Kathryn believed that community doesn't just happen — it's built, deliberately and together, by people who show up for one another. In the weeks since her passing, we've been moved beyond words by the outpouring of love and support from so many of you.
If you're looking for a way to honor her, we hope you'll consider channeling that generosity toward a place that embodied everything she stood for: The Janet S Munt Family Room .
Why the Family Room
The Family Room isn't just a cause we believe in — it's a place our family has been part of. Our kids have loved the community it cultivates: the warmth, the playgroups, the sense that every family belongs there regardless of where they come from or what they're going through.
But the Family Room also advances causes that Kathryn cared about deeply. Access to childcare and early childhood support. Welcoming and serving Burlington's immigrant and refugee families. Providing social services — food, diapers, health care, case management — to any family who needs them, no questions asked. These are values Kathryn lived by.
What the Family Room Does
Located in Burlington's Old North End, the Janet S. Munt Family Room is a parent-child center open to all Chittenden County families with children from prenatal to age 5. Every one of their 29+ programs is free of charge and low-barrier. Each year they support over 1,600 individuals — families from 63 countries of origin, speaking over 40 languages, more than half living at or below the Federal Poverty Level.
Their programs include:
- Drop-in playgroups and family meals where caregivers and kids can connect
- English language classes for immigrant and refugee families
- A health clinic — the Building Strong Families Clinic, run in partnership with UVM Children's Hospital — serving immigrant families with interpreting services provided
- Fatherhood programs, including case management and support groups for dads
- Family support and home visiting for families navigating challenges
- Concrete supports including food, diapers, and help with paperwork and applications for families who can't access state and federal programs
As they put it: "We provide more than services — we cultivate a sense of belonging."
Honoring Kathryn
Donations made here will go directly toward The Family Room. If you'd prefer, you're also welcome to donate directly on the organization's donation page in honor of Kathryn. It all goes toward funding their work in the Burlington community.
Thank you for being in our family's corner. A silver lining of this awful situation is being able to see the strength of our community and the deep, caring goodness in all people.
Organizer
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Janet S. Munt Family Room
Beneficiary