Henry Dora and Dylan Sweeney are participating in Vermont’s new state-recognized Weatherization Apprenticeship Program, a 12?month program administered through Everblue in partnership with OEO. This accreditation strengthens career pathways and builds long-term capacity within our Weatherization program.

Head Start Conference

Last week, six Head Start participants—including Policy Council members, teachers, and managers—attended the New England Head Start Association Conference in Boston. The team returned energized and inspired by sessions on leadership, governance, advocacy, and family engagement.

Mental Health & Cost of Living Training

CVOEO’s Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion partnered with CarShare, NAMI, Head Start and Feeding Chittenden to host a training as part of the Community Ambassador -led Initiative to Strengthen Mental Health and Address Cost of Living Pressure. Five Community Ambassadors participated and are preparing to co?facilitate an upcoming community workshop. The session was collaborative and energizing, and participants expressed strong enthusiasm for the work ahead.

VT Digger Feature

CVOEO was recently featured in a VT Digger article on delays in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding. CSBG is one of our only flexible funding sources and is critical to our ability to respond to emerging needs. Please read the article for important context.

Federal anti-poverty grant delay draws rebuke from Vermont’s congressional delegation - VTDigger