Vermonters will be receiving additional stimulus checks, and some of us are in a financial position that allows us to use those checks to support needed causes in our community. Here are some suggestions from members of Session for worthy organizations if you are able to donate all or part of your stimulus money. We selected organizations that serve BIPOC Vermonters and reflect our discussions, resources list, and studies but hope this short list will stimulate your thinking. We encourage you to come up with your own ideas for groups and causes that need financial support. To learn more about any of the organizations on this list or to make a donation, click on the titles in blue. If you would like to identify yourself as a CCP congregant, you can put ‘CCP’ after your name.
Feeding Chittenden provides food shelf and hot meals programs. Through their food shelf, they provide local families and individuals facing hunger with a week’s supply of groceries and prepared meals. They also offer fresh produce and bread five days per week. More than 10,000 people every year are helped through this program alone. Through their hot meals program, they are open to the entire community and serve a hot meal every day. More than 60,000 meals are served in their cafeteria each year.
Mercy Connections Serves women released from prison, aspiring entrepreneurs, New Americans, and individuals living in isolation and helps them rediscover a sense of purpose and belonging in a supportive community. Mercy Connections starts by welcoming everyone with kindness, hospitality, and without judgment because they believe that every person deserves opportunities to be successful. A range of programs are available to help an individual move toward greater self-sufficiency.
Migrant Justice builds the voice, capacity, and power of the farmworker community and engages community partners to organize for economic justice and human rights. They gather the farmworker community to discuss and analyze shared problems and to envision collective solutions.
New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church is the only black congregation in Vermont. At one time, New Alpha worshipped in CCP’s Redstone campus building and now they worship at the First Congregational Church of Burlington. They would like to have their own church home and you can help them by contributing to their building fund.
Nulhegan Abenaki The Nulhegan band of the Abenaki Nation created the Seventh Harvest Relief Project as an evolution of the Longhouse Food Pantry. With unemployment at record breaking highs and an ever increasing cost of living, it is entirely necessary to share with those less fortunate. Food, hygiene, warm wear, and heat during winter are a necessity to survival and comfort in the Northeast Kingdom. Permaculture, organic community gardens, and a remembrance of the old ways brings us closer to sustainable and green living.
Open Door Clinic is a free health clinic for uninsured and under-insured adults in Addison County. Our patients are our neighbors, friends, and family, keystone members of our community who work on and support the local farms, restaurants, and small businesses. We also serve a special population: Latin American migrant farm workers who comprise 60% of our total patient population and who face profound language and cultural barriers.
Vermont Interfaith Action VIA is a grassroots, faith-based coalition of 68 member and affiliated congregations throughout Vermont. Our mission is to create solutions to systemic issues that prevent our most vulnerable citizens from enjoying the quality of life God intends for us all.
Christ Church, Presbyterian 