We believe in our community’s young people

Get Involved

Become a Mentor
Many youth in our community are in need of positive adult role models—somebody to spend time with, to do fun activities with, and somebody who will listen. We are in the business of matching caring, compassionate, and responsible adults with the youth that Spectrum serves. The youth seeking mentors in our program are eager to be matched with an adult who will take an interested in his/her life.

Volunteer
Last year, 142 volunteers gave 11,485 hours of work that saved Spectrum $172,275. There are many opportunities for volunteering or interning with Spectrum. The following is a list of volunteer opportunities available through Spectrum. The staff is also able to create a unique position to suit a volunteer's personal interests and talents.

Donate
Check out our Website www.spectrumvt.org and donate online. We invite you to become a Guardian of Youth—a monthly giving program where you contribute through automatic bank or credit card transfers. Consider a charitable trust or other planned giving opportunities. Fund a project, or sponsor an event. There are lots of opportunities to help young people in our community make a successful transition to a productive adulthood.

Our Story

Did you know that Senator Patrick Leahy, then Vermont State’s Attorney, was one of Spectrum’s early board members? It was 1970 and a group of community members wanted to have a shelter that would house the growing number of young people who were running away from their foster homes. The Burlington Ecumenical Action Ministry (BEAM) teamed up with this group of concerned citizens to found SHAC, which stood for Shelter Action and later became known as Spectrum Youth and Family Services.

Today, Spectrum has greatly expanded our services and programs to provide young people with the key elements for success. At Spectrum, we believe we are doing work that is life saving.

The Spectrum shelter helped me out so much. It led to so many other things. Spectrum worked with me to get a stable place to live. They helped me find a job. I got my GED. Spectrum staff threw a graduation party for me. They supported me when I had some hard times— And they helped me find healthy and positive hobbies. Without Spectrum, I don’t know where I would be today. They saved my life and helped me open my eyes and realize how much was out there for me.
                                    ---Denise, 19 years old

This is just one of the many stories we could share with you. We make a difference in the community by supporting young people to make the transition to a successful adulthood - becoming productive members of society. We work one-on-one with each youth to develop an individual achievement plan that includes mental and physical health, substance abuse recovery, life skills, and education and employment goals to ensure they attain and sustain self-sufficiency

Contact us for more information: