New Americans seeking citizenship

A quick drive down North Street in Burlington’s Old North End immediately reveals you’re not in typical Vermont.   672226519506One friend describes this neighborhood as a “mini UN” with it’s Himalayan, Thai, and Halaal Markets.  Since 1989 over 6000 refugees have relocated from places like Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq, Bosnia, Burundi, Burma, and Bhutan to the Burlington area transforming Burlington’s Old North End and West Winooski into Vermont’s two most ethnically diverse neighborhoods.  Many of our new neighbors bring moving stories of survival, great work ethic, rich cultural traditions, and a deep appreciation for their home in America.  One of the most significant ways we can serve our new American neighbors is preparing them for the citizenship exam as they seek to become American citizens.Continue Reading

Lunch @ COTS Day Station

Many people in the Burlington area have heard the name COTS: the Committee On Temporary Shelter. In addition to running three overnight shelters, COTS also manages a daytime drop-in shelter located known as the Day Station. COTS is looking for individuals or organizations who are willing to prepare lunch for the forty people utilizing the Day Station this winterContinue Reading

Share a free burrito with shelter guests at Boloco

Boloco, located on Church Street, is hosting a free community dinner with the residents of Burlington Emergency Shelter on the second Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. That means tonight is the night.Continue Reading

Impact homelessness: prep a meal

Many evenings throughout this winter, Burlington Emergency Shelter is in need of individuals or organizations to prepare dinner. Like most service organizations they see a spike in volunteerism over the holidays and a lull with the new year. Unfortunately, the middle of winter is often when help is needed the most. Continue Reading

New citizenship class begins in two weeks

It’s not too late to join Serve Serve Burlington’s first semester of citizenship classes this winter.  This new venture, in partnership with the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program, will meet on Tuesday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m., in the Barnes Sustainability Academy’s Community RoomContinue Reading