Vision & Mission
ACT envisions a future where all can thrive. Our mission is to promote the well-being of young people through health education, basic needs access, and leadership opportunities.
Belief Statement
When young people know they are cared for and that their basic needs will be met, they are better equipped to face life’s challenges. Providing for these needs is a powerful way to foster connection and resilience, helping youth understand that they matter and are valued. By working collaboratively, communities can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where every young person feels they truly belong.
Who We Are
ACT Staff
Dare Chammings
Director
Alyssa Irizarry
Programs Coordinator
Community Collaboration
ACT engages with 12 sectors of the community to reduce youth substance use and advance equitable health outcomes for all. These sectors are: Parents, Youth, Education/Schools, State or Local Government, Media, Businesses, Law Enforcement, Youth-Serving Organizations, Religious/Fraternal Organizations, Volunteer Organizations, Healthcare Professionals and Other Substance Abuse Prevention Organizations.
Any individual, business, or organization can become a member of ACT! Learn more here.
ACT’s History
The Alliance for Community Transformations (ACT), formerly the Tobacco-Free Community Partners or TFCP, was created in 1995 in partnership with Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s Community Health Improvement Programs to address community needs around tobacco prevention. At the time, the rates of tobacco use, especially among youth, were very high. A group formed to address tobacco prevention and treatment in the region.
In 2011, the coalition changed its name to the Alliance for Community Transformations and expanded its areas of focus. The new name and broader focus allowed for a multi-faceted approach to population health through the lens of community engagement, education, advocacy, and healthy community design.
ACT has successfully engaged the region in the adoption of policies and provision of education on issues relating to tobacco use, substance abuse, and healthy community design. Our coalition has consistently delivered relevant programming and initiatives towards building healthier communities including the adoption of policies establishing smoke-free parks in the town of Bennington; the implementation of a campus-wide smoking policy for all of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center; smoking policies for the State Office Building in Bennington, Bennington College, and all three major public housing authorities in the region.
In 2019, ACT transferred fiduciary agents to The Collaborative. The two organizations work closely on substance-free programming and projects throughout Bennington County.