Sunrise Family Resource Center Recognizes Community Partners

BENNINGTON - Sunrise Family Resource Center held their Annual Meeting on October 30 at the Publyk House in Bennington. Included in Sunrise's Annual Meeting is a recognition of community partner organizations and individuals for their outstanding services with children and families. Peter Lawrence, Vice Chair of Sunrise's Board of Directors, held a brief board meeting to install new officers to the Board and introduced the event's keynote speaker, Representative Jonathan Cooper, who is also Sunrise's Board Chair.

Cooper began his remarks by expressing his gratitude on behalf of Sunrise for Peter Lawrence's 11 years of service on the Sunrise Board. Lawrence is exiting Sunrise's board after over a decade of dedication to the organization. Cooper thanked Lawrence for his thoughtfulness and kindness as well as his commitment to Sunrise's mission of strengthening families. Lawrence has served on the Board as a critical member through many new opportunities that have helped expand the organization into new horizons.

Throughout his keynote address, Cooper highlighted how Sunrise shines as a beacon of hope amidst uncertain and tense times. He spoke about the turmoil throughout the world and the dangers and confusion that arise from all of the fighting in every aspect of modern life. He quoted a speech made by then presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy at the University of Kansas in 1968. In referencing what Kennedy termed a "poverty of satisfaction, purpose, and dignity," Cooper suggested that community members focus instead on the things that make life worth living, namely, the pride that can be found in individuals and in families. Cooper underscored the importance that Sunrise plays in the community, putting families at the center while encouraging the unique strengths and perseverance of the individual.
To commemorate the importance of community partnership, the Board of Directors presented Community Service Awards to several individuals and community partners from the area. Rachael Clark, Chief Operating Officer of Old Brick Furniture, accepted the Distinguished Community Partner Award on behalf of the company for their support of local families. Old Brick Furniture has partnered with Sunrise to provide brand new furniture, including delivery and installation, free of charge to families in need. This partnership began when John Winchester, a family advocate at Sunrise, reached out to Old Brick with a request for a bed donation for a family whose children were sleeping on the floor. Old Brick's response was immediate and impactful: "we do not let children sleep on floors." Clark spoke about Old Brick's origins as Bennington Furniture and their longstanding commitment to Bennington County.

Kassondra Gaylord, practice owner of Chockstone Behavioral Consulting, accepted the Distinguished Individual Service Award for her work providing Applied Behavior Analytic Services to families. Sunrise staff nominated Gaylord for this award for her dedication and willingness to meet families where they are to ensure that their children receive the services that they need to thrive.

Aaron Gilbert, of Aaron Gilbert Building and Renovation, and Rick Bartholdi, of 14th State Plumbing and Heating, accepted Distinguished Sunrise Service Awards for their work on Sunrise's facilities, going above and beyond to provide excellent support to the organization.

Dr. Judy Orton and Jodi Beaudoin received a Community Partner Service Award on behalf of Green Mountain Pediatrics for their commitment to local families, particularly their work in providing mental and behavioral health evaluations to children.

Jennie Rozycki, Director of the John G. McCullough Free Library, accepted a Community Partner Service Award for the library for their work in promoting community and supporting families through their wide array of programming and offerings.

Rachel Quackenbush, social worker at SVMC Pediatrics, received an Individual Service Award for her support of helping families access medical care and navigate the often complex healthcare system.

Sue Plaisance, advertising manager at the Bennington Banner, accepted an Individual Service Award for her involvement in the community, specifically her dedication to Warm the Children as a committed member of their community team.

Lindsay Vajda, Executive Director of the Bennington Housing Authority, received an Individual Service Award for her support of families in the housing field.

Britney Bowen, property manager at Cornerstone Property Management, accepted an Individual Service Award for her work with Sunrise's Family Supportive Housing program.

Lori Yunger, Family Services Coordinator, filling in for Sunrise's Director Denise Main congratulated Caitlin Harrington, Youth Development Coordinator, and herself for their 10-year anniversaries at Sunrise. Yunger also recognized Michelle Weyers, Sunrise Service Coordinator, for 25 years of dedication to the organization.

Yunger announced the special recognition of Sunrise's volunteer spotlight which was presented to Heather Snow. Snow was highlighted as the facilitator of Sunrise's only parent-led playgroup which she has led in Arlington since 2023.

Along with the Community Service Awards, Sunrise staff nominated one of their peers to be presented with the Bonnie Prentiss Memorial Award. This award was established in 2008 to honor the memory of Bonnie Prentiss, Sunrise's beloved Early Care & Education Teacher, who died from cancer in 2007. Staff members select a colleague that they believe best embodies the qualities that Bonnie possessed. Last year's recipient Mindy Shoestock presented this year's Bonnie Prentiss Memorial Award to John Winchester. Winchester's dedication to families was underscored with staff stating that, "the families he serves often don't want to end working with him because he builds such great relationships." In his speech, Winchester thanked the Board of Directors, his coworkers, his wife, and his parents who were in attendance. Winchester has worked with families in Bennington County since 1985.

If you are interested in receiving Sunrise's Annual Report, or would like to join the mailing list, please contact Sarah Callan, Grants and Communications Specialist, at scallan@sunrisepcc.com.

Tiffany Gaghich