The Burlington Emergency Shelter is pleased to announce the appointment of Valerie Brosseau to Executive Director. Valerie, who joined the Burlington Emergency Shelter (BES) team in 2010 has been serving as the Community Relations Director. In this role, she has been instrumental in cultivating lasting relationships with agencies, individuals, student groups, volunteers, churches and local businesses to further the mission of BES. Under Valerie’s leadership, the Burlington Emergency Shelter now offers more classes and skill-building workshops, as well as support services, which have proven vital in providing individuals with a way out of homelessness. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead this organization and continue expanding its services to bring restoration and change, empowering individuals to make a sustainable transition back into the community,” says Brosseau. A native Vermonter, Valerie Brosseau is an alumna of Saint Michael’s College with a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Elementary Education. Valerie’s passion for serving vulnerable populations has led her to serve on several domestic and international service trips, including working in an orphanage in Mozambique, building houses in New Orleans through Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering at Mother Teresa’s homes in Kolkata, India. Prior to her employ at BES, Valerie began her relationship with the organization by providing meals on a regular basis. Her commitment and tireless dedication to the mission of the Burlington Emergency Shelter make Valerie an ideal candidate for the position of Executive Director. “Valerie has been working diligently this last year, helping us to implement our new vision for the Shelter, our Roadmap to Restoration,” says Alan Sousie, Chair of the BES Board of Directors. For the past thirty years, BES has provided a safe refuge and transitional support to people who have hit rock bottom, helping individuals to successfully leave homelessness behind. The Board of Directors is confident that Brosseau’s innovative leadership and vision is exactly what the organization needs to embark upon this next season of empowering and restoring. “Valerie Brosseau is like a breath of fresh air,” says Alan Sousie, “She provides vigor to the organization. Her passion for working with homeless individuals is contagious because of her striking ability to communicate it to others. We are thankful that Valerie has accepted our offer to lead and for her already outstanding service.” Founded in 1982, the mission of the Burlington Emergency Shelter is to serve, empower and bring restoration to Burlington’s homeless by working together to meet the body, mind and spiritual needs of all who come to their door. BES offers temporary shelter and support services, as well as a faith-based transitional program, called the Good Neighbor Program. The difference that BES continues to make in the lives of men and women, who have nowhere else to turn, is accomplished 100% by non-governmental community contributions.