Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR), the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition (CVPC), and the Tufts University HOPE National Resource Center are proud to announce a new statewide collaboration to expand access to the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) framework across Vermont.
Through the Collective Learning Institute of Vermont (CLI-VT) - VAMHAR’s groundbreaking learning management system - Vermont’s prevention, recovery, mental health, education, and human services workforce can now engage with the HOPE model through flexible, accessible training options that strengthen community wellbeing statewide.
Why HOPE Matters in Vermont
The HOPE framework, developed by Tufts University and grounded in decades of developmental science, emphasizes the critical role that positive childhood experiences (PCEs) play in buffering adversity and supporting lifelong wellbeing. By shifting the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) conversation from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s strong?”, HOPE equips providers, educators, and community-based organizations with tools to center strengths, connection, and resilience.
“At the HOPE National Resource Center, we believe that all children deserve equitable access to the key types of Positive Childhood Experiences that research shows promote long-term health and wellbeing. We know that it takes a village to ensure all families can thrive, and we’re delighted to partner with VAMHAR and CVPC to get HOPE into the hands of more providers and families across Vermont.” said Amanda Winn, Director of Training, HOPE National Resource Center.
Expanding HOPE Capacity Through Local Vermont Facilitators
A cornerstone of this collaboration is the leadership and investment of the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition, which has trained a cohort of local HOPE Facilitators to deliver in-person Intro to HOPE trainings across Central Vermont, and beyond. These coaches support community-level implementation by grounding HOPE in Vermont’s cultural context, local strengths, and relationships.
“Substance use prevention starts long before risk shows up, and HOPE helps us focus on what protects people in the first place,” said Eva Zaret, Director of the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition. “By training local HOPE Facilitators, we’re building prevention capacity that is rooted in positive relationships, connection, and community strengths — giving Vermont communities practical tools to reduce risk, support resilience, and promote long-term wellbeing.”
New HOPE Training Now Available Asynchronously Through CLI-VT
To ensure that HOPE is accessible statewide, VAMHAR and Tufts have partnered to make the foundational Intro to HOPE training available on demand through CLI-VT. This self-paced learning option allows individuals and organizations to complete the training at their own pace, supporting Vermont’s rural regions and busy workforce.
“We all have sources of hope, strength, and resilience in our lives, things that help us not only to survive but to thrive individually and in community with others. Through this collaboration, we envision helping more people to recognize the wellspring of their hope so that they may not only overcome adversity but pursue their greatest potential and wellbeing” said Daniel Franklin, Executive Director, VAMHAR.
A Shared Vision Rooted in Collaboration
With CVPC’s in-person HOPE Facilitators and VAMHAR’s statewide self-paced training through CLI-VT, this partnership reflects a collective commitment to trauma-responsive, strengths-based, and community-centered care. Together, VAMHAR, CVPC, and Tufts are building a comprehensive and equitable approach to HOPE training that supports Vermont’s children, families, and communities.
About the Partners
Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR)
VAMHAR operates the Collective Learning Institute of Vermont (CLI-VT), the state’s collaborative learning hub offering flexible, on-demand, and community-centered training across the mental health, recovery, prevention, and human services sectors.
Central Vermont Prevention Coalition (CVPC)
CVPC, a program of Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC), is a cross-sector coalition whose mission is to address substance use in order to build a strong, healthy Central Vermont. . Through the training of local HOPE Facilitators, CVPC expands community access to in-person HOPE education.
Tufts HOPE National Resource Center
The HOPE NRC translates the science of positive childhood experiences into practical tools, strategies, and training for professionals, organizations, and families nationwide.
Montpelier, VT — January 13, 2026—Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) vamhar.learnupon.org
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