Facing These Hardships Together

August 13, 2025 0 Comments

We don’t need to tell you that this is a brutal time for refugees and asylum seekers in the United States. The news about the attacks of the federal administration against all immigrants is constant and overwhelming. We want to share the issues to date and the expected impacts for those in Vermont, as well …

You, Our Essential And Amazing Volunteers!

Two women hanging up curtains. Image: Kelly McCracken
June 6, 2025 0 Comments

Hello CVRAN Community. I have been in this role as board president for six weeks now. There are so many topics I could write about in my first president’s letter, so many exciting events and challenging issues. I want to focus on the most core aspect of CVRAN: you, our volunteers. We are constantly impressed …

Annual Meeting Perspectives

April 25, 2025 0 Comments

April 19, 2025 Dear CVRAN Community, April 15th was not only tax day. It was also the day of the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network annual meeting. 67 people were able to make the occasion at the Unitarian Church, not only our annual meeting but also our 10th birthday, ten years since our founding in …

Current Stories

March 27, 2025 0 Comments

March 25, 2025 Dear CVRAN Community, What has happened in the last month within our own organization? How do we continue to try to meet new and difficult circumstances? This doesn’t seem a time for an essay, but for a few sample stories. A Haitian family of 3 was too scared to travel to Vermont …

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 …

CVRAN Responds To Uncertain Times

A row of luminarias, Joshua Rodriguez on Unsplash.com
December 22, 2024 0 Comments

December 21, 2024 Dear CVRAN Community, This is a time of year many of us pause and take stock. We all seek for hope and peace in the dark of the year. One pressing issue for CVRAN is what will be happening ahead on the immigration front? We are trying to respond and stay flexible. …

Magical Mirror Reflects CVRAN

birds in a mirror on the grass. Jovis Aloor, Unsplash.com.
October 31, 2024 0 Comments

October 31, 2024 Dear CVRAN Community, Let me give you a treat. Have you ever collectively looked in the mirror? There are amazing views to see. First and foremost, there are our new neighbors, settling into Central Vermont, having found a new home where they are welcomed, contributing members of our society. The Montpelier schoolyards …

A Seedling To A Tree: A Decade of Amazing Growth

Drawing of red maple leaves, seeds, and flowers. From Asa Gray's 1880s "Forest Trees of North America."
July 8, 2024 0 Comments

July 6, 2024 Dear CVRAN Community, Big News: Strategic planning sessions lead CVRAN to look for an executive director, more strong leaders and board members, and plans to launch a fundraising campaign to help it happen! How did a little CVRAN seedling, based solely on volunteers and dedication, grow into such a robust tree? How …

Springtime At CVRAN

Spring daffodils. Image: Angela Shambaugh
April 30, 2024 0 Comments

May 2024 Dear CVRAN Community, April is a month of transition, and it’s a month of amazing change and growth. Each day there is a new bud bursting into flower, but there are also many spring chores to do, old branches to prune away, debris to pick up. It is a fitting time for CVRAN …

Celebrations

Candle shining in the dark. Image: David Monje on Unsplash.com
February 1, 2024 0 Comments

February, 2024 Dear CVRAN Community, Greetings on a snowy morning. We in Vermont get used to shifting weather, and the different types of preparation for each foray outside. On this grey day, I want to share with you some causes for celebration! Have you noticed, that like the Vermont weather, our work with CVRAN goes …