News

SEVCA Requests input on Community Needs Survey

Every three years, SEVCA conducts a Community Assessment to discern current and emerging community needs in the areas of Employment, Education, Income, Infrastructure, and Asset Building, Housing, Health/Social Behavior Development, and Civic Engagement. The resulting data will be utilized by SEVCA’s Strategic Plan Committee, who are working to develop a multi-year workplan and assure that SEVCA’s programs and resources align with the needs of the communities we serve.

We would be grateful if you could share your insights with us.  The Survey can be found  HERE or by using the QR code below

Paper versions are also available SEVCA locations in Brattleboro, Westminster and Springfield. The survey will be live from November 9, to December 8, 2023.  More information is available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

QR Alchemer Link 10 17271551

Support for Affordable Broadband Internet available now!

Struggling with your monthly internet expenses or can’t afford to get online at all?

A federal subsidy is available to income eligible households. If you participate in any  of the following progrms you qualifiy!

  • 3Squares VT
  • Medicaid
  • WIC
  • Supplimental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterens Pension or Survivors Benefit
  • Section 8 or Affordable Housing Assistance

You can find out more about the programe here. SEVCA can help also people apply. Contact your local Family Services office at 1-800-464-9951.

Volunteer with SEVCA- Recruiting community members to help with tax program

Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) will provide free tax preparation for lower income taxpayers for the 2022 tax filing season through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.  SEVCA is now recruiting volunteers to help as many families as possible claim the tax credits and refunds available to them. A volunteer orientation meeting will be held in the fall at our SEVCA’s main office, 91 Buck Drive, Westminster, VT.  
 
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who are low to moderate income, persons with disabilities, elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free federal and state income tax return preparation with electronic filing. 
This part will be online, link to be provided
 
Don’t know that much about taxes? Don’t worry — you’ll receive specialized training from a certified VITA instructor plus IRS online courses.  We are looking for individuals who are willing and able to commit 3 to 4 hours per week, or a full day or more as necessary from the last week in January – April filing deadline.  Although prior tax preparation experience is not necessary, a commitment to training and certification is required.  Training sessions will be held in Westminster beginning in mid-October and at your convenience using online IRS self study training materials.  Continuing on-site training and supervision is provided during the tax preparation season by the SEVCA Tax Site Coordinator.
 
To learn how you can make a difference in your community by becoming a VITA volunteer contact Leslie Wood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (802) 722-4575, ext. 1603.
 

SEVCA seeks community members to serve on Board of Directors

Ensure that Everyone and All Communities Thrive

Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) is actively seeking community members to work with our agency. Residents in Windsor or Windham Counties are asked to consider joining our Board of Directors: Invest your time & talent, and together we will work to ensure that folks in our communities have the resources needed to thrive.

Interested? Your life experiences can support our work:

  • Have you experienced poverty?
  • Are you a member of an under-represented or historically excluded group?
  • Do you have insight about hardships facing folks and/ or have a job serving folks experiencing hardship?
  • Do you any of the following skills, legal, fundraising, governance, financial or multi-year budget planning, human resources, assessment & strategic planning, early childhood education, social work, diversity and inclusion, and / or other assets essential to a strong and resilient business?
  • Are you an elected official who has a heart for effective & accountable social services?
  • Are you committed to alleviating, and, ultimately, to eliminating poverty in our communities?

Board service supports low and moderate wealth community members, AND it can be an excellent way to gain professional development skills while meeting other community members who share your commitment to social justice. You will attend one board meeting per month & one or two committee meetings monthly or bi-monthly. Meetings are conducted primarily via Zoom. Together, our team cultivates an even more effective and accountable SEVCA.

As a member of the SEVCA board, you will participate in our work and together we will continue to implement solutions to the deep-seated problems of poverty, largely by empowering and collaborating with those whose lives are affected by it daily. More information about SEVCA is available at www.SEVCA.org. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please contact SEVCA at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 800-464-9951.

Since 1965, SEVCA has worked in Windsor and Windham Counties ‘to empower and partner with individuals and communities to alleviate the hardships of poverty, to provide opportunities to thrive, and to eliminate root causes of poverty.’ For information about all of SEVCA’s programs & services, and to get help to navigate and access available resources, visit https://sevca.org/, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call (800) 464-9951.

More Articles ...

“Unless the investment in children is made, all of humanity’s most fundamental long-term problems will remain fundamental long-term problems.”

UNICEF "The State of the Children" (1995)