The LeadSafe Initiative: FY II

The LeadSafe Initiative, operated out of Central Vermont Community Action Agency, Inc. (CVCAC) in Barre, Vermont through the Micro Business Development Program (MBDP), provides self-employment strategies of micro-business development and expansion for income-qualified individuals with a focus on lead paint safety training and certification. In partnership with the Vermont Housing Conservation Board (VHCB) State Lead Abatement program, the LeadSafe Initiative provides a variety of lead paint safety training, from Essential Maintenance Practices to Lead Abatement Certification.

The initiative offers supplemental and industry specific training in the areas of cleaning, consulting/inspecting, deconstructing, and lead abatement contracting.

The project also offers core business and "soft skills" training, intensive case management, access to capital, linking clients with mentors, securing job contracts, and referring client to other community resources. The overall project goal of LeadSafe is to create 55 jobs for low-income people in Central Vermont, through self-employment, with an average wage of $12.50 in the first year of operation and access to quality health care and childcare.

For more information about this study or to request additional copies of this report, please contact Michele Cranwell Schmidt, Evaluation Coordinator, at mschmidt@uvm.edu, call (802) 656-0256 or visit www.uvm.edu/crs/.

Vermont Kitchens Project, 2000-2003

The Vermont Kitchens Project is operated out of Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc., located in Barre, Vermont, with grant funding provided by the JOLI program from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service. The Vermont Kitchens Project focuses on self-employment strategies of micro-business development and expansion for income qualified individuals. Through JOLI funding, the project offers core business training with industry-specific training; links participants with marketing resources; and provides intensive case management that continues beyond start-up for the duration of the project. A major anticipated outcome of the Vermont Kitchens project is that participants who complete the program will earn decent incomes, have access to benefits such as health care and child care, and experience growth in their businesses.

Two main evaluation activities were conducted during the third fiscal year of the Vermont Kitchens Project from September 1, 2002 to August 31, 2003. These include a client follow up survey and four client focus groups.

For more information about this study or to request additional copies of this report, please contact Michele Cranwell Schmidt, Evaluation Coordinator, at mschmidt@uvm.edu, call (802) 656-0256 or visit www.uvm.edu/crs/.