IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Join Good Beginnings of Central Vermont (GBCV) and surrounding community partners on Saturday, May 11th for their inaugural 'It Takes a Village' awareness and fund-raising event. This free family-friendly celebration and resource fair will be held from 12 - 4 p.m. on the State House lawn in Montpelier.

"Becoming a parent or caregiver to a new baby is always challenging, but it has been particularly isolating during and since the pandemic - as well as after last summer's devastating floods," says Nicole DiDomenico, Executive Director of Good Beginnings of Central Vermont. "This event offers a chance for families to connect with each other and build their 'village', while also learning about the many supportive community resources Central Vermont has to offer."

Leading up to the event, there is an online auction with over 30 amazing local products, services or special events up for bid! Bidding will end at 2 p.m. at the event, but you can find the items up for bid here: https://www.32auctions.com/2024ITAV

Event highlights on the day-of will include: fun, free activities for children - including bouncy houses (weather-permitting), face-painting, story time sessions, age-appropriate developmental games and toys; a car seat safety check on Governor Aiken Avenue; a community resource fair for parents of local organizations dedicated to helping families thrive; an infant care and resource tent for nursing, changing and information from the Dept. of Health; a parents' and caregivers' wellness tent with free bodywork offerings; food trucks, including The Taco Shell, Mo's Backyard BBQ, LLC, and Woodbelly Pizza; and special recognitions and awards!

Carpooling will be encouraged, and the FREE GMT City Commuter bus will be operating throughout the day between Barre's Depot Square on N. Main St. and Montpelier's Transit Station!

This year's event is made possible thanks to UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center, Building Bright Futures, Washington County Mental Health Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. This event is also funded in part by a grant award from Montpelier Alive, with funds from the Montpelier Downtown Improvement District."

To learn more about GBCV, this event or how to get involved either as a volunteer or sponsor, please find us at www.goodbeginningscentralvt.org or email us at director@goodbeginningscentralvt.org.

May 18, 2024, 9 AM to 1 PM

May 18, 2024, 5 to 7 PM

May 23, 2024, 6:30 to 8 PM