Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) has partnered with The New Trade Program (NTP), a groundbreaking workforce development initiative founded by Salim Holder.
This collaboration represents a bold commitment to workforce development that is deeply grounded in equity, mental wellness, and social impact. At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: that recovery and purpose go hand in hand - and that meaningful work can be a powerful catalyst for healing, dignity, and systemic change.
Salim Holder’s journey from the high-powered world of corporate marketing to launching NTP is a story of transformation. After witnessing the barriers many face in accessing meaningful employment and the ripple effects on families and neighborhoods, Holder shifted his focus from selling products to building futures.
Driven by a desire to create lasting social impact, Holder founded NTP to empower individuals - especially those from historically systemically underserved communities - with the mindset, tools, and confidence to break generational cycles and build generational wealth.
“I left the corporate world because I knew there was more to life than selling products - I wanted to help people reclaim their power,” said Salim Holder, founder of NTP. “Partnering with VAMHAR is powerful because we’re aligning recovery, community, and economic mobility. Together, we’re proving that transformation is not just possible - it’s inevitable when people are seen, supported, and invested in.”
For VAMHAR, this partnership reinforces its commitment to whole-person recovery - one that includes emotional, mental, and financial well-being. Together, VAMHAR and NTP will launch collaborative workforce development programs that prioritize lived experience, self-determination, and community connection.
“We know that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all path,” said Daniel Franklin, Executive Director at VAMHAR. “This partnership with The New Trade Program reflects our belief that people deserve opportunities to not just survive - but to thrive, to lead, and to build futures rooted in purpose.”
Upcoming initiatives will include workshops, speaking engagements, and networking opportunities, designed to help participants explore entrepreneurship, build career confidence, and define success on their own terms.
About VAMHAR
The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) advances mental wellness, recovery, and social justice through education, advocacy, and peer support. Centering lived experience, VAMHAR works to dismantle stigma, strengthen communities, and create equitable systems that meet people where they are. From grassroots outreach to national impact, VAMHAR supports people heal, connect, and thrive.
About NTP
The New Trade Program (NTP) prepares individuals for high-demand careers in digital marketing and cybersecurity through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience. Founded by Salim Holder, NTP was created to close the gap between education and employment - especially for those underserved by traditional systems. Rooted in community impact, accessibility, and empowerment, NTP offers an affordable, practical path to career success and financial independence.
Vermont / New York — 10/06/2025 — The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery https://www.vamhar.org/
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