THE COMMITTEE ON TEMPORARY SHELTER

Vol. 29, No. 2 www.cotsonline.org FALL/winter 2011

Families in shelter: Help comes in many ways

Gardens deliver beauty to uplift Nationwide, the rise in homeless students is staggering, By Amanda Petry increasing 38 percent between 2006 and 2009. COTS and mirror those troubling statistics. This spring many of COTS shelters and transitional housing units blossomed into life like never before. Volunteers came “The image of homelessness in most people’s minds is out from the winter thaw with gardening tools and rich far from the reality,” said Rita Markley, COTS executive compost in hand, rubber boots to get muddy and a mission to director. “In our community, the face of homelessness make residents at COTS shelters feel a little bit more at home. is increasingly the face of a child.” Longtime volunteer Louise Merriam and her friends from the In October, 141 schoolchildren in Chittenden County were Northwest Board of Vermont Realtors worked on making the homeless. There were an additional 48 children under age gardens at Main Street Family Shelter a permanent addition to 5 living in shelter or on the COTS shelter waiting list. the backyard by constructing a rock wall. Former COTS board The primary reason for the rise in homeless children, member Maree Gaetani and a crew from Gardener’s Supply Co. according to national study and supported by COTS data: donated time and materials to get the project off the ground. the economic downturn. Together they created a large edible garden that thrived over As a result, COTS has stepped up efforts in prevention to the spring, summer and into the fall. The garden was full of reach families in crisis before they need shelter. COTS also herbs, beans, tomatoes, basil, thyme, rosemary, lettuce and has increased enrichment and support for children in flowers, which family shelter children helped plant. The fresh shelter, including the “book buddies” literacy program, produce was used all summer long by clients in shelter and tutoring and other activities. for COTS cooking classes. continued on page 3

Outstanding volunteer Wally Perkins dedicates efforts to help children, parents in shelter By Amanda Petry

With shelter stays up to six months, Wally came to COTS more than eight students are sometimes spending the years ago and quickly carved out a majority of their school year with COTS. role for herself. As a retired school psychologist from Massachusetts, she Volunteers work with staff to help ease moved to Vermont to be closer to her these tremendous challenges for children. family. Little did she know then what a One courageous volunteer, who has been critical role she would soon play in the a lifeline for the 25 families living in lives of so many families. COTS family shelters, is Wally Perkins. Wally is somewhat of a COTS Renaissance Wally is the epitome of a COTS rock star, Peter and Wally Perkins at the Main woman. She constantly looks at ways to dedicating hours to families in need. Street Family Shelter. continued on page 5 HomeFront is published twice a year, in December and April, by:

Committee on Temporary Shelter PO Box 1616 Burlington, VT 05402 The COTS Housing Resource Center moved to its new, permanent home at 95 North Ave. this 802-864-7402 administrative 802-540-3084 fall. COTS plans on this building serving as community hub for homeless prevention efforts and fax 802-864-2612 services for families. www.cotsonline.org Innovative solutions Established 1982 COTS Housing Resource Center: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lesli Blount, Chair Prevention key to end homelessness Mike New, Vice Chair By Amanda Petry Pat Thornton,Treasurer David Conrad For almost three decades, COTS has to best suit each client’s individual Catherine Cronk advocated for long-term solutions to ending needs, which include money for security Nicole Fenton homelessness. With COTS’ homeless deposits, overdue rent, or other Michel George prevention initiative – the Housing contingency, such as a persistent medical Laurie Gunn Joyce Hagan Resources Center (HRC) – we are taking ailment, transition in employment or George Hubbard a big step forward toward that reality. owed utility payments. Without these Rolf Kielman options, many families and individuals Since 2008, the HRC has prevented Drew Nixon would be at risk of eviction. Jeffrey Nolan eviction or foreclosure for more than Ron Redmond 1,038 households, representing 2,670 Additionally, HRC staff work with Brigitte Ritchie people – 1,155 of whom are children. landlords in the community to ensure a Steve Roberts Of those helped by the HRC, 92 percent financial guarantee for those who would Rita Markley, Executive Director have retained their housing without otherwise not be eligible for housing. further COTS assistance. A United Way The direct beneficiaries of HRC programs Member Agency By helping individuals and families are low- to middle-class working families, maintain housing, the HRC’s prevention whose income does not keep pace with services help Vermont households avoid the rising cost of living. Of those who the financial and emotional devastation seek assistance, 45 percent come because Editor of becoming homeless. they lost their job or had their hours cut. Becky Holt How it works Another 16 percent need help because of Writer HRC staff members work with each an illness. Amanda Petry applicant to create a budget plan, help Since its inception, COTS’ Housing Designer them in the job searching process and Resource Center has been the lifeline of Lisa Cadieux, Liquid Studio link them to resources, such as food Chittenden County’s most vulnerable stamps (3SquaresVT), Community households. Through the HRC, follow us online Action, Reach Up, fuel assistance and participants at the verge of becoming unemployment benefits. www.cotsonline.org homeless can strengthen their credit and www.facebook.com/COTSonline The program helps participants cover rental history with the guidance of case @COTSvt financial gaps through low-interest loans managers to enable them to maintain or small grants. The funds are allocated housing and avert homelessness.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  Gardens...continued from page 1 of a swords into plowshares notion, too.” “Creating the edible garden at the Main Street Family Shelter Jean recruited Leonard Perry, the well-known extension was such a positive experience,” Louise explained. “I am horticulturalist from the . He created so happy that we were able to show the children the whole the plant layout to complement the unique building style, with gardening process. I think they really enjoyed it.” patriotic nods. He selected white and blue annuals, millet and ‘purple robe’ Huechera, Tiarella, and Achillea “Apricot Delight.” Canal Street Veterans Housing Another horticultural success story at COTS happened this Jean also enlisted Nancy Hulett, the Home Horticulture and spring at the brand-new Canal Street Veterans Housing, where Master Gardener Program Coordinator, to recruit master formerly homeless men and women veterans and their families gardeners to work on the project and Brian Mitchell at participate in a transitional housing program. The building was Gardener’s Supply Co., who sold the flowers at wholesale. completed in January, and by May, was fully occupied. Just as they were ready to plant, they realized the soil in Architect Bob Duncan designed the unique building, which the beds was not deep enough. That’s when City Market allows veterans to have their own space in fully equipped administrative staff volunteers and a few Canal Street individual apartments, while maintaining a sense of community veterans came to the rescue. They performed very difficult with a large first floor lounge and family style kitchen. His wife, grunt work of moving three yards of soil into the beds. Jean Markey Duncan, added her own final touch to the building “I love how Vermonters come together to help one another. with a beautiful flower garden. Jean took the reins of the Canal I think there was recognition that this was a special project Street garden project recruiting a team of experienced gardeners. because it was housing for veterans,” Jean said. “I wanted those who live in the housing to feel a sense of While a volunteer prepped the flower beds, a veteran living pride of place and to feel welcomed as they entered their at Canal Street told Jean that when he lost everything in a home,” Jean said. “The flowers match the building, and financial crisis, the hardest thing to ultimately give up was you will note that the siding reminds you somewhat of his garden. Jean said that gardens are often a connection camouflage, but instead of green camouflage, the colors are for people – to a memory of time with a grandparent or transformed into the color of red rocks. It was Bob’s way parent, as well as to happier times and home. This, too, was of assuring the vets that they were, in fact, home – a kind a motivation for her efforts at Canal Street – to bring new happiness and positive memories. The gardens serve to bring beauty to the residents of COTS facilities. They are also a way to express to guests that they matter, to say we care that they have a place to stay that is safe, decent and full of hope.

COTS: A proud United Way member COTS is United Way member agency. We receive 5 percent of our annual budget through generous donations to the United Way. We are grateful, too, for the agency’s year-round support helping COTS connect with volunteers in our community.

While we bid a very fond farewell to longtime United Way of Chittenden County executive director Gretchen Morse earlier this year, we happily greeted Martha Maksym, who assumed the top post when Gretchen retired earlier this year.

We also want to commend Martha and her team for their tremendous work coordinating volunteers in the wake of Hurricane Irene’s devastating impact on Vermont.

Learn more about the United Way of Chittenden County: www.unitedwaycc.org. Volunteers smile after planting flower beds at Canal Street.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  It takes a village…

The kindness and generosity of COTS supporters has made it possible for us to help the neediest in our community. We want to extend our appreciation to all of you. Here are just a few highlights of volunteer efforts over the summer and fall that made it all happen…

The first and second grade Girl Scout troops of East Montpelier donated more than 50 new books and 38 new pairs of pajamas for children in COTS family shelters. The girls made the purchases using the money they earned from selling cookies and with a donation from the Walmart in Berlin.

Jo Herstand and a group of quilters handmade 28 colorful Essex Middle School students at the Edge Academy got in gear quilts for children staying at this spring in their student run “Pedals for Change” fund raiser, a COTS family shelters. 5-mile bike ride that raised money for COTS. HUBER + SUHNER invited Citizens Bank donated 60 book bags and school supplies to COTS to its Family Day again this COTS through their “Gear for Grades” program. year. Families in shelter took the day to enjoy a summer barbeque, The Blue Star Mothers of Vermont have prepared monthly play games and win prizes. Each dinners and regular coffee deliveries to veterans staying at Canal family was sent home with a gift Street Veterans Housing. basket, full of essential needs. American Legion Post No. 91, with COTS Veterans Advisory COTS participated in The Lake Council member Rodney and his wife Corrine Myers, donated a new Monsters 31 for 31 program, flatscreen television and cable services for the community room at which gave 31 nonprofit Canal Street Veterans Housing. organizations their own day to Don Dubie of Alliance Property Management built two benches for raise awareness for their organization and receive 50% of the Canal Street Veterans Housing, one bench for the front foyer and one proceeds from online ticket sales from that day. Free tickets for outside for an outdoor seating area. COTS clients also were provided by The Lake Monsters though their “Share the Experience” program for guests of the Daystation The Department of Veterans Affairs hosted a VA2K walk, and veterans who live at Canal Street. collecting wish list items for homeless veterans in COTS’ transitional housing. Student Kaela Meals organized a resale of sport equipment and clothing at Burlington High School and raised more than Beginning this spring, Denise Brown has been delivering homemade $450 dollars for COTS. baked goods every week to the Daystation. Some client favorites were her oatmeal raisin cookies and her chocolate nut toffee bars. Goodwill Industries donates $100 every month in vouchers to be used on “used items”. In September, in response to Hurricane Allison Cleary’s spring class at St. Michael’s College and Irene, Goodwill donated an additional 10 vouchers. summer class at the University of Vermont created publicity material and brochures for COTS. In June, Sugarbush Resort donated hundreds of clean white bed sheets, a value of more than $3,000, for COTS shelters. Danform Shoes donated more than 50 pairs of shoes to COTS clients at the Daystation this May. They delivered the shoes and then The Richmond Congregational Church donated 300 pairs helped clients find just the right fit. of new shoes to COTS given to them by John’s Shoe Shop North in Richmond. In her free time, Cindy Felony transported the shoes Northern Lights Rock & Ice, in conjunction with volunteers and to COTS with the help of her son. the AmeriCorps member at the family shelters, made it possible for children to participate in an outdoor adventure course. Three Essex Middle School students, Ian Lyle, Noah Baez and Jonah Vroegop, organized a collection drive for COTS. They Vermont Teddy Bear Factory donated hundreds of girls’ collected canned food items, toiletries, and bedsheet sets. holiday pajama sets.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  Wally Perkins...continued from page 1 better meet clients’ needs, working with almost half of the Very Merry Theatre and Boys and Girls Club both worked families in shelter at any given time. Wally’s work at COTS with the AmeriCorps member at family shelter to provide children is comprehensive: She conducts GED tutoring, provides access to local theater as well as recreational activities. couples counseling, and creates family support plans, which Jacquie Bolster’s family and members of St. Michael’s Chapel include setting up bedtime routines, coaching parents, have organized Easter basket donations for family shelter for and assisting families in building structure and routine. 17 years. This year, they coordinated 45 baskets for families in Wally also advocates for children in shelter at their schools, shelter. Jacquie has taken on an additional role this year – as a which includes helping families request Individualized “Book Buddies” reading volunteer – along with her father, John, Education Programs, setting up parent/teacher conference and adult daughter, Stephanie. meetings, and working with schools and families to address behavioral issues that a child might be experiencing. The Schoolhouse in South Burlington once again donated brunch bags for all the moms in shelter on Mother’s Day. On the Wally also acts as a mentor to AmeriCorps children’s morning of delivery, we had three additional moms who had specialists, who work with COTS family shelter children. Wally checked in the day before – and the Schoolhouse graciously provides them with in-depth training based upon years of accommodated, making sure everyone had a special gift. educational experience. Kiss the Cook has continued its generous support of COTS “Wally has been my mentor through this whole year for clients moving out of shelter and into their own apartments with me at COTS,” said former AmeriCorps Skylar Wilson, who donations of Move-In Kits. is now a COTS staffer. “She is my go-to lady and is always there for me when I need guidance with clients.” Jean Harlow and Carol Morris hand-knitted beautiful winter hats, scarves and mittens to help keep COTS clients warm this When asked how she does it all, Wally just laughed. winter season. “I feel so good helping out; it almost feels selfish,” Wally explained. “I am just privileged with free time, a Gardener’s Supply Co. contributed plants, gardening supplies supportive husband, and help from an outstanding staff and volunteer gardeners this summer and fall to keep COTS at COTS.” grounds looking their best. Nicole Marshall, COTS family shelter staff and volunteer Burlington Furniture Co. hosted its annual “Back to School” coordinator, described Wally as incredibly sweet natured. sale with a percentage of sales benefitting COTS. Wally is always upbeat and positive, she said, even on the Bite Me Pizza and Papa John’s in Burlington and Donny’s most challenging days. New York Pizza in Winooski have all donated pizzas for “When Wally walks through the door, you can’t help but guests of COTS facilities. smile,” Marshall said. “Her dedication to COTS is through Carter’s in Essex donated clothes for children in family shelter. the roof. For an entire month, she came to COTS early in the morning to get three boys ready for school so their Mirabelle’s donates birthday cakes monthly to family shelter. mother could take a class.” Williams–Sonoma donated new kitchen supplies for family shelter. Wally works tirelessly to bring her skills to the most Texas Roadhouse in Williston has provided volunteers and vulnerable families in our community. She hopes her efforts donated lunch regularly at the Daystation. in relationships building can lead families to a successful future. “Working with these families has made me realize Emily Celis, 7, wanted that they don’t come to COTS to get a free ride. They work to help people who extremely hard to move above shelter,” Wally said. “I think did not have homes, COTS does a great job to prepare families to be better off so instead of receiving when they leave.” presents from friends at her birthday party, she Wally said her husband, Peter, who also volunteers asked for donations to during math and GED tutoring sessions, makes her take COTS, contributing her a vacation once in a while to visit their five children and own money. Her sister five grandchildren. During their 54 years of marriage, Chloe, 3, was so inspired Wally said they have always supported each other in she generously donated accomplishing their goals. In her time with COTS, Wally her entire piggy bank. has helped countless families accomplish their goals, too. Together, the girls were Words cannot express how grateful we are to have her able to raise $200. here at COTS.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  More than 1,500 walkers took the 3-mile Generous in-kind support by: Challenge Walkers trek around Burlington on May 1, a Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream warm bluebird day for the 22nd annual SymQuest Group, Inc. Individual Challenge Walkers COTS Walk, one of the organization’s IKON Office Solutions Scot Barker largest fundraisers. Queen City Printers Lydia Carroon Vermont Coffee Co. Bob Duncan Walkers helped raise $150,000 in The Willoughbys Maree Gaetani support of COTS services and facilities. Dr. Jazz and the Dixie Hotshots Melissa Goldberg The walk would not be possible without Cookies for Good Joyce Hagan the generous support of our sponsors. George Hubbard Also: Hannaford Brothers Co., St. Michael’s Maria Jarvis MOVE Special Event Team, ECHO at the Community Sponsor Rolf Kielman Leahy Center, Zachary’s Pizza, American Nan Mason We are grateful to our top sponsor – Flatbread, Vermont Pure Springs, Rhino Louise Merriam Seventh Generation – who provided Foods, Majestic 10 Cinemas, Pepsi-Cola Kate Purcell financial support and a wonderful in- Bottling Co., Price Chopper Foods, Kids Town, Lucy Samara kind donation of products to support Exposition, Vermont Lake Father Richard Tinney families and individuals in COTS’ Monsters, Majestic Car Rental, Airgas, Parlato facilities. We deeply appreciate their Productions, PP&D Distribution Services, Special recognition – Under 18 tremendous support. WB Mason, Hudson Valley Paper, Vermont Challenge Walkers We also want to thank our additional Moving & Storage, Curtis Lumber, Vermont Grace Dattilio support from: Teddy Bear Factory, Sodexo Inc. & Affliates. Alaina Knowles

Route Sponsors: HUBER + SUHNER National Life of Vermont Duncan*Wisniewski Stephen & Burns

Media Sponsors: Free Press Media Star 92.9 Fox 44 / ABC 22

Site sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield

T-Shirt Sponsors: Northwestern Vermont Board of Realtors Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew KeyBank Gardener’s Supply Co. City Market

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011 

Send a Katharine Montstream holiday card A donation to COTS in the name of a friend, relative or co-worker is a wonderful gift for the holidays.

Make a minimum $10 donation to COTS in someone’s name, and we’ll send the recipient a beautiful Katharine Montstream holiday card with the following message:

“A generous donation has been made to the Committee on Temporary Shelter in your name (donor’s name inserted). This gift of warmth and shelter will help families and individuals who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness make it through the harsh winter months. Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year.” Team Challenge Walkers Business If you have questions, contact Becky Holt at (802) 540-3084, Ext. 204 or Alliance Property Management, the “A” Team [email protected]. Best Buy Citizens Bank Gardener’s Supply Co. General Dynamics Enjoy Cookies for Good HUBER + SUHNER Sugarsnap delicious “Cookies for Good” Sugarsnap, IBM are available year-round, helping COTS founded in Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer with each scrumptious bite: 35 percent 2003, is a from each $1 cookie sold goes to COTS. farm to table retailer and caterer Community Consider serving the cookies at your with locations in Burlington and South The 166 Gang holiday party, business luncheon or send Burlington. The fund-raising project is made COTS Family Shelter Staff to a friend, co-worker or customer. possible in part by the support of Cabot GEMS, led by captain Grace Dattilio, age 9 Creamery cooperative. Flavors include: chocolate chip, double Faith chocolate cherry almond, coconut Order or learn more about the cookies by First United Methodist Church cardamom with black sesame, peanut visiting www.cookiesforgood.org (There is St. James Church butter, oatmeal raisin, lemon poppyseed, also a link at www.cotsonline.org) or call St. Paul Cathedral ginger molasses snaps, java hazelnut and (802) 861-2951. Questions? You also can St. Pius X bittersweet chocolate orange. email: [email protected]. Shelburne United Methodist Church Williston Federated Church

School Mount Mansfield Union High School Carry a COTS Flashbag National Honor Society Last fall, COTS debuted its second totebag and Rice Memorial High School accessories with local company Flashbags. Christ the King School The totebag, wallets and placemats feature the Many thanks also to our amazing doorknobs from the Main Street Family Shelter. volunteers and the COTS Walk This historic building was once a stop on the Planning Committee: Underground Railroad, so it has a storied life as Sally Ballin place for safe refuge. In fact, the central doorknob image is one from the basement Barb Brisson where African-Americans hid, as they sought freedom and escape from slavery. Gary Eley Julie Lowell Burlington commercial photographer and artist Dok Wright donated his time to capture Stephanie McKay the photos that Flashbag owner Laura Cheney transformed into a unique COTS collage. Louise Merriam To order a tote bag (available in three sizes), placemats or wallet, call (802) 864-7402 Amanda Petry or email [email protected].. Prices range from $12 for the mini wallet to $59 for Michelle Richard the extra large shopping tote. For Flashbag orders placed directly through COTS, we Lucy Samara receive 50 percent from each sale. For orders placed online at www.flashbagsonline. Vanessa Torchia com, we receive 30 percent of each sale. Skylar Wilson

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  year in review 2010

Progress made through prevention by the numbers 2011 Weak economy still hinders families on edge Families In the United States, 14.7 million children live in poverty. In Vermont, 13 percent 228 families both in emergency of children – or 16,093 youth – are growing up poor. In 2010, the poverty line for a shelter and in the community, received family of four was $22,314. outreach and support from COTS case COTS shelters have remained full, with waiting lists, for much of this past year. management. The tight housing market and struggling economy have continued to negatively 107 families (including 115 parents and affect working families in Vermont. 122 children) stayed in COTS In addition to providing shelter, COTS works with low-income families in crisis to family shelters. avert homelessness. Through our prevention initiative, the COTS Housing Resource 95 days The average length of stay in Center, more than 1,500 households have received back rent, mortgage arrearage or shelter for families. security deposit assistance in the past three years.

Of those seeking help from the HRC, 45 percent needed assistance because of a lost Single Adults job or reduced hours. Another 16 percent were in financial crisis because of illness or 191 Single adults received outreach a medical issue. and support from COTS case For these families on the edge, COTS has been the lifeline to prevent more families management. from falling into homelessness. 825 people visited the Daystation, with an average of 53 people per day.

Revenue $3,250,568 278 different people were sheltered at Individuals & Businesses 30.3% the Waystation or Eagles. Federal Grants 22.2% Foundations 12.5% Prevention Programs

Rental Income 9.9% 300 Households (families and single Veterans Administration 8.9% adults) received prevention grants and were

State Grants 6.7% able to avert homelessness. The average prevention award was $800. United Way 4.6% 182 households (families and single Municipal Grants 0.9% adults) received security deposit grants, Other 3.9% helping them move more quickly into permanent housing. The average award Expenses $3,348,238* was $657. Administration 8.8%

Development 7.5%

Public Education 2.5%

Case Management 10.7%

Program Management 4.9%

Family Shelters 20.2%

Family Overflow Shelter 8.4%

Daystation 7.3%

Waystation 6.6% * This is the first time COTS has reported a deficit in many years. Single Adult Overflow Shelter 4.3% It reflects the extraordinary increase in need at a time of flat Housing Facilities 11.7% or declining resources. Our plan is to redouble efforts to offset any future gap in funding so that we can continue to meet this Prevention Services 7.2% community’s most urgent need. These numbers are all pre-audited.

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  CRW Corporation Cubs for Kids Thank you! Cummings Electric, P.C. These generous businesses and organizations provided in-kind and financial Curley Court Reporting support during COTS’ fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2010-Sept. 30, 2011). In addition to the Curtis Lumber names here, hundreds of individuals have made financial and/or in-kind gifts in CVAIP support of COTS programs and services this year. Cx Associates LLC Danform Shoes Organization Donors Burlington Drug Company Darby, Stearns,Thorndike, Kolter & Ware A C Hathorne Burlington Elks Lodge #916 Darn Tough Vermont A Single Pebble Restaurant Burlington Furniture Company Daughters of Isabella, Madonna Circle A.M. Turk Tax Associates, Inc. Burlington International Airport Dee Physical Therapy Addison Four Corner Store Burlington Parks and Recreation Dok Wright Photography AIG Matching Grants Program Burlington Tennis Club Domino’s Pizza Airgas Business Culture Consultants Dr. Juliann M. Moenter, DVM Al’s French Frys Business Resource Services Duncan’s Auto Service Alana Coalition at UVM C.S. Hall Remodeling Duncan*Wisniewski Architecture All Souls Interfaith Gathering Cabot Vermont Eagle Eye Farm, Inc. Alliance Property Management, Inc. Cady’s Falls Nursery East Brookfield Congregational Church Allscripts Cambridge Cutters Eating Well, Inc. Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation Carter’s ECAC America’s Charities Casey Charitable Matching Programs ECHO at the Leahy Center America’s Gardening Resource Inc Catamount North Echo, Inc American Flatbread Champlain Cable Corporation Edlund Company, Inc. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35 Champlain Consulting Engineers Employee Community Action Council of American Legion Auxiliary, Green Mountain Champlain Dental Laboratory, Inc General Dynamics Unit 1 Champlain Investment Partners Essential Salon Products Inc American Legion Post 14 Champlain Orthodontic Assoc., LTD Essex Family Dental American Legion Post 19 Champlain Radio Group Essex High School American Legion Post 42 Champlain Valley Agency on Aging Essex Middle School American Legion Post 91 Champlain Valley AHEC Essex Town School District American Red Cross Champlain Valley Exposition Essex United Methodist Women Annie E. Casey Foundation Matching Champlain Water District Expressions Gift Program Champlain Woodcraft F.R. Lafayette, Inc. Apple Mountain Vermont Gifts & FAHC Orthopedics Department Speciality Foods Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary Club Fairewinds Associates, Inc. Ascension Lutheran Church Chef’s Corner Cafe Bakery Fairfield Inn By Marriott Ashgate Publishing Company Chittenden County Court Diversion Fairpoint Communications AT&T United Way Giving Campaign Citizens Bank Fanny Allen Corporation, Inc. AXA Equitable City of Burlington Bed, Bath And Beyond, Corporate City of South Burlington Farrell Real Estate Co. Beeken Parsons Clark’s Truck Center Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Belrose Home Inspection Services LLC Clearwater Builders, Inc. Fieldstone Foundation, Inc. Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc. Clifford Farm LLC Firetech Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Cloud 9 Caterers First Baptist Church, Inc. Benedictine Foundation of the State of Co-Operative Insurance Companies First Congregational Church of Essex Junction Vermont, Inc. Colchester High School First Unitarian Universalist Society Best Buy Children’s Foundation College Street Congregational Church First United Methodist Church Bio-Medic Appliances, Inc. Competitive Computing Fitzgerald Construction, Inc. Bite Me Pizza Concepts: In Structures, LLC FJC Blodgett, Watts & Volk, P.C. Congregational Women’s Fellowship Fletcher Allen Health Care Blue Star Mothers Connor Contracting Floral Artistry By Alison Bucholz Ellis Board Of School Commissioners Coombs, Davis & Hill, LLP Flynn Center for the Performing Arts Bond Auto Parts Costco Wholesale #314 Four Seasons Studios Building Performance Services LLC Creative Teamworks Frank Carruth Inc. Burlington Community Justice Center Cree Consulting, LLC Franklin County Pediatrics

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011  Fraternal Order of Eagles John’s Shoe Shop North Merrill Theatre Corporation Frederick H Tuttle Middle School Ken’s Auto Repair Microtech FreStyle Kenneth G Weston Surveying Services, Inc. Milton Chiropractic Center Furchgott & Sourdiffe, Inc. Key Foundation Mirabelles, Inc. G W Tatro Construction Inc KeyBank Modern Design Furniture Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP KeyBank National Association Montpelier Broadcasting, Inc. Gannett Foundation Matching Kids Town Moose Lodge 1618 GE Foundation Kiss the Cook Mountain Valley Sprinkler Systems, Inc. Gene Armstrong Excavating Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 6689 Murphy Sullivan Kronk General Dynamics Chocolates Myer’s Bagel Bakery Gigunda Group, Inc. Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of MYL ROVER, Ltd. Given Primary Care Commerce Mylan Technologies, Inc. GOF Ltd. Laliberte Associates Network For Good Goodrich Corporation Lang McLaughry Spera Real Estate Neuropsychology Associates, LTD Goodrich PAC Match Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP Federal Credit Union Goodwill Industries of Northern New England Lawrence J. Mattar, Attorney at Law New England Floor Covering Company, Inc. Grace Jones Richardson Trust Lawrence Ribbecke Studios Nicom Coatings Corporation Grace United Methodist Church LCLA to VFW Post 9653 Nikon Precision Inc. Great Harvest Bread Co. Leonardo’s Pizza North Avenue News, Inc. Greater Burlington YMCA Leunig’s Bistro NorthCountry Federal Credit Union Greater Horizons Lewis Excavating LLC Northeast Delta Dental Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Little Man, Inc. Northern Benefits, Ltd. Green Mountain Concert Series, Inc. Llewellyn-Howley, Inc. Northfield Savings Bank Green Mountain Montessori School Lyman C. Hunt Middle School One-Four-Three Trust Green Mountain Video, Inc. Lynch Family Chiropractic, LLC Opportunities Credit Union Grippin, Donlan & Roche, PLC Macy’s Corporate Giving Pajama Program Guiduli Ophthalmic Associates, Inc. Main Street Landing Company Palmer Insurance Agency, LLC GWR Engineering, P.C. Maine Street Stylists Parlato Productions Hackett, Valine & MacDonald, Inc. Insurance Majestic 10 Cinemas Paul Frank + Collins P.C. Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe Majestic Car Rental Penny Cluse Cafe Hamblett & Kerrigan, PA Mann & Machine Inc People’s United Community Foundation Hannaford Brothers Co. May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. Head to Head Ministries McKee, Giuliani & Cleveland Pfizer Foundation Healthy Living Natural Foods Market McKenzie’s Country Classics PKC Corporation Heavenly Cents Thrift Shop Helping Hand Database Design Her Look Enterprises LLC Skylar Wilson: Governor’s Award for Heritage Toyota Outstanding Community Service Hinesburg Veterinary Assoc., Inc. In June, our VHCB AmeriCorps Children’s Program Home Resources of Vermont Specialist Skylar Wilson was recognized for her Hopkins Bookshop exemplary service to COTS and its families at the Howard Plant VFW Post 782 Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier. She received HUBER+SUHNER, Inc. the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Community Hudson Valley Paper Service for her term at COTS as an AmeriCorps Human Resources Consulting Group member. From the nomination letter, written by Hutchins Roofing Company COTS Family Shelter staffer Nicole Marshall: IBM Retiree Charitable Campaign IBM-Computershare “In her first quarter, Skylar worked with nearly 70 IKON Office Solutions unique volunteers. Most notably, Skylar helped to pilot Independent Block a partnership with a children’s literature class from St. J&B International Trucks, Inc. Michael’s College, which brought education majors into Jane’s Trust shelter on a weekly basis to read with children and promote a love of literacy.” Jay Mechanical After Skylar completed her AmeriCorps year, she joined the COTS Family Jericho United Methodist Church Shelter staff. Jewish Community Foundation of Metrowest

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011 10 Placemat Lady St. Albans Eye Center United Professions AFT-VT Pochop Financial St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church United Way Pomerleau Properties, Inc. St. Mark’s Church United Way of Chittenden County Post 782 VFW Auxiliary Starbucks UVM Athletic Deparrtment Pottery Barn Steel Traders Shipping Ltd. VA Center For Acquisition Innovation PP&D Distribution Service Sterling Construction, Inc Verilux, Inc. Price Chopper Foods Sterling Hill Productions, Inc. Verizon Foundation Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer Stone Underground Contruction Vermont Catholic Charities Project Management Institute, CV Chapter Stowe Community Church Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation Psych NP Students Together for American Relief Vermont Coffee Company Queen City Printers, Inc. Subatomic Digital Inc. Vermont Community Foundation Ready Funeral Service, Inc. Sugarbush Resort Vermont Federal Credit Union Red Room Omnimedia Corp. Sugarsnap Vermont Information Consortium Redstone Commercial Group SymQuest Group, Inc. Vermont Inspection Services, INC Regular Veterans Association Systems & Software, Inc. Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph Tamarack Services of VT, INC. Renaissance Development Company The Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont, Inc Vermont Moving and Storage Resort Maps, Inc The Argosy Foundation Vermont Paint Co. Resource Systems Group, Inc. The Bagel Cafe Vermont Pure Springs The Bay Corporation Vermont State Guard Air Wing Ri Ra Irish Pub The Clothes Exchange Vermont Technical College Richard L. Wheatley, CPA The Duke Energy Foundation Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Richmond Congregational Church The Eldoes Vermont Zen Center Rick’s Catering The F.H. Adams Company Vertek Corporation Rieley Realty Inc. DBA Kids Town The Farmhouse Tap & Grill Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 758 The First Congregational Church of Burlington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6689 Rose Computer Technology Services, Inc. The Gallery of Hair Fashions Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7823 Roundtree Construction, Inc. The Hart Foundation VHB Pioneer RunVermont The New York Community Trust Vietnam Veterans of America, Chittenden Russ/Wood Decorating, Inc. The Off Center for The Arts County, Ch829 Russell, Blanchard & Dubois The Physician’s Computer Company Vintage Jewelers RWR, Inc. The Shoe Shop Von Bargen’s Jewelry, LLC Saba Marine LLc The Wall Doctor VVA Chapter 926 SAC Fastener Company The Waterwheel Foundation, Inc. W.G. Russell Supply Corp Saint Michael’s College Timberlane Dental Group W.R. Berkley Corporation Charitable San Damiano Daily Giving Tiny Thai Foundation Santa Night TONIC Wake Robin Schwab Charitable Fund Town of Charlotte Walmart SecurShred, Inc. Town of Essex Walsh & Monaghan, LLP Select Design Town of Hinesburg WB Mason Selection Unlimited Town of Jericho WCAX TV Selectronics Corporation Town of Shelburne Weinheimer and Associates, P.C. Shelburne Shipyard, Inc Town of St. George Wellspring Learning, Inc. Shelburne United Methodist Church Town of Underhill Westphalen Photography, Inc. Shoe Therapy LLC Town of Williston Westwood Youth Soccer Single Step Foundation Training, Marketing & Technology, Inc White’s Christmas Tree Farm Sisters Of Mercy Transitional Services for Youth & Families Willard Street Inn Sisters of Mercy/Tabor Community Travel Leaders Williston Federated Church Sixty Farrell Street Associates, LLC TRD Design Small Boat Exchange Turrell Fund Winding Brook Home Owners Association SMC Edmundite Community Turtle Fur Company Women’s Fellowship Sodexo Inc & Affiliates Twenty Joy Drive Associates, LLC Woodbridge Buick GMC Soles4Souls Twincraft Wow Toyz South Burlington Senior Lunch Program UBS Employee Giving Programs Yankee Tattoo Spanked Puppy Pub Underhill Central School Zachary’s Pizza Spectrum Benefits Inc Unicorn Zinnia, Inc. St Michael’s College – MOVE Unilever United States Foundation, Inc. Zonta Club of Burlington

www.cotsonline.org COTS HOMEFRONT FALL/WINTER 2011 11 Non-Profit Org. Committee on U.S. Postage PAID Temporary Shelter Permit No. 896 PO Box 1616 Burlington, VT Burlington, VT 05402-1616 802-864-7402 www.cotsonline.org

Mark your calendars For complete details, please visit: www.cotsonline.org Phonathon November 28-December 1 December 5-7 The Coolest Lunch December 14 Candlelight Vigil December 21 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast February 8, 2012 COTS Walk May 6, 2012

Miles for a Mission

Interested in running in this year’s KeyBank Vermont City 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington Marathon for COTS? If you are a runner and want to also raise City Market plans to once again money to help provide shelter and generously sell fresh balsam services, contact Becky at beckyh@ City trees from Craftsbury to benefit cotsonline.org or (802) 540-3084, COTS. Trees are expected Ext. 204, for more details. Market to arrive Dec. 7, with sales Tree Sale continuing until all trees are sold.

Want to make a pledge or volunteer at the Phonathon? The COTS annual Phonathon gets under way Nov. 28. Volunteers call COTS supporters to thank them for their past donations and ask them to consider a gift again this holiday season.

We are grateful to presenting sponsor, NPI, for generously supporting our largest annual fund- raiser. Burlington Telecom also made an in-kind gift made an in-kind gift of 15 additional phone lines for this event.

Interested in volunteering for the Phoanthon, as a caller or in the mailroom, at our new facility, 95 North Ave.? Please call Nicole All trees cost $30, and proceeds benefit COTS! “Elves” are at 540-3084, Ext. 207, or email her at [email protected]. needed to help with the holiday sale. Find out more about how We need 50 volunteers from 5:30 to 9 p.m. each night: Nov. to volunteer and to sign up for a shift at www.citymarketcoop. 28-Dec. 1, and Dec. 5-7. Thank you again for your help!