kidsafe-collaborative

First Annual KidCutta

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:10:44 GMT

Quilt Raffle

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:48:48 GMT

Win a One-of-a-Kind Batik Quilt!

Enter our Charity Raffle for a chance to win a stunning, handcrafted Batik Quilt measuring 67" x 80"—a true work of art by local artisan Rose Roberge!

Each stitch tells a story, and this quilt is a beautiful reflection of community collaboration—finished with love and support from local volunteers and donated by Yankee Pride Quilts.

Valued at $600!

The quilt features beautiful colors, intricate patterns, and exceptional craftsmanship, making it the perfect addition to any home or a thoughtful gift for someone special.

The winner will be drawn on April 16th during our 36th Annual Outstanding Service Awards. You do not have to be present or registered for the event to win. We will email the winner.

KidSafe Collaborative Board members and staff are not eligible to win.

2025 Outstanding Service Awards

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:53:10 GMT

The 2025 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awards will be celebrated this April, National Child Abuse Awareness Month. We hope you'll join in person or on the live stream to cheer for our awardees!

If you are joining us in person, doors open at 9:00. Coffee and light breakfast options will be available.

If you need accommodations for the event contact us by March 31, 2025 at kidsafe@kidsafevt.org

Program

We're Hiring

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:05:20 GMT

KidSafe Collaborative Community Response Team Specialist

KidSafe Collaborative is seeking a Statewide Community Response Team (CRT) Specialist to develop the initial workplan for systemic and equitable implementation of Community Response Teams (CRTs) statewide in Vermont. This position, funded through a grant ending on July 31, 2025 , is full-time, benefits-eligible, and offers an annual salary of up to $75,000. The role involves significant collaboration with the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine’s Vermont Child Health Improvement Program (VCHIP), VCHIP’s Improving Care of Newborns with Substance Exposure (ICoNS) project, the Vermont Department of Health's Family and Child Health Division, Vermont Department for Children and Families and other statewide partners.

Required : demonstrated success with collaboration and engaging diverse stakeholders; proven experience with project coordination; strong communication, organization, and writing skills; commitment to working collaboratively with partner agencies, and to KidSafe Collaborative’s mission. Familiarity with newborns with substance exposure and Opioid Use Disorder strongly preferred.

Requirements: 6-7+ years’ relevant experience; formal education and degree considered, but not required.

Reports to: Executive Director. Salary up to $75,000 health/dental/vision and time-off benefits.

Please send resume AND cover letter explaining your interest in this position to: kidSafe@kidsafevt.org . Applications will be considered until position is filled.

KidSafe Collaborative values diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring practices and in carrying out our work. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Fall Campaign News + Sally Fund Donation Match Opportunity

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 19:31:59 GMT

Statement on DCF FS Lawsuit

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:32:08 GMT

This week it was announced that a federal lawsuit was filed against DCF Family Services regarding foster care licensing and a policy intended to protect LGBQT+ youth. It is widely recognized that LGBQT+ youth face higher rates of mental and physical health challenges compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and behaviors, and substance use. Affirming environments play a crucial role in the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, including supporting their mental health, academic success, and overall quality of life.

All children and youth in Vermont’s foster care system are entitled to be treated with respect and deserve to feel safe within their placements. KidSafe Collaborative believes in and supports policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all children, youth and families in Vermont, especially within the child welfare system where they are particularly vulnerable. KidSafe Collaborative strongly supports and commends the Department for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that all foster placements are safe and affirming of every child's identity, including LGBTQ+ youth, and stands firmly behind their policy as it aligns with our mission to protect and advocate for the well-being of all children in our community.

Sunny Days Online Auction

Mon, 06 May 2024 14:57:10 GMT

We moved our annual auction and are thrilled to announce our summer online auction, benefiting children and families in our community! Your participation can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Whether you are bidding on unique items or simply spreading the word, you can help us reach our goal. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for auction updates and sneak peeks at the items available for bidding.

Auction will be open June 27-July 7 2024

https://fundraiser.bid/KidSafe24

Picture From The 35th Annual Outstanding Service Awards

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:19:29 GMT

Congratulations again to the amazing Awardees that were celebrated at our Annual Outstanding Service Awards April 16. With special thanks to Doug Goodman for taking these wonderful photos. Enjoy these highlights!

35th Annual Outstanding Service Awards

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:36:41 GMT

The 2024 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awards will be celebrated this April, National Child Abuse Awareness Month. We hope you'll join in person or on the live stream to cheer for our awardees!

Doors open at 9:00. Coffee and light breakfast options will be available.

If you need accommodations for the event contact us by March 31, 2024 at kidsafe@kidsafevt.org

Register today! https://KSAwards2024.eventbrite.com

2024 Chittenden Co. Legislative Forum - January 29, 2024

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:06:15 GMT

Meet Our New Executive Director!

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:59:05 GMT

Newsletter: October 24, 2023

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:15:12 GMT

This is a copy of the newsletter sent 10/24/23 - links will not work. To receive email newsletters, easily sign up at the bottom of the page.

Newsletter: September 22, 2023

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:18:32 GMT

This is a copy of the newsletter sent 9/22/23 - links will not work. To receive email newsletters, easily sign up at the bottom of the page.

2023 Outstanding Service Awards Photos

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:33:34 GMT

2023 KidSafe Collaborative Outstanding Service Awards April 18, 2023

All photos taken by Doug Goodman

Newsletter: March 6, 2023

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:01:42 GMT

Raffle: New England Sports Themed Quilt

Join us: 34th Annual Outstanding Service Awards

Buy Tickets Now: 2023 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awards

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 21:04:37 GMT

34th Annual Outstanding Service Awards

The 2023 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awards will be celebrated this April, National Child Abuse Awareness Month. We hope you'll join in person or on the live stream to cheer for our awardees!

If you are joining us in person, doors open at 9:00. Coffee and light breakfast options will be available.

Interested in becoming a sponsor for our event? Find more information here: 2023 Sponsorship Materials

Awards Program

2023 Chittenden County Legislative Forum

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 16:57:58 GMT

This is an opportunity to hear about and discuss current issues, concerns and legislative priorities regarding child protection, children exposed to domestic violence, and the health, safety and wellbeing of children, youth and families in our community.

Who attends?

Chittenden County State Senators and Representatives
Leaders, staff, volunteers and consumers from community-based and state organizations which serve to address these issues
Interested community members

With support from UVM Medical Center Community Health Improvement

Please contact Elise Ameigh at KidSafe (802-863-9626) or kidsafe@kidsafevt.org before January 14 to request interpreting or accessibility accommodations.

The event is free but please register at https://2023kslegislativeforum.eventbrite.com to receive your webinar link.

Agenda

KidSafe Newsletter November 4, 2022

kidsafe@kidsafevt.org (KidSafe Collaborative) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 20:28:01 GMT

DCF Holiday Gift Card Drive and More

Save The Date: 2023 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awards

kidsafe@kidsafevt.org (KidSafe Collaborative) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:40:56 GMT

Save the Date!

Know someone who does fabulous work on behalf of children and youth in our community? Nominate them for a 2023 KidSafe Collaborative Outstanding Service Award, Lifetime Achievement, Professional, Collaboration and more!

2023 KidSafe Collaborative Awards Nomination

KidSafe Newsletter 9-2-22

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:54:20 GMT

KidSafe Collaborative's Work In The Community

KidSafe Collaborative is excited to be a part of the United Way of Northwest Vermont's Mental Health Initiative which is bringing together community members from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and sectors to improve access to mental health care resources and services. United Way’s action teams have recently started to come together to work on priority areas; KidSafe Collaborative is excited to have our Executive Director Sally Borden and Assistant Director Meghan Masterson serve as co-chairs of the Youth Mental Health Action Team, along with a third co-chair Marie Frietze.

For more information: https://unitedwaynwvt.org/mental-health-initiative

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

With our continued commitment to addressing systemic racism, the KidSafe Collaborative Board of Directors has established a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. The Committee is responsible for fostering Board and organizational progress toward KidSafe’s goals concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensuring those values are reflected in our mission. This committee will meet regularly to ensure this work remains a top priority for the organization.

In the News: Back to School

1 in 5 Vermont children are food insecure; we are pleased to see this school year all students K-12 are eligible for free lunch and breakfast at school. Food insecurity was on the rise in Vermont during the pandemic, this is an important step forward in helping to support Vermont's children, youth, and families. Note: families still need to register to participate. Applications can be found through the link below.

VT Agency of Education: APPLY FOR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH

2022 VtSHARES Campaign

VtSHARES is an opportunity for State Employees to support KidSafe Collaborative via payroll deductions through the United Way of Northwest Vermont. Employees can choose to contribute to numerous Vermont nonprofit organizations that support the communities in which they live, work, play, and raise their families. This year's Campaign will be held from October 24th until November 4th.

vtshares.vermont.gov

Meet At The Table For a Cause with Alganesh Michael 2-26-22

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 21:24:40 GMT

Join us for a virtual cooking class with Alganesh Michael, chef and founder of A Taste of Abyssinia Authentic Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine of Vermont. Each class link covers an entire household, we encourage you to attend with the whole family! Recipes will be made available beforehand for shopping and cooking along. We will be making Doro Alicha (Curry chicken), Yemesir Wet (Spiced Lentils), and Gomen (Collard Green Dish).

The live-stream class will happen on 2/26/22 from 5-6:30 PM . If you are unable to make the class, all registrants will receive access to a recording.

Class Cost

1 event link: $25

Add-on's for Pickup

Injera (1 piece): $3

Berbere: $5

To experience the dinner to the fullest we recommend you order Injera, a unique bread important to Ethiopian cuisine, and the berbere spices. These items are available for pre-order along with your ticket until 2/21/22 so you have them for the class. They must be picked up at the Wheeler House in South Burlington Friday, February 25th, 5:00-6:30 PM.

Purchase tickets here: https://sevendaystickets.com/events/KSMeetAtTheTable

Recipe

2022 Chittenden County Legislative Forum

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:45:16 GMT

Who attends?

Chittenden County State Senators and Representatives
Leaders, staff, volunteers and consumers from community-based and state organizations which serve to address these issues
Interested community members

With support from UVM Medical Center Community Health Improvement

Please contact Elise Ameigh at KidSafe (802-863-9626) or kidsafe@kidsafevt.org before January 14 to request interpreting or accessibility accommodations.

The event is free but please register at https://2022kslegislativeforum.eventbrite.com to receive your webinar link.

Holiday Gift Card Appeal

kidsafe@kidsafevt.org (KidSafe Collaborative) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:53:03 GMT

Help Bring Joy to Families This Year

We are excited once again to be collecting gift cards to brighten the holidays for kids and families! We invite you to donate gift cards for children in foster care or kinship care, and children whose families are working with DCF Family Services, Burlington Office, to improve their situation.

It’s easy – while you’re doing your holiday shopping, purchase a $10, $20, or $25 gift card or two, then send your card(s) to KidSafe by December 1st, 2021. Target, Old Navy, etc. are good bets for all age ranges and allow families to choose the gifts that are most wanted and needed in their homes.

Mail cards to 7 Kilburn St. Ste. 209 Burlington, VT 05401

2022 Annual Outstanding Awards Nomination

kidsafe@kidsafevt.org (KidSafe Collaborative) — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:35:10 GMT

Do you have a colleague, team or volunteer doing extraordinary work on behalf of children and families in our community? Why not nominate them for recognition at the KidSafe 33rd Annual Awards next April? Nominations and references are due by December, 17 2021.

Find the nomination form here: 2022 Awards Nomination Form

2021 Annual Awards Nominations

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:06:04 GMT

Do you have a colleague, team or volunteer doing extraordinary work on behalf of children and families in our community? Why not nominate them for recognition at the KidSafe 32nd Annual Awards next April? Nominations due by January 29, 2021.

Nomination form is available here: 32nd Annual Awards Nomination Form

Online Training "Protecting Vermont's Children: Reporting Abuse and Neglect"

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:05:55 GMT

Available now, through VT Department for Children and Families (DCF), a two-hour online training for all Vermont mandated reporters and members of the general public. Learners are introduced to their responsibility under Vermont law, and how to recognize and report suspected child abuse, neglect and risk of harm.

For more information about the training, or to link to the online training now, visit our Training & Outreach page now.

National Recognition for CHARM Team

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:05:52 GMT

Vermont's CHARM (Children and Recovering Mothers) Team, led by KidSafe Collaborative, is cited as a case model for collaboration in working with pregnant women with an opiate abuse history in this new SAMHSA publication. KidSafe convenes this team in partnership with UVM Medical Center, UVM Children's Hospital, Howard Center, LUND, VT Department of Health, VT Department for Children and Families - Family Services Division, and others. Our work is making a difference - and that's being noticed!

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

CHARM Team Recognized with "Roots of Prevention" Outstanding Organization Award

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:05:51 GMT

The CHARM (Children and Recovering Mothers) Team convened and led by KidSafe Collaborative, received the "Roots of Prevention" Outstanding Organization Award from the Burlington Partnership for a Health Community (BPHC). The presentation was made on October 26,2016, at a breakfast from 8:00 to 10:30 AM at Burlington's ECHO Center.

The CHARM Team supports women who are pregnant or have recently delivered babies and have a history of opiate dependence. The goal is to ensure that mothers and their babies can benefit from prenatal care, substance abuse treatment and more, for the improved health of both mother and baby.

BPHC is a broad coalition of Burlington residents, businesses, human services professionals, educators, legal and court representatives and more, who recognize that the damages of drugs, alcohol abuse, and tobacco affect us all. The coalition works to create a healthier environment in

Burlington.

Event Details

Commitment to Anti-Racism

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:05:47 GMT

DCF Holiday Gift Card Appeal

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 18:05:43 GMT

KidSafe is once again coordinating with the Department for Children and Families Family Services Burlington Office to get gift cards for kids and families, e.g., kids in foster care, or kinship care, or whose families are struggling therefore DCF is involved.

It’s easy – while you’re doing your holiday shopping, purchase a $10, $20 or $25 gift card or two, then send your card(s) to KidSafe by December 1st , 2020. Target, Old Navy, etc. are good bets for all age ranges. Below are links where you can purchase gift cards online if you are unable to buy in store. Please have cards sent by December 1st so we have time to distribute them before the holidays.

Hannaford : Please select Physical Gift Cards and have them mailed straight to our office for free!

https://www.hannaford.com/shop/gift-cards

Old Navy, Kohls, Shaw’s : These cards can all be purchase through our Amazon Wishlist and sent directly to us.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1FGA6H5YQ7AIV?ref=cm_sw_em_r_wl_dp_f06DyYKrzdAlZ

Phoenix Books : Order cards to be sent to our office.

https://www.phoenixbooks.biz/phoenix-books-gift-card

Target : Order cards to be sent to our office.

https://www.target.com/c/target-giftcards/-/N-5xsxt

Walmart : Order cards to be sent to our office.

https://www.walmart.com/browse/gift-cards/walmart-physical-gift-cards/1094765_96894_4851051_2605360_4027391

Flying Pig Bookstore : Order cards to be sent to our office.

https://www.flyingpigbooks.com/gift-card

General donations can be made HERE for KidSafe to purchase gift cards on your behalf.

32nd Annual Outstanding Service Awards

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:03:00 GMT

Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact us today.

Howard Verman: In Memoriam

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 18:05:59 GMT

We are tremendously saddened by the passing of our good friend and long-time KidSafe Board member, Howard Verman. Howard was our longest-serving Board member (since August 2003!), past Board President, and most notably co-Chaired our annual Yard Sale fundraiser for many years, bringing his dedication, hard work, leadership, humor and even silliness, to make the event a success each year.

He also served for many years on our Community Advisory Board, reflecting his strong commitment to the safety and well-being of children and youth. Children were truly his lifetime passion, both in his volunteer work with KidSafe and in his career as an educator and with his work at Strategies for College. We will miss Howard's true and sincere kindness, his dedication to children and to our work here at KidSafe, his humor and his twinkle-in-the-eye wit (he could always lift everyone's spirits or make us all groan at a silly pun or joke he'd tell). Wishing you endless love and light, Howard; and our heartfelt condolences to the Verman family.

See Obituary here . Howard’s family has asked that memorial contributions be made to KidSafe Collaborative or to the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. If you’d like to make a donation in Howard’s memory to KidSafe Collaborative, please click here.

Photos and Video Link: 31st Annual Outstanding Service Awards

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:05:43 GMT

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2020 Annual Outstanding Awards. If you were unable to attend, a link to our live streamed event can be found here: 2020 Annual Awards Video Link . We are so glad we found a way to safely celebrate with our awardees while having guests cheer them on from home thanks to PCC and Hen House Productions.

The 2020 KidSafe Outstanding Service Awardees:

Lifetime Achievement: Brenda Hamlin (Vermont Kin As Parents)
Outstanding Professional: Kathy Gallagher (Edmunds Middle School)
Outstanding Collaboration: Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV)
Janet S. Munt Prevention Award: The Lullaby Project (Scrag Mountain Music [with Lund and Writers For Recovery])
Gregory Packan Outstanding Advocacy: Anne Johnston, posthumous (UVM Children’s Hospital Neonatology)
Promising Professional: Ashley Lavigne (DCF Family Services)

KidSafe Collaborative FY 2017-18 Annual Report

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 19:06:00 GMT

KidSafe's 2017-18 Annual Report is now available. It highlights our programs, activities, the 2017 Annual Service awards, and financials for the fiscal year which ended March 31, 2018.

We want to thank you for taking the time to read our annual report, for supporting our work and/or partnering with KidSafe to keep child safety, heath, and well-being front and center. We know that our work, with your help, makes a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in Vermont.

Together we can end child abuse and neglect.

KidSafe's 2018-19 Annual Report and Donor Lists

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 19:05:47 GMT

Annual Report

KidSafe's 2018-19 Annual Report is now available. It highlights our programs, activities, the 2018 Annual Service awards, and financials for the fiscal year which ended March 31, 2019.

If you would like a copy of the printed Annual Report, please let us know at kidsafe@kidsafevt.org .

Together we can end child abuse and neglect

Donor Lists

Below is a downloadable version of the FY 2018-19 Donor lists in association with our Annual Report. This report includes donations received between April 1, 2018-March 31, 2019. We work to ensure this list is accurate and complete. If you find an error or omission, please let us know at 802-863-9626 or kidsafe@kidsafevt.org.

Download here

2019 Annual Awards Nominations Due December 17

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 19:06:07 GMT

Do you have a colleague, team or volunteer doing extraordinary work on behalf of children and families in our community? Why not nominate them for recognition at the KidSafe 30th Annual Awards next April? Award nominations will be accepted until Monday December 17.

Nomination forms and a list of past awardees are available here: 30th Annual Awards Nomination Form

2019 KidSafe Collaborative's Annual Legislative Forum Photos

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 19:06:05 GMT

We were thrilled with the great turnout for KidSafe Collaborative's annual Legislative Forum - so many people coming together to focus on the health and safety of children, youth and families. With Senators Tim Ashe, Ginny Lyons, Chris Pearson; Rep's Ann Pugh, Barbara Rachelson, Martin Lalonde, Carol Ode, John Killacky, Marybeth Redmond, Bill Lippert, Mike Yantachka, Brian Cina, Bob Hooper. Close to 100 people in attendance. And we were honored to have the event ASL interpreted. At Holiday Inn Burlington VT. More photos on Facebook .

16th Annual Community Yard Sale - Results are in!

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:01:27 GMT

The 2019 Annual Community Yard Sale was a success.

We raised ~$21,000

There were:

130 volunteers
850 volunteer hours worked
1,300 + shoppers
Great bargains for all
With the remainder of good being donated back into the community

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported KidSafe!

30th Annual Awards Luncheon Pictures

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:00:13 GMT

Thank you to everyone who came and supported our 30th Annual Awards Luncheon, we couldn't have done it without the support of our community. It was an amazing celebration of those working to improve the safety and well-being of children and families in this community.

With thanks to Cyndi F Freeman for her wonderful photography.

For more photos please visit us on Facebook !

Event Thank You - Annual Masquerade Ball - Saturday February 10, 2018

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 19:05:58 GMT

Thank you to all who came out to support KidSafe Collaborative at the 5th Annual Masquerade Ball. A big special thank you to:

And to all of our very special volunteers! This event could not happen without you.

KidSafe Collaborative's Board of Director's President Carolyn Smith, Executive Director Sally Borden and Board of Director's Vice President Cindy Olson

KidSafe Collaborative FY 2016-17 Annual Report

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:05:51 GMT

Read KidSafe's 2017 Annual Report