Where Community and Landscape Meet

For Caz Clark, relocation wasn’t just about finding a place to live—it was about finding a community and landscape that felt like home, and choosing to invest fully once he did.

Caz arrived in Brattleboro on March 14, 2020, just as the world was beginning to shut down. What could have been an isolating moment instead became formative. “The loving and resilient community picked me up almost immediately upon my arrival,” he reflects, “and I watch them continue to do so for their community through any number of struggles that we may be experiencing as a town.”

That experience of being welcomed—and witnessing neighbors show up for one another—shaped his commitment to place.

Landscape That Restores

Southern Vermont’s geography plays an equally important role in why Caz stayed. “Within minutes of leaving the downtown area you can quickly find yourself in one of numerous peaceful locations either mountainous or by a riverside,” he notes. The accessibility of nature, rarely crowded and “naturally captivating,” offers balance and grounding alongside town life.

Caz Clark had lived in a number of small towns across the country, always searching for a place that truly fit. “I have always wanted to find a community and a landscape that met all my wants and needs for my personal happiness,” he shares. 

“This will be my fifth year in Brattleboro,” Caz says, “and I am comfortable saying that this is that place.”

Choosing to Give Back

Today, Caz works as Safety and Outreach Manager at the Brattleboro Food Co-op, where he supports unhoused and food-insecure community members and helps ensure people feel seen, supported, and welcomed. His work reflects the same values that drew him to Brattleboro in the first place—care, resilience, and shared responsibility.

That approach has earned Caz recognition as a Southern Vermont Emerging Leader. In his role, he brings an unconventional perspective to public safety—one rooted in relationship rather than enforcement. When theft or safety concerns arise, Caz prioritizes conversation and connection, working to understand what people need and helping link them to resources whenever possible. His nominator notes that Caz has been “instrumental in organizing food distribution efforts, collaborating with local outreach programs, and ensuring those in need feel seen and supported,” adding that his commitment to food justice and inclusivity has strengthened the Co-op’s role in serving the community. By addressing underlying needs instead of escalating situations, Caz has helped shift the culture toward one that balances safety with dignity and care.

“My cup is filled by Southern Vermont,” Caz says, “and I am more than happy to do my part as a resident to build a future that Brattleboro is proud of.”

Move to Vermont

Want to live here too? We’d love to have you! Check out the resources on our Move to Vermont page or Connect with a Vermonter to get connect to our 1:1 relocation support.