We are thrilled to announce the opening of Vermont Foundation of Recovery’s tenth certified recovery residence — a new home for women in Essex Junction. This milestone strengthens a statewide network of certified recovery homes and reflects our continued commitment to expanding safe, structured recovery housing across Vermont.

This new expansion includes six recovery residence beds and four transitional apartment beds, designed to support women in early recovery from substance use disorder through support, accountability, and connection. With this expansion, VFOR now operates 79 recovery beds statewide, reflecting a 40% increase in capacity since September 2024.

Recovery residences play a distinct role in the continuum of care. They are nonclinical, programmatic environments grounded in shared expectations, peer support, and personal responsibility. They are places where hope is rebuilt, where individuals can focus on recovery, rediscover their strengths, and begin to imagine what comes next.

This expansion was made possible through a partnership with Champlain Housing Trust, allowing each organization to focus on its expertise while supporting strong recovery outcomes.

To learn more, visit www.vfor.org.

Applications are now being accepted for January occupancy, with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned in the coming months.

🤍 Recovery grows through hope, connection, and community. 🤍

Vermont Foundation of Recovery (VFOR) is proud to announce that David Riegel, one of the organization’s co-founders, has officially assumed the role of full-time Executive Director. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for VFOR, positioning the organization for continued growth, long-term sustainability, and expanded impact across the state.

David’s deep roots in Vermont’s recovery movement, combined with his lived experience and strategic leadership, reflect the growing strength of recovery organizations statewide. His full-time role will allow him to focus on expanding access to certified recovery residences, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that VFOR remains a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating the path from substance use to stability and independence. “David stepping into this position full-time is a powerful signal,” said John Rogers, President of VFOR’s Board of Directors. “It demonstrates the maturity and momentum of VFOR and the broader recovery landscape in Vermont.”

A native of Waterbury and graduate of Harwood Union High School, David has been in recovery since 2007. In 2008, he began renting his own home to others in recovery, sparking a commitment that has shaped his life’s work. Recognizing the need for safe, structured, and peer-led recovery housing, he helped establish VFOR in 2013. Since then, he has played a central role in growing the organization to include 79 beds across the state by the end of 2025.

David has also been instrumental in statewide recovery initiatives. He was a founding board member of the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR), which brought national certification standards to Vermont. David currently serves as Treasurer of the Recovery Partners of Vermont Board and was recently appointed to the Vermont Community Development Board, further strengthening VFOR’s voice within the housing and recovery sectors.

With this transition, David will lead VFOR in building the next phase of its work—focusing on expansion into underserved regions like Addison County, strengthening internal systems, and reinforcing its financial foundation to ensure the organization can serve Vermonters for generations to come.

“Being able to dedicate myself fully to VFOR’s mission is an incredible honor,” said Riegel. “Recovery is possible when people have a safe place to land, structure to grow, and a community to support them. I’m excited to build on what we’ve started and to help more Vermonters find lasting recovery.”

For more information about Vermont Foundation of Recovery, visit www.vfor.org.

NCVRC is having its first annual 5k Run/Walk! Join them on September 13th at 9 am at the Oxbow in Morrisville! There will be more exciting updates to come as this event ramps up. Use the QR code in the flyer to pre-register or sign-up the day of!

For more information, please head to: https://www.ncvrc.com/meetings

Fri, Jul 19, 2024, All day

Coming Together: A Substance Use Addition Summit
3rd Annual Substance Use Addiction Summit
This year’s summit includes:

~A 1 3/4-hour recovery program featuring amazing and inspiring guest speakers presentations. We have some surprises too!

~100 Recovery and Recovery-Related Booths

~Vermont Department of Health statistics on substance use deaths in VT and trends.

~Break-out rooms on specific recovery topics

~A Memorial Wall, paying tribute to the many loved ones lost to substance use.

~Live Music

~Food Vendors

~The Public is welcome and encouraged to attend!

Parking and Admission are FREE

Event Location:
Champlain Velly Expo

105 Pearl Street

Essex Junction, VT 05452

For more info, visit: https://www.healthvermont.gov/events/coming-together-substance-use-addition-summit

Attorney General Charity Clark, along with Lamoille County State’s Attorney Aliena Gerhard, will host a free expungement clinic on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with appointments available from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Expungements wipe from your record specific convictions and dismissed charges after a certain period of time has passed. Under Vermont law, many misdemeanors, 14 different felony offenses, and all dismissed charges can be expunged or sealed. The free clinic – held at Jenna’s House – will focus on expunging and sealing criminal charges and convictions from any county in Vermont and will be open to the public by appointment only.

“My office is committed to assisting with clearing old criminal records that are holding Vermonters back, and I thank State’s Attorney Gerhard, Code for BTV, Jenna’s Promise, and the Lamoille Restorative Center for joining us in this important initiative,” said Attorney General Clark. “By giving Vermonters who have paid their debt and stayed out of trouble a chance at a fresh start, we create greater economic, educational, and social opportunities for those individuals, and strengthen the community as a whole.”

“The State’s Attorney’s Office will review every case individually and make determinations according to the law in Vermont, victim input, and the protection of the public,” said Lamoille County State’s Attorney Gerhard.

“Expungement of criminal charges means a conviction needn’t be a life sentence for an individual seeking to start a new chapter for themselves and their families,” said Heather Hobart, Executive Director of Lamoille Restorative Center.

Attorneys from the Attorney General’s Office will offer free assistance with petitions for Vermont-specific “qualifying” criminal convictions and dismissed charges. Vermonters can schedule appointments by calling the Attorney General’s Office at 802-828-3171 (while the initial phase has past, you may still call to get information and set an appointment). Eligible participants will be given an in-person appointment at Jenna’s Promise in Johnson, Vermont, on the day of the clinic.

Category: Event
Location: Jenna’s House: 117 St. Johns Street, Johnson VT 05656
Date: October 3, 2024
Duration: 1 Day
Type: Open
Entrants: Unlimited

More information on expungements generally is available at Vermont Legal Aid’s website at www.vtlawhelp.org/expungement

Join us for Stand Up for Recovery 2025, an uplifting evening of comedy, connection, and community, hosted by the Turning Point Center of Chittenden County. This annual comedy night fundraiser brings people together to celebrate the power of recovery, reduce stigma, and raise critical funds for addiction recovery and mental health services across our region.

Tickets are available now at givebutter.com/c/SUFR2025 — reserve your seat today!

Held at the iconic Main Street Landing on the Burlington waterfront, the event features stand-up comedy performances, a silent auction, and a raffle—all supporting the Turning Point Center’s mission to offer hope and healing to individuals and families affected by substance use.

Why Attend?
This is more than just a night of laughter—it’s a night of impact. Every dollar raised directly supports free, life-changing programs at Turning Point Center. Whether you’re joining us to celebrate recovery, support a loved one, or simply enjoy a fun evening, your presence helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.

Interested in Joining Our Events Committee?
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Turning Point Center is seeking passionate volunteers to help bring this incredible event to life.

Join our Events Committee and be part of the action! Together, we’ll plan and execute an unforgettable evening—from gathering raffle items and coordinating logistics to spreading the word and creating a welcoming, joyful atmosphere.

Ready to step up and be a part of something special?
Sign up to volunteer or join the planning team today by contacting Christie Holmes at christie@turningpointcentervt.org or calling (720) 442-4332.

Call for Sponsors
Want to elevate your organization’s profile as a champion of recovery? Become a Stand Up for Recovery 2025 sponsor and align your brand with a powerful, community-driven cause.

Our team will provide a Sponsorship Tier List outlining the many benefits of partnering with us—from brand visibility and community recognition to exclusive promotional opportunities.

To learn more, contact Christie Holmes at christie@turningpointcentervt.org or call (720) 442-4332.

Call for Silent Auction Items
Do you or your business have something special to contribute? We are currently seeking unique and exciting items for our silent auction, which plays a key role in raising funds during the event.

Donating an item is a fantastic way to promote your business while supporting recovery services in our community. From gift baskets and artwork to services, experiences, and local products—every donation makes a difference.

If you’re interested in contributing, please contact Christie Holmes at christie@turningpointcentervt.org or call (720) 442-4332.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’re deeply grateful to the generous sponsors who make this event possible. Your support fuels recovery, inspires hope, and helps build a healthier Vermont.

For More Info, visit: https://turningpointcentervt.org/stand-up-for-recovery/

Join South Burlington Recreation and Parks 2025 5k series with our Father’s Day 5K sponsored by Healthy Living! This Run/Walk is a walking or running course through City Center (starting at City Hall). Join us on Sunday, June 15th with this Fun Run/Walk! There will be food, music, a raffle auction, yard games, and more! Day of registration is allowed.

Entry includes the 5K and a Father’s Day Brunch in the Senior Center following the race!

Donation Drive: Bring in non-perishable food items to be donated to the South Burlington Food Shelf. Each item donated is worth 1 raffle ticket.

This program is open to South Burlington and surrounding community residents!

Location: City Hall (180 Market Street)
Date: Sunday, June 15th
Event Time: 8:00-10:30am
Check In Begins: 8:00am
Kids Mile Run Start Time: 8:30am
5K Open Start Time: 9:00-9:15am
Raffle Drawing: 10:15am

Registration (+$5 for non-South Burlington residents):
Pre-Race Day Registration – $10
Day of Registration = $15

For more information, please visit: Father’s Day 5k Race

Celebrate Dad (or your favorite guardian) with a fun-filled evening of friendly competition and sweet treats! Join us for Mini Golf & Ice Cream Social, Monday, June 9th where families can enjoy a round of mini golf and a build-your-own sundae bar. It’s the perfect way to make memories, share laughs, and show appreciation for the amazing dads or guardians in our lives.

No registration required.

This program is open to South Burlington and surrounding community residents!

12 Baycrest Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 556-3670
Price: Free!
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

For More Information, please go to: https://www.helloburlingtonvt.com/event/fathers-day-guardian-appreciation-mini-golf-%26-ice-cream-social/5375/

The Vermont Department of Health, Division of Substance Use Programs, in partnership with the Vermont Cooperative for Practice Improvement & Innovation (VCPI), is excited to announce the 2025 Vermont Substance Use Conference.

On May 20th and 21st, 2025 we will gather at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington. Participants will share their knowledge and experience as we work to improve substance use services in Vermont.

Event Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 870 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403