Leisa Pollander, Executive Director of Sara Holbrook Community Center, is happy to announce Kathy Fleury as the new Associate Director of Sara Holbrook Community Center. “We are so fortunate to have Kathy join the Sara Holbrook Community Center team. In addition to over 20 years of work and volunteer experience in Vermont's social service arena, and a solid commitment to social and economic justice, she has deep roots in the north end of Burlington.”
Kathy studied psychology and gerontology at Trinity College of Vermont. Her human service career demonstrates a depth of knowledge and leadership in nonprofit organizations. From volunteer to Interim Director, Kathy’s career began at Champlain Senior Center. She served CVOEO’s Chittenden and Franklin/Grand Isle Community Action programs as Associate Director for twelve years. She has also worked for Lake Champlain Housing Ventures (currently named Champlain Housing Trust), Child Care Resource, and COTS. Her most recent position was with Hunger Free Vermont where she served as the Child Nutrition Initiatives Manager. “I loved working for Hunger Free Vermont, so the decision to leave was not an easy one. Sara Holbrook Center called to me—I see it as an opportunity to come full circle, both personally and professionally. I attended this Center as a child, served on the Board from 2001 to 2003 and now have the opportunity to work here. I truly look forward to working with the staff, families and board members.”
The Sara Holbrook Community Center was established in 1937 by University of Vermont clinical psychologist, Sara Holbrook. Since its inception, the Center has been providing support and programs for low-income children and their families. Annually it serves over 1,100 children through preschool, after-school enrichment programs, summer adventure camp programs, and a teen center. The Center also offers English classes for adults and children, and emergency food assistance. The Center has two locations- 66 North Ave in the Old North End of Burlington and 130 Gosse Court in the New North End of Burlington. All the Center's programs are free or low-cost.