Editor's note: We had hoped to run this story in the Nov. 27 issue but were unable. The auction takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Our apologies to our friends at Families First for the stumble.
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BRATTLEBORO-There's still time to make your bid in the Families First Giving Tuesday Auction, where you can choose from almost 100 items donated by local businesses and artisans to support the nonprofit that supports adults and youth with developmental disabilities, helping them live their best lives.
In 2023, the organization bought and moved into the historic Famolare/Bordertown Farm in South Brattleboro, also formerly known as the Vermont Agricultural Business Education Center. The price tag was $1.75 million, and Program and Outreach Coordinator Laura Chapman credits the organization's chief financial officer and board of directors for the "strategic financial planning" that allowed the buy.
"I am told that the Famolare family received a significantly higher offer a couple of days after agreeing to ours, but they amazingly chose to honor our offer knowing the impact that we make on the community," Chapman said.
The new campus now holds Families First's programming, service coordination, nurses, administrative offices, and Banyan House, the organization's residential program for youth engaged with the state Department of Children and Families.
Unfortunately, since buying the farm and moving in, Families First has saved several significant challenges.
Severe flooding from a plumbing failure brought more than 10,000 gallons of water into offices, bathrooms, and programming spaces, displacing the organization for five months while water was removed and bathrooms torn out. Kitchen and laundry facility and some offices were inaccessible.
"We look forward to returning to our space soon," Chapman said, noting that some flooding issues were resolved by insurance.
"During this time, we also discovered that the buildings needed some other non-flood related repairs and costly upgrades to the tune of $194,000 for our heating and cooling systems," she added. "We expect to receive some incentives but know that won't nearly cover the costs."
Auction hopes to raise $20,000
Businesses, craftspeople, and others have donated more than $6,000 of goods to the auction, through which Families First hopes to raise $20,000.
"While we're raising funds for building needs, we're also looking for programming funds as well," Chapman said.
One important and impactful program at Families First is its self-advocate-run group BRAG (Brattleboro Regional Advocacy Group). The BRAG program "cultivates a nurturing community where self-advocates can lead, inspire, and enact meaningful change in their lives and beyond, helping heal past trauma and preventing future trauma."
As described on the website of Green Mountain Self Advocates, based in Montpelier, self-advocacy is a civil rights movement for people with intellectual disabilities to become empowered to advocate for their rights and their needs, developing skills, community, and confidence along the way.
BRAG officers help identify safety concerns within the community and invite appropriate agencies and community partners, such as the Moover public transit services, to discuss concerns and strategies.
All programming is self-advocate-centered, if not directly led by self-advocates.
Jenny Raineville is a self-advocate and a BRAG officer.
"Money for programming is really important because without it we could not go on field trips, have cooking classes, or have book clubs," she says.
"Book club is a great group at Families First that I help lead. Cooking classes help us become more independent. Music group gives us time with our friends. I love having these groups and learning different things. Please consider donating," she continues.
Proceeds from the auction, which ends Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 9 p.m., will help defray system repair expenses and support ongoing programming needs.
Auction items include too nights at All One Farm Retreat's yurt, a VermontTime Adventure Getaway package, theater and movie tickets, various gift cards, artisans' work, items for children and babies, camping equipment, books, specialty food, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and more.
To be a part of the auction and contribute to the cause, visit givebutter.com/c/XlJMph/auction by 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
To support Families First anytime, mail your check to Families First, 11 University Way, Brattleboro, VT 05301 or follow the Donate link at familiesfirstvt.org. More information about the auction can be found there as well.
This News item by Virginia Ray was written for The Commons.