DemoGraphix (Brattleboro) is a youth-led screen-printing business that promotes job skills and entrepreneurship for 12-24 year olds. Youth employees have the opportunity to become involved in every aspect of the business: design, printing, shipping, customer service, marketing and accounting, and exit with marketable skills and references. The program operates out of First Proof Press at 22 High St.

Contact MichaelaS@interactionvt.org

Friends For Change (Bellow Falls) is a grassroots community center built for and by youth in June of 2016. In partnership with our local substance abuse prevention coalition, we’ve built a program that specifically addresses the unique needs of our often overlooked community members. Our entire program is rooted in identifying and responding to the needs of marginalized and most impacted youth and families. We provide after-school and summer programming where youth and their families thrive and learn how to build a stronger community.

Contact: FFC@interactionvt.org

Life Skills: All Youth Programs are meant to build skills and confidence, Interaction also connect youth to groups, classes and other community resources when needed.

Emotional skills: Youth Programs works closely with Interaction’s Clinical Department to offer mental health support for clients. In addition, Interaction’s Clinical Department also supports the staff working with youth so they can mirror healthy behavioral skills.

Personal Responsibility and Education Program (PREP) curriculum trains youth in adolescent development, healthy life skills and healthy relationships. PREP classes address critical issues in young people’ lives in a way that is practical, honest, and experiential.

Contact: meghan.licciardi@interactionvt.org

Professional development: by participating at a youth-led business (Demographix) participants develop marketable skills and references for future job searches.

Contact MichaelaS@interactionvt.org

The Youth Stabilization Program supports youth ages 12-17 to develop and maintain stable living environments, build permanent connections, and access education and employment resources. Participants engage in individual case management that focuses on stability at home, in school, and in other important areas of the youth’s life.

Contact: Rachel Chris rachel.chris@interactionvt.org

The Independent Living Program supports youth ages 17-24 to help in the challenging transition of living independently. Participants engage in individual case management that focuses on setting independent living goals, addressing challenges and barriers, and building resilience.

Contact: Peter Towle peter.towle@interactionvt.org

The Youth Development Program (YDP) serves Windham County youth ages 14-23 who have experience within the foster care system. The program works closely with the Department of Children and Families and aims to ensure that youth exiting the foster care system have the opportunity to rise above challenges, find resilience, and not only survive, but thrive. 

Contact: Lilly Coco Lilly.Coco@interactionvt.org

Transitional Living Program (TLP) provides short-term housing and programming (up to 18 months) to homeless youth ages 16 to 21, supporting them to make a successful transition to independent living. Program participants live in a shared house in Brattleboro and are supported by a Shelter Program Coordinator, a live-in resident advisor, and an individual case manager.

Contact: Aliza Nussbaum Cohen Aliza.NussbaumCohen@interactionvt.org

The Homeless Youth Shelter Program (HYP) provides short-term shelter (up to 18 months) for youth and young adults ages 18 – 24 while they seek secure stable, permanent housing. The program currently provides shelter in a 3-bedroom apartment in Bellows Falls and will add an additional 1-bedroom apartment in Windham County in 2024. 

Contact: YouthPrograms@interactionvt.org 

The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP), Interaction supports eligible youth and young adults ages 16 – 24 with state issued housing vouchers through case management and landlord navigation. Referrals for this program come directly from the Windham County Coordinated Entry list which prioritizes youth for these specific vouchers.
Contact: Michaela MichaelaS@interactionvt.org

The Balanced and Restorative Justice Program(BARJ) supports youth ages 10-22 to to build goals and skills based on one’s strengths. The goal of the BARJ program is to reduce involvement in the juvenile justice system and increase school attendance and engagement. This program fosters healthy behaviors and choices.

Contact: Jax Sullivan Jackie.Sullivan@interactionvt.org

Youth Court Diversion is an alternative to the traditional criminal justice approach. Cases are referred by the Office of the State’s Attorney and it’s for youth who can take responsibility for being cited for a criminal offense. The case manager meets with the youth to gather information and prepare them for a panel staffed by volunteer community members.  A harmed party liaison reaches out to harmed parties to get information  about the harm that occurred.  An agreement is developed to address this harm at the panel. If an individual completes the agreement they have their charges dismissed and if they are not charged with another charge in a two year period their record is expunged. 

Contact Patrick Fleming Patrick.Fleming@interactionvt.org

Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program (YSASP) provides an alternative to the civil court process for youth ages 16-21 who violate Vermont’s underage alcohol, cannabis, or buprenorphine laws. YSASP helps young people to understand the impact on themselves and others of using substances and to lower their risk of future use. This program also connects those identified as using at high-risk levels to clinicians.

Contact: Rhonda Aither Rhonda.Aither@interactionvt.org