“Discover Vermont CARES: Compassion, Advocacy, and Dedication in Action”
Founded in 1985, Vermont CARES has been at the forefront of community service, embodying the spirit of compassion and dedication that defines the Green Mountain State. Our journey began as a small group of committed individuals, driven by a shared vision to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.
Over the years, Vermont CARES has grown, but our core values remain unchanged. We believe in the power of community, the importance of advocacy, and the necessity of providing resources and support to those in need. Our history is a testament to the resilience and strength of the communities we serve, and the unwavering commitment of
our team.
From our humble beginnings to our current expansive outreach, Vermont CARES has been a beacon of hope, a voice for the unheard, and a force for positive change. Join us as we continue to write our story, one of care, commitment, and community.
Interested in volunteering with Vermont CARES? We host a monthly Volunteer Night on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at our Burlington office.
Our next event will be tonight at our Burlington office. We will be assembling Safer Use Kits of all kinds. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer01@vtcares.org if you have not volunteered with us before.
Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we’ll have these events every month!
These volunteer evenings are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do! Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. We ask all volunteers to be respectful of our participants and mission. No prior experience is required to attend. Thank you for your support!
Interested in volunteering with Vermont CARES? We host a monthly Volunteer Night on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at our Burlington office.
Our next event will be tonight at our Burlington office. We will be assembling Safer Use Kits of all kinds. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer01@vtcares.org if you have not volunteered with us before.
Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we’ll have these events every month!
These volunteer evenings are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do! Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. We ask all volunteers to be respectful of our participants and mission. No prior experience is required to attend. Thank you for your support!
Could our next Executive Director be YOU? 🌟
Vermont CARES, now in its 36th year, began as a grassroots HIV/AIDS service provider and has evolved to be one of the largest harm reduction services organizations in Vermont, serving thousands of individuals each year. Our organization provides harm reduction services, education and resources to Vermonters affected by HIV, Hep C and substance use by increasing access to care, reducing social stigmas, and building relationships. Our services are designed to reduce opioid overdose death, prevent injection-related disease transmission, and improve the lives of people who use drugs.
View the full job description at the link in our bio.
📣 SHARE THIS OPPORTUNITY WIDELY!
Could our next Executive Director be YOU? 🌟
Vermont CARES, now in its 36th year, began as a grassroots HIV/AIDS service provider and has evolved to be one of the largest harm reduction services organizations in Vermont, serving thousands of individuals each year. Our organization provides harm reduction services, education and resources to Vermonters affected by HIV, Hep C and substance use by increasing access to care, reducing social stigmas, and building relationships. Our services are designed to reduce opioid overdose death, prevent injection-related disease transmission, and improve the lives of people who use drugs.
View the full job description at the link in our bio.
📣 SHARE THIS OPPORTUNITY WIDELY!
Dear friends of CARES,
As many of you know I made the decision in the spring of this year to step down as the Executive Director at CARES. I have learned, grown, and been endlessly inspired—our dedicated team, our compassionate partners, our supportive lawmakers, our generous donors, and the resilient communities we serve are what made this work possible. The groundwork we`ve laid together—whether in systems change, fund development, organizational capacity, or strategic planning—has positioned the organization for continued growth and success. Vermont CARES is in capable hands. She will be overseeing the agencies high level administrative and financial operations, as well as supporting us with our permanent ED Search. (See job posting on our website.)
Chelsey comes to this work with the kind of experience and passion that aligns with the mission and vision of CARES, and we couldn’t be happier to work with her. Chelsey can be contacted at interimED@vtcares.org
With love and gratitude,
Theresa
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A message from Chelsey:
I am excited to join VT CARES in this transitional period as the new interim Executive Director. It is with great enthusiasm that I step into this role, ready to collaborate with our dedicated team, partners, and community to advance our mission of harm reduction and support for
those with lived and living experience.
My commitment to making systems and spaces more equitable is driven by the belief that when we center the leadership of those most impacted by the issues we seek to impact, our efforts are more fruitful. I have worked within and outside of public, private, and tribal systems to help create the building blocks to step us closer to that reality, and at Vermont CARES I am eager to collaboratively build on successes, explore new opportunities, and strengthen our programs to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve. Together, we can further our mission and drive lasting change in the community.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I am excited about the journey ahead and am grateful for your support as we move forward.
Chelsey
Dear friends of CARES,
As many of you know I made the decision in the spring of this year to step down as the Executive Director at CARES. I have learned, grown, and been endlessly inspired—our dedicated team, our compassionate partners, our supportive lawmakers, our generous donors, and the resilient communities we serve are what made this work possible. The groundwork we`ve laid together—whether in systems change, fund development, organizational capacity, or strategic planning—has positioned the organization for continued growth and success. Vermont CARES is in capable hands. She will be overseeing the agencies high level administrative and financial operations, as well as supporting us with our permanent ED Search. (See job posting on our website.)
Chelsey comes to this work with the kind of experience and passion that aligns with the mission and vision of CARES, and we couldn’t be happier to work with her. Chelsey can be contacted at interimED@vtcares.org
With love and gratitude,
Theresa
---
A message from Chelsey:
I am excited to join VT CARES in this transitional period as the new interim Executive Director. It is with great enthusiasm that I step into this role, ready to collaborate with our dedicated team, partners, and community to advance our mission of harm reduction and support for
those with lived and living experience.
My commitment to making systems and spaces more equitable is driven by the belief that when we center the leadership of those most impacted by the issues we seek to impact, our efforts are more fruitful. I have worked within and outside of public, private, and tribal systems to help create the building blocks to step us closer to that reality, and at Vermont CARES I am eager to collaboratively build on successes, explore new opportunities, and strengthen our programs to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve. Together, we can further our mission and drive lasting change in the community.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I am excited about the journey ahead and am grateful for your support as we move forward.
Chelsey
Today is National HIV Testing Day!
Vermont CARES is proud to offer services for those looking to test for HIV. We currently offer HIV self-tests and are excited to soon offer in-person, rapid HIV testing at all of our offices. Get in touch with us by visiting or calling one of our four offices in Burlington, Rutland, Barre, and Saint Johnsbury.
Today is National HIV Testing Day!
Vermont CARES is proud to offer services for those looking to test for HIV. We currently offer HIV self-tests and are excited to soon offer in-person, rapid HIV testing at all of our offices. Get in touch with us by visiting or calling one of our four offices in Burlington, Rutland, Barre, and Saint Johnsbury.
Dear Vermont CARES Community,
We wanted to share with you an important leadership transition within our organization. Over the last decade Theresa Vezina has had a significant impact on the lives of so many people while serving at Vermont CARES. Theresa has continued to support the Syringe Service Program team in all her roles at the organization as she grew to be one of the state’s most trusted Harm Reduction leaders sharing this life-saving work. She has been a fierce advocate for securing resources to expand lifesaving services for people who use drugs. After 13 years of dedicated service, Theresa has decided to move on from her role as Executive Director.
While we will miss Theresa, we are filled with excitement and optimism for the future of Vermont CARES. The board has initiated our succession planning process, and we have a talented and dedicated team in place, a strong base to build from, and a clear vision for the future. Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to Theresa for her extraordinary leadership and service and in wishing her all the best wherever her future endeavors take her and embracing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for our organization.
Sincerely,
Vermont CARES Board of Directors
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To read Theresa`s goodbye letter to the community, please visit the link in our bio.
Dear Vermont CARES Community,
We wanted to share with you an important leadership transition within our organization. Over the last decade Theresa Vezina has had a significant impact on the lives of so many people while serving at Vermont CARES. Theresa has continued to support the Syringe Service Program team in all her roles at the organization as she grew to be one of the state’s most trusted Harm Reduction leaders sharing this life-saving work. She has been a fierce advocate for securing resources to expand lifesaving services for people who use drugs. After 13 years of dedicated service, Theresa has decided to move on from her role as Executive Director.
While we will miss Theresa, we are filled with excitement and optimism for the future of Vermont CARES. The board has initiated our succession planning process, and we have a talented and dedicated team in place, a strong base to build from, and a clear vision for the future. Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude to Theresa for her extraordinary leadership and service and in wishing her all the best wherever her future endeavors take her and embracing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for our organization.
Sincerely,
Vermont CARES Board of Directors
---
To read Theresa`s goodbye letter to the community, please visit the link in our bio.
Interested in volunteering with Vermont CARES? Our Burlington office hosts a monthly Volunteer Event open to current and new volunteers and YOU’RE INVITED!
Our next event will be on June 18th from 5:30 to 8:00pm at our Burlington office. We will be assembling Safer Use Kits of all kinds. If you have not volunteered with us before, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at VOLUNTEER01@VTCARES.ORG prior to the night of the event.
Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we’ll have these events every month!
These volunteer evenings are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do! Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. No prior experience is required to attend; we ask all volunteers to be respectful of our clients and mission. Volunteers under the age of 18 years of age can attend with an adult.
Interested in volunteering with Vermont CARES? Our Burlington office hosts a monthly Volunteer Event open to current and new volunteers and YOU’RE INVITED!
Our next event will be on June 18th from 5:30 to 8:00pm at our Burlington office. We will be assembling Safer Use Kits of all kinds. If you have not volunteered with us before, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at VOLUNTEER01@VTCARES.ORG prior to the night of the event.
Can’t make it this month? Don’t worry, we’ll have these events every month!
These volunteer evenings are a great way to get to know your local harm reduction organization better and learn about the work we do! Your support will go a long way to ensuring our neighbors have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy. No prior experience is required to attend; we ask all volunteers to be respectful of our clients and mission. Volunteers under the age of 18 years of age can attend with an adult.
Vermont is at a watershed moment when we can choose to support Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) in our state. As an organization, we know that OPCs offer life-saving services in many parts of the world and believe Vermont should join those who have incorporated OPCs into their harm reduction tool belt.
To learn more, and to add your name in support of opening an OPC in Vermont, visit the link in our bio.
Visit (and follow!) @decriminalizevermont to continue learning more about this critical topic.
📸: @left_handed_lens
Vermont is at a watershed moment when we can choose to support Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) in our state. As an organization, we know that OPCs offer life-saving services in many parts of the world and believe Vermont should join those who have incorporated OPCs into their harm reduction tool belt.
To learn more, and to add your name in support of opening an OPC in Vermont, visit the link in our bio.
Visit (and follow!) @decriminalizevermont to continue learning more about this critical topic.
📸: @left_handed_lens
Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Vermont CARES are critical to the success of our services and the wellbeing of our clients. Each month, we’re highlighting a member of our staff so you can get to know them and our organization a little better!
Meet Tarrah, one of our Springe Service Program Providers and newest staff members!
Tarrah`s passion for harm reduction started long before she joined our team in early 2024. She observed the people around her getting sick, contracting Hepatitis C especially, and HIV. Her commitment to finding a tangible way to help grew. After some research into potential causes, and learning more about what could be done, Tarrah began her own harm reduction outreach in her community, offering safer options for her neighbors and friends. Her value of service is strong, and she loves working for an organization that centers the voices of PWUD.
In her time outside of work, Tarrah loves to explore Vermont through hiking and also tries out different hobbies. She is a lifelong learner and appreciates all that she gets to learn from everyone she meets daily.
Thank you, Tarrah, for sharing your story and talents with us!
📸: @left_handed_lens
Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff at Vermont CARES are critical to the success of our services and the wellbeing of our clients. Each month, we’re highlighting a member of our staff so you can get to know them and our organization a little better!
Meet Tarrah, one of our Springe Service Program Providers and newest staff members!
Tarrah`s passion for harm reduction started long before she joined our team in early 2024. She observed the people around her getting sick, contracting Hepatitis C especially, and HIV. Her commitment to finding a tangible way to help grew. After some research into potential causes, and learning more about what could be done, Tarrah began her own harm reduction outreach in her community, offering safer options for her neighbors and friends. Her value of service is strong, and she loves working for an organization that centers the voices of PWUD.
In her time outside of work, Tarrah loves to explore Vermont through hiking and also tries out different hobbies. She is a lifelong learner and appreciates all that she gets to learn from everyone she meets daily.
Thank you, Tarrah, for sharing your story and talents with us!
📸: @left_handed_lens