Burlington, Vt. June 17, 2022 – Vermont Green FC is partnering with the GreenSavingSmart program to help grow awareness of the statewide initiative that advances equity by addressing energy burdens – a household’s energy expenses divided by its income – and financial literacy. Vermont Green FC will host GreenSavingSmart as the community spotlight at their June 18 game against the Boston Bolts. Statewide Lead, Kelsey Gibb, and Financial and Energy Coach, Jen Myers, will speak at halftime and host a table for attendees to learn more. Vermont Green FC will also be promoting the program through its digital channels to raise awareness.
GreenSavingSmart launched in March of 2022 to provide free coaching services and assistance to low- to moderate-income individuals and families and prioritizes BIPOC and New American communities who historically have lacked appropriate and sufficient support navigating the complex landscape of Vermont’s services and programs provided by energy efficiency utilities, financial institutions, local utility companies, fuel providers, and others.
This initiative, spearheaded by Capstone Community Action (Capstone) in Barre, will be delivered through the Vermont Community Action Partnership (VCAP), including BROC Community Action in Southwestern VT, Capstone in Central VT, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) in Northwestern VT, Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA), and Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA). This network comprises the largest anti-poverty organization in Vermont.
Coaches listen to the needs of eligible participants, provide support and resources for participants to overcome unique barriers, manage personal finances, cut costs, enroll in available programs, and continue strengthening skills that advance personal financial and energy goals. For more information on the program and to enroll, visit: https://www.greensavingsmart.org/.
“GreenSavingSmart is excited to partner with Vermont Green Football Club to share the ways that Vermonters can increase their energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs while working towards a more environmentally sustainable approach to energy use. We share the belief that environmental justice and social justice go hand in hand,” says Jen Myers, Financial and Energy Coach at CVOEO.
Vermont Green FC was founded on a mission to advance environmental justice in and through soccer. The Club believes addressing the social inequities inherent in environmental challenges is the most effective and efficient way to solve environmental challenges. Housing and transportation are prime examples of basic human needs that intersect environmental stewardship and social justice. Lead and radon exposure, asthma risks from poor indoor air quality, safety risks associated with aging vehicles, and natural disaster preparedness are some of the burdens disproportionately harming low-income and BIPOC communities. Addressing these inequities improves health, wellbeing, and financial security, while reducing the burden on the environment through reduced energy use and carbon emissions, and reduced toxic chemical contamination, among other benefits.
“We are building strong and long-term relationships with former refugee and immigrant communities through soccer and recognize the need to help bridge the gap between the comprehensive, albeit complex, array of existing services that can improve the health and financial security of these communities and the communities themselves. The intentional, equitable approach of this program is much needed and we’re grateful we can play a small role in helping it reach the communities it is intended to serve,” said Keil Corey, Vermont Green FC Chief Purpose Officer.
June 18 Match Information
The GreenSavingSmart community spotlight will take place at Vermont Green FC’s next home match on June 18th against the Boston Bolts. The game will kick off at 4pm and program staff will speak about the program at halftime. For tickets, please visit: https://vtgrn.com/JUNE18MATCHTIX
ABOUT VERMONT COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
Incorporated in 1978, the Vermont Community Action Partnership (VCAP) is the state association for Vermont’s five Community Action Agencies. These Agencies operate through federal, state, and private funding to provide programs and services to Vermonters with low or moderate-income. To learn more, visit: https://vermontcap.org/