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Conclusion The number of Vermonters needing Reach Up financial assistance has continued to decline over the last year. Conversely, the Reach Ahead caseload has increased, indicating that many Reach Up participants are moving successfully off the program and into employment. However, current participants are still experiencing significant challenges including financial, transportation, and health issues. Continual improvements to the program aim to use nationally recognized best-practices to serve low income families with a high degree of compassion, knowledge, and accountability. Some of these enhancements include: • Providing on-going professional development to staff so they can serve participants in ways that are most effective • Integrating financial capability into the program including savings incentives and credit building • Working with Mathematica Research Organization to develop a Strategic Plan, Mission and Vision for Reach Up • Continuing efforts to serve the whole family, by using 2-Gen core concepts • Teaming with the Family Services Division, Parent Child Centers, housing organizations, and mental health/substance use services to coordinate services for families • Home visiting pilot in Newport

With these enhancements, participants are reaching their goals and achieving employment. Reach Up is providing needed services to help improve child well-being, and to improve prospects for those children in the future.

Reach Up fulfills an important role in reducing poverty in Vermont. We recognize that it is only in close collaboration with other state agencies, departments, community organizations, and businesses that the most effective work will be done. Reach Up strives to work as part of a community to provide all Vermont families an opportunity for a better future.