Vermont Business Magazine Building on an early-stage pilot already demonstrating success, a collaborative workforce development initiative is expanding across Orleans and Lamoille Counties, led by Madison Perry, Oliver D’Orazio, and Mickey Wiles. The initiative focuses on creating sustainable employment opportunities through comprehensive, wraparound support.
The collaboration brings together Next Chapter Workforce Development Services L3C, High Top Cleaning Services LLC, and regional workforce leaders to build systems that not only connect individuals to jobs, but support them in maintaining long-term, meaningful employment.
Oliver D’Orazio is the founder of High Top Cleaning Services LLC, a Vermont-based company providing reliable, high-quality commercial and residential cleaning services. High Top has built its model around strong employee development and a growing focus on supporting people in early recovery through stable employment, paid recovery coaching, and wraparound workplace support. The company is currently working toward certification as a Recovery Friendly Workplace through the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, and Oliver serves on the organization’s Advisory Committee.
“Part of what excites me about this work is how quickly people and businesses recognize its value,” said Oliver D’Orazio. “When we invest in stable employment, recovery support, and real pathways forward, the impact reaches far beyond the individual — strengthening families, employers, and the long-term health of our communities.”
The model is already in practice, with High Top Cleaning partnering with Lamoille County Mental Health to employ individuals connected to local support programs, demonstrating early success in both performance and retention.
Mickey Wiles, former founder of Working Fields, now serves as a strategic financial partner at Warp and Woof, supporting mission-driven businesses with growth and development. He has partnered closely with High Top Cleaning and Next Chapter to help design systems that are both practical and sustainable.
Madison Perry, founder of Next Chapter Workforce Development Services L3C, leads the workforce development and systems design work. She partners with nonprofits and small businesses on HR initiatives, strategic planning, workforce program development, service coordination, leadership development, and strengthening internal operations to support long-term success.
Together, the partners are addressing barriers such as addiction, disability, incarceration history, transportation, and employment gaps. The initiative takes a holistic approach — combining
employment opportunities with support systems that help individuals stabilize, grow, and succeed over time.
“This work is about more than helping someone find employment — it’s about building systems that reflect the real barriers Vermonters are facing,” said Perry. “Even with low unemployment, many people are navigating housing, transportation, recovery, and wage challenges that impact their ability to stay employed, while businesses continue to struggle with retention and turnover. Real workforce solutions require supporting both the individual and the employer.”
“What’s exciting about this work is that it’s already proving out in practice,” said Mickey Wiles. “The opportunity now is to build on that foundation in a way that balances mission with strong business fundamentals, allowing it to grow and deliver real results.”
The initiative is currently focused in Orleans and Lamoille Counties, with plans to expand across Vermont as partnerships and capacity grow.
About the Initiative
This collaboration between Next Chapter Workforce Development Services L3C, High Top Cleaning Services LLC, and regional partners is focused on creating sustainable employment pathways for individuals facing barriers to work, while supporting businesses in building strong, resilient teams.
Orleans County & Lamoille County, VT — May 5, 2026 — Next Chapter Workforce Development Services L3C
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Vermont Business Magazine