The Vermont Tradition: Welcome or Scare?

The Letter to the Editor below was submitted to news outlets across the state by the VT-NH Asylum Support Network earlier this week. However, they found an inaccuracy, which has been removed. Here we are publishing the updated, correct letter: Recently, an asylum seeker family was detained by Customs & Border Patrol near the Vermont-Canada …

Fear And Hope

February 24, 2025 0 Comments

President’s Letter – February 24, 2025 Dear CVRAN Community, Reporters, interviewers all are asking: what is the impact of budget cuts and policy changes on Vermonters, specifically on Vermont organizations working with immigrants? The answer is becoming increasingly clear. It is terrible for everyone. Just how terrible is it for us, for CVRAN? Initially, one …

Welcome To Our New Executive Director – Ali Zenie!

February 24, 2025 0 Comments

My name is Ali Zenie and I am very excited to join the Montpelier community as Executive Director of CVRAN. I come from a family of educators and knew early on that I wanted to work with kids and families. At age 18, I took my first opportunity to jump into a classroom, which was …

The Fifth Annual March Arts Marathon is Coming!

February 19, 2025 0 Comments

At least 40 artists and other creators have signed up to be part of this fundraiser for the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network (CVRAN). These wonderful creative and generous people will be sharing near daily updates as they paint, draw, write, sing, photograph and more during the month of March. You can sponsor an artist …

New Vermonters Are Being Detained By ICE

February 17, 2025 0 Comments

This VT Digger article covers what happened when a New Vermonter and his family got lost on their way to Costco.

News Round-up!

People walking in snowy woods
February 14, 2025 0 Comments

Happy snowy February! For those who love winter, February is delivering!  If curling up with some reading material is your thing to do when the weather is cold outside, here are some pieces you might find of interest. It’s Valentines Day and a favorite gift is chocolate. Have you ever considered where your chocolate comes …

New Public Tracker Available To Document ICE Activity In Vermont

February 3, 2025 0 Comments

Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations are changing in Vermont, and across the country, as the new administration begins its efforts to reduce immigration into the US. Though Vermont hasn’t experienced much enforcement activity in the past, things are changing and the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP) is looking for help in documenting what’s happening. VAAP …

Immigration And ICE: Rights, Obligations, and Support for Businesses

February 2, 2025 0 Comments

What do the new federal actions mean for your business or non-profit? Does your team know their rights and obligations should ICE come to your place of work? Join an expert panel of Vermont and national leaders to get your questions answered. This webinar is offered as a partnership of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, …

Congratulations Yolanda!

January 29, 2025 0 Comments

We’re really excited to share with you that Yolanda Bansah, who has been CVRAN’s Volunteer Coordinator since last fall, has received the National John Lewis Youth Leadership Award! Yolanda was one of two young Vermonters to receive the award from the Vermont Secretary of State. Please join in us in congratulating her! You can learn …

Looking For March Arts Marathon Artists!

several brightly colored paintbrushes. Image: Rhondak Native Florida Folk Artist, Unsplash.com
January 22, 2025 0 Comments

PLEASE share this post with artists, writers, and creators you know! The Marathon is our main fundraiser, helping us help new Vermonters. Are you an artist, creator, or a writer? Do you know someone who is? The Central Vermont Refugee Action Network (CVRAN) invites painters, writers, poets, musicians, fabric and multimedia artists, sculptors, and photographers …