Vermont Business Magazine Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), southeastern Vermont’s non-profit community mental health and developmental disability services agency, was recently selected to receive $63,945 in funding from the Summer Matters for All grant program. According to Governor Phil Scott, the Summer Matters for All grant program will award up to $3.85 million to programs in 13 counties of Vermont, with the goal of expanding access to summer enrichment opportunities for K-12 youth this summer. HCRS is based in Springfield, with offices in Hartford and Brattleboro.
This grant money will support HCRS’ summer therapeutic programming for youth currently engaged in services at HCRS, ages 8-16, who may have no other access to summer recreational programs. Division Director, Jennifer Smith, LICSW, states, “This funding allows us to provide a truly therapeutic and rich summer experience for the youth we serve. Having the ability to provide meaningful day trips, visiting parks and pools, and purchasing supplies and equipment will allow youth to truly engage in fun, therapeutic activities. This is such a great gift!”
Governor Scott has put an emphasis on helping Vermont kids recover from the pandemic and the isolation it caused, including creating opportunities for them to safely reconnect with their peers and communities. The purpose of the grant program is to increase access to summer enrichment opportunities for K-12 youth statewide this summer. This was a highly competitive process with 188 proposals submitted totaling more than $7.4 million in requests, far exceeding available funds.
The grants, funded by federal dollars secured by Senator Bernie Sanders and administered by Vermont Afterschool, were awarded to a variety of programs, including summer camps, libraries, municipalities, teen centers, non-profit social service organizations, and more. The goal of the funding is to expand the number of weeks and available slots, as well as to increase affordability and accessibility of summer programs. These offerings will supplement school-based programs, as districts in Vermont received separate federal funds to support summer learning and afterschool programs.
“Summer is the perfect opportunity to help kids reconnect and recharge. We are incredibly grateful to our State leaders and policymakers for their commitment to the development of the Summer Matters for All grant program,” stated Holly Morehouse, Executive Director of Vermont Afterschool, within the grant materials. “With this funding, communities and youth-serving organizations across the State will be able to create a great summer for Vermont children and youth that will help them make new memories and emerge from the pandemic strong, resilient, and hopeful.”
About HCRS
Founded in 1967, HCRS is a non-profit, community mental health agency serving Vermonters in Windham and Windsor counties. HCRS serves about 4,000 individuals every year through its mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities programs. The Agency provides holistic care for clients, supporting them with employment, housing, transportation, and other social service needs. Visit http://www.hcrs.org for more information.
Source: SPRINGFIELD, VT, June 17, 2021 -- Health Care and Rehabilitation Services