Page 5 - 2020 Annual Report

Umbrella’s mission is to cultivate a “When I got there I was so nervous but
Northeast Kingdom where all people I met with the housing advocate who
was so friendly and welcoming. I wasn’t
thrive free from abuse and oppression. ADvoCACy expecting to get any help but they had

we believe that oppression and the systemic abuse of something ready right away and just like
that we had a place to go.”
power is at the root of domestic and sexual violence,
stalking, teen dating violence, human trafficking, as — AdvoCACy CLieNt
well as violence related to gender or sexual orientation. We seek to embody “My Umbrella advocate helped me find
a world where those who have been disempowered by poverty, discrimina- the Advocacy program serves survivors my voice when I thought I lost it. She was
always quick to find answers to my ques-
tion and other obstacles are able to live peaceful, self-directed lives. and children of survivors who have ex- tions and get back to me. During extreme-
perienced domestic and sexual violence, ly difficult situations I felt safe because of EConoMiC
stalking, teen dating violence, human my advocate. Umbrella has supported me EMpowErMEnt
trafficking as well as violence related to and connected me with many resources
soCiAl ChAngE gender or sexual orientation. to navigate through difficult situations. I economic empowerment supports women with signifi-
am forever grateful for the support I re- cant barriers to employment to work on their challenges
Social Change focuses on a variety of initiatives in In FY2020: ceived from my advocate.” with wrap-around, no-judgment support. Participants gain
schools and in the community that aim towards pre- 519 people served — AdvoCACy CLieNt experience through culinary service and transition to
venting gender-based violence, substance misuse and employment on the pathway to meet their financial goals.
tobacco use while creating a community where abuse 60 households including
and oppression are acknowledged and addressed. 41 children (101 people housed women package and prepare food for homebound
in emergency shelter) seniors via Cornucopia’s Meals on wheels program and
In FY2020: 12 new beds added for food service at the ready, set, grow Center in newport.
1,717 Youth served — 73 sessions emergency shelter for
families fleeing domestic violence In FY2020: 5 clients in the extended program
258 Adults trained — 24 workshops
6 households including 8 Graduates 2 new jobs created
15 School partners in the NEK 8 children (14 people)
housed in transitional housing 100% gained employment Women and youth expand
“Why do I love my job? Because one “Feedback about Umbrella’s collabora- post graduation marketable skills while earning
day when I asked a kindergarten tion with our various health programs $64,974 given out to support 12 former graduates received money towards our mission through
class what they remember learning has been very positive, from students, clients — includes help with follow-up our social enterprise, Dolcetti Gelato.
from me last week, one little girl parents and other adults in the school security deposits, food, personal $3,000 earned
raised her hand and said, ‘I learned and community” belongings, moving expenses, 37,276 meals produced
my body belongs to me!’” — LydiA CoCHrANe, transportation, and rent. (717 weekly average) 8 pop up events
— CHeLSeA, PreveNtioN AdvoCAte PriNCiPAL, St. JoHNSbUry SCHooL

FamiLy-BaSeD In FY2020:

sErviCEs 560 households receiving Umbrella
support to access child care
Family Based services focuses on connect- 120 families connected to children’s
ing families to child care and strengthening integrated services
family relationships. Kingdom Child Care 60 new referrals to child care
Connection assists families in Caledonia and
southern essex counties to receive subsidized Children participate
child care, appropriate child care referrals and in supervised visitation with support
specialized child care placement support. the of the Family Room
Family Room offers supervised visitation for 93 children served with supervised
families throughout the Northeast Kingdom. visitation

4 UmBreLLa 2020 annUaL reporT 5