The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery

01/09/2026

Recovery doesn’t belong to one field.

It belongs to healthcare.
Education.
Housing.
Justice.
Families.
Communities.

Recovery Day is a reminder that when we stop working in silos, people don’t fall through the cracks.

Be part of the collective. Join us for Recovery Day.
Register Here: bit.ly/Recovery2026

01/08/2026

✨ We’re so excited to share this ✨

The first Umatter® trainings are now live on the Collective Learning Institute of Vermont (CLI-VT) learning platform, and we couldn’t be prouder to carry this work forward.

Now live on CLI-VT:
✔️ Umatter® Su***de Prevention Awareness and Skills Training
✔️ Umatter® for Schools
✔️ Umatter® Training of Trainers

These self-paced courses are rooted in care, connection, and action - supporting communities to show up for one another, strengthen protective factors, and reduce harm before crisis happens.

This is prevention we do together. 💚
🔗 Enroll now: Collective Learning Institute link in bio!!

01/07/2026

Trademark secured. Resolution affirmed. Message protected.

As we carry the Umatter® trainings forward, we want to pause and express our deep gratitude to the people who made this work possible. First and foremost, JoEllen Tarallo, Ed.D., MCHES, FASHA, HC.

JoEllen’s leadership, vision, and care shaped Umatter® into far more than a training curriculum. Her work helped normalize conversations about su***de and substance use, centered dignity and compassion, and empowered communities across Vermont to show up for one another with courage and care.

We are also profoundly thankful to the many educators, prevention professionals, partners, and community members who contributed to Umatter® over the years. Those who developed content, facilitated trainings, supported learners, and believed deeply in prevention as a shared responsibility.

At VAMHAR, we see ourselves as stewards of this legacy. Our commitment is to honor the heart of Umatter® while ensuring this work continues to grow, remain accessible, and meet communities where they are.

This moment is not just a transition, it’s a continuation of collective care, shared learning, and deep respect for the relationships that make prevention possible.

With gratitude and appreciation,
The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery 💚

01/06/2026

We’re proud to share an important milestone for The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR): we are officially carrying forward the Umatter® trainings - and honoring the legacy behind them.

Taking on Umatter® is not just about hosting courses. It’s about stewarding a body of work that has helped countless Vermonters build the confidence, awareness, and compassion needed to support one another through moments of risk and vulnerability.

Why this matters:
Su***de prevention and substance use prevention are not siloed efforts. They live in classrooms, workplaces, families, and communities. Umatter® has always recognized that prevention is relational, practical, and rooted in shared responsibility - and that vision deeply aligns with VAMHAR’s values.

We are committed to:
• Preserving the integrity and intention of Umatter®
• Expanding access to high-quality, community-centered prevention education
• Ensuring this work continues to evolve while staying grounded in care, dignity, and connection

Now live on the Collective Learning Institute of Vermont (CLI-VT) Learning Platform:
✔️ Umatter® Su***de Prevention Awareness and Skills Training
✔️ Umatter® for Schools
✔️ Umatter® Training of Trainers

We are deeply grateful to the educators, advocates, and partners who built Umatter®, and we’re honored to help ensure this work continues to reach the people and communities who need it most.

🔗 Learn more and enroll: vamhar.learnupon.com

01/05/2026

Recovery Day 2026 is officially on the calendar, planning is underway and registration is open!

📍Vermont Supreme Court Auditorium and Vermont State House
🎦In person and live streamed
🗓️ Date: 2/11/2026, 8 am - 3 pm

Please register if you plan to attend in person or virtually. Registration is free and helps with planning for accessibility and participation.
bit.ly/Recovery2026

Recovery Day is a statewide gathering that brings together people with lived experience, family members, service providers, advocates, policymakers, and community partners to honor the many pathways to recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, and co-occurring conditions.
It is both a celebration and a call to action — grounded in the belief that recovery is possible and strengthened when systems, sectors, and communities work collaboratively to support healing and belonging.

As we begin planning for 2026, we are inviting statewide input to help shape the event. Opportunities to Share Your Voice!

Award Nominations
Nominate an individual, organization, or initiative that has made a meaningful impact on recovery in Vermont.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdFc7XS.../viewform

Theme Input
Help guide the theme for Recovery Day 2026, with a focus on collaboration across systems and sectors.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdBB6PA_lgA.../viewform

Keynote Speaker Suggestions
Recommend speakers who can inspire connection, learning, and shared responsibility across Vermont’s recovery landscape.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSenRSVVAr4T9X.../viewform

Recovery Day is shaped by the collective wisdom of Vermont’s recovery community. Thank you for helping ensure this gathering reflects diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives from across the state.

12/31/2025

As we close out this year, we want to pause and offer our sincere thanks to the partners, employers, advocates, and community leaders who continue to show up — thoughtfully, consistently, and with care — especially in complex and challenging moments.

This work asks a lot.
It asks for patience, courage, collaboration, and heart.
And because it’s shared, it creates real and lasting impact.

We’re deeply grateful to do this work alongside such committed partners, and we’re energized by what we can continue building together in the year ahead.

12/30/2025

This week lives in the in-between. The holidays are behind us, the new year hasn’t fully arrived, and many of us are returning to work carrying both reflection and resolve.

At VAMHAR, we see this moment as an invitation. An invitation to notice what worked, what didn’t, and what we want to carry forward into the next chapter of our work together.

What are you carrying forward — and what are you choosing to leave behind?

12/29/2025

As teams return after the holidays, we’re reminded of something we see every day: Workplace wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have.”

It’s foundational to retention, productivity, and long-term economic health.
Mental health, recovery, and support don’t pause during the holidays, and neither does the need for workplaces that understand the full human experience.

As we move into 2026, we’re excited to continue working with employers across Vermont to build cultures where people can show up, stay engaged, and thrive.

To learn more:

VAMHAR’s Recovery Friendly Workplaces initiative empowers Vermont employers to support staff affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Learn how to create a culture of wellness, connection, and recovery at work.

12/26/2025

The day after a holiday can be its own kind of emotional weather.
If you’re feeling tired, relieved, overwhelmed, grateful, lonely, full, or just… DONE... you’re not alone.

Today is a great day to breathe, rest, hydrate, and soften your expectations of yourself.
Take what you need. Leave what you don’t.

We’re right here with you!

12/25/2025

Wishing you a warm, gentle, joyful holiday — in whatever way joy finds you today.

For some, today is full of celebration. For others, it brings mixed emotions, memories, or challenges.
There’s room for all of it.

May you have moments of connection, rest, laughter, or light — whatever your heart needs most.
And may you feel the steady truth that you’re part of a community that cares deeply about you.

Happy holidays, from all of us at VAMHAR. 💛 - Daniel, Lisa, Will, and Martina

12/24/2025

If your holiday season feels like “Silent Night” but emotionally chaotic… you’re not alone. You deserve support, softness, and at least one person who doesn’t ask you to “cheer up for the festivities.”

We see you. We love you. We’re here - messy feelings welcome.