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Pathways Vermont Annual Report 2023

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Annual Report

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We are so proud of the effort that our staff members give every day,providing peer-led support and behind-the-scenes advocacy to our programparticipants throughout the state. We are striving for a community that recognizes each person’s right to haveaccess to a home and choices for taking care of their emotional, physical,and mental health. We hope this report gives a snapshot of the many ways that Vermonters canutilize Pathways Vermont’s programs and services to make a positivedifference and move from surviving to thriving.With gratitude,Supporting people to live and thrive in theircommunity, with choice and dignity.Hilary MeltonExecutive DirectorJane Van BurenBoard ChairJane Van Buren

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How We Deliver Services: Pathways Vermont’s Values-Based Service PhilosophyIndividual choice & self-determinationTrauma-informed relationships &servicesHarm reductionPeer support Community integrationRespect, warmth, and compassionWhat We Do @ Pathways VermontHousing First Permanent Supportive Housing, Family Supportive Housing,Specialized Supports Program, Dept. of Corrections TransitionalHousingCommunity CenterP.A.V.E - Peer-Assisted Vocational ExplorationSupport Line - 24/7 Warm LineSupportive Services for Veteran FamiliesSoteria HouseHousing First Rapid Rehousing - Chittenden CountyTraining Institute & Peer Workforce DevelopmentInitiative Forensic Assertive Community TreatmentWe value the lived experience of our staff,volunteers, and program participants, andrecognize each person as their own expert. Wecenter these values in our work:

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2009: PilotRural HousingFirst Project inBurlingtonThe PathwaysVermont CommunityCenter Opens(initially called theWellness Co-Op)PathwaysVermont partnerswith UVM to offerSupportiveServices forVeterans FamiliesThe PathwaysVermontSupport LineLaunchesDesignated aSpecializedServicesAgencyThe doors ofPathwaysVermont Soteria HouseopenHousing First expands to Franklin,Washingon, Windham, Addison CountiesPathways Vermontestablished as501(c)3 withHousing FirstProgram inChittenden CountyBuilding at 279North Winooskipurchased forCommunityCenterCelebratedhousing of 136individuals in 4counties2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Pathways VermontThrough the Years:

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Housing FirstProgramexpands toBenningtonCountyForensic AssertiveCommunityTreatment (FACT)ProgramEstablishedAwarded RapidRehousingCARES grant for130 householdsSupport Linebecomes 24/7 duringCovid-19 PandemicPathwaysreceives grant forPeer WorkforceDevelopmentInitiativeAwarded 5-yrSAMHSAgrant forOutreachServicesAwarded 2-year$5.2M TransitionalHousing Grant viathe VT Dept. ofCorrections,expanding our DOCHousing First program to Districtsof Rutland,Bennington,Springfield, andMorrisville4,500 MealsServed at theCommunityCenter since2016100,000th CallCompleted bySupport LineOperators The PathwaysVermontTrainingInstitute isestablishedThe SpecializedSupports Programbegins providingenhanced services toHousing Firstprogram participants2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

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Housing FirstHousing First(DMH& DOC)Housing First(DOC only)as of June 2023Pathway Vermont’s Housing First Program operates using theevidence-based Housing First model, which many federal agenciesregard as the best practice to end homelessness. Programparticipants work with a Housing Team and a Services Team.Pathways Vermont partners with the Department of Mental Health(DMH) and the Department of Corrections (DOC), with Housing FirstTeams currently in 9 of Vermont's 14 counties. The model asserts that while it is a complex issue, the solution tohomelessness is simple: housing. The Housing First programprovides independent housing and community-based supports toindividuals experiencing homelessness and who have a history ofmental health and other life challenges. Many of the people wework with do not or can not utilize more traditional services offeredby the system of care.“Whatever I needed, Pathways was there for me. I have hadsome bad times in my life, and it took me a long time to gethere, but that's okay. I'm here now.” -Kevin

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PVCC StaffCommunity CenterPathway Vermont’s Community Center (PVCC) offers a place inBurlington for people to come together for connection and peersupport. 279 North Winooski Ave.Burlington, VT“For our Open Mic Night we ended up making full trays of nachos with guacamole. Theevening was alive with everyone in attendance performing at least 2 different acts onthe mic. It was a warm, supportive, and magical evening for all.”Our Employment Support Team (P.A.V.E - Peer Assisted Vocational Exploration) is alsobased at the Community Center. They have a strong network of employers that provide joband training opportunities. More than 100 people were engaged in employment supportduring the year. The Community Center provides:Daily Drop-In Peer Support (M-F) Weekly community cooking opportunities Monthly Movie Nights and Community Meals Shower and laundry facilities Clothing Virtual workshopsA sense of community and belonging

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“I wouldn’t even be theperson I am todaywithout the Support Line.It’s a really big service.Thank you.”Support LineConnection - 47%Support - 29%Relationship - 8%Medical - 8% Extreme State - 3% Grief/Loss - 3%Disaster - 2%Suicidal Feelings- 2%Pathway Vermont’s Support Line began in 2013 and has become avital community resource for individuals 18+ seeking connectionand support. It’s staffed by local peers who’ve been through toughsituations themselves. They listen, talk with callers, provide insight,and help Vermonters face life’s challenges. Unlike a crisis helpline or emergency hotline, the Support Line is a 'warm line' — a go-to support resource to help prevent a situation from escalating to anemergency. In FY23, Support Line Operators completed 15,149 calls and diverted 390 callsfrom emergency response resources.Primary Reason for Call to Support Line2013-2023

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Supportive Services for Veteran FamiliesSSVF StaffSince 2014, the Supportive Services for Veteran Familiesprogram has provided short-term supportive services toparticipants to help them obtain and/or retain stable housing. The program uses a Rapid Rehousing approach, meaning theprogram’s priority is to support participants in developing apermanent housing option. “I can’t even find the words to say howthankful and grateful I am for meetingthis man, he absolutely changed my life.”-SeanAs of January 1, 2024, the casemanagement and housing services thathave been provided by Pathways Vermontstaff for nearly ten years through the SSVFat the University of Vermont (UVM) program are transitioning to UVM, whichadministers the VA grant. We are proud tohave built a strong foundation of resourcesand staff, several of whom will stay withthe program, providing continuity forprogram participants. We are grateful to have been a part of thestory for the 524 Veterans and theirfamilies who were housed through theirwork with Pathways Vermont since 2014.

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At Soteria House, we practice the approach of “being with” –actively staying present with people and learning about theirexperiences. We believe that challenging experiences can be metwith creativity, courage, and as opportunities for personalgrowth. Soteria House StaffSoteria HouseSoteria House is a 5-bedroom Therapeutic CommunityResidence operating since 2015. It is the only such program inthe U.S. and is open to all Vermonters. Soteria House is analternative to inpatient hospitalization, and serves people goingthrough an early episode of an extreme state, sometimes calledpsychosis.Soteria House offers: Person-centeredapproachsupportingindividuals to findtheir own strength24-hour staffingRelationship-driven peersupport informedby lived experiencePsychiatricconsultation andmedications (bothoptional)Coordination withcommunity serviceproviders andother resources,such as educationand employmentsupportIndividualsServedCapacity = 5 IndividualsAverage Length ofStay = 6 months

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L to R: Soteria House Manager Jason Young,Alayna from Spectrum Youth & Family Services,and Alexander Ferguson, Training Coordinator Training Institute The Pathways Vermont Training Institute provides innovativelearning grounded in human connection, self-care, and empathy forthose who are struggling. Our staff are considered leaders in theirfield and have a diverse background of skills and lived experience.Training Institute staff have been providing training and technicalassistance to a variety of individuals and agencies around the world. Our goals include supporting new programs to implement Housing First with highfidelity to the evidence-based practice, supporting systems-change to end homelessness incommunities across the world, and providing a foundation for a relationship-first approach toservice delivery.The following trainings were offered this year:Soteria: The Power of Human Connection Autonomy, Choice, & Harm Reduction Part I & II Relationship-First Practice Overdose Prevention & Management Disrupting the Institutional Circuit: Partneringwith the Department of Corrections to EndHomelessness198PEOPLE COMPLETED TRAININGSParticipants were from Vermont & 12 other states, plus:Ontario, Canada Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Exeter, England, United Kingdom London, England, United Kingdom Cebu City, PhilippinesSwitzerland India Beijing, China Ireland

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Peer Workforce Development InitiativePathways Vermont is a leader in the state’s peerworkforce movement and is working to improveconsistency, infrastructure, communication, andresource sharing among the peer workforcecommunity. The Peer Workforce Development Initiative wasdeveloped to help the state build and maintain aninfrastructure for a statewide mental health peerworkforce. The goals of the initiative include evaluatingstatewide peer workforce needs, facilitatingawareness and participation by providing resourcesand information to peer support workers, andensuring the availability of peer support workertraining.Peer Workforce Trainings offered this year:Intentional Peer SupportConversations About Suicide Harm ReductionHarm Reduction Approach to Psychiatric Drugs Mad Movement Histories The following organizations participatedin PWDI Trainings:Another Way Center for Health and Learning Vermont Suicide Prevention CenterThe Teen CenterYouth ServicesWashington County Mental HealthServicesVermont Enhanced 911 BoardSunshine Silver Lining, LLCAlyssumHCRS: Health Care & RehabilitationServices of VermontCounseling Service of Addison CountyOut in the OpenVermont Department of HealthIntentional Peer SupportUniversity of VermontCopeland Center for Wellness andRecoveryVermont Psychiatric SurvivorsHoward CenterLamoille County Mental HealthServicesCultivating Connections 138PEOPLE COMPLETED PWDITRAININGS

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FACT TeamForensic Assertive Community TreatmentPathways Vermont joined a unique partnership with the VermontDepartment of Mental Health and the Department of Correctionsin June of 2022 to start the FACT Team in Chittenden County. FACT Team staff helps to reduce the likelihood of individualsbeing incarcerated again, and increase productive, safe, andstructured time in the community where they will be providedresources for housing, employment, and opportunities to buildsocial connections. The Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team is an evidence-basedforensic adaptation of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) with over 40 years ofresearch and evaluation. FACT is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental HealthServices Administration (SAMHSA) to be a promising practice. The goals of our FACT Team include:Reduce return to incarcerationIncrease time spent in the community Increase the time in-between returns toincarcerationIncrease engagement intreatment/healthcare plan Reduce utilization of crisis services andhospitalization Improve social determinants

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“I volunteer and support Pathwaysbecause when some of our communitymembers are struggling more thanothers, it is important to take care andsupport our people, especially withbasic human needs. Letting peoplehave choices is so important to healingand helping. I can't quit Pathwaysbecause it is a part of who I am now.” -Sara Mahon, Former Staff & Current Board MemberWhen you support Pathways with a gift, you are helping to tranform thelives of Vermonters! Every gift makes a positive difference.Scan to Donate NowTHANK YOU!THANK YOU!Thank you for helping to worktoward a community where allVermonters can experience a senseof home and connection.Our programs supported 3,078Vermonters this year, and our24/7 Support Line operatorscompleted 15,149 calls.

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Maura CollinsWright Cronin, Board ChairPaul Dickin, TreasurerSteven LillySara MahonDavid QianJohn S. RogersDeborah SchapiroJanet SissonPeter ToshevJane Van BurenKay Van Woert, SecretaryTim WallRebecca Zietlow, Vice Chair Board of Directors Financials Total Revenue$10,944,00221%73%3%3%July 2022 through June 2023L to R: Tim Wall, Peter Toshev, Jane Van Buren, Rebecca Zietlow, Sara Mahon, MauraCollins, Kay Van Woert, Hilary Melton, Wright Cronin, Deborah Schapiro, Paul DickinTotal Expenses$10,816,04649%10%7%6%3%3%12%4%3%2%

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Administrative Office:1 Kennedy Drive Unit L2South Burlington, VT 05403www.pathwaysvermont.org(888)492-8218@pathwaysvermont