People's United Foundation awards $10,000 to Vermont Works for Women

The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, of which Chittenden Bank is a division, announced today that it has awarded $10,000 to Vermont Works for Women in Winooski, Vermont.
Vermont Works for Women (VWW) has spent the last 23 years encouraging women and girls to explore, pursue and excel in work that leads to economic independence. For nearly a decade, VWW has developed and offered programs for incarcerated women that build skills and capacities critical to meaningful, long-term employment. Their approach is strength-based, encourages self-efficacy, is holistic in its structure and challenges cultural biases that serve to limit women’s aspirations and achievement. VWW’s programs are designed to meet women where they are – and to challenge them to recognize and realize their potential. They are recognized as a leader in program development and advocacy. VWW’s program curricula has been sold and replicated nationally to organizations and state agencies interested in boosting the profile and appeal of nontraditional careers for women and girls. The National Association of Mayors, the City of Burlington, the Vermont Governor’s Commission on Women, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Champlain Valley Chamber of Commerce and the John Merck Fund have all honored VWW for the quality of its work.
“The donation from People’s United Community Foundation will support post-release services to help women find and sustain meaningful employment as they transition back to the community,” noted VWW’s executive director Tiffany Bluemle. “Research affirms the value of work in helping men and women avoid recidivism, not just because it pays the bills. Work is an organizing force in our lives, providing structure, opportunities for accomplishment, and a circle of colleagues who can provide support and inspiration. We’re grateful for People’s United Community Foundation’s support and its commitment to helping all Vermonters – and indeed, those who are among the state’s most economically vulnerable – take meaningful steps towards achieving economic independence.”
Since 2001, Vermont Works for Women has worked with over 450 women involved with the correctional system. The number of women cycling in and out of prison in Vermont and nationally has increased by over 500% since 1996. Last year, over 1,200 women entered Vermont prisons; over the last twelve months, the number of women housed in the state facility in St. Albans has ballooned from 100 to about 150 – many of them incarcerated, not for having committed new crimes, but for having violated the terms of their probation.
“Programs like Women Building Homes and Lives are critical in giving these women a second chance,” said Michael Seaver, Officer, People’s United Community Foundation and President, Chittenden Bank, a division of People's United Bank. “Vermont Works for Women has changed the course of many women’s lives and the lives of their children. We are pleased to be able to support the work of Vermont Works for Women.”
Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. With special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods, the funding priorities of the Foundation include: community development, youth development, and affordable housing.
Source: People’s United Community Foundation. 4.19.2010
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