Champlain Community Services

10/16/2026

From full-group outings to breaking off into smaller pods, Bridging students have been everywhere! 💙

They’ve been learning about advocacy with Green Mountain Self-Advocates, enjoying theater with Edward, cooking, and building their interviewing skills. They’ve explored ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and ArtHound Gallery, and even broke a sweat playing pickleball at The Pop Indoor Pickleball!

Even with all the learning and exploring, there’s always room for a little silliness along the way. 😊

10/14/2026

This week, we’re celebrating our amazing Service Coordinators and recognizing the important role they play here at CCS. Every day, they go above and beyond for families, staff, and the people we support.

From coordinating, managing, and supervising services to helping staff get their cars out of the mud, our Service Coordinators do it all!

Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and everything you do to make a difference in the lives of others. We appreciate you!

10/06/2026

Everyone should be able to easily cast their vote. Learn about how voting is accessible in Vermont and get ready to cast your vote in the next election!

10/05/2026

Recently, our Peer Growth & Lifelong Learning Hardwick Campus had the opportunity to learn all about sunflowers and plant growth through a presentation led by one of our participants!

Through videos, cooking, and crafts, they shared what they had learned and gave participants several hands-on ways to explore the topic.

09/29/2026

We’re excited to share that CCS has joined the State of Vermont’s Civic Connect program as a Partner!
Through Civic Connect, we’ll be sharing trusted, nonpartisan information and resources to help keep our community informed and engaged.

As part of this partnership, we want to let you know that all Vermont households with registered voters will receive a Vermont Voter Guide in the mail during the month of October.

Use the guide to research the candidates on your ballot before casting your vote.

09/25/2026

Bridging update!
We are almost a month into the school year, and we have hit the ground running!
This week, Bridging welcomed Reg and Jaden from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety to teach us about fire safety and prevention. The students also got to check out the department’s new rig, which included effects simulating a real fire emergency.

We ended the week touring Very Merry Theatre and learning about some of their upcoming productions.

Next week will be our first full week since Bridging started!

09/24/2026

We are so thankful for our partnership with the Shelburne Craft School

For a little over a year now, the Shelburne Craft School has offered a wide range of classes and creative opportunities to our CCS community.

Here are just a few pictures from some of the classes and activities over the last few weeks!

09/21/2026

CCS staff had the opportunity to step away from their day-to-day work for a day of learning, reflection, and finding ways to recharge.

The day started off with a screening of Wretches & Jabberers, a film following Larry and Tracy, two men with autism, on a global journey to change attitudes about disability and intelligence. After the film, Larry and Tracy answered questions from staff and shared more about their lives today.

In the afternoon, lunch was catered by Moe’s. Marko the Magician was on hand to make us wonder, “How did he do that?” Staff were able to pick from a variety of workshops or just take some time to relax outside. Mini golf and other lawn games were also provided for some friendly competition and fun.

Special thanks to Larry, Tracy, and Pasqual; Heather from Shelburne Craft School, Marie, Patti, and Megan for the workshops; MARKO Magician & Hypnotist; The Portable Mini Golf Company; and Vermont Public for hosting us.

09/16/2026

Last week we celebrated our DSPs here in Vermont. This week, they are being recognized nationally during National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.

Here’s a video we created last year to thank the support staff here at CCS for all they do every day.

Thank you to all of our DSPs!

Champlain Community Services (CCS) recognizes and celebrates its Di...

09/11/2026

This week, we celebrated and thanked our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who do so much every day to support the people we serve and our community.

On Wednesday, DSPs and supporters from agencies across Vermont gathered at the State House to show our support, share some love, and give thanks for the incredible work DSPs do every day.

To all of our DSPs at CCS and across Vermont, thank you for all that you do!