From the Desk of Paul Dragon, 9/23/25
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!
Brave Little State Podcast and CVOEO
Brave Little State is a listener-driven podcast produced by Vermont Public. Brave Little State explores and investigates important issues facing Vermont and our communities. In October, Brave Little State will have an old style phone fitted with a recorder placed at the Community Resource Center and the Champlain Place Emergency Shelter so people who are unhoused and unsheltered can tell their story. We will let you know when this episode of Brave Little State will be aired.
NPR Market Place and CVOEO
Micro Business Coach, John Gergley, and client, Alisha Wescott, owner of Snow Brat Acrylix LLC, were interviewed for the NPR show Marketplace on 9/23. Reporter, Henry Epp, was interested in gaining a firsthand view of CVOEO’s Micro Business Program and its impact on the local community. The show is expected to air in early October, and we will let CVOEO know once we have a date! Miro Business coaches are available to meet with clients interested in starting, expanding, or enhancing a business. Snow Brat Acrylix LLC is an ecommerce fingernail supply store, specializing in luxury acrylic powder. With the support of her CVOEO Microbusiness Coach, John, Snow Brat Acrylix LLC secured a $5,000 KIVA Loan earlier this year.
University of Vermont Department of Psychological Sciences and Head Start
Head Start is honored to serve as the model community partner for the University of Vermont’s new Department of Psychological Science service-learning course, Community-Based Mental Health Promotion. In this pilot year, students are placed exclusively with us, working alongside our staff to promote the mental health and well-being of the children and families we serve. This partnership not only strengthens our ongoing efforts but also helps build a sustainable framework for future collaborations between UVM students and community organizations across Vermont.