Be a Superhero! UCS Superhero 5K and Kids' Dash Returns November 7

Join us for the 9th annual UCS Superhero 5K and Kids’ Dash on Saturday, November 7, in Bennington! This year’s event supports Chickens for Change, a UCS program helping young people build confidence and develop valuable life skills.

“The UCS Superhero 5K is a wonderful example of what makes this community so special—people coming together to support one another and make a meaningful difference,” says Anne Bilodeau, Interim Chief Administrative Officer of UCS.

Thank you to returning Invincible sponsor Heritage Family Credit Union for supporting the event and powering the Kids’ Dash and to all of our sponsors for making this event possible.

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October is National Substance Use Prevention Month

October is Substance Use Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of prevention and its role in individual and community well-being. Substance use challenges can affect anyone, anytime, anywhere.

As a preferred provider in Vermont, UCS offers compassionate care and a range of services, including therapy, case management, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with virtual options, and programs for youth.

You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. We’re here for you whenever you’re ready.

Learn more about how our Substance Use Services team can support you here or call 802-442-5491.

Staff Spotlight: Kate Seeger, Office Administrator, Targeted Care Management

Kate Seeger, Office Administrator for Targeted Care Management (TCM) at UCS, enjoys the opportunities she gets every day to help others thrive.



“I always knew I wanted to work with the public and help people,” says Kate. “That was always kind of my goal.”

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Teens4Change and Early Childhood Services represent UCS at Harvest Fest

UCS's peer-led Teens4Change (T4C) program, and Early Childhood Services team, represented the agency at Better Bennington Corporation's annual Harvest Fest in downtown Bennington on October 17.

T4C provides local teens with opportunities to build community connections and help others. At Harvest Fest, participants shared UCS resources and led fun seasonal, family friendly seasonal activities,

Our Early Childhood Services team also connected with families, sharing information about Head Start and Early Head Start enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. Head Start serves children from six weeks through age five. Head Start is now enrolling for the 2026-27 academic year - Learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start here.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to connect with UCS at Harvest Fest!

To learn more about these and other services available throughout Bennington County,visit ucsvt.org.

Barn Sale raises over $95,000 for UCS programs in the Northshire region

The annual Barn Sale, held on September 19 and 20 at Riley Rink, brought in over $95,000 in sales and donations. The proceeds benefit United Counseling Service (UCS)’s programs in the Northshire, totaling more than $1 million raised over 17 years of this special event.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Barn Sale Committee for their dedication and hard work over the past 17 years,” said Heidi French, Director of Community Relations and Development. “Their continued commitment makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our Northshire community.”

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Now enrolling at Head Start/Early Head Start

Head Start provides high-quality early education for children ages six weeks to five years and is open to all families. Offerings include:

• Health, mental and disability services
• Expanded hours at many locations
• Family support and engagement opportunities
• Diapers and wipes provided
• And much more

For more information or to start the enrollment process, please contact April Dunham at adunham@ucsvt.org.

Upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings

Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

Trainings are open to the public and currently offered at no cost. Space is limited. For more information or to register, contact MLindsey@ucsvt.org.

Friday, November 13, 9am-4pm - 100 Ledge Hill Drive

Please visit ucsvt.org/events to find all upcoming UCS events.

Annual Holiday Craft Fair hosted by UCS Developmental Services returns December 5 to Grace Christian School

UCS' Developmental Services division looks forward to hosting its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, December 5, from 10am-3pm, inside the gymnasium at Grace Christian School in Bennington, VT. All proceeds will support the Community Supports Program, which helps individuals with developmental disabilities pursue their interests, build relationships, and participate in meaningful activities in their communities.

Local crafters and artists are invited to participate for a $25 vendor fee. Please contact Roxy at RIskowitz@ucsvt.org to sign up.

UCS invites the community to join in the annual Holiday Craft Fair to kick off the winter season!

Please visit the event page for more details.

We're hiring! Visit ucsvt.org/careers for all openings.

Featured jobs: Multiple positions at UCS group homes

Union Street:

Group Home Manager: Apply here.

Direct Support Professional (DSP):

• Full-time (40 hrs. per week: Apply here.
• Part-time (24 hrs. per week): 2^nd shift, 2-8pm and alternate weekends: Apply here.

Autumn House:

Direct Support Professional (DSP):

• Part-time (16 hours per week) 3^rd shift: Apply here.

Gatling House:

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

• Full time (40 hours per week, evening shift): Apply here.
• Part-time (20 hrs. per week), evening shift & every other weekend required: Apply here.

On-Call / As needed / Per Diem – All Shifts Available:

If you need that type of flexibility, submit your resume here.

Read our Staff Spotlight feature stories at this link.

We need your help to serve our community.

With 17 locations in Bennington County, UCS provides services including early childhood and family support programs, outpatient mental health and crisis services, substance use services developmental services, and more.

Help make a difference in our community—please consider making a donation today to support the individuals and families we serve. Every gift makes a difference!

Find free care products locally on the Care Map

View the Take Care Project's Care Map to find UCS and other participating organizations in the Bennington area. To learn more about the Take Care Project and upcoming packing parties, please visit actbennington.org.