The United Way of Northwest Vermont is a local nonprofit on a mission to build a stronger community by working together. We unite our whole community to solve complex problems and harness the power of people to create a stronger Northwest Vermont.
United Way isn’t just our name, it’s how we work. We unite people from all sectors to solve problems in our community. We believe that when we work together, we make all communities in our region stronger. The problems challenging us are complex; they are issues that no single organization or individual alone can solve. United Way has the networks, partnerships and strategic initiatives to improve the lives of our family, friends and neighbors. Real change is possible when nonprofit, public and private sectors team up to work together.
RSVP and Foster Grandparent Programs
Foster Grandparents and RSVP are national level programs for individuals 55+. Both programs fall under the Senior Corps umbrella. Foster Grandparents work in early education settings helping children who need extra support with early literacy and math. Foster Grandparent volunteers work a minimum of 15 hours per week. They receive a small non-taxable hourly stipend, free daily meal at site when available, and more!
Theresa Hope, Foster Grandparent at St. Albans City Elementary School
RSVP is one of the largest volunteer organizations for individuals 55 and older. Volunteers are matched with organizations that advance education, health, and income equality in our community by meeting critical needs, supporting healthy aging, and connecting with children. RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve. Commitments range from once a week, once a month, to once in a while.
Marion Kennedy, Foster Grandparent at JFK Elementary
Are you interested in volunteering with children in schools? Read To Me or School Buddies could be a perfect fir for you! RSVP Read to Me volunteers spend 1-2 hours per day, once or twice a week reading with preschool aged children. Volunteers can work one-to-one, in a small group, or in a classroom setting. RSVP School Buddies serve 1-2 hours per day, once or twice a week in a school classroom under the supervision of the classroom teacher. Volunteers help children with reading, math, spelling or other academic areas.
Contact Danielle Williams at (802) 861-7821 or [email protected] to learn more about how you can get involved with RSVP and Foster Grandparent programs.
Neighbor Rides Program
Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont. We work in collaboration with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), Green Mountain Transit (GMT), and Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) to design and test creative community solutions to increase transportation options for older adults and adults with disabilities. Our work is committed to developing services to ensure that older adults and adults with disabilities are able to maintain community connections and access to essential resources like medical appointments.
GMT Staff Driver loading a rider’s groceries.
Neighbor Rides has several great opportunities for community members to volunteer:
Neighbor Rides Volunteer Driver – As a volunteer driver, you use your personal vehicle to transport community members to medical appointments and essential errands like the grocery store or pharmacy. All volunteers must be 21 years or older with a good driving record. It’s a volunteer opportunity with a flexible schedule (Monday-Friday) that makes a big impact in someones life!
Laura Murphy, Volunteer Driver, picking up her passenger.
Bus Buddy Volunteer – As a Bus Buddy Volunteer, you travel alongside a new public transit rider and explore Green Mountain Transit’s bus system together. You will teach a rider how to read bus schedules, find bus stops, navigate different GMT routes, manage fare payment, boarding and disembarking safely and pedestrian safety skills. The volunteer schedule is flexible and will be arranged depending on your availability. Become a Bus Buddy today to share your passion for public transit and help others develop the skills to travel independently!
Shopping Shuttle Volunteer Tiffany Ward supporting a rider boarding the bus.
Shopping Shuttle – As a Shopping Shuttle volunteer, you will support older adult passengers on Green Mountain Transit’s weekly shuttle to local supermarkets. Volunteers assist riders with their grocery bags and safely boarding and disembarking the bus. Volunteers are needed on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9:00am-12:00pm. Volunteers enjoy getting to know the weekly shuttle riders and supporting individuals accessing the grocery store.