From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 8/13/26

Weekly Update:

Welcome New Board Members

Please join me in welcoming Deb Light to the CVOEO Board in the community sector seat for Chittenden County. Deb also serves on the Feeding Champlain Valley Advisory Committee and brings several years of volunteer experience with their program, where she has helped deliver food to community members.

We also welcome Bob Pekar to the CVOEO Board. Bob brings a deep interest in strengthening communities and supporting CVOEO’s mission, and we look forward to his contributions and guidance as a new board member. Bob is an advisory board member representing Grand Isle County.

Partnership Spotlight: Addison Community Action and Mountain Community Health

Addison Community Action (ACA) and Mountain Community Health (MCH) celebrated the first anniversary of their partnership on August 11. On July 7, 2025, MCH contacted the Addison office about using space to offer a weekly Behavioral Health Clinic, and their first day in operation at 50 Industrial Avenue was August 12, 2025.

One year later, ACA and MCH staff celebrated the milestone with bagels. MCH’s Director of Operations shared: “Thank you for celebrating this milestone and for saying ‘yes.’ We remain incredibly grateful for your trust, hospitality, and continued collaboration. Here’s to another year of working together to improve the health and well-being of our community.”

Community Event: Sheldon Food Distribution Center Mural Preview

Healthy Roots/Feeding Champlain Valley are hosting a community preview and conversation for the Sheldon Food Distribution Center mural on August 19 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Saint Albans Museum. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the mural project, meet the artist, Corrine Yonce, share ideas, and get involved in the mural construction. Refreshments will be provided in the Bliss Room.

Please RSVP here: Sheldon Food Hub Public Art Launch Event

Recognition: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

August 9 is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1994, the date commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982 as part of the United Nations’ work to promote and protect human rights.

Indigenous Peoples around the world continue to face significant challenges in protecting their rights. Many experience marginalization, poverty, discrimination, and violations of their human rights. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, honor Indigenous cultures and traditions, and recognize the important contributions of Indigenous Peoples around the world.

On this day, we honor Vermont’s Indigenous people, including the Abenaki people, in recognition of their enduring connection to and stewardship of this land. Their knowledge, traditions, cultures, and experiences have contributed to Vermont’s rich history and continue to shape its communities today.

Vermont currently recognizes four Abenaki tribes and bands:

• Elnu Abenaki Tribe — State recognized April 22, 2011
• Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation — State recognized April 22, 2011
• Koasek Abenaki of the Koas — State recognized May 7, 2012
• Missisquoi, St. Francis-Sokoki Band — State recognized May 7, 2012

This month, we recognize and celebrate the enduring presence, resilience, knowledge, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Vermont and around the world.

Head Start: Proposed Federal Rulemaking and Program Updates

The Administration for Children and Families has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs.” This NPRM proposes a significant rewrite of the Head Start Program Performance Standards. It does not alter the Head Start Act, which is established and authorized by Congress, and it does not currently reduce federal funding. Public comments are due October 6, 2026, before the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can move toward a final rule.

None of the proposed changes will go into effect for the beginning of the program year. Champlain Valley Head Start (CVHS) remains committed to upholding the highest standards of care and fulfilling our requirements under federal law and state licensing regulations. We are reviewing the proposed changes and working with state and national partners to develop shared comments.

CVHS is also beginning yearly health screenings for enrolled children. Vision, hearing, height, and weight screenings help us track children’s overall health and identify concerns early. When needs arise, we connect children and families with doctors and community providers. We also hold free follow-up clinics for children with hearing and vision concerns, supported by our Family Support Specialists.

Federal Policy Watch

The National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) is tracking several significant federal policy developments that could impact Community Action Agencies and the people we serve. Proposed changes to Head Start regulations would substantially reduce federal requirements and increase local flexibility in areas such as staffing, program operations, health services, and eligibility verification. Comments on the proposal are due October 6.

Congress is also working on a continuing resolution to fund the federal government into December while FY2027 appropriations are finalized. Current House proposals maintain or slightly increase funding for key programs, including CSBG, LIHEAP, and Weatherization, while keeping Head Start funding level with no cost-of-living adjustment.

Additionally, a new Department of Homeland Security Public Charge rule will take effect September 18. The rule gives immigration officials broader discretion to consider an individual's use of public benefits in certain immigration determinations. National organizations are concerned this may create confusion and discourage some immigrant and mixed-status families from accessing benefits and services for which they are eligible. Clear communication and trusted assistance will be especially important for agencies helping families navigate these changes.

Partnering with the University of Vermont – Temporary Shelter

The University of Vermont Emerging Needs Grant has helped CVOEO and our partners shelter 19 families with temporary shelter, 6 of which have transitioned into either housing or long-term shelter. We have also helped two households with transportation to housing opportunities in other states.

HOME Program Success

The HOME Family Housing Voucher Program continues to show strong results for families facing homelessness. To date, 216 households have successfully leased housing through the program, serving 380 children and 276 adults. Currently, 47 families remain actively housed through HOME vouchers, including 83 children and 56 adults.

The program’s housing stability outcomes remain exceptionally strong: 99.005% of households stayed stably housed for at least 90 days, far exceeding the program’s 70% target. In addition, 103 households have successfully exited the program, and families moved from program entry to housing stabilization in an average of 103 days.

As the program approaches its scheduled end date of December 31, 2026, staff are focused on helping families plan for next steps, including transitions to long-term vouchers or other housing supports where available. The biggest ongoing challenges remain limited affordable housing, uncertainty about longer-term assistance, and the need to support families at risk of returning to homelessness when voucher support ends.

Champlain Place Garden Bounty

The Champlain Place Garden continues to provide fresh, organic food for guests. This week’s harvest included cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, sweet peppers, and collard greens.

Staff turned the harvest into a tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper salad; collard greens with garlic and balsamic vinegar; and zucchini bread for guests. It is a wonderful reminder of the care, creativity, and generosity that show up in even the smallest daily acts across CVOEO.