Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center is launching A Place to Belong, a fundraising campaign dedicated to raising the resources necessary to transform a therapeutic student space within the Tutorial and Behavior Services (TABS) Inclusion Program at Baird School in Burlington. The funds will help redesign the TABS multipurpose room, a space that currently serves as a cafeteria, library, calming area, gathering space and student gardening hub. The renovation will transform this functional space into a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where students can reset and thrive.
Located at Howard Center’s 1138 Pine St. site, the TABS Program serves students whose traditional school environments have become overwhelming socially, emotionally, behaviorally or academically. Through individualized support, therapeutic interventions and compassionate care, students are given the opportunity to build confidence, connect with learning and discover a sense of belonging.
Success in TABS looks like supporting a student through the transition back to their school environment, with the skills and resources they need to find success there. The impact is significant with approximately 99% of students in the program successfully transition back to their school environments with very few behavioral incidents.
Funds raised through the campaign will support:
• Sensory equipment that helps students regulate emotions and reduce stress
• Safe and secure cabinetry for student materials
• Tables and chairs for shared meals and group learning
• Environmental redesign elements that create a calm, welcoming and therapeutic atmosphere
The campaign has a fundraising goal of $20,000 and is already well on its way thanks to the generosity of Community Bank. Every donation to A Place to Belong will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000, doubling the impact of every gift made before June 30, 2026. Community members can learn more about the campaign and make a gift at https://howardcenter.org/a-place-to-belong/.
“At Community Bank, we believe every child deserves a safe, supportive place to learn and grow,” said Matt Plasse, Community Bank New England regional president. “We’re proud to support the transformation of this therapeutic space. With this newly renovated space, we’re investing in the skills, confidence and resilience children need to return successfully to their home classrooms. We hope this will inspire other generous community members to do the same.”
“I believe TABS teaching interventionists and school-based interventionists can be magicians and reset not only the student’s path, but families as well,” said Elissa Sottentino, clinical manager at Howard Center. “In TABS, ‘that kid’ can become ‘our student.’”
One former student captured the meaning of the program through a drawing created in 2019 depicting staff members and students connected through support and care. When asked what the artwork represented, the student responded, “I finally belong somewhere.”
“Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, supported and valued,” said Beth Holden, chief client services officer at Howard Center. “This campaign is about ensuring we have the resources to build and sustain spaces where students can heal, grow and rediscover their confidence.”
ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,300 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with dozens of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777 or call 988. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.
6.3.2026. Burlington, VT — Howard Center
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