Howard Center

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The Marna and Stephen Wise Tulin Spring Community Education Series
Join us on March 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Dealer.com, 1 Howard Street, Burlington, for Mental Health is Community Health with Howard Center's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simha Ravven. Dr. Ravven will share valuable insights on mental health treatment and Vermont's mental health law, emphasizing the importance of balancing individual rights with community safety through collective efforts and partnerships. The presentation will be followed by Q&A.

This event is free and open to the public with an option to attend virtually by livestream. Learn more and register at https://howardcenter.org/community-education/community-education-series/ Save the date for our second session Substance Use and Our Community on May 2.

Thank you to our supporters: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, Hickok and Boardman Insurance Group, University of Vermont Medical Center, and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO); venue support: Dealer.com; media support: Media Factory

Curling is Back!
Save the date: Join the South Burlington Rotary Club, Howard Center, and Dragonheart Vermont Saturday, March 16 at Cairns Arena in South Burlington for the 12th Annual Curling Classic, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to see curling in action. Attendance is free and open to the public. The Green Mountain Curling Club and the Rutland Rocks Curling Club will provide instruction and equipment. A portion of the proceeds will support Howard Center, Dragonheart Vermont, and other Rotary charitable causes. Curling teams are sold out. For more information or to donate, visit: https://howardcenter.org/howard-center-curling-challenge/

Small Acts of Community Have Great Worth
We believe our actions, no matter how small, can make a huge difference in the community we live in. So, we're challenging everyone to practice small acts of community and celebrate the positive impact every individual can have. Learn more and take the challenge at https://www.actsofcommunity.org/

CEO Announcement
We are pleased to announce that, after an extensive national search, Howard Center's Board of Trustees has appointed Sandra McGuire, MBA, as chief executive officer, effective June 1. Read the full announcement: https://howardcenter.org/news-archive/sandra-mcguire-ceo-announcement/

Community Perspectives
One of the perennial challenges we face at Howard Center is articulating fully the agency's place in the community. We've started asking people how they see Howard Center, how they have experienced it in their professional or personal lives, and what it means to have it in the community.

"I learned long ago that the line between my life and those suffering with substance misuse, homelessness, and mental illness is simply non-existent." Check out Sara's essay here: https://howardcenter.org/commentary/sara-byers/

Podcast Featuring Howard Center Staff
802 News with Mark Johnson hosted Beth Holden, Chief of Client Services; Dan Hall, Director of Outpatient Services; and Dr. Heidi Melbostad, Director of the Chittenden Clinic to discuss some of the challenges and bright spots our clients and the organization are facing. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246311/14542102

Free Firearm Cable Locks

Access to firearms at home increases the risk of suicide. To help prevent such tragedies, Howard Center is offering free firearm cable locks which are available for pick-up at 208 Flynn Avenue in Burlington M-F from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 802-488-6912.

Safe firearm storage is a critical preventive measure, and these gun locks are available for free while supplies last. For more Vermont gunlock distribution sites, visit: justice.gov/usao-vt/gunsafe-vt.

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Great Benefits & Flexible Schedules: Work for Howard Center

Got questions? We've got answers. Visit with our experienced staff at our upcoming job fair and find out first-hand about our unique and rewarding career opportunities. Learn about current openings, flexible work schedules, competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and how your skills and experiences can benefit the people we serve.

When: Saturday, January 27
Where: O'Brien Community Center 32 Mallets Bay Avenue Winooski, VT
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bring a copy of your resume or CV.

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Social Services & Legislative Action

Howard Center, in collaboration with Vermont Care Partners, is working to educate legislators about our work in mental health, substance use, and developmental services to help shape policies and secure additional funding. We invite you to participate in a significant event on Monday 1/29, where your voice can make a real difference.

9th Annual Mental Health Advocacy Day

When: January 29, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom Webinar

Visit https://namivt.org/mental-health-advocacy-day/ to register.

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Need Support?

If you or a loved one need support, our Access and Intake main number 802-488-6000 is available Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Our First Call for Chittenden County crisis hotline, 802-488-7777, is available 24/7/365. Help is here.