CCV Winooski: Blog: Wroking Bridges

June 14 and 15 – Free Fun!

During Vermont Days, day-use is free at all Vermont State Parks so come hike, picnic, swim, play, and relax all weekend. Enjoy the music of the Green Mountain Brass Band at Waterbury Center State Park on Sunday, June 14 from 2:00pm-4:00pm! Other Vermont Days activities include free fishing on Saturday, June 14 at the Grand Isle Fishing Festival, free entry to Vermont historic sites, and free admission to the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier!

For more information about Vermont Days’ activities and events, visit: http://www.vermontdays.com/

Free Farm Share!

If you receive 3 Squares VT or WIC, contact Jessica Sanford at the Intervale Gleaning and Food Rescue Program, at 660-0440 ext. 103 or Jessica@intervale.org.

Health Care Navigators Available

Over 60,000 Vermonters on Dr. Dynasaur and Medicaid will soon have their eligibility reviewed and will need to re-enroll through Vermont Health Connect or lose their coverage. Some people who had an income or household change, will need to transition from their public plan to applying for a subsidy and enrolling in one of the 18 private plans offered through Vermont Health Connect.

There is free in-person information and enrollment assistance offered through the Navigator Program to those who need to re-enroll in Dr. Dynasaur and Medicaid or sign up for one of the private health plans. Working with a certified Navigator is the quickest and easiest way to enroll and helps people to avoid the common application mistakes that result in eligibility errors, delays, and even lapses in coverage. Those who need to pick a private plan benefit from having expert, caring, in-person assistance in understanding the financial assistance, program requirements and enrolling in the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Please contact the Health Assistance Program at 847-6984 or Tatum O'Malley at 860-1417 x115 or navigator@cvoeo.org for support with re-enrollment or enrollment in a private plan because of a qualifying event.

Resources for Parents

Upward Bound at the University of Vermont

Summer College is a six-week program for all rising 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade Upward Bound participants. The program is held at UVM and consists of a leadership trip, an intensive academic enrichment curriculum, and a college/career immersion experience. For more information call 656-2961 or www.uvm.edu/upwardbound.

Summer Reading Programs and FREE museum passes

This summer Vermonters are invited to participate in a reading program that celebrates science. The slogan for children is: "Fizz! Boom! Read!”; the one for teens is "Spark a Reaction,” and the one for adults is “Literary Elements.” Ask your local librarian!

Free Summer Meals

Some towns in Vermont offer summer food programs that are open to the general public. Your child can participate in this program, and there is no cost to you. To find out if your town has a summer program, contact Hunger Free Vermont at 802-865-0255. To download a full list of locations where children ages 18 and under can drop-in for a free meal, go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com.

Funding for Parents

Vermont Family Network (VFN) is happy to announce that a new cycle of Respite funding from the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation has arrived. Grants for up to $400 are available statewide to caregivers in need of respite, who are raising children with a diagnosis or other special need. Applicants should not have received a respite grant from VFN within the last 5 years, unless there is a new and critical need. Funds are intended for caregiver relief, and may not be used for example on car repairs, therapies, or on items for the children. Funds can be used for things such as childcare, camps, adult time away, quality time with siblings who may also be experiencing stress, and for activities that bring relaxation and enjoyment for the caregiver. The application is done by phone. Some regions do have a waitlist. To apply, contact VFN at 1-800-800-4005.

Conference Funds are also available from Vermont Family Network for parents to attend trainings, workshops, and conferences. Parents may apply for up to $200 per family one time per year. To apply or for more information, contact Joanne at Joanne.Wechsler@vtfn.org or Jan at Jan.Hancock@vtfn.org or call 1-800-800-4005.