Spectrum Youth and Family Services

06/17/2026

A message from our Executive Director, Mark Redmond: This is a very important bill that passed in the Vermont House and Senate and was signed by Gov. Governor Phil Scott. Spectrum Youth and Family Services’s own Christina Brown testified in a Senate committee on the bill and how it will positively affect many of the youth at our organization. Legislation like this is never the work of one person. Representative Theresa A. Wood, chair of House Human Services played a key role as did Rep Anne Donahue and Rep Daniel Noyes who championed efforts to ensure foster youth receive the Social Security benefits intended for their future.

06/17/2026

Summer should be a time for young people to relax, connect, and grow—not worry about where their next meal will come from or where they'll spend the day safely.

Spectrum's Drop-In Centers provide meals, support, resources, and a welcoming place to turn for teens and young adults.

Just $11.49 helps provide one full day of safety, stability, and care for a young person in our community. And through June 30, every gift will be matched up to $25,000, doubling your impact.

Donate here: https://spcvt.org/donate

06/15/2026

So much joy with staff members Julia, Faith, and Cooper! Cooper is from Therapy Dogs of Vermont and has been visiting youth (and staff 😊) at our Burlington Basic Needs programs. You can say they’ve been enjoying all the love!

06/11/2026

There’s nothing quite like a room full of people who care deeply about Vermont’s youth. Thank you to all who joined us for our Reception of Gratitude!

06/09/2026

For many young people in our community, the end of the school year means losing consistent meals, routine, caring adults, and support they rely on every day. Spectrum’s Drop-In Centers help bridge that gap.

For just $11.49 you can provide one full day of safety, stability, and care for a young person when they need it most. Gifts made before June 30 will be matched up to $25,000!

Donate here: https://spcvt.org/donate

06/03/2026

Do you know a young person who could use a little extra support?
Spectrum is accepting referrals for youth ages 12–22 to be matched with a caring, consistent adult mentor.

Learn more or refer a young person: spcvt.org/mentoring

06/01/2026

Pride Month is about visibility, community, and making space for people to show up as themselves. Spectrum is proud to support LGBTQ+ youth today and every day!

05/27/2026

We're proud to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and communities that make Vermont stronger. Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating Eid al-Adha!

05/26/2026

Spectrum is proud to support H.657. This is legislation that takes important steps to better support Vermont youth and families.

The bill includes protections for foster youth Social Security benefits, removes the Reach Up asset limit, and strengthens support for young people in DCF custody and unaccompanied youth.

We’re especially grateful to our Chief Program Officer, Christina Brown, who testified on this legislation and helped advocate for policies that better support youth across Vermont.

This work matters, and we’re grateful to the advocates, partners, and legislators helping move it forward.

About 80 children in foster care in Vermont are Social Security beneficiaries, and officials say their benefits offset DCF's budget to the tune of about $800,000 a year.