UNITED WAY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
From enhancing health and education to empowering livelihoods and building community resilience, we connect people with possibilities that change lives. Together, we mobilize communities to action to close gaps and open opportunities so everyone can thrive.
DEAR COMMUNITY,
As I enter my third year as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at United Way of Windham County, I am incredibly proud of the good work UWWC continues to do to benefit our community. I have such gratitude for the trust placed in me and the other members of the board who give their time, talent, and knowledge year after year. Their contributions are many and profound.
In the spirit of gratitude, I want to take a moment to honor the years of service of our outgoing board members, Rohan Providence and James Gay. Their dedication, vision, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in guiding our organization. We thank them for their invaluable service and commitment to the mission of United Way of Windham County. Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.
We are lucky to be led by our wonderful Executive Director, Ruben Garza, who embodies the values of our organization. Ruben is the engine that drives UWWC’s mission to maximize the impact of its programs in our communities. In particular, I want to highlight his work focusing on dental health equity - providing access to affordable and compassionate healthcare options for underserved and unique communities such as our refugee and asylumseeking populations. The vision for a more prosperous community is imperative in welcoming new families to Windham County and to remove traditional barriers such as transportation, language, and cultural differences. However, we understand that more work needs to be done so that more people, across Windham County, might have access to dental health care.
Additionally, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program continues to focus on providing resources to jumpstart our community members journey to financial literacy and accessing resources that meets their aspirations of debt relief, credit building, and home ownership. In 2025, we hope to expand our programs to bring more financial literacy programs into our communities and work places to further strengthen the resilience and promise of a successful and well-rounded financial future for underserved individuals and families in Windham County.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support of United Way of Windham County. We wish all a safe and happy holiday season and best wishes in the new year.
Sincerely,
Melissa Swim Board Chairperson United Way of Windham County
LEADING THE WAY
HOUSING STABILITY
In 2024, we are faced with new and alarming housing trends; safety, stability, and affordability are present in everyone’s minds and hearts. While long-term sustainable solutions are being implemented by local and statewide agencies, immediate needs are also being addressed by dedicated professionals that live and work right here in Windham County. Our Community Impact Committee, in limited partnership with Southeastern Vermont Community Action and Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing assisted numerous families obtain critical resources such as rental assistance, eviction prevention, and housing counseling. The efforts of our committee and community partners stabilized individual households and upheld the promise of community that Windham County is so deservedly known for.
ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND ARTS
Early childhood education has been a focal point of UWWC’s community impact for many years – being staunch sponsors and supporters of the Early Learning Express. This year, we expanded our scope - partnering with Next Stage Arts to increase musical arts and cultural access to all Windham County families. Inclusivity and understanding of diverse cultural celebrations and artistic expression, regardless of socioeconomic situation, is important in fostering a sense of belonging and place. When telling the story of United Way of Windham County in 2024, we will proudly say that our understanding of what feeds a community’s spirit includes joy, laughter, and yes – dancing!
HEALTH EQUITY/JUSTICE
In its final year, our multi-year Health Disparities Grant, which includes our Charitable Dental Care program, was recognized by all involved parties (primarily the VT. Dept. of Health, ECDC, and CASP) as a resounding success. In total, United Way of Windham County secured close to $350k to address health disparities in the refugee, immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underserved rural populations. With a caseload of more than 100 individuals, the Charitable Dental Care Fund facilitated more than 300 dental appointments, partnered with 11 different dental practices, and undeniably increased the quality of life of all those involved. Our truest gratitude goes out to the staff and volunteers at ECDC’s Multicultural Center, Sarah Pugh and Dr. Candice Taylor-Diallo.
LEADING THE WAY
GRATITUDE TO BOARD MEMBERS
“As we celebrate our successes, I want to take a moment to honor the contributions of our outgoing board members, Rohan Providence and James Gay. “Prov” and Jim have served on our board for a combined amount of time of 10 years. In that decade, they led UWWC through a global pandemic and through a leadership change. Without their dutiful leadership and mentorship, I would not have success in my role as I enjoy now. My very personal thanks to Jim and Prov! May you have watered, be watered in your future endeavors!”
UNITED IS THE WAY
As we embark on a new year, we are excited about the opportunities to expand our existing programs and deepen our impact by evolving to the needs of Windham County. We will lead by remaining emotionally neutral and honest when confronting the obstacles of tomorrow, while also being proactive when searching for solutions. We will be accountable – yet demand innovation from ourselves. We believe that United is the Way forward!
THANK YOU
We acknowledge and thank each of our donors, volunteers, and community partners! Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Windham County. Thank you for your continued support and for believing in the power of unity and collaboration.
Respectfully,
Ruben R. Garza Executive Director United Way of Windham County
Ruben R. Garza
LEADING THE WAY
URGENT: KIDS IN COATS NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT TO CONTINUE HELPING LOCAL CHILDREN
At United Way of Windham County, we are proud of the difference we make in the lives of our community's elementary school-aged kids through our Kids in Coats program. Each year, we ensure that local school children have the warmth and protection they need to thrive during Vermont’s harsh winters. This program provides brand-new, winter-appropriate coats and outerwear to kids in all of Windham County Supervisory Unions.
But, today, we face a critical challenge. Without additional support, Kids in Coats will not be able to continue serving all the children in need. Our fundraising has not kept pace with the growing demand, and we’re running out of time to secure the resources needed to provide coats to every child who needs one.
The colder months are fast approaching, and we are committed to making sure no child in our community is left out in the cold. But we need your help to do it!
You can help by donating today (every dollar contributed goes directly to providing more coats for children in need) or by sharing our message. Your support is more critical now than ever. Without it, Kids in Coats will falter this year, and many children will go without the basic warmth they need to stay healthy and thrive. We cannot let that happen.
Together, we can ensure that all Windham County’s elementary-aged children are ready to face the winter with warmth, confidence, and security.
THANK YOU!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
CHARITABLE DENTAL CARE
Aspen Dental Care
Brattleboro Dental Health
Central New England Endodontics
Connecticut Valey Oral Surgery
Greater Falls Dentistry
Noble Dentistry
North Adams Family Dental
Suzanne West DMD
Union St. Dental
West River Family Dental
Windham County Dental Center
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melissa Swim (Chair)
Rohan Providence (Vice Chair)
Andrea Wright (Director)
Samantha Eagle (Director)
Amaryah Pendlebury (Director)
Etan Nasreddin – Longo (Director)
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Brattleboro Area Affordable Housing
Building a Positive Community
Next Stage Arts
SEVCA
Winston Prouty Center
FLOOD RESPONSE AND RELIEF
Ben & Jerry’s
The Holt Fund
Vermont Community Foundation
Kiera King (Director)
James Gay (Treasurer)
Nancy Overman (Secretary)
C.E. Bradley Laboratories, Inc.
Clear Solutions Inc
BUSINESS CIRCLE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Community Asylum Seekers Project
Ethiopian Comunity DEvelopment Project
Vermont Department of Health
Vermont Public Health Institute (VTPH)
Vital Partnerships
FISCAL AGENT AGREEMENTS
NAACP of Windham County
Voices of Hope
WORKPLACE CAMPAIGNS
802 Credit Union
Austin Design Cooperative, Inc.
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Brattleboro Savings & Loan
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
Chroma Technology
Grace Cottage Hospital
Green Mountain Power
GS Precision, Inc.
Hannaford’s Supermarket
David G. Reid Attorney At Law, PLLC
Holland`s Bloom
Sanofi Foundation of America
Southern Vermont Board of Realtors
Vermont Realtors Charitable Foundation
West Hill Energy and Computing, Inc.
Zaluzny Excavating
The Richards Group
Town of Brattleboro
Trust Company of Vermont
M&T Bank
State of Vermont
Windham County Dental Center
World Learning, Inc.
Windham Southeast Supervisory Union
VITA VOLUNTEERS
David Grady
Jill Williams
Kate John
Linda Gobbo
Linda Tummino
Marie Tattersall
Mary White
LEADING THE WAY
YOUR INVOLVEMENT MATTERS!
START A WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN
The central component of United Way fundraising is the workplace campaign. It gathers employees’ gifts of all sizes through payroll deduction. Our United Way then supports Windham County through programs that have a community impact.
Please contact info@unitedwaywindham.org or 802-257-4011 for more information.
To donate, scan the QR code below for our online Community Fund form!
Send your donation by check to: 1222 Putney Rd Suite 202 Brattleboro, VT 05301
Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our monthly newsletter, scan this QR code:
JOIN BUSINESS 365
Every day of the year United Way of Windham County unites people, organizations and businesses to create positive sustainable change. Our local businesses are also present, 365 days a year, providing services and products. To honor that daily presence, members of the business circle make a contribution of $1 a day.
Whatmattersmosttoyoumatterstous
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AnaMSaavedra
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