Previous Fellows and Projects

Victoria and Simrun used photography and personal narratives as a way to amplify the voices of parents recovering from substance use disorder. Using Photovoice, they worked with individual participants to accurately portray the major themes of their recovery.

Victoria supported the elimination of lead-based paint exposure and poisoning of children, through the education of families, daycare providers, and general practice medical personnel in Sharon, Bethel, and South Royalton.

Vikram created a food pantry—with an emphasis on nutrition and healthy eating education—in South Royalton, Vermont.

Vince enhanced the level of care for persons with persistent and severe mental illnesses by compiling a protocol to help healthcare providers better understand the impact of new federal regulations on mental health care access and patient privacy issues.

Virginia and Russel analyzed and reported the data that VCCU had collected since 1996. They provided not only analyzed data but also a reproducible statistical template for the health clinics to ultimately attain funding and to better meet the needs of their patients.

Vivien and Katherine facilitated discussions surrounding sexual health, relationships, and self-advocacy among local teens at the Junction Youth Center to promote healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors. They became trusted confidants to local teens, helping them navigate the confusing worlds of intimacy, relationships, and school.

Will developed and implemented a community outreach program targeting pet owners in underserved communities in the Upper Valley. The program identified dogs and cats who may be living outdoors in substandard conditions and brought needed resources to the pet's home, eliminating barriers to the owner's ability to provide proper care for their animals.

William educated local residents, government officials, and private business about the benefits of smart growth development. He also developed an online community planners' website including technical and legal materials.

Billy and Sarah created a hands-on, classroom, and community outreach curriculum that gives at-risk youth the opportunity to learn vegetable gardening skills, how to maintain a chicken coop, and how to prepare nutritious, affordable, and accessible meals that they can bring back to their families and larger community.

Wynona conducted statistical research on domestic violence in Orange County, Vermont, under the auspices of SAFELINE. She also produced numerous educational materials to educate victims of domestic abuse and to raise awareness of the problem. Have Justice Will Travel was founded based on this work.

Yashekia worked on the DMC (Disproportionate Minority Contact) Project with the New Hampshire Minority Health Coalition. The DMC Project was established in response to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and exists to reduce the disproportionate amount of contact between the juvenile members of minority groups and the juvenile justice system.

Yasin provided research and helped in the preparation for asylum cases for refugees living in the Upper Valley. He also produced brochures and a FAQ for refugees to help them navigate living in the United States.

Yaunek's project addressed physical and mental health needs of seniors and the elderly through low impact fitness and group activities. The methods used included cardiovascular and stretching exercises, dancing, meditation, and group selected games.

Zach and Scott devised an automated notification system to help individuals get to court on the correct day, at the correct time, and prepared to face a judge. Their project addressed the recurring cycle of pre-conviction imprisonment that besets Vermont's most at risk citizens.

Zoe and Ian developed and implemented a training program to enable Bhutanese refugee elders in Burlington to serve as patient navigators for their community members within the local health care system.