Strong Families. Strong Futures. | | |
Greetings to our VFN Family and Community Partners.
Persevering Through Uncertainty: VFN Is Still Here
When the federal government shuts down, the effects ripple far beyond the Capitol. Paychecks are delayed, offices close their doors, and essential projects are put on hold. News headlines often highlight political dysfunction and uncertainty, painting a bleak picture, especially for communities that depend on federally funded services.
But there is another story worth telling.
It is the story of resilience. Of commitment. Of people who continue to show up. A government shutdown may symbolize dysfunction at the top, but it also reveals something powerful happening on the ground—individuals and organizations who continue to serve, support, and strengthen their communities regardless of the circumstances.
At Vermont Family Network, the lights are still on. Our work does not pause because of uncertainty in Washington. We remain steadfast in our mission to empower and support all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs.
On October 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued reduction in force (RIF) notices to staff, set to take effect on December 9. These cuts, which coincide with the ongoing government shutdown, have resulted in mass layoffs across multiple divisions of the Department including the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP.) This situation severely jeopardizes critical federal functions such as IDEA implementation, monitoring, and the provision of technical assistance to states and organizations like ours.
Despite these challenges, Vermont Family Network continues to provide essential services to families. Family supports remain available even if assistance from the Department of Education is delayed or limited. Some families may have questions about what this means for them. We will continue to show up for families, youth, and professionals - families are not alone.
While our services are currently funded through a combination of federal and state grants, we understand that changing priorities at the federal level can affect even the most essential programs. That is why building financial resilience is critical. By growing our cash reserves, we can protect our ability to serve families during periods of federal instability or delayed funding.
Your support helps ensure that even in times of uncertainty, VFN remains a reliable source of strength and stability for Vermont families.
We are still here. And with your help, we will keep showing up.
From the heart,
Michelle Kessler
Executive Director
| | October is National Bullying Prevention Month | | |
Throughout the month of October, we can all raise awareness to prevent bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. No one should ever be bullied, and all students deserve to be safe in school, online, and in the community. Download the National Bullying Prevention Center Student Activity Kit (grades K-12) to help youth reflect on how to prevent bullying in their schools and communities. Schools can access the All IN! year-long toolkit to keep students engaged in bullying prevention throughout the year. Families and students can participate in Narratives for Change, an opportunity to provide input into the Vermont Agency of Education’s official Hazing, Harassment and Bullying policy.
If your child with a disability is facing bullying or harassment at school or at school-sponsored activities and you have questions about the process or how to help your child, please contact the VFN helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.
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The family faculty program is off to a busy start this fall. We have attended three classes at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as well as the UVM education department. Seven families shared their story and wisdom to more than 390 students. More than 99% of the students surveyed agree or strongly agree that they have a clearer understanding of family centered care after listening to family stories. Students have shared that “Hearing their stories has been so informative and touching, thank you!” and “So inspiring to hear from these amazing mothers advocating for their family members… helps me to appreciate the healthcare that I want to receive if I ever need it and what kind of healthcare provider I want to be!”
Looking ahead, we have 3rd year medical students from the UVM Larner College of Medicine, meeting with families out in the community. In November, 16 families will share their perspectives and stories with the entire class of first year medical students as part of their Professionalism, Communication, and Reflection course. Please contact Ashley at ashley.michaud@vtfn.org if you would like to learn more about our family faculty program and ways that you can share your family story at these events.
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Student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can make the IEP process more meaningful and student-centered. This meeting format gives youth with disabilities an active voice in their education. Teens can take part by sharing their goals, strengths, and needs. Instead of teachers and parents making all the decisions, students can actively contribute to the conversation. This helps students build self-advocacy skills, confidence, and responsibility. Youth can better understand their learning plans, practice communication skills, and develop ownership of their future. Even younger children can participate in simple ways, like sharing what they enjoy or what helps them learn best.
If your teen has participated in or led their own IEP meeting, and is interested in sharing their experience with other youth and families, please contact Krista at krista.siringo@vtfn.org. We want to hear from you!
If you have any questions about what a student-led IEP meeting could look like, please contact the VFN helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org.
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Welcome our Newest Puppeteer, Jillian!
We would like to officially welcome the newest member of the Puppets in Education team, Jillian Kenny! Jillian comes to us with a passion for combining theatre accessibility and education, and a long, beautiful history with VFN.
Her story with VFN goes back to when she was in elementary school and Puppets in Education performed at assemblies. The puppets put into words what she was feeling and couldn’t communicate. They showed her that she wasn’t alone, despite feeling that way.
Jillian fondly remembers having the opportunity to meet and speak with puppet Joanne and feeling heard and seen. This interaction allowed Jillian, who described herself as an anxious child, to find a light in the darkness and an opportunity to believe that it will all be okay. In joining the puppets, Jillian feels as though she is once again being given the chance to be seen and heard, as well as giving her the opportunity to help others feel not so alone.
Jillian comes to us with a rich history of combining theater and education. She has performed in multiple award-winning productions and won several awards herself. She has also served as the Director for several LyricKids shows, including The Addams Family and Finding Nemo Kids. We are so happy to have Jillian join us, helping us continue to positive, uplifting, and life-changing programming to students across Vermont and beyond.
If you are interested in having the puppets visit your school, or if you are interested in funding a day of programming at a school near you, please reach out to Kate at kate.williams@vtfn.org.
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Join us for the relaunch of SibShops, designed for tweens aged 11-15! This is a supportive program for siblings of children with disabilities or special health needs, with activities planned from January to May 2026.
Get ready for adventure at MetroRock, Get Air Trampoline Park, and more! These meetups will give tweens the chance to connect with peers who understand their experiences as siblings and to create a special community where tweens realize they're not alone in their journey. Through shared laughter and experiences, participants build bonds that extend far beyond our events.
Interested? Contact Sarah at sarah.morgart@vtfn.org to learn more about joining our Tween SibShops community.
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What is a Genetic Navigator?
A genetic navigator is someone with lived experience as a caregiver for a person with a genetic condition or someone who has gone through the process of being referred to a genetic specialist. Navigators receive training in a variety of topics, including:
- Recognizing genetic “red flags”
- State outreach and family engagement
- How to connect with families
- Communicating with primary care providers
- Sharing resources with families
In addition, genetic navigators collaborate with state partners to share information and help create local resources that support families in their communities.
How can genetic navigation help?
Being referred to a genetic specialist can feel overwhelming and even scary. It often helps to talk with someone who understands the process and has been in a similar situation. A genetic navigator can support you by:
- Explaining who you will see at a genetic appointment and what types of questions you may be asked
- Helping you prepare questions to ask during your appointment
- Connecting you to support groups and educational materials
- Referring you to additional VFN and state resources
- Assisting you in navigating complex healthcare systems
If you would like to speak with VFN’s genetic navigator you can call 802-404-2981 or email Ashley at ashley.michaud@vtfn.org.
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Tapping into Joy.
Life can feel like a constant whirlwind full of responsibilities, decisions, and worries. For parents and caregivers, the demands may feel even greater, and the weight of it all can sometimes be overwhelming.
There are many things we cannot control. But one small, powerful choice we can make is to pause and be present, even if just for a moment. Taking a breath to notice something good in life, however simple, can help us regain our balance and reconnect with ourselves.
- Did I see the baby who waved from her stroller as I passed by?
- Did I hear the birds chattering as I started my day?
- Did I notice the colors of the leaves or flowers as I walked to my car?
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Did I feel comforted by the soft fur of the dog curled up beside me?
- Did I pause to breathe in the scent of fresh basil before adding it to the sauce?
These small moments — often quiet, often fleeting — can anchor us when life feels unsteady. They are reminders that beauty and joy still exist, even in the middle of stress or struggle.
Try taking just one minute today to notice something that makes you smile. That moment of presence may not solve everything, but it can soften the edges and give you strength for the next step forward.
| | Upcoming Events - Register today! | | |
Free Online Workshops
October 16 at 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. "Supporting Students in Exploring Dual Enrollment and Early College Opportunities"
This workshop will outline the ways that students can take advantage of statewide Dual Enrollment and Early College Programs. Participants will learn specifics about both programs and about tools to help students, counselors, and families in the decision-making process, including assessing readiness.
Presenter: Amy Dodge - Post-Secondary Programs Coordinator at Vermont Agency of Education, Education Programs Division, Flexible Pathways Team
November 4 at 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. "Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) System Changes: Intake, Eligibility and Conflict of Interest"
The system of care for Vermont children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities has been undergoing significant changes. This workshop will highlight these changes, including intake and eligibility, funding processes, case management, and service delivery. Join us to learn more about how the changes will impact those new to accessing services and those currently receiving services.
Presenter: Melanie Feddersen - Services Specialist Supervisor, Developmental Disabilities Services Division at Vermont Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
November 13 at 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. "Students with Disabilities and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs"
This workshop will explore the different programs and courses offered through Career and Technical Education (CTE), and the ways that families, schools and CTE centers can collaborate to support students with disabilities who want to pursue a technical education program.
Presenter: John Spinney - Postsecondary Transition Coordinator at Vermont Agency of Education
Our workshops are online using the Zoom meeting platform.
If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time, unless otherwise noted. We appreciate when you register for our workshops as we need that data for our grant reporting.
Registrations are also posted under Upcoming Events on the landing page of our website. In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Check in regularly as we add more workshops to our schedule!
We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.
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VFN Workshop Topics/Speakers Survey
We want to hear your ideas for our upcoming online workshops. What topics interest you? Are there presenters you would recommend?
Let us know your thoughts.
| | Contact Us. We Will Listen! | | Helping Vermont Families thrive for more than 30 years | | | |  |
Office
600 Blair Park Rd, Ste 240,
Williston, VT 05495
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