Alburgh Family Clubhouse Fundraiser

How do you reconcile hundreds of years of tradition with the real and pressing challenges of the day? We’ve all had to make changes as we consider the health risks of our friends and family in the age of COVID, and we also love, for so many reasons, our July 4th fireworks.


As is tradition in times of challenge, a little ingenuity and thinking about how to help others came together in an idea. So, Green Mountain Fireworks thought, "Let’s create a new kind of fireworks show from a secret location (at least until the show begins), broadcast the show for all to see, and use this as a way to help working families get back on their feet given all our current challenges."


There are many amazing organizations doing great work in the area. One that stood out to us was Alburgh Family Clubhouse (AFC), which was in the process of raising funds to complete development when COVID hit the nation. As families strive to return to work and address the new and various challenges their children face today, the Alburgh Family Clubhouse mission is even more important, and more than timely in helping families help themselves get back on their feet.


Purpose


The Alburgh Family Clubhouse addresses the urgent need for local childcare, including infant, toddler, pre-school, and after-school programs. The Clubhouse will also help advance educational achievement among under performing students, as well as provide the community with a variety of valuable parenting resources and support.


Background


Throughout Vermont, and particularly in rural areas such as Alburgh in Grand Isle County, there are not enough childcare providers to meet the needs of working families. There is also a lack of related and vital family support services including, early learning programs, playgroups, parenting education, and parent support. Affordable child care benefits parents by allowing them to stay in the workforce, directly impacting our economy, and children in high-quality early learning environments have better educational, developmental,and health outcomes than their peers without similar access. The bottom line is, quality childcare is a critical component in helping our most vulnerable children get a good start in life.


Status


 The Alburgh Family Clubhouse, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation and to date, we have secured about $750,000 in Federal grants. With about 75% of funding in place, we are exploring additional State funding opportunities, and we welcome donations from citizens, businesses, and philanthropic organizations. Our goal is to be up-and-running by Fall 2021, and no later than Spring 2022.


Partners


Partners

The Clubhouse started as a grassroots community effort, and thanks to the hard and good work

of the “Alburgh Promise Community Steering Committee,” has evolved into an action-oriented

collaboration among:


Alburgh Community Education Center

Alburgh Public Library

Alburgh Schoolboard

Alburgh Selectboard

Grand Isle Supervisory Union

Northwest Regional Planning Commission

Town & Village of Alburgh

United Way of Northwest Vermont

Dozens of citizens of all ages, backgrounds, and expertise Alburgh Family Clubhouse