Mosaic Vermont

Mosaic Vermont, Inc. Supported and empowered people who experienced sexual harm to take steps toward healing. Through the provision of services such as our 24-hour helpline; safety planning; direct financial support; advocacy at sexual assault nurse examinations; assistance applying for victim's compensation; support in court hearings or at crime related appointments or interviews; referrals to and support in accessing community resources; parent, friend, and caregiver support; and case management, we helped people begin to heal from harm. More than 5,000 direct responses to harm were provided, serving 277 individuals. Mosaic Vermont, Inc. was an active member program of the Vermont network against domestic and sexual violence, working for statewide solutions for people who have been harmed, as well as an end to violence. Mosaic is thrilled that we have become the home of the central Vermont new directions coalition at Mosaic, we know that addiction and violence are intimately connected. Many people in our communities are suffering from these overlapping crises, but prevention, treatment, and support often remain separate and siloed. A more holistic approach to prevention offers us a wider lens for supporting those most in need while providing different perspectives for decision-makers, funders, and collaborators. We're so excited to watch this programming unfold next year

Mosaic's annual take back the night (tbtn) event came to life through the collaborative efforts of youth from various schools across Washington county. The spirited march resounded with resolute voices and impassioned calls to action, while the heartfelt speak-out nurtured healing as the community stood together in support. The youth organizers of tbtn reflected that they set out to create something meaningful, yet the profound impact it had to participate and to witness was beyond their expectations. "the speak-out was really impactful for a lot of people, not just in people telling their stories but to hear someone else tell a story similar or totally different from your own. I felt the power of solidarity in a way i don't think i've ever felt before." -tbtn committee member.

Mosaic's prevention programming centers around mobilizing power that is already present in the community. We want to amplify the strengths already present and empower others, specifically youth, to use their voices. Youth are the future of prevention work and Mosaic wants to help create opportunities for youth to start early through paid partnerships. This year, we had 3 genz leap (leadership and empowerment with adult partnerships) program participants who focused on implementing sexual violence prevention through community presentations around consent and how to be an askable adult for youth. Two high school students, alice and annora, created their own curriculum and led presentations for their peers in the 7th grade class on basic consent and healthy relationships. "it was really meaningful to me, being able to talk to students who are younger than me and teaching them about this stuff. I mean, i'm not that much older than them but i wish i had that kind of thing when i was in middle school. " - genz leap participant Mosaic piloted our bright lights peer advocacy program at harwood union high school. For years, we heard from youth that they are most likely to turn to peers first for support, so we wanted to support and inform the peers around being an advocate in their community. This program had a total of 17 youth participate and take with them new skills, resources, and knowledge to support and advocate for their peers who have experienced sexual violence.

In april Mosaic wrapped up sexual assault awareness month (saam), with a live storytelling event. Storytelling provides a platform to empathize with others, enabling us to bear witness to their unique experiences. For survivors and the entire community, this is an avenue for healing and empowerment and for fostering strength and resilience. Under the theme "lost & found," our event showcased tales of loss and sadness mingled with stories of magic, lost dogs, and clumsy husbands. Amidst the heartfelt stories, we discovered the unexpected, finding treasures in the most unlikely places.