From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 11/12/25
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!
Head Start Update
Yesterday we received verbal confirmation from the State that CVOEO will receive funding to keep Head Start staff on and classrooms open. We are awaiting the details and will provide an update when we have them. We love our Head Start Team!
Extreme Cold Weather Shelter Call for Staffing
CVOEO will be operating the Extreme Cold Weather Shelter at the Miller Center this year. We have received State funding for up to 20 nights. In the past, we have had up to ninety people in one night and we expect the same this year. If you are a CVOEO employee interested in staffing the shelter, please contact Sarah Russell. Once again, we will provide training for people who join the Miller Center team. Please contact Sarah to discuss and to receive the details.
2026 Best Places to Work in Vermont
It is that time again — we want to hear your opinions about our workplace! Each year, the Best Places to Work in Vermont Program (created by VermontBiz, the Society for Human Resource Management Vermont State Council, and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Workforce Research Group) honors organizations that are creating great workplaces. Based on our staff survey responses, CVOEO has been honored to receive this designation for the past 3 years!
If you are selected to receive a survey, we ask that you please take ten minutes to complete your survey. Your feedback is important to us and to the process. The survey is confidential, and our organization will only receive responses in aggregate. We will use your feedback to make our workplace better. Thank you for your participation!
SNAP/ 3SquaresVT Update
According to our friends at Hunger Free Vermont, the State of Vermont sent the first half of November 3SquaresVT benefits to all 3SquaresVT households on Friday, 11/7. All 3SquaresVT EBT Cardholders received those benefits that morning, and direct deposit folks received them over the course of the day (differences with banking). The Vermont Emergency Board is meeting on November 13th at 1pm to decide about sending the second half of 3SquaresVT benefits for the rest of the month, depending on what is happening at the federal government level. You can see where it will be broadcast here. EBT Cards Will Work: As a reminder, EBT cards will work at all authorized retailers! Please let us know if any issues arise in your community. Folks can check their EBT Balance online or by calling 1-800-914-8605. Federal Funds for November Benefits: We do not know the timeline for when federal funding may be available to all SNAP participants, including Vermont households. Please Hunger Free’s webpage here this webpage.
CVOEO 255 South Champlain Street Office Update
We have signed a lease with our current and longtime landlord to set a future for a South End Community Hub here at 255. In the beginning of the new year, many teams may relocate to maximize our usage of the building. We will let you know as things come online in the next few weeks.
Feeding Champlain Valley South End Food Market and Hub Planned Opening July 1, 2026
The Feeding Champlain Valley Team will be opening a South End Market and food hub on July 1 of this year. The market, fulfillment center, and warehouse space will face Battery Street and the lake. This is part of our plan to continue to integrate services at 255 South Champlain Street and to purchase the south end of the building over time.
Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA) 2024 Report
CVOEO coordinates the statewide VITA program for the Vermont Community Action Partnership. In 2024, the Partnership prepared 5,307 tax returns for a total amount of $11,074,514. One of the best anti-poverty programs in this country is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, and, last year, 1091 tax filers received a total value of EITC of $2,376,555. One hundred and twenty (124) volunteers helped to prepare taxes last year!
Feeding Champlain Valley Merges with the Diverse Pantry Program of HANDS.
CVOEO is in the process of finalizing the merging of the Diverse Pantry program into Feeding Champlain Valley. The Diverse Pantry is a program from HANDS (Helping and Nurturing Diverse Seniors), which operated through the Chittenden Food Hub in 2023. The Diverse pantry performed bi-weekly deliveries of groceries to New American seniors and purchased culturally relevant foods through New American farmers. The Chittenden Food Hub will be starting the Diverse Pantry program again in 2026