About BAPC

Our History

Building a Positive Community (BAPC) was formed in 1990 as the Brattleboro Area Pre- vention Coalition, and covers the towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, and Vernon.

The initial focus was on parent education during the early stages of the organization, and this focus was expanded to implement additional prevention strategies through Vermont’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (ADAP) funding. In 2003, BAPC received a Drug-Free Community (DFC) grant that allowed the organization to enhance programs and services, and to build capacity and infrastructure.

About Us

Ever wondered how a small community can make a big difference in the lives of its residents, especially the young ones? Well, that’s exactly what the Building a Positive Community (BAPC) is all about. We are not your typical community organization, we are quietly working our magic to make Brattleboro and the surrounding towns a better place for everyone, especially the youth.

So, picture this: BAPC directly serves around 955 Brattleboro residents in 2022 and is reached directly and indirectly most WSESU students. That’s a lot of people, right? But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the quality of impact they’ve had.

One of their shining achievements is turning Brattleboro into a certified Quality Youth Development (QYD) Community. It’s not just a fancy title; it’s a commitment to empowering the youth in the community. They’ve set specific benchmarks and are working tirelessly to meet them. This QYD project was a big deal, chosen as one of the Vital Projects out of 59 submissions in Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s comprehensive economic development strategy!

But that’s not all. BAPC knows that real change starts with the youth, and they’ve put that philosophy into action. They’ve teamed up with VT Afterschool to create a youth design team, which led to the birth of the Brattleboro Area Youth Council. It’s like a youth-driven revolution right in your backyard!

BAPC’s reach doesn’t stop there. We are out in the community, providing education and direct service to the five WSESU towns. We are all about building up the youth, offering leadership programs and family engagement support. Plus, we’re tackling the tough stuff, like substance use prevention and educating folks about the influence of industries on consumers. We’re all about creating substance-free environments for our young people and providing resources for teens and adults who need it.

And if you’re wondering about our approach, it’s all about understanding what drives our behaviors, building up the youth, connecting with others, and creating positive change in beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and environments. It’s like a recipe for community transformation!

Our Impact

Our Goals

Our Approach

Our Objectives

Our People

Our Strategies

Our Impact

BAPC’s reach doesn’t stop there. We are out in the community, providing education and direct service to the five WSESU towns. We are all about building up the youth , offering leadership programs and family engagement support. Plus, we’re tackling the tough stuff, like substance use prevention and educating folks about the influence of industries on consumers. We’re all about creating substance-free environments for our young people and providing resources for teens and adults who need it.

Our Approach

Cassandra has been with BAPC since 2012. She started as a program coordinator and became director two years later. She has over twenty years of non-profit experience and a Masters in Managing Mission-Driven Organizations. She has lived and worked in the Brattleboro area for over 25 years. She loves anything related to performing arts, new experiences, and connecting people to resources (especially when they are other people).
“BAPC simply fuels my soul! I get to team up with amazing folks from all walks of life in our community from young changemakers to wise elders. I love to use best practices, share resources, and get creative to make our community stronger. I am all about empowering youth, helping families thrive, and reducing substance use disorders and its stigma. I am grateful I get to lead BAPC and give back to my community that I love so deeply.”

“My vision for youth in our community is being able to express themselves openly without judgment.”

– Cassandra Holloway

Now, let’s meet the people behind BAPC: Cassandra Holloway, the Director; Liz LaVorgna, the Communication Coordinator; Rolf Parker, the Program Coordinator; and Diana Wahle, the Youth Development guru (she’s contracted, but she’s still am integral part of the team).

We not alone, though – they’ve got a steering committee that includes folks like Gail Bourque from Youth Services, Brian Condon, who’s a Recovery Coach, and Dr. Geoff Kane, an Addiction Medicine Provider. Our team working to make the community better every day and is looking for parents and youth to join our Steering Committee. We also want to acknowledge our Youth Council members, our interns, and community champions.

So, what’s their ultimate goal? Empowering our community’s youth through leadership, engaging families, and reducing substance use through environmental strategies. It’s a big task, but with the passion and dedication of BAPC, they’re making it happen, one step at a time.

Shared Vision and Mission
Strategic Thinking and Planning
A strong leadership team thinks strategically and sets long-term goals for the organization. They develop and implement strategic plans that align with the nonprofit’s mission and vision, adapt to changing circumstances, and anticipate future challenge.
Complementary Skills and Expertise

A diverse leadership team brings together individuals with a range of skills, experiences, and expertise. This diversity allows for a well-rounded perspective and ensures that all critical areas of the organization are effectively managed.

Collaboration and Teamwork
Collaboration and teamwork are essential for a nonprofit leadership team to be effective. 
Strategic Thinking and Planning
A strong leadership team thinks strategically and sets long-term goals for the organization. They develop and implement strategic plans that align with the nonprofit’s mission and vision, adapt to changing circumstances, and anticipate future challenges.
Ethical and Accountable
Our team demonstrates high ethical standards and accountability. We prioritize transparency, adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, and ensure responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources.
Continuous Learning and Development
Our team is committed to our own personal and professional growth, as well as the development of BAPC and our community. They seek opportunities for learning, stay informed about best practices, and encourage ongoing training and development within the organization.
Cassandra Holloway

Cassandra Holloway

Program Director

Cassandra has been with BAPC since 2012. She started as a program coordinator and became director two years later. She has over fifteen years of non-profit experience and a Masters in Managing Mission-Driven Organizations from Marlboro Graduate School. She has lived and worked in the Brattleboro area for over 20 years. She loves anything related to performing arts, new experiences, and connecting people to resources (especially when they are other people).
Rolf Parker

Rolf Parker

Program Coordinator

Before working at the BAPC, Rolf Parker worked as a newspaper reporter for the Deerfield Valley News, in Wilmington, Vermont. He continues to write as a freelance writer for Vermont newspapers. He received his Master’s degree in Entomology from Clemson University. He worked as a technician for the University of Massachusetts where he helped farmers decrease their dependence on chemical pesticides. Rolf also has worked as a dorm parent, an Algebra and Geometry teacher, and a youth activity organizer and at a college reference desk for seven years.. He lives with his wife and teenage boy, in Brattleboro, Vermont, where they run “The University of Brattleboro” a tee-shirt company that also creates free fun events in Vermont,

At the BAPC, Rolf helps healthcare professionals get the information they need to help people sign up for smoking cessation classes. He also works with people who are addicted to nicotine to help find the help they need. Rolf also works with interns and volunteers to document how corporations market, distribute and sell nicotine products are marketed, distributed and sold to young people.
He also gets to create fun events for the community. “This is the best job I ever had,” he said, “I get to help people, work with volunteers, promote fun and take down evil.”

Liz LaVorgna

Liz LaVorgna

Liz joined BAPC in 2023 as a Communications Coordinator and Design Specialist. Liz has a background in project management, photography and design as well as helping people in the community.

Social change is something that Liz is passionate about and that is evidenced by her photography projects. Liz has worked closely with non-profit organizations in Windham County creating change. One photo project that will always tug at her heartstrings is Coffee & Conversation – Stories of homelessness as seen at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.

“I am grateful to be part of such an amazing group of people at BAPC that are dedicated to helping the community thrive. I love VT and our community. I believe that the energy you share comes back to you.”

Mission

Our Goals, Objectives & Strategies

The following are the overarching goals the organization plans to achieve over the next 5 years.

External Goals

  1. Empower youth through leadership, mentoring, and support.
  2. Engage families with an equitable approach by building relationships, understanding the needs of families, providing space for their voice to be heard, and developing leadership opportunities.
  3. Reduce substance use through environmental strategies

Internal Goals

  1. Increase Organization’s Presence and Visibility in the Community and Schools through communication and outreach.
  2. Clarify long-term staffing, funding, and volunteer needs through capacity building.
  3. Determine how to sustain BAPC and shift efforts towards youth engagement.