By: Coalition Coordinator Jessica Bickford
“Times and seasons.” This one phrase has been my background thought pattern for the many changes over the last year. This phrase has helped me let go of things savored and embrace the new. It’s also served as a reminder that there is another side to tough things. Today, I share that phrase with you. “Times and seasons….”
It is now the time and season for me to step away from my much-loved work in the Lamoille Valley and step into learning and supporting a new region, Central Vermont. I am excited…but like with any good endings there will be some tears along the way. Ok, before those begin to flow let me get back to the details…
Where I started: I began my work with Healthy Lamoille Valley in January of 2014 as a part-time admin assistant. There were two of us working 20 hours a week with a few strategic subgrants. Since that time, we have built an amazing team of staff and partners, become a formal program of the Lamoille Family Center (they truly are a family) while maintaining a coalition working model, and woven prevention efforts throughout the Lamoille Valley. It’s been an amazing journey made possible by so many of you that care so deeply about community. It’s hard not to get poetic about the last 12 years.
Where I’m going: My love has always been building and growing things – we’ve done that well here, and I now join the Central Vermont Prevention Coalition to grow primary prevention in 24 towns in Central Vermont (the Barre Health District.) This aligns with our family’s goals well. I was not looking to make a change, but when I saw the posting, it aligned too well to not explore. It’s a great fit with lots of room for growing prevention.
What’s on the Horizon for Healthy Lamoille Valley: The Lamoille Family Center is committed to seeing Healthy Lamoille Valley continue to grow and evolve as all sustainable coalitions do. Many years ago the Department of Health awarded us a Prevention Infrastructure Grant for just such a time as this. It allowed us to think beyond today and plan for long term sustainability. As a result, we have great systems to share information across staff – ideas and vision no longer just camp out in my head. Staff are cross-trained and hold processes together. You – the community – have a vital role in holding the work. Prevention, while science, is also an art like a good piece of music. Different voices and instruments play at different times and have different parts. Just as each of you do. I have just had the honor of conducting this one… ok, back to what is on the horizon… planning and thinking… this is an opportunity to evaluate coalition structure and lean into strengths. We have workplans and work that will continue…. how the coalition gets there may shift to meet the needs…please consider joining us at our upcoming coalition meeting on 7/21/26 at our new time of 10:00-11:30AM as we lean into this process.
With joy and gratitude,
Jess
Healthy Lamoille Valley July Coalition Meeting
NEW TIME 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Tuesday, July 21st
Morrisville Health Department, Large Conference Room
67 Professional Drive, Morrisville, VT
OR join online, email jessica@healthylamoillevalley.org for the link
Photo: Jessica Bickford, first row, second from right, with coworkers and colleagues at the 2026 Prevention Works! VT Annual Prevention Conference