Burlington, VT— Howard Center recently received a $15,000 contribution from the George W. Mergens Foundation to help support client services and programs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Howard Center provides mental health, substance use, and developmental services and supports to over 16,000 children, adults, and families each year. The greatest challenge early in the pandemic was a rapid shift from in-person services to telehealth services. For many of our programs and services this immediate transition to telehealth required a significant investment in technology including smart devices for many clients. Substantial programmatic adjustments were also necessary in those areas where we continued in-person services. Almost overnight, our residential, crisis, harm reduction and treatment programs installed new protocols, instituted PPE requirements, and reconfigured spaces to accommodate Covid-19.
The George W. Mergens Foundation’s guiding principal is to affect the greatest impact on the future by supporting programs that seek to enrich the lives of youth. We use our resources to undergird the efforts of organizations that offer a wide variety of services and opportunities to children and adolescents. In doing so, we hope to promote knowledge, creativity, leadership and good health in the next generation of Vermonters.
Bob Bick says, “We are grateful for the generous support of the George W. Mergens Foundation. The Foundation’s support comes at a critical time as we face unparalleled challenges in meeting the needs of those we serve and our community.”
ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,600 staff help more than 16,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with hundreds of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.