Wellness Workshops

Workshop held November 15th

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted feelings of safety and protection for many adults, children, and families; led to elevated stress responses, potentially compounding the impact of other stressors; and added layers to experiences of trauma and adversity. This workshop will highlight how the pandemic has led to increased disruptions (grief, maltreatment/interpersonal violence, substance use/suicide) and offer strategies and resources to mitigate these traumas. The workshop will also address the importance of provider wellness.

Melissa Brymer, Ph.D., Psy.D. is Director of the Terrorism and Disaster Program of the UCLA/Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress and its National Child Traumatic Stress Network. In this capacity, Dr. Brymer has been involved with the development of acute interventions, assessment, and educational materials in the area of terrorism, disasters, public health emergencies, and school crises.

She is one of the primary authors of NCTSN/NCPTSD Psychological First Aid and Skills for Psychological Recovery. She has served as a consultant for many Federal, state, and local agencies across the country and internationally after disasters, terrorism, school shootings, and other mass emergencies. Dr. Brymer was the lead advisor to the Newtown Public Schools Recovery Program and has led the NCTSN’s response to COVID-19.

Workshop Resourses:

Workshop Recording | Coping with COVID Resources PDF

Returning to the Workforce? Town Hall with Mercy Connections

Free Town Hall / Webinar • Held on May 24

Webinar Resources:

Event Recording | Event Slides

As you look toward entering or returning to the workforce during the pandemic, take time in this town hall to connect with your strengths and bring positivity into your efforts. Mercy Connections, known for their engaging “Self-Development” programming, will lead this 1.5 hour session where participants will learn how to apply a strengths-based perspective to planning their next steps for returning to work.

You will:

• Learn strategies for overcoming perceived barriers to entering the workplace through reframing with strengths
• Review the “Flow State Scale” and apply the idea of flow to personal or work experiences
• Review “Character Strengths” and identify which were present during satisfying work

Contributing Partner:

Let’s Get Outside: Recreational Opportunities in VT

Free Town Hall / Webinar • Held on April 27

Webinar Resources:

Event Recording | Event Slides

The third session of our educational Town Hall series, highlighting the many outdoor and recreational opportunities that the beautiful state of Vermont has to offer, as well as the benefit that these activities have for your overall wellness!

We heard from organizations across the state who shared valuable information to help you and your family get outdoors safely and enjoyably as the weather gets warmer!

Contributing Partners:

Photo: Green Mountain Farm to School

Northeast Kingdom Food Access

Free Town Hall / Webinar • Held on March 25th

Webinar Resources:

Event Recording

Northeast Kingdom Food Access Town Hall Slides | PDF
Local Food Access at Green Mountain Farm-to-School Slides | PDF
Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging Slides | PDF
Everyone Eats: Find a Meal in the Northeast Kingdom | PNG
Northeast Kingdom Community Action Food Shelf Locations and Hours | PDF
Town Hall Poster |  PDF

The second session of our educational Town Hall series to deepen your understanding of the various food access programs across the Northeast Kingdom of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties.

We heard from the leading local organizations that support food access to youth, families and the community at-large during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Contributing Partners:

Barton Public Library Seed Exchange

Chittenden County Housing Assistance

Free Town Hall / Webinar • Held on February 4th

Webinar Resources:

Event Recording

When to Refer to Vermont Legal Aid | PDF
Reasonable Accommodations | PDF
Chittenden County Housing Assistance Town Hall Hotline Resources | PDF

Discussion about housing assistance programs with leading local organizations in Chittenden County that provide shelter, safe-housing and rental assistance.

The event kicked off with a workshop hosted by Vermont Legal Aid on the topic of “Housing Discrimination Protections: Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications”.

This event provided information about housing protections and resources available to our most vulnerable community members.

Contributing Partners:
Economic Services, Vermont Legal Aid, CVOEO, ANEW Place, Pathways, and Steps to End Domestic Violence