Vermont Business Magazine Capstone Community Action was selected as the 2020 recipient of the Anne and Arthur Berndt Award at the Energy Action Network Summit, held remotely on October 2, 2020.
The Anne and Arthur Berndt Award is presented annually to recognize Energy Action Network (EAN) members who have demonstrated vision, leadership, and commitment to a renewable energy future for Vermont. The award was created in 2013 to honor two of the founding members, and Capstone Community Action is the first organization to receive the award.
"Each year, the award is presented to individuals or organizations that have shown bold leadership in support of efforts to advance broad, systemic change of Vermont's energy system,” stated Energy Action Network executive director Jared Duval. “Capstone Community Action has been involved in the Energy Action Network since the earliest days of the network's existence. They have always served as a critical bridge between the energy sector and the most vulnerable, impacted Vermonters, working to promote energy efficiency and equity."
“We are thrilled to accept this award in recognition of our work that supports our most vulnerable community members,” stated Sue Minter, Capstone Community Action’s executive director. “We are committed to improving the lives of Vermonters by providing opportunities, education and vital assistance. Transportation is a constant barrier for those we serve in our rural state. Our goal is to develop innovative solutions that increase access to transportation while reducing the cost and environmental impact. Capstone’s Weatherization and Climate Impact program offers a variety of energy services for low income Vermonters, such as no-cost weatherization for income eligible owners and landlords, and a new “MileageSmart” program providing incentives for used, energy efficient vehicles.”
Jim Merriam of Norwich Solar Technologies, an EAN board member who presented the award to Capstone, said, "While Capstone has long been a leader in implementing low-income weatherization, they have emerged as a leader on transportation issues as well, presenting a rural mobility pilot at the 2019 EAN Summit, and helping implement the new MileageSmart program that helps income eligible Vermonters get into more efficient used vehicles. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic they never lost sight of the importance of addressing energy and climate impacts on the people they serve. This year they truly shone as a local leader in pandemic response, by activating the Washington & Northern Orange Counties Regional Response Command Center, a collection of community organizations providing essential support services to municipalities, organizations, and individuals in need."
Capstone Community Action was founded in 1965 to help lift Vermonters out of poverty and create economic opportunity for people and communities. Serving some 13,000 Vermonters each year, Capstone programs include access to food, heat assistance, homelessness prevention, savings and credit coaching, business counseling, workforce development, home weatherization, and child and family development Head Start programs. Capstone seeks to break down barriers that prevent people from thriving to offer the hope people need, the dignity everyone deserves and a better community for all.
Source: Capstone Community Action 10.8.2020