Non Profit Responses from SB Questionnaire

February 21, 2024 /

With a lot of petition articles submitted by local non-profit organizations on this year’s Town Warning, the Selectboard wanted to ensure that the public had as much information as possible to make the best educated decisions. Therefore, the Selectboard created and sent out five questions to each organization. Below are the answers we received. Some non-profits did not respond and therefore, we have not included anything from them.

Windsor County Mentors

Please describe your organization’s mission.

Windsor County Mentors (covering all of Windsor County) creates and supports mentoring relationships between caring adults and youth to help them thrive.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

In Woodstock, as in all 24 towns in Windsor County, we seek out mentors to match with local children.  Mentoring offers youth shared experiences and opportunities to widen their vision of themselves, helping them to become confident, contributing members of their community.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

We have a handful of participants in Woodstock and are always seeking more.  We recently held an informational event at the Norman Williams Library that yielded potential new participants from Woodstock.

4. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

We do two fund-raising appeals each year and also apply for various grants.

   5. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

The funds from Woodstock along with the funds we receive from other towns in Windsor County will be used to further our mission of connecting caring adults with young people who can benefit from having a trusted adult friend.

 

Ottauquechee Health Foundation

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

The Ottauquechee Health Foundation (OHF) improves the health and well-being of people in need who live in the towns we serve. We do this through financial assistance, community partnerships, education opportunities, and support of wellness initiatives. We assist in the healthcare needs of these core towns: Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartland, Killington, Plymouth, Pomfret, Quechee, Reading, and Woodstock. We have been supporting our community for 27 years.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

Ottauquechee Health Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals who are within 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and who are unable to pay for the high costs of health and wellness services.  Our Good Neighbor Grants help people pay for: dental care, a medical alert device, hearing aids, eyeglasses, mental health, as well as other health and wellness needs.  Our Homecare Grants are available short-term to keep community members safe in their homes as they recover from life events requiring additional assistance. A caregiver is assigned to a person in need and can assist with bathing, food preparation, house cleaning, and general supervision. In 2023, we approved over $76,000 in Good Neighbor and Homecare Grants to Woodstock residents; in 2022, we approved over $95,000.

We provide Community Grants to non-profits and organizations that support health and wellness needs in our community. In 2023, we provided 14 Community Grants totaling nearly $28,000.

Ottauquechee Health Foundation collaborates with the Mountain Views Supervisory Union (MVSU) on the Windsor Central Wellness Initiative (WCWI) to bring trauma-informed, social-emotional centered wellness programming to the students, families, school staff, and community members. This program, funded primarily by OHF, utilizes the experts at the NFI Vermont Trauma-informed Schools Program (TISP) and aims to increase workforce knowledge about the effects of traumatic stress, improve wellness, increase knowledge and implementation of trauma-informed practices and school-wide strategies, and integrate a cultural and equity lens to reduce disparities that may exist in district practices. The WCWI has been in schools in our district since 2019.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

In 2023, 99 Good Neighbor and Homecare Grants were given to people in Woodstock.  Our Community Grants served countless people in Woodstock in 2023. We provided Community Grants for: 25 bike helmets for patients at Ottauquechee Health Center, 10 scholarships for low-income students to attend Summer SOAK, 1 scholarship to support a student in attending the Health & Medicine Institute at Governor’s Institute of Vermont, a yoga and art program for students at the Prosper Valley School, sensory pathway installation at Woodstock Elementary School and The Prosper Valley School (as well as 3 additional elementary schools), a postpartum doula support group, doula support for pre- and postnatal periods, programming support post-flooding for Woodstock Rec Center, dental supplies for nearly 300 Woodstock Residents at the Upper Valley Haven Food Shelf, and support for 2 different author presentations for The Thompson Senior Center (each were attended by over 20 people).

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

Individual donations, and grants from other organizations or foundations allow us to pay for our Good Neighbor, Homecare, and Community Grants.  We have an endowment that covers our operational costs. We were gifted the Simmons Building; we rent out office spaces to area non-profits and health providers at a reduced-rate, and Glad Rags store their items for free in our basement. Revenue from tenants goes toward building expenses and maintenance.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

The town appropriation requested will continue to be used to support our Woodstock clients who seek Good Neighbor and Homecare Grants, as well as organizations who seek Community Grants.  The tax-exempt status will allow us to continue to provide a reduced-rate rent to our tenants. Additionally, of the nearly $230,000 Good Neighbor and Homecare Grants approved in 2023, half were spent on providers within our catchment area and over two-thirds were spent on providers in the Upper Valley.

 

 

 

SNSC

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

Serving the Upper Valley for over 40 years, we’ve stood as a pillar of togetherness, tirelessly advocating for individuals with disabilities to lead enriched lives. We envision a world where every person with disabilities, and their families, have the tools and resources to achieve their best life

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

SNSC provides services to Woodstock residents through our adult and youth programming, educational advocacy program, and our region-wide safety initiative database for emergency responders. In 2024 we are thrilled to launch our Enable the Upper Valley initiative which will transform local businesses and organizations into disability-friendly spaces.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

In FY23, SNSC provided over 2,641 hours of service to 1,300 community members, offering direct advocacy support to 42 families in the Upper Valley. Woodstock makes up 12.5% of our Advocacy program.

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

SNSC maintains a varied funding portfolio comprising grants, individual contributions, and corporate sponsorships. Our goal is to seek support from Upper Valley towns, in total contributing 10% of our annual funding. This allocation is then distributed evenly across towns based on the number of individuals we assist and the programs we operate within each community.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

The funding from Woodstock will be used to continue our “Aspire” Youth camps during summer and holiday break, our regularly scheduled social and educational adult programming, and our educational advocacy for families navigating the 504 process. This funding will help bridge the gap for programming resources.

The Norman Williams  Public Library

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

The Norman Williams Public Library enriches the intellectual, cultural, and civic life of greater Woodstock by promoting a lifelong love of reading and learning; fostering the free exchange of ideas; providing a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds; and offering resources for building a more just and humane community.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

At the Norman Williams Public Library we promote lifelong learning and community collaboration. All of our services and programs are provided free of charge to residents of Woodstock. In addition to providing materials such as books, newspapers, magazines, videos, eBooks, audio books, chromebooks, cd/dvd players and more the library helps to fill many of the technology needs of the community. We provide public computers, printing and copying capabilities, faxing, and a secure WIFI connection, as well as internet connectivity that extends outside the building across the Village Green. In addition, technology classes and trouble-shooting help are available on a one-to-one basis. About 500 programs a year bring together members of our community; these are described on our website. Library meeting rooms are available for use by area non-profit organizations free of charge. In the Children’s Library, in addition to our regular storytimes for children and their caregivers, a nice assortment of games and puzzles — including a Medieval castle table, building bricks, and a dollhouse to delight children of all ages. The library regularly provides services to our public schools to augment library services there or to fill the gaps when school library positions are vacant and during school vacations. Many families use the library after school hours as a healthy, educational space for students.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock? ●

Nearly 3,000 Woodstock residents regularly use their library card. Last year 65,178 individuals visited the library, and it is likely that our staff assisted each one of them. Residents borrowed 52,231 books and publications, and an additional 6,270 items were borrowed electronically. ● Though the library has a substantial collection of books, there are times when residents need an item that we do not have. In these cases we provide these books through our Interlibrary Loan Program. Last year we provided residents with 3,119 books from other libraries. ● In 2023 we provided 609 programs to residents free of charge, including storytimes, family movie nights, backgammon, author talks and more, with total program attendance of 5,056 ● We provided 45 family friendly self directed puzzle challenges to 775 participants ● Individuals trained on technology: 243 ● Our Woodstock community provided 1,220 volunteer hours. ● The library provided 75 home deliveries for residents who were unable to visit the library in person. ● Our meeting rooms were used 247 times for a multitude of reasons including Woodstock non profit organizations meetings, virtual medical appointments, students prepping for GRE, LSAT, MCAT and the like. ● All students and teachers within the Woodstock School district, regardless of their hometown, receive library cards free of charge

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

The library receives less than 35% of its funding from the Town of Woodstock and raises the remainder through donations and our annual Gala, our major fundraising event. The library charges non-residents for library cards.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

Monies from the Town of Woodstock help to fund the regular operation of the library. Some of the items that are funded include: ● Collections Items – Includes books and other items, as well as subscriptions to magazines/newspapers and electronic subscriptions and Interlibrary Loan and website platform costs ● Salaries & Wages Expenditures for our highly-regarded staff ● Professional Services – Including technology, legal, bookkeeping, and marketing ● Programming Expenses for Adult, Teen, and Children’s programs and events ● Interior and Exterior Maintenance & Repair of our historic building ● Utilities – Electricity, Heat, Internet, Phone Service ● Operational Maintenance – Landscaping, Lawn Care, Snow Removal, Cleaning & trash collection

Woodstock History Center

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

Our mission is: Sharing and preserving the history of Woodstock through inspiring educational experiences and dynamic collections.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

Every year, we offer a variety of free resources and programs that enrich the lives of our residents (and visitors) to our community. Such experiences consist of a variety of tours, exhibitions, activities and programs for adults and children, publications, and other educational opportunities and outreach. We also provide research information to many people and organizations. Our museum has free admission and we also provide public access to our gardens and grounds. We are the largest repository of Woodstock related archival material and objects in the town. We remain steadfast in our mission by contributing to the sense of history and identity in our community and being good stewards of our collection.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

We interface with over 3,000 per year via our museum and outreach. We interface with over 50,000 people per year via our web based platforms.

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

Our revenue budget every year consists of: 1/3 WHC endowment and restricted funds, 1/3 grants, 1/3 earned income and fundraising efforts.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

The monies would be allocated to our educational efforts (adult and children’s programming and exhibits), and providing free admission to our museum and grounds.

The Thompson Center

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

The Thompson helps older adults age well in our rural community.   We provide timely support and services and are a resource and advocate on issues related to aging.

 

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

We provide home-delivered meals on wheels, transportation, delicious meals in our dining room as well as numerous opportunities for social engagement, wellness, and lifelong learning activities.  Our Aging at Home program provides referrals for any aging-at-home need, free medical equipment, homesharing facilitation, medicare and insurance support, tax preparation by trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, vaccine clinics, foot care clinics, and help with small odd jobs by our handyman.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock? 

Our building is located in West Woodstock, and we serve 1,700 older adults annually from more than a dozen area communities.   We currently serve 655 Woodstock residents which is  74.85% of the Woodstock residents age 65 and older according to the most recent census numbers.  The average reach for senior centers in rural areas is 11%.  This shows that The Thompson is very successful at reaching the population that we serve to fulfill our mission.  We have similarly high reach rates in Barnard, Bridgewater, & Pomfret.

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources? 

We depend on a variety of revenue sources for our operating budget.  Last year 13% of our revenue came from federal and state nutrition funding (We receive about $5 per meal from the federal Older Americans Act and .60 cents per meal from new state funding).  Grants, fundraising, & donations represent 53% of our revenue.  17% of our revenue comes from participant donations for meals, transportation, programs, rentals, and memorial donations.  9% comes from town funding (from the towns of Woodstock, Barnard, Bridgewater, & Pomfret).  Our strategic plan calls for us to use 5.5% of our invested funds annually, but last year we needed 8%.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock? 

We count on town funding to help us meet our annual operating budget.  This funding goes directly to support meals, rides, and aging-at-home support services for the older adults that we serve.    Town funding is used for the operating budget only.   Last year, we prepared and served over 22,000 meals, provided more than 1,600 rides, had 28,833 check-ins,  had 85 handyman hours on 42 unique home repair projects, and made 4 home share matches in our pilot project.

Woodstock Area Adult Day Services, dba Scotland House Adult Day Care

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

To care for vulnerable, valued participants and to provide support by helping them maintain a presence within their community and with their loved ones. To support each caregiver of those in the program by providing respite, relief, and an enhanced relationship with the person for whom they care.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

We provide adult day care for individuals that are physically and/or cognitively impaired that are living at home in their community with their full-time caregivers.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

We currently serve 16 individuals.

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

We receive revenue from the participants and/or their families, Vermont Medicaid, VA Optum insurance, some long-term care insurances and the Vermont Moderate Needs Group Program.  We also receive community and foundation grants and conduct two semi-annual fundraising appeals and an annual gala event.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

These funds will be used to support general operating expenses that are not covered by our reimbursements and grant and fundraising efforts.

Pentangle

 

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

Pentangle’s mission is to provide arts programming that inspires, educates, and entertains audiences of all ages for our community and schools.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

Pentangle provides live professional musical performances for grades pre k -grade 6. Pentangle provides free movie screenings for WUHS/MS students. Pentangle provides rehearsal and performance space for area non-profits including Zack’s Place, Sustainable Woodstock, and Woodstock Elementary. We screen feature films 42 weekends annually and provide free live music at the East End park every Friday between July 12- August 16. We provide performance workshops in WES, PVS and WUHS/MS at no charge.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

3,500

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

Yes

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

To maintain and upgrade the digital projector and sounds system. The funds also provide financial assistance for utilities, cleaning expenses and repairs  and upgrades needed for the aging infrastructure, such as carpet in the foyer, cracks in the walls, chipped paint etc.

 

Spectrum Teen Center

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

The mission of the Spectrum Teen Center is to provide fun, engaging and free activities for teens who live in our community.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

Our goal has been to support other orgnaizations as well.  We have had events with Pentangle, Pizza Chef and the Park (these are just our Woodstock events).  Teens have a safe place to hang out with their friends and enjoy other local organizations.

  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

Our program serves teens who attend WUHSMS, there are about 500 students but not are all from Woodstock.

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources? 

We are on the ballot for town appropriations in Reading, Barnard, Pomfret and Bridgewater

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

All the money will go to planning events for teens in the Woodstock area.

Senior Solutions

  1. Please describe your organization’s mission.

Senior Solutions has served the residents of Woodstock and southeastern Vermont since 1973. Our mission is to promote the well-being and dignity of older adults. Our vision is that every person will age in the place of their choice, with the support they need and the opportunity for meaningful relationships and active engagement in their community.

  1. Describe your work specifically in the Woodstock community.

We empower older Vermonters to connect with their community and access services, resources, and supports that ensure their well-being, dignity, and ability to age successfully in the place of their choice. We target our resources to those in greatest economic and social need, and offer several services for older Woodstock residents and their families:

  1. Case Management: Our case managers meet older Vermonters and their families at home to assess their situation, create a plan of action, and begin securing the services needed to support the client in their community. We also support older Vermonters who demonstrate self-neglect behaviors and those who experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Our Options Counseling is available to all older Vermonters, regardless of income, and Choices for Care case management is available based on income eligibility.
  2. HelpLine: Our HelpLine (802.885.2669 or toll-free 800.642.5119) is a one-stop shop for services and guidance. Our friendly, highly trained staff will listen carefully, answer questions, and help residents determine next steps. We can help residents apply for benefits and refer you to invaluable resources. If you are struggling through a short-term difficulty, we can see you through until long-term support arrangements can be made.
  • State Health Insurance Program: We help older Vermonters with navigating Medicare through our State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), including education and counseling, classes for new Medicare enrollees, and help enrolling in Part D and choosing a drug plan.
  1. Volunteers: We address loneliness and isolation through a corps of volunteers who provide friendly visits to older Vermonters and coordinate Memory Cafes for caregivers.
  2. Foxy Fund:The Foxy Fund is a critical resource for residents with pets. This program allows us to provide food, veterinary care, and boarding for animals, allowing residents to keep their pets. Pets provide crucial companionship for many older Vermonters and this program ensures residents can properly care for their animals.
  3. Nutritional Services: Senior Solutions administers federal and state funds to local organizations to help them operate home-delivered and congregate meal programs. We also offer the services of a registered dietician to older adults and to local meal sites. However, the funds we provide to meal sites do not cover the full cost of these meals, so local meal sites must seek additional funding. Senior Solutions does not use our town funding to support these meals and does not benefit from any funds that towns provide directly to local meal sites.
  • Other services: We also provide transportation, mental health services, exercise programs, and many other services, often in partnership with other organizations.
  1. How many people do you directly serve in Woodstock?

As the Area Agency on Aging for southeastern Vermont, we serve older adults (aged 60 and older) and their families across 46 towns throughout the southeastern corner of our state—including Woodstock. Last year, we served at least 87 Woodstock residents with a variety of services, including information & assistance through our HelpLine (46 calls or office visits), Medicare assistance through our SHIP program (28 calls or office visits), and in-home case management services, caregiver support, and grant assistance (22 residents received 213 hours of service). We also supported the home delivery of 7,553 meals provided by the Thompson Center and community meal gatherings at various meal sites in our region.

  1. Do you have any additional revenue sources?

Federal and state funding covers only 57% of the cost of our work, and we rely on fundraising to make up the remaining 43%–including our annual fundraising appeals, various grants, and appropriations requests to the towns we serve. Financial support from towns and individuals is very important to us, and we are enormously grateful for your contributions.

  1. How will the money being requested be used in Woodstock?

We request annual appropriations from each of the towns we serve throughout southeastern Vermont. We use these funds to support the operation of our HelpLine, home visits by case managers and other staff, outreach and communications to reach those in need, and the general operating costs associated with our mission to promote the well-being and dignity of older adults.