Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) and the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) have come together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the expansion of Recovery Friendly Workplaces in Vermont.
This MOU agreement formalizes a shared commitment to helping Vermont employers create workplace cultures where people struggling with substance use challenges and people in recovery can thrive and where all employees feel supported, valued, and connected. Recovery-friendly workplaces encourage understanding, wellness, and support through education, training, and policies focused on recovery.
"Recovery is an asset, not a barrier to employment," said Daniel Frankling, Executive Director of VAMHAR, "People in recovery bring resilience, dedication, creativity, and lived experience that strengthen workplaces and communities. Through Recovery Friendly Workplace certification, employers are demonstrating that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, grow, and belong."
Recovery Friendly Workplaces benefit employers and employees alike by fostering healthier workplace cultures, improving employee retention, reducing stigma, and expanding access to a talented and often-overlooked workforce. This program shows that supporting recovery is important for public health and expanding Vermont’s workforce.
“Recovery-friendly workplaces help Vermont’s workforce and our communities,” said Commissioner Kendal Smith of the Vermont Department of Labor. “Working with VAMHAR makes sure that Vermonters in recovery can find supportive workplaces where they can succeed, while also helping employers grow their teams.”
VAMHAR offers training and certification to Vermont employers and organizations that want to support recovery in the workplace. VDOL will promote employers who have received certification to job seekers as appropriate.
“Good Samaritan Haven has a deep commitment to supporting its workforce in the challenging and vital field of homelessness services provision, said Julie Bond, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Haven. “This includes fostering a culture free of stigma around lived or living experience with substance use and recovery. As an employer, it means being approachable, non-judgmental, and creative about how we support our teammates in showing up and living into their work in the most supported and empowered ways we can. We are thrilled to be part of the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative.”
To learn more about Recovery Friendly Workplace certification, visit vamhar.org.
About VDOL
The Vermont Department of Labor helps Vermonters find good jobs, protects workers’ rights, and supports safe, fair workplaces. Our main divisions include Workforce Development, Labor Market Information, Unemployment Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation & Workplace Safety. We work with people and businesses across Vermont so everyone can live well, be safe, and experience meaningful work.
About VAMHAR
The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR) is a statewide nonprofit organization working to advance recovery, wellness, peer support, harm reduction, and systems transformation throughout Vermont and beyond. VAMHAR collaborates with individuals, organizations, and communities to promote dignity, equity, and meaningful pathways to healing and connection.
6.3.2026. Vermont Department of Labor labor.vermont.gov
The Department of Labor exists to improve the lives of working Vermonters. Learn more.
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
Vermont Business Magazine