Umbrella is a private, nonprofit organization serving Caledonia and southern Essex Counties in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Our mission is fostering communities of strong women, supported families and safe homes. In pursuit of this, we offer supportive programming in two areas: the Domestic and Sexual Violence Program and Kingdom Child Care Connection. Both programs offer direct services to individuals and work with the community on long term solutions.

History

In 1976, a small group of women called a community-wide meeting to discuss the lack of women’s health services in the St. Johnsbury area. Umbrella was born from that meeting. While it did not become the women’s health center originally envisioned by the founding mothers, the organization has addressed a broad range of issues impacting women and families, including violence against women, child care and gender equity.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Umbrella offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for community members who want to support our mission, meet people, develop new skills or even try out a new career direction:

Hotline Advocate – Provide confidential crisis counseling to people who have been victimized by domestic and/or sexual violence. Hotline advocates receive training, pagers and ongoing support, and choose from flexible evening, night or weekend shifts.
Safe Home Provider – House a woman in crisis and her children for a few days (generally up to 3 nights) while she explores long term housing options. We also need people willing to provide a safe haven to pets who would be endangered if left behind when a woman flees.
Volunteer Driver - Assist with periodic transport of women (and their children) to airports/bus terminals/train stations, court appearances, etc. Mileage reimbursement at current IRS approved rate.
Office Assistant – Answer phones, help out with bulk mailings, assist with copying, word-processing and data entry. Volunteers can be put on a “call as needed” list to help out with special projects.
Fundraising – Umbrella often recruits community members to help with special fundraising events. If you have a knack for organizing benefits or developing new fundraising and community education projects, let us know!

Direct Service volunteer positions require a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and applicants must pass a criminal background check. Please contact the volunteer coordinator at 748-8645 for more information.

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Board of Directors

Ginny Flanders, Chair

Deborah Hunt, Secretary
Lauren Jarvi, Treasurer

Kim Behr

Jim Flynn

Rhonda Korol
Daisy McCoy

David Tucker

Agency Newsletter

Email michelle (at) umbrellanek.org to be added to the monthly e-newsletter list.

Press Releases

Calendar of Events

Jobs

Kingdom Child Care Connection at Umbrella seeks an Early Childhood Behavioral Interventionist to support child care providers in responding effectively to challenging behaviors in their environment, and to strengthen the partnership between parents and providers. This is a collaborative, grant funded position through CNSU’s Safe Schools, Healthy Students Initiative, a five year project focusing on school safety and healthy student development, to include community based child care and pre-kindergarten programs.

This is a full-time, benefited position which requires occasional evening work and reliable transportation. BA/BS required in early childhood education, human development, or similar field, and at least 3 years of experience working with children and families. The successful candidate will be organized, self directed, and skilled in communication, facilitation and teaching adult learners. Click HERE for a full job description. Anticipated start date September 4. Please submit letter of interest and resume by June 18 th to Michelle Fox, Kingdom Child Care Connection, 1222 Main Street #301, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or email to mfox(at)umbrellanek.org.