Vermont Family Network

05/31/2026

05/29/2026

On Thursday, 5/21, Jillian, Karlie, and Kristen traveled to Kensington Road Elementary in Glens Falls, NY for a five-show day of "Resilience," sponsored by Romeo Chevrolet of Glens Falls!

Performing for PK–4th grade students gave us an exciting opportunity to see how the show connects with different age groups as we continue developing both younger and older versions of the program.

Staff shared wonderful feedback, including:
✨ “It was a very engaging show with a powerful message students could relate to.”
✨ “I loved the Bounce Back song.”
✨ “Absolutely loved the presentation…especially teaching the word ‘yet.’”

As always, students shared what makes them special:
💛 “I’m honest and kind.”
💛 “I’m the only boy that does dance.”
💛 “I like how I’m always trying new things.”
💛 “I always try, but I ask for help when I really need it.”

One 4th grader shared something especially powerful after the show about moving to Virginia and facing big changes with both fear and excitement. Moments like these remind us why conversations about resilience, growth, and change matter so much.

Thank you to Romeo Chevrolet and Kensington Road Elementary for welcoming us for such a meaningful day!

05/29/2026

On Wednesday, 5/20 Puppets in Education brought four performances to Greenwich Elementary School, sponsored by McGee Chevrolet of Greenwich!

For 1st & 2nd graders, we performed Resilience to help students build confidence and navigate change. Students shared what makes them special, including:
✨ “I’m kind.”
✨ “I’m helpful.”
✨ “I can snowboard.”
✨ “I’m strong.”

For PreK & Kindergarten, we shared our Friendship show, where students learned ways to connect with new friends:
💬 “I like your shirt!”
💬 “Tell them your name!”
💬 “I like your shoes!”
🎵 And one preschooler suggested… “Sing them a song!”

Thank you to McGhee Chevrolet, the amazing staff, and students for such an engaging and joyful day!

05/29/2026

Join NAMI Vermont for a series of presentations relating to mental health, delivered by knowledgeable speakers in a relaxed, lunchtime format.

05/26/2026

Have you, or a loved one, accessed services through your local Designated Agency? If you, or a loved one, have accessed services, your Designated Agency would like to hear from you!

We’re inviting you to complete a short survey (about 10 minutes) to share what information, guidance, and support would be most helpful when accessing services through Vermont’s Designated Agency system.

Your input will directly shape a new series of informational workshops designed for families like yours.

Share your input here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/oqRf29C

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Valerie Wood at [email protected]

Survey

05/22/2026

Vermont’s Agency of Human Services is collecting public comment on its Global Commitment to Health (also called the 1115 waiver).

This is your chance to speak-up and tell the State how Medicaid works for you.

When: Friday, May 22 - Noon to 1:00 PM.
Where: Meet with ZOOM!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81784478865?pwd=wxic5j7bygeCTE5yxZWJ4N5KBE8WXa.1

In the picture there is a green mega phone. Large, white text reads "Public Hearing. Re: Changes to Medicaid."

05/15/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To honor that, Mental Health America (MHA) is hosting an immersive virtual experience designed to support your mind and body. MHA recognizes that wellness is not a singular thing. Wellness is holistic and multi-faceted.

If you are interested in exploring your personal wellness with us, join us on May 20 from 11 - 1 pm ET for this virtual wellness experience. We'll come together to explore simple, practical ways to support wellness and build healthy habits that last.

Date: May 20 from 11 - 1 pm ET

In honor of Mental Health Month, join Mental Health America (MHA) for an immersive virtual experience designed to support your mind and body. Wellness is not achieved through a single change or action; it’s built on intentional, consistent practices that can lead to more good days.

05/15/2026

Learn about the benefits of Student-Led Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

When students are given the opportunity to have an active role in the development of their individualized education program, they learn how to state their preferences and goals, and take ownership over their future. A student-led IEP process has many benefits, such as promoting self-advocacy, improving student engagement, and strengthening transition planning.

This workshop will be co-presented by three people with experience with student-led IEPs: a disability advocate, a parent of a person with a disability, and a person who supports youth with disabilities as they transition to adulthood.
Presenters:
– Jayson Capobianco: Family Resources Consultant / Postsecondary Transition Consultant with the Vermont I-Team, part of the University of Vermont's Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
- Ocean Streeter: disability advocate with Green Mountain Self-Advocates and UVM CDCI
- Michele Streeter: Northeast Regional Family Support Consultant with the Vermont I-Team

05/14/2026