"Love this initiative - it helps build community by connecting people that might not have had the opportunity to meet as easily (or at all). Working remotely and living in a rural area, I have to actively go out of my way to connect with people and build new relationships but programs like this make it so much easier!"

Thrive Here

Attend a Newcomers Event
Get Involved
Do Business Here
Resources (LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Special Needs, Families, Seniors, Veterans)

SoVermont is a special place to live, work and play because of the people who create and maintain our vibrant, welcoming communities. We’re excited that you’re joining us! Here are some ideas for forging connections and getting support so you can make the most of life here. It’s truly worth it!

Want to play ‘New to Vermont’ BINGO?
Print off our checklist to get in on the fun!

Newcomers Orientation Checklist

Let us give you a warm welcome

Whether you're looking for a group gathering, a 1:1 connection with a likeminded local, or personalized advice on where to plug in, we'd love to connect with you.

March is Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner Month!

Learn More & Sign Up

Other Newcomers Events & Programs

Want ideas for living your best SoVermont life?
Signup for our monthly(ish) newcomers newsletter!

Newcomers Newsletter Archive

Get Involved

Volunteer

Volunteering is the Vermont way of life, and it’s one of the quickest ways to get plugged into your community and do something meaningful. There are plenty of non-profit boards and town committees that need long-term volunteers, but there are other ways to contribute for a day or even a few hours. Ask around (a neighbor, librarian, town staff) about upcoming festivals or community suppers– they’re a fun way to lend a hand!

Where to find opportunities

If it interests you, then there’s likely a non-profit dedicated to it in SoVermont! Here are a few places to look for opportunities, but feel free to reach out if you want more suggestions: Brattleboro Food Co-op’s Commitment to Community programs (scroll down to see a list of non-profit orgs), Brattleboro Time Trade, and Samaritan Scout.

Local Government

In Vermont lots of things get done at the local level, and everyone is encouraged to take part! Each municipality has a governing Selectboard that holds regular public meetings, plus committees that readily accept volunteers. Being civically engaged is impactful, and the easiest way to get started is by participating in Town Meeting Day– a holiday in March when Vermonters revel in direct democracy and civil discourse (here’s a podcast about this unique tradition).

Local Media

Grab a copy of The Commons, the Brattleboro Reformer, or the Deerfield Valley News to find out what’s happening in the area. Most towns have their own newsletter that you can usually find at the library. Tune into Vermont Public for current events in the Green Mountains– their Brave Little State program has fascinating insights on Vermont culture and quirks. Sign up for Front Porch Forum emails to connect with neighbors and get recommendations.

Programs & Events

There’s so much going on! You probably already know about some local organizations that host amazing programs and events. But please reach out if you’d like suggestions based on your particular interests (i.e. nerd culture, community theater, live music, literature, fiber arts). This event calendar has some good stuff that’s happening in the area but not everything, so ask around and keep an eye on the notice boards (outside shops / community centers).

Get Support

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)

SUSU CommUNITY Farm : offering life affirming spaces for the BIPOC community to thrive
The Roots Social Justice Center : a Brattleboro hub for racial justice organizing
The Vermont Professionals of Color Network : advancing networking, career development and leadership opportunities for BIPOC professionals
Multicultural Community Center of Southern Vermont : brings together refugees and welcoming communities
Asian Cultural Center of Vermont : Brattleboro organization that connects people through the arts and culture of Asia

Families

Winston Prouty Center : Brattleboro organization providing inclusive education and family support to promote the success of children and families (an excellent resource for families!)
West River Valley Thrives : creating opportunities for meaningful contributions of young people to support healthy lifestyle choices (website includes resources for families)
Early Education Services : offers programs for families including Head Start, dental clinics, dads groups and play groups (in Brattleboro, Townshend & Wilmington)
Windham County Resources for Families : great list of resources from the Vermont Family Network

LGBTQ+

Out in the Open : connects rural LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge and power
Queer Council of Brattleboro : develops events for LGBTQ+ Southern VT communities
Frog Meadow: Gay Newfane B&B with a great community resource list
Bellows Falls Pride : creating community activities throughout the year
AIDS Project of Southern VT : providing direct services to people living with HIV/AIDS, and HIV prevention services to those at most risk

Seniors

Senior Solutions : resources for aging in Southeastern Vermont, including a help line (866-673-8376)
Brattleboro Senior Center : programs and a daily meal for seniors at the Gibson-Aikon Center
Dummerston Cares, Grafton Cares, Guilford Cares, Marlboro Cares: volunteer led programs and services that enhance well-being of community members, with a focus on seniors
Neighborhood Connections : community driven org providing social and health services in Windham County’s mountain towns
The Gathering Place Adult Day Service : supports adults with physical and/or cognitive impairments in staying active within their communities
Support and Services at Home (SASH) : a state organization connecting people with local resources for transportation, food, health care, and more

Special Needs (Disability, Educational, Psychological, Social)

Brattleboro area health resources : list of local health services and help lines
HCRS : regional organization with an office in Brattleboro with programs for people (incl children) with disabilities, emotional, mental health and substance use difficulties
Brattleboro Deaf Club : creating a vibrant community for deaf individuals
Families First & Lincoln St : organizations in Brattleboro and Springfield helping people living with developmental disabilities build meaningful lives
HireAbility VT : energized network of employment and job skills specialists breaking down barriers that have kept good jobs out of reach of Vermonters with disabilities
Center for Solace : offering services and support for serious illness, hospice, and grief
Community Schoolhouse & Kindle Farm School : both schools serve students with emotional, behavioral, neurological and learning needs
Groundworks Collaborative : creating solutions to end hunger and homelessness for all people
SYNC Program : a community initiative for caregivers of young children on the Autism Spectrum

Veterans

Think Vermont’s veteran services overview : resources and tools for Vermont veterans
State Office of Veterans Affairs : benefits, funds, programs and staff who offer direct support services
Brattleboro VA Clinic : local clinic (Vermont’s VA Medical Center is in White River Junction)
Brattleboro American Legion : welcoming veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces
Vermont Vets Town Hall : veterans are invited to stand before their community and speak about what it was like to serve their country
Senator Sanders’ list of veteran resources : comprehensive list of resources and contacts

Do Business Here

Plenty of people move here and realize that they can fill a need within the local economy. The VtSBDC (Vermont Small Business Development Center) has straight-forward webinars, tools and advising services for navigating this path from idea to business ownership. ThinkVT is a great place to look for incentives, financing and programs. And the State of Vermont offers a handy new business checklist.

The BDCC (Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation) is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs with programs that provide technical assistance, access to funding, workforce development support, and strategic guidance. Attend their networking events and or join the SoVermont Young Professionals to meet new people and have fun. You could also check out the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, NH and the Black River Innovation Campus in Springfield, VT.

Up for some laid back fun with other under-45s?
Join us at a SoVermont Young Professionals event!

Info & Upcoming Events

Thrive Here

Want to play ‘New to Vermont’ BINGO?
Print off our checklist to get in on the fun!

Let us give you a warm welcome

Let us give you a warm welcome

March is Invite a New Vermonter to Dinner Month!