We are so pleased to announce that our popular Vermont State Parks Passes have returned for the 2025 season, thanks to our partnership with Vermont Parks Forever! United Way’s Working Bridges program has again received 1,000 day-use passes to be given on a first-come, first-served basis to Working Bridges participants. In 2024, thanks to this partnership, 268 employees and their families got to use a Vermont State Park for free, when they wouldn't have been able to otherwise access the parks due to financial reasons. Employees had great things to say about their day at the park: "We used the passes at Brighton State Park in Island Pond. We are so thankful for the passes. We were able to spend a beautiful day together." "My husband and I used our passes to kayak at Green River Reservoir. It was such a beautiful day." Thank you to Vermont Parks Forever for making sure that Vermont's beautiful state parks are accessible to everyone! (fb)

NOW VIRTUAL! Mental Health First Aid training opportunity! 🧠👐 Register for the two-day training at https://hubs.ly/Q03pMd5b0 Zoom link will be emailed to registrants. Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services. This training will be led by Cari Kelley, the Founder of Our Hopeful Minds, a mental health education, support, and advocacy firm. A certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Adults, Youth, and Older Adults, Cari delivers trainings across Vermont and beyond. (fb)