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A letter from Lorna
At the heart of our organization is a simple truth: we value our staff. Without the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our team, we would not be able to serve those in our community who need us most.
We are committed to creating a workplace that thrives because of its people. Supporting professional growth is not just a priority — it is essential to who we are. We offer meaningful opportunities for advancement and development, including tuition assistance and loan repayment programs. We also provide tools and resources designed to strengthen retention, elevate care, and reduce risk, along with in-person trainings that foster continued learning.
One of the ways we invest in our team is through the Gerrit Kouwenhoven Staff Development Award, named in honor of our beloved past Board President, Gerrit Kouwenhoven. This scholarship has provided significant funding to support staff across the organization — from our facilities team to crisis services staff and beyond — helping them enhance their skills and expand their impact.
As our employees grow, so do we as an agency. I am continually inspired by the ways our team adapts and delivers exceptional care to our clients, to one another, and to the broader community. I look forward to seeing where that growth takes us next.
Lorna Mattern
Chief Executive Officer
United Counseling Service
| Pictured: 2025 Gerrit Kouwenhoven Staff Development Award Recipients Stephanie Lonergan (left) and Bella Ward (middle), CEO Lorna Mattern (right) | |
Staff Spotlight: LC Christine, Office Manager, Operations
LC Christine, Office Manager at United Counseling Service (UCS), came to Bennington, VT, by way of Oahu, HI, and a few other places in between. People often ask her why she chose to move from Hawaii to Vermont. She still doesn’t know why, but she says that something in her soul told her to stay. “When I was driving into Bennington, it felt like I was driving into my hometown. I decided this was where I wanted to put some roots down.”
Read full article.
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UCS welcomes new CFO Kelly Kervan
United Counseling Service (UCS) welcomes Kelly Kervan to the agency as Chief Financial Officer, a position previously served by Jill Doyle who retired from the agency after 35 years. He will lead the agency in financial planning for its four corporations that include United Counseling Service and United Children’s Services, which administers Head Start and Early Head Start of Bennington County. Welcome to UCS, Kelly!
Pictured: Kristen (left) , Killian (middle) and Kelly (right)
Read full article.
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UCS Superhero 5K and Kids' Dash raises $3,500 for Teens4Change
United Counseling Service (UCS)’s 8th annual Superhero 5K and Kids’ Dash raised $3500 for the agency’s Teens4Change program, a youth-led program that brings young people in Bennington County together for community service opportunities, local events, weekly gatherings, and skill-building activities. Funds raised at the UCS Superhero 5K and Kids’ Dash will support the group’s weekly meetings and events throughout the year, including the annual UCS Bennington Youth Summit, a free opportunity open to Vermont teens.
Read full article.
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Community braves the cold for screening of Well Told Films' production, 'Gone Guys', at Bennington Theater
Over 50 people joined us for a screening of Well Told Films production, 'Gone Guys', and a panel discussion following the film with audience Q&A on February 4 at Bennington Theater. UCS hosted the event in partnership with The Vermont Community Foundation and The Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation, with support from the J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation. The film sheds light on the mental health crisis faced by boys and young men and features individuals from across Vermont. For more information about the film, please visit goneguysfilm.com.
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Upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings at UCS
Learn how to support your friends, family, and neighbors with Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). MHFA teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build the 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 with appropriate support.
Upcoming training dates:
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March 17 (9am-4pm, Spring Center, Bennington)
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May 6 (9am-4pm, Spring Center, Bennington)
Find all events at ucsvt.org/events.
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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. Shared Living Providers (SLP) 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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