Vermont Agency of Human Services

09/03/2026

The Public Safety Enhancement Team (PSET) convened a local summit in Barre yesterday, bringing together a broad group of state and local partners to strengthen collaboration around community safety. Representatives from law enforcement, municipal leadership, social services, mental health, housing, emergency response, and state agencies joined to learn more about the PSET model and how it can support Barre’s ongoing efforts to address complex public safety challenges.

During the session, participants discussed the PSET process, shared perspectives on community needs, and began identifying Barre’s priorities and desired outcomes. The meeting served as an important first step in building a coordinated, community-centered approach aimed at improving communication, aligning resources, and reducing system barriers. PSET leadership will continue working with Barre partners in the coming months to refine goals, support problem-solving, and move collaboratively toward actionable next steps.

08/20/2026

This week, we had the honor of welcoming our newest cohort of AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers to Vermont for an Orientation held at the Agency of Human Services in Waterbury. Twelve VISTAs began their service across the State on August 10.

SerVermont, Vermont’s State Service Commission, is housed within the Vermont Agency of Human Services and has administered its VISTA Umbrella Project on behalf of the AmeriCorps Agency since 2011. This statewide VISTA project seeks to end poverty in Vermont by building the capacity of organizations that address food security, substance misuse prevention, homelessness, economic development, education, disaster resiliency, and more. We also have the privilege of hosting a VISTA Leader at SerVermont to support the cohort during their year of service.

Five additional VISTAs will begin their service in Vermont in September, bringing us to a total of 17 VISTAs for the 2026 – 2027 Program Year.

Please join us in expressing our gratitude to the 2026 -2027 SerVermont VISTA Umbrella Project for choosing to get things done for Vermont!

08/13/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the incredible work happening at Northern State Correctional Faculty, where staff and residents are working together to grow, harvest, and share fresh vegetables with the community. In addition to the large garden at Northwest State, Northern State staff and residents care for a garden in Newport that is producing an amazing harvest of fresh, healthy food. What makes this effort especially meaningful is that the vegetables don’t just feed those who grow them, they’re also donated to local food pantries to help nourish our neighbors.

07/14/2026

There is a chance our storms tonight could include isolated tornadoes. Make your plan now for high winds: https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

03/06/2026

Capital for a Day in Essex County was a powerful reminder that community truly matters. AHS began the day by visiting Northern Counties Health Care, Inc. locations in Concord and Island Pond, where the focus is not only on primary care but also on addressing the broader health-related social needs that impact families every day.

In Island Pond, we toured the NECKA Food Shelf and got to see how critical food security is to overall health and stability. We also spent time at the Gilman Senior Center and Loch Lomond Assisted Living, where dedicated staff support older Vermonters with care and connection that helps them thrive close to home.

The agency's early childhood stops included Wild Roots Family Childcare in Guildhall and the Gilman Child and Family Development Program, Head Start operated by Northeast Kingdom Community Action. These programs are building strong foundations for children and families, even as they navigate ongoing workforce challenges.

During the day, one theme stood out: strong collaborative relationships with partner organizations and other community institutions are essential to success. When we work together, we strengthen the entire region.

Thank you to all who shared their work and welcomed us. Essex County’s resilience and commitment are inspiring.

02/24/2026

Do you know someone receiving 3SquaresVT? Recent work requirements may affect their food benefits.

If they are not currently working or participating in a training program, they should:
• Call 1-800-479-6151 to review their individual situation
• Ask about possible exemptions if they are unable to work
• Get connected to available employment or training supports

You may be able to get help meeting your employment and training goals through:
• 3SquaresVT Employment & Training Program (iCAN): https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/ican
• Vermont Department of Labor Workforce Development: https://labor.vermont.gov/workforce-development
• Vermont JobLink (job search): https://www.vermontjoblink.com
• HireAbility Vermont: https://www.hireabilityvt.com/

A simple phone call can make a meaningful difference. Please share to help ensure Vermonters have the information they need.

01/29/2026

Today, Secretary Jenney Samuelson (right) and the Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Hawes (left) joined advocates, providers, policymakers, and people with lived experience for Vermont’s 11th Annual Mental Health Advocacy Day.

This year’s theme, Together for Dignity, United for Change: Reclaiming Mental Health in Vermont, reflects a shared commitment to care that is humane, accessible, and rooted in respect. Mental health is not separate from our daily lives. It is about how we treat one another, how we design systems, and how we respond when people need support.

Thank you to Vermont Care Partners, NAMI Vermont, and the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery for their leadership and partnership, and to everyone who continues to push this work forward.

12/10/2025

The Vermont Department of Mental Health is offering free, online Problem Gambling Essentials Training for mental health and substance use treatment providers.

This ten-week program begins January 13 and equips clinicians with tools to support Vermonters struggling with gambling, which affects an estimated 11,000 adults statewide. Participants who complete the course will earn 30 CEUs and become eligible for the Vermont Problem Gambling Specialist (PGS) Certificate. Certified providers can be listed as referral sources on the Vermont Gambling Helpline at no cost.

Topics include gambling basics, co-occurring disorders, assessment, ethics, harm reduction, family support, and LGBTQIA+ cultural competence. Instructors include nationally recognized experts Jody Bechtold, Dr. Lori Rugle, and Jodie Nealley, who is in long-term recovery from problem gambling.

Registration is now open. Learn more or sign up here:

Go to VTGamblingHelp.org for up-to-date information on responsible gaming and problem gambling resources in Vermont.    How do I know if I have a gambling problem?    Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively impacts any area of your life. It doesn't matter how much you've lost or won. You m...