Support Services

VERMONT CENTER FOR CRIME VICTIM SERVICES: VT CCVS joins with victims, survivors, and those who interact with victims and offenders to provide, sustain, and support a collaborative system of direct services across Vermont that is comprehensive, victim-centered, trauma-informed, and accessible to all diverse populations: http://www.ccvs.state.vt.us

GOOD NEIGHBOR HEALTH CLINIC: Good Neighbor provides free medical and dental care to low income adult residents of the Upper Valley. For medical appointments call 802-295-1868 or email medical@goodnhc.org. For dental appointments call 802-295-7535 or email dental@goodnhc.org. Address: Good Neighbor Health Clinic, 70 North Main ST, White River Junction, VT 05001: Goodneighborhealthclinic.org

ECONOMIC SERVICES DIVISION (ESD): ESD administers several public benefits that help Vermonters meet their basic needs (food, housing, fuel, childcare, education, etc.). For 3SquaresVT, Essential Person, Fuel Assistance & Reach Up apply online. Or call 1-800-479-6151 toll free to get information about other benefits, request a paper application, access information about your case and report changes that may affect eligibility. Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 5:45 PM and Fridays 8 AM to 4:15 PM. Use the automated system outside of regular business hours, on weekends, and on state holidays. If you are deaf or hard of hearing: dial 7-1-1 to reach the Vermont Relay Service (VRS)–ask the operator to call 1-800-479-6151 and stay on the line and a call center agent will be glad to help. Walk-ins are welcome at the Hartford ESD: 118 Prospect Street, White River Junction, VT 05001 (7:45 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday): http://dcf.vermont.gov

LIFELINE PHONES: Lifeline is a free government benefit program. Q Link Wireless will give eligible participants a free smartphone plus free monthly calling & texting. Qualify with government programs like Food Stamps, Medicaid, Federal Housing / Section 8 Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension, and other government programs, or by income. Sign up online: https://qlinkwireless.com/support/apply-for-service/

TWIN PINES: Twin Pines provides housing for low and moderate-income families and individuals in the Upper Valley: http://www.tphtrust.org/html/rentahome.html

UPPER VALLEY WISE: WISE leads the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence through survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education and mobilization for social change. Located at 38 Bank Street in Lebanon, NH, WISE is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. You can reach WISE during business hours at 603-448-5922, or ot the 24-hour crisis line at 866-348-9473. More information can be found at: WISE’s website.

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: The White River Junction Center has a Resource Room with access to personal computers, the Internet, educational resources, information on employers and more. The center is equipped with assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Staff are also available to provide specific resources to veterans. Location: 118 Prospect Street, Suite 302, Hartford, VT 05001. Phone: 802-295-8805. Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 7:45 AM-4:30 PM and Friday 9:45 AM – 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM): http://labor.vermont.gov/workforce-development/career-resource-centers/white-river-jct-resource-center/

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION: VocRehab offers free, flexible services to any Vermonter or employer dealing with a disability that affects employment. They partner with human service providers and employers across Vermont to help people with disabilities realize their full potential. Vocrehab counselors can help with training resources, resume writing, interview skills, and many other aspects along the path to a job. Contact Information: Vermont VocRehab; HC 2 South; 280 State Drive; Waterbury, VT 05671-2040; 1-866-VRWORKS; 866-879-6757 (Voice/TTY): http://vocrehab.vermont.gov/

GED (HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA):

• GED website: (http://www.gedtestingservice.com/ged-testing-service): set up an account, take a free practice test, and register for testing.
• Vermont Adult Learning Center (http://www.vtadultlearning.org/): Official testing place for GED. Also offers free academic support services, including GED test preparation, to VT residents. They also help develop career possibilities. (802-299-2469; 225 Maple Street, Suite 6, White River Junction, VT; M-F 8-4)
• GED testing costs: $30/test; $120/for all 4 necessary tests.
• Must pre-register for GED and need current photo identification.
• Any tests taken before 2014 are no longer good and must be retaken.
• 4 tests include: Science, Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning Through Language Arts.

For Employers

WOTC is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire ex-felons, veterans, and individuals from other target groups with significant barriers to employment. Employers claim about $1 billion in tax credits each year under the WOTC program. There is no limit on the number of individuals an employer can hire to qualify to claim the tax credit, and there are a few simple steps to follow to apply for WOTC. For more information visit: https://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/wotcEmployers.cfm

STAR Program (Skills Training to Assist Reintegration): STAR provides interns to interested local organizations and businesses. This internship program is funded by the Center and helps formerly-incarcerated individuals develop job-related skills and community connections so they enter the workforce with expertise, references, and greater self-respect. To explore this opportunity call the Center at 802-291-7173.

Restorative Justice Links

Trailer for Coming Home, a Restorative Justice Documentary.

Resources for Successful Re-entry

Community Justice Network of Vermont

Restorative Justice.org

National Council on Crime and Delinquency

International Institute for Restorative Practices

Living Justice Press

Education and Career Guide After Incarceration