Burlington, VT— Howard Center is pleased to announce that the Vermont Department of Health and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has awarded Howard Center the 2022 Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness – GOLD Level Award for the agency’s commitment to health and wellness in the workplace.
Recognizing Howard Center’s commitment to worksite wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vermont Department of Health Commissioner Mark Levine noted, “We recognize there were many challenges employers faced in adapting quickly to keep their employees safe and we thank you for making wellness a priority in the face of these challenges.”
Howard Center’s Healthy Living and Wellness Committee is made up of dedicated staff members who ensure their co-workers have access to wellness tools including free memberships to apps that promote mindfulness, meditation, sleep assistance, and fitness support; workshops with partners Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and Invest EAP; and access to chiropractic and nutrition services. Levine shared, “Wellness committees are key to the success of worksite wellness initiatives. We especially thank the outstanding individuals in your organization that serve on your wellness committee.”
Matt MacNeil, Howard Center’s Director of Evaluation and Outcomes and Co-Chair of Howard Center’s employee-run wellness committee, said, “Mutual wellbeing is one of our core values at Howard Center. Supporting each other’s wellness means a better workplace experience for all of us and it enables us to be at our best for the people we serve.”
With a staff of more than 1600 in 60+ locations, Howard Center is the state’s designated agency for Chittenden County and the largest community-based service agency in Vermont.