January 1, 2026

December is always a time of reflection on the past year as we plan for the next. For me, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we’re doing at UCS to meet our mission of helping individuals and families live healthy and meaningful lives. We have a lot to be proud of as we look back and much to anticipate as we head into 2026 together.

2025 reinforced an important truth: we thrive when we collaborate. It’s so simple a statement, yet we can all recognize that it takes extra effort and sincere dedication to execute and execute well. The progress we made this year was not the result of any single program or team, but of shared effort across teams, departments and partner agencies. Our community is stronger when we coordinate care, listen to client voices and act in unison and with shared purpose. I am proud that at UCS, we remain committed to the highest standards of care, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement to ensure services are safe, effective and responsive.

There are so many milestones to celebrate this year, including a successful UCS Bennington Youth Summit, celebrating 60 years of Head Start and our most successful Barn Sale to date, which raised more than $90,000 to support services in the Northshire. We addressed urgent and complex needs across our community, expanded connection and learning through the “Connecting the Dots” series on ACEs and strengthened partnerships through Project Alliance and participation in the Remote Area Medical Clinic.

Throughout the year, we built community and promoted well-being in a multitude of ways: participating in Bennington Pride, attending the Recovery Partners of Vermont Conference, meeting with legislators to elevate local needs, hosting the 8th annual UCS Superhero 5K and Kids’ Dash, organizing warm clothes and food drives, and ending the year with an art show that spanned the ages.

Behind all of these accomplishments is the same foundation: a strong community of staff who care the most. Thank you to each of you – our staff, partners and community supporters for your dedication to our clients and our shared mission. As we look ahead, we remain committed every day, to providing high-quality care and helping our community thrive.

Peace,

Lorna

Chief Executive Officer
United Counseling Service

UCS clients shine at SVAC art show December 9-11

UCS presented a show of client artwork December 9-11 at Southern Vermont Arts Center, titled "Shine Your Light", closing with a reception that drew over 50 community members. This collection featured work from clients across several UCS divisions, from Head Start and Early Head Start to Outpatient Mental Health and Developmental Services.

It was a wonderful show and we look forward to next year's event!

Staff Spotlight: Eva E. K. Leonetti, MS, BS, CPCO, Compliance & Privacy Officer

“I love my work,” she says. “I love being a resource. I love answering questions—and if I don’t know the answer, I love doing the research to learn.”

Read full article.

UCS Developmental Services celebrates another successful Holiday Craft Fair

UCS Developmental Services hosted a successful Holiday Craft Fair on December 6 at Grace Christian School, bringing together over 30 community vendors. Sales totaled over $1,100 and benefited the Community Supports program, which helps individuals with developmental disabilities engage with and build meaningful connections in their communities.

The event included five UCS employee vendors, 15 community vendors and 10 UCS client vendors. Clients participating in the Community Supports program hosted a vendor table at the event and sold items they created from October through December in a weekly art class, including fresh green wreaths.

The Holiday Craft Fair was a success and UCS clients all look forward to next year’s event. UCS thanks Grace Christian School for providing a welcoming venue for this special community event to kick off the holiday season.

Read full article.

Manchester Center Knights of Columbus deliver holiday meals to UCS Northshire

Thank you to the Manchester Center Knights of Columbus for delivering 25 holiday meal baskets to UCS Northshire for families in need! The Knights also donated Thanksgiving meal baskets to families to brighten their holiday season.

A sincere thank you to the Manchester Center Knights of Columbus for providing meals and warmth to the families we serve, for over 25 years!

Left to right front row: Ed Gotgart, Don Hayward, Ray Hofmeister, Ray Jez. Back row: Tom Grabher, Michael Murno, Hugh Main, Tracy Belden

Join NAMI VT for the 11th annual Mental Health Advocacy Day January 29:

Together for Dignity, United for Change: Reclaiming Mental Health in Vermont

Register here to participate in Mental Health Advocacy Day on January 29 from 8am-3pm. The event will be held in person and livestreamed. ASL Interpreters will be at the event 9am-noon.

Learn more here.

New hours at Head Start/Early Head Start start January 1

Effective January 1, 2026, our Spring Center (655 Gage St.) and North Bennington locations (Park and West) will open at 7am.

Head Start is now enrolling at the Spring Center and at North Bennington locations. Limited space available. Learn more at ucsvt.org.

Are you interested in opening your heart and home to someone with a developmental disability?

Our Shared Living Program provides personalized home support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder. SLPs offer safe, caring, and stable home environments, helping community members with developmental disabilities live fulfilling and independent lives.

SLPs receive:

A monthly tax-free stipend
Room and board payments from the individual
Respite funds (financial assistance to provide temporary relief to caregivers) to support time off and life balance.
Ongoing case management and optional Community Supports and Employment Connections

“Being a shared living provider is not only an opportunity to help others, but it’s also a way of life to improve ourselves. Providing a stable home is essential to help people live with dignity and respect. The various skills, relationships, and memories you’ll acquire will last a lifetime. Each person will find their own reasons for loving the shared living provider experience. For me, it’s the beautiful and unique bond (from 1982- present) that are invaluable blessings that have also been passed on to my family.”

-Bill, shared living provider of 43 years

Learn more at ucsvt.org/news.

Virtual intensive outpatient program offered by UCS provides accessible treatment for Vermont residents with Medicaid

United Counseling Service (UCS) offers a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to provide accessible recovery support for adult residents of Vermont with Medicaid. The six-week, fully virtual program provides personalized support and aims to reduce barriers to recovery, such as transportation and childcare. Please contact 802-442-5491 for more information or to sign up.

Read full article.

Please join us on January 15 at Manchester Community Library for a gathering and panel discussion focusing on the importance of family connections to those in recovery.

We will also host a film screening of Gone Guys on February 4 at Bennington Theater. We hope to see you there!

Find all of our upcoming events at ucsvt.org/events.

Upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings

UCS will offer Mental Health First Aid trainings on February 27, March 17 and May 6, from 9am-4pm at the Spring Center (655 Gage Street, Bennington, VT). Please contact ANiles@ucsvt.org to sign up.

We're hiring! Visit ucsvt.org/careers for our full list of openings.

Featured jobs:

We need your help to serve our community.

With our staff of nearly 350 across 17 locations in Bennington County, UCS provides services including early childhood and family support programs, outpatient mental health and crisis services, developmental services, and more.

Read about our impact here and support our efforts if you feel inclined by visiting ucsvt.org/give.

Stay connected - Follow us on social media!

Join our community on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to see photos and updates from our events and programs.

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.

(802) 442-5491 | ucsvt.org