CVCAC’s Family Community Support Services assist people who are having difficulty paying their housing costs, heating their home, paying their utility bill, or buying food. Our Family Housing Partnership works with families who are in danger of becoming homeless. Our Tax Preparation Assistance Program helps families prepare their income tax returns so that they receive all the refunds and tax credits they are due. CVCAC also provides resources and referrals for people who may need help from other agencies.

CVCAC Head Start and Early Head Start programs prepare young children for future success in school and in life. Through full day/full year early education centers, home visitors, and partnerships with private daycare providers, we provide resources, supports, and referral services to help parents be the primary educators in their children’s lives.

The Community Economic Development (CED) program has a number of initiatives dedicated to increasing the knowledge, wealth, and assets of low income Vermonters and the Central Vermont communities in which they live.  They include the Micro Business Development Program (MBDP) that provides training and technical assistance to low-to-moderate income individuals who wish to enhance their earnings through the start-up or expansion of a business.  The Vermont Women’s Business Center (VWBC) offers statewide and comprehensive business development and support services tailored to the needs and experiences of low-to-moderate income women who are starting or growing a business.  Community Capital of Central Vermont offers financing and technical assistance to new and existing business owners who are low-to-moderate income and lack access to sufficient financing from conventional banks.  People can improve their personal finances by enrolling in Tangible Assets (TA).  While being trained in financial literacy, participants’ savings from earned income are accumulated in Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) which are then matched dollar for dollar.  These savings can be used for home purchases, developing small businesses, or post-secondary education and training.  The Child Care Food Program (CCFP) reimburses private day care providers fro the healthy meals they serve to children in their care.  This helps to keep child care affordable for working parents and ensures that hundreds of children are fed nutritious meals each day.

Weatherization reduces energy costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes through insulation, heating system tune-ups, and draft reduction measures.

Community Action Motors provides vehicles to low-income individuals and families so they can get to jobs, school, day care, or medical appointments.

CVCAC Workforce Development supports people in getting and keeping jobs through intensive case management, job development, post-employment support, wage subsidies, and a commitment to meeting the needs of local employers.

Farmworker Training offers support services and job training to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers so that they can obtain permanent, full-time employment.