United Way of Northwest Vermont, Inc. in South Burlington, Vermont has been awarded a $20,000 Invest in Others Grant for Good to support Working Bridges, an innovative program that helps working Vermonters stay employed, advance in their careers, and achieve long-term financial stability.
🎥 Watch the video featuring Connie Beal, Working Bridges Director, to learn more about how this program is changing lives and strengthening Vermont’s workforce.
Across Vermont, many individuals are working hard every day yet still face barriers that threaten job retention and upward mobility. Unexpected expenses, childcare challenges, transportation issues, or gaps in access to community resources can quickly turn a good job into an unsustainable one. United Way’s Working Bridges program exists to close that gap.
Working Bridges is designed to support both employees and students by connecting them with the tools, coaching, and community resources they need to succeed. The program partners with employers and educational institutions to provide personalized support that addresses real-life challenges, before those challenges become crises.
Participants receive one-on-one coaching from trained Working Bridges staff who help them navigate financial goals, access benefits and services, and develop plans for long-term stability. By focusing on job retention and advancement, not just job placement, the program strengthens individuals, families, and the broader workforce.
The impact extends beyond the individual. Employers benefit from reduced turnover, increased productivity, and a more stable workforce. Communities benefit when residents are able to maintain steady employment, grow their incomes, and build financial resilience.
The Invest in Others Grant for Good will help United Way of Northwest Vermont expand the reach and impact of Working Bridges, ensuring more Vermonters can stay on track professionally and financially. With this support, the program can continue to meet people where they are and provide practical, compassionate assistance tailored to their needs.
Invest in Others is proud to support organizations like United Way of Northwest Vermont that are creating measurable, community-centered impact. By investing in innovative solutions like Working Bridges, Invest in Others helps ensure that hardworking individuals are not left behind, and that communities grow stronger together.
