- +1 (802) 658-4143
- [email protected]
- Schedule a Pick-Up
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LEAP provides blind and visually impaired youth virtual and in-person programming opportunities to gain the skills needed to become independent, confident, and productive with the outcome of increased employability.
Join a community of LEAP Mentors and peers to chat, laugh, and learn.
LEAP mentors are blind or visually impaired current and recent college students. Mentors are ready to help you on your own unique journey to develop confidence, independence, and a sense of self.
Tuition: FREE
Monthly Group Meetings ​
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All meetings will take place in the evening.
LEAP is looking forward to our Spring Virtual Program! More information coming the first week of January.
Offerings will include:
LEAP’s virtual program was innovated during COVID and has successfully continued to build connection and community for young blind and visually impaired people across the country.
LEAP’s Residential Program transforms the lives of visually impaired and blind youth through specialized workshops, independent living skills development, social connections, and career readiness in a supportive residential setting.
LEAP offers a unique opportunity for youth with visual impairments to acquire essential skills for both life and work. Our program is designed to nurture independence, ensuring every participant emerges ready to take on the world with newfound confidence.
LEAP provides pre-employment transition services to blind and visually impaired youth ages 14 – 22. Services include a variety of virtual and in-person, overnight programming.Â
Blind and visually impaired youth ages 14-22 who are looking to challenge themselves, make friends, and gain work experience.Â
Connect with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before applying.Â
“What I enjoyed the most was meeting everybody; they were so nice and helpful. I also enjoyed working with other blind and visually impaired folks. I wasn’t the only one with a disability. It was just a great experience all in all.”
“I enjoyed being part of the community and sought the support of my peers and friends.”
“Working at the cafe was very successful because my goals were achieved, and it created an opportunity for a job in the future. I also really enjoyed working with food and customers”
“The most enjoyable part of my worksite was being able to be outside and getting to know new people”
“I got to accomplish a dream I’ve always had to make video games and I’ve finally done it (with the help of others of course)”
“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to be a leader and cultivate leadership skills. I also really enjoyed learning from and collaborating with the other students.”
“To be honest, I enjoyed my whole LEAP experience but the one thing I enjoyed the most was making meaningful connections, sharing experiences that I had with an assignment each week within my small group, and being able to lead our last Friday Round Up.”
In 1936 the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. Section 107 et seq.) established the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program, more commonly known as the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). Here in Vermont, the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is the state licensing agency administering this program. BEP is a self employment program. The federal and state laws governing this program require that candidates are to be legally blind, a U.S. Citizen, and must complete our training program.
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Licensed Operators are trained to run one of DBVI’s food service facilities as self-employed entrepreneurs, keeping 100% of the profits! Our facilities consist of cafe and vending machine operations, located in federal and state building throughout Vermont. Qualified candidates are assigned to facilities as they become available.
For more information contact:
Pam Schirner
BEP Program Director
[email protected]
802.233.2338
We’re here to help! Whether you have questions, need more information, or want to share your feedback, please feel free to reach out to us.
Dial: 711
@learnearnandprosper
LEAP Program Manager
[email protected]
(802) 777-1921
LEAP Connect Project Director
[email protected]
802-999-5369
LEAP Program Coordinator
[email protected]
(847) 354-0450
LEAP Virtual Developer
[email protected]
(802) 598-2138
BEP Program Director
[email protected]
(802) 233-2338
A NONPROFIT COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE
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ReSOURCE © 2024 – A Proud Partner of the American Job Center Network
Thank you for thinking of ReSOURCE for donations of your furniture and large appliances! We are proud to offer pick-up services in Chittenden County and Central Vermont.
Career Start is a program designed for high school students to gain hands-on experience and technical skills in various departments at ReSOURCE’s Burlington or Barre locations.
High school students enrolled in school are eligible to participate in the Career Start program.
The program provides hands-on experience in ReSOURCE departments, technical skills training, and monthly personal and professional development classes.
There is a fee of $1500, but tuition is waived for qualifying Vermonters.
Departments include Customer Service & Retail, Office Administration, Computers and Electronics, Overlook Cafe, and Large Appliances, among others.
Yes, students earn a monthly stipend
Training covers Health and Wellness, Goal Setting and Achievement, Leadership Development, Career Planning, and Financial Literacy.
Interested individuals should contact ReSOURCE’s Training and Development Manager, Susan Uthmann, for enrollment details.
Please contact:
Susan Uthmann
Training and Development Manager
[email protected]
802.857.4340
Our partners help us to provide $125,000 worth of goods to over 2,000 individuals/families in Chittenden, Lamoille, and Washington Counties, and the greater Vermont area.
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For interest in joining our program please email [email protected] to learn more about the next application cycle or any availability in become a new partner agency.
We make award decisions each December for the next calendar year and notify partners so our clients can request vouchers.