From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 4/3/26
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:
A Moment of Gratitude
For the best Weatherization team in the State!
“Thank you so much for the Weatherization work at my home! I am totally amazed at how the members worked together—precisely and professionally. The whole Weatherization program was a great experience for me.” – Anonymous Client
With Gratitude and Confidence
As many of you know, Dwight DeCoster, our Weatherization Director for the past ten years, announced his departure from CVOEO several weeks ago. Dwight has brought our Weatherization program to a new and outstanding level. We extend our gratitude and warmest wishes to Dwight, and we know we will stay connected.
We are also gifted with the leadership of Jeremy Francis, who has been promoted to Director. Jeremy was formerly the Associate Director, has been with CVOEO for over twenty years, and has done about every job in Weatherization. Welcome, Jeremy—we are honored to have you as a leader at CVOEO.
We are fortunate that Jeremy and Dwight will be working together over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition for this important program. Thank you both!
Community Impact – Sisterhood: Business Through the Looking Glass
On Friday, March 27, forty-two women business owners gathered for a morning of conversation, learning, and networking at Main Street Landing. Sisterhood: Business Through the Looking Glass was the third iteration of The Sisterhood, held in partnership with CVOEO’s Micro Business Program, the Center for Women and Enterprise, Mercy Connections, Vermont Works for Women, and Vermont Womenpreneurs.
Participants identified challenges they are facing in their businesses and, using design thinking, worked collaboratively to solve problems with peers. Participants shared that they valued workshopping their struggles together, gaining new perspectives, and being in community with other women business owners.
CVOEO Weatherization Supporting Our Shelters
The CVOEO Weatherization Team has now weatherized the CVOEO Foundations Shelter in Burlington and the CVOEO Safe Roots Shelter in St. Albans. They bring their dedication, expertise and compassion to our shelters and neighbors and we are most grateful.
Education and Advocacy
CVOEO’s Kahlia Livingston provided excellent testimony on Fair Housing and CVOEO’s Fair Housing Program during the joint House and Senate Housing Committee hearing. Thank you, Kahlia, for your leadership, education, and advocacy!
Governor Scott also signed the Fair Housing Month proclamation.
