Saplings’ Annual Report
July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Who We Served in Fiscal Year 2024
39 Children * From 9 Towns * 57% Receiving Financial Assistance* 18 Children Enrolled in Universal PreK
Our Work
Craftsbury Saplings provides full-time, year-round childcare and early education to families in the greater Craftsbury area. We emphasize community collaboration and exploration of the natural world. We value and nourish each child’s innate wisdom, guiding them towards life-long learning.
This year, we focused on community ties. We shared art and music with the Craftsbury Community Care Center, Storytime at the Simpson Library, and visits with local animals. We grew squash and beans for the Abenaki Land Link Project and enjoyed growing food for our meals and exploring our neighborhood woods, ponds and fields. At Saplings, our deep connection to place and community is a joy to nurture.
Thank you!
Melissa Jacobs Executive Director
Hannah Dreissigacker Board Chair
“We love the way that Saplings fosters independence and growth in our children. The staff does a phenomenal job helping them to both develop strong individual voices while also showing them how to grow and function within the society of the classroom.”
Saplings Parents, Ollie Burruss and Anna Schulz
Taking Root
In just seven years, Saplings has built a reputation for providing high-quality early childhood education. With broad support from our community, we’re expanding our program capacity from 19 students per day to 54 by building a new facility! But don’t worry…we’re not going far.
The Plans:
7,100 square foot building
Working with Black River Design Architects
New classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children
Adjacent to the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church
Planned opening in late 2026
Finances
July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Operating Expenses $488,435
Operating Income $488,435
*Expansion Income FY 24 $60,000
Creating Impact Together
Our dedicated team of teachers and staff is shaping the future of our community by providing nurturing, supportive care that truly makes a difference in the lives of our young learners.
Staff in Fiscal Year 2024
Hillary Abbott * Michelle Brosseau * Hannah Brothers Judy Carpenter * Danielle Foster * Maddie Foster-Pudvah Emily Gletsos * Melissa Jacobs * Victoria LaGuardia Heather Neal * Sarah Stone
Our Values:
Belonging and Respect * Joy and Wonder * Growth and Change Connection to Nature * Cultivating Community
Our Supporters, Fiscal Year 2024
Allen Hilles Foundation * Anonymous * Reeve Basom * Marion & Geoffrey Bok * Julie & Bill Bourke * Louise Calderwood * Concept II * East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church * Robert & Cheryl Dewees * Tim and Amelia Fritz * Front Seat Coffee * Charlotte Geer * Judy Geer * Greensboro Association * GRVL Cycling * Mariel Hess * Hill Farmstead Brewery * Susan & Ned Houston * Isaac Jacobs * First Children’s Finance * James & Gwen Fountain * Kristen Fountain and Dan Roock * Robert Johnston * Catherine Jarmofsky * Emily Maclure & Evan Karp * Marvin Family * Mary & John Myers * Jane Marlin * Lori Mathez * Deborah McKinley * Kay Nicklas * Pete's Greens Inc. * David Porter * Presbytery of Northern New England * Lucas Schultz * Katherine Sims & Jeff Fellinger * Dave & Jenny Stoner * Sweet Rowen Farmstead * The Genny * The Prevot Family Foundation * Vermont Community Fund- Sunflower * Wisdom Connection * Town of Wolcott * Town of Albany * Town of Craftsbury * Town of Greensboro
Our Board Of Directors, Fiscal Year 2024
Hannah Dreissigacker * Carey Crozier * Liz Felder * Susie Houston * Lori Mathez * Annie Myers * Emily Spring * Natashea Winters