Saplings’ Annual Report
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Our Mission
Our mission at Craftsbury Saplings is to provide 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.
Community Connections
Saplings values cultivating community through meaningful connections. We are grateful for the collaborations that enriched our program this past year.
Throughout the year, families visited Saplings to share meals, traditions, and their expertise with our children, helping us build a strong, connected community of care.
We hosted a harvest dinner, a children’s clothing swap, a training series for local caregivers, and coordinated weekly food deliveries for families through the Hardwick Area Food Pantry.
Our year was deeply rooted in our local food culture. We gardened, grew food for the Abenaki Land Link project, taste-tested, cooked with staff from the Center for an Agricultural Economy. We also cooked together in the classroom and over the fire.
Our children and teachers enjoyed regular visits and shared programming with the Craftsbury Community Care Center, Craftsbury Public Library, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, and the Simpson Library.
Who We Served in Fiscal Year 2025
38 Children From 9 Towns
58% Receiving Financial Assistance * 14 Children Enrolled in Universal PreK
Finances
July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Operating Income - $554,068
Grants and Fundraising 15.6%
Family Pay Tuition 29.5%
State Reimbursements 54.8%
Expansion Income FY 25 $105,390
Operating Expenses - $554,068
Staff Wages and Benefits 75%
Programming 5%
Office and Occupancy 9%
Operational Reserve 6%
Capital Reserve 5%
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 2025
Hillary Abbott * Michelle Brosseau * Hannah Brothers Judy Carpenter * Maddie Foster-Pudvah * Emily Gletsos Melissa Jacobs * Lily LaFaye * Victoria LaGuardia Violet Millartin * Heather Neal * Sarah Stone
“As a full-time single parent,Saplings provided not only a safe place for my two daughters, but went above and beyond with their amazing curriculum and level of care. The support they provided financially, physically and emotionally far exceeded my expectations and I am so grateful for our amazing and nurturing years at Saplings!”
- Lindsey Scott, Wolcott Parent
“Saplings has grown into such a solid and thoughtful program, I feel lucky to work here. What I enjoy most is the atmosphere, the great respect we give the children and their learning and the great respect we give each other. I appreciate that I can always learn how to be better at this job, there is always more to learn about child development and human behavior, and working with kids. I am surrounded by staff who want to learn and grow with me.”
- Saplings’ Teacher
We are Grateful for Our Supporters!
July 2024-June 2025
Allen Hilles Foundation * Alison Fischman & Elliot Waring * Amelia & Tim Robinson-Fritz * Annie Rowell * Anonymous Various * Amy & Eric Schulz * Barb & Rob Strong * Becky Kates * Charlotte Geer * Chris Jacobs * The Genny- Emily, Kit, & Jana * Dave & Jenny Stoner * David Porter Deborah McKinley * East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church * Elsa Sanchez * Evan Karp * Front Seat Coffee * GRVL Cycling * Hill Farmstead Brewery * Isaac Jacobs * Jane Marlin & Paul Gruhler Jennifer Cornelius & Joe Welker# * John & Anne Alexander * Judy Geer & Dick Dreissigacker Julian Levine * Julie & Bill Bourke * Kathie & Nat Sims * Kristen Fountain & Dan Roock * Lori Mathez * Mariel Hess * Marion & Geoffrey Bok * Mary & John Myers * Marylou Isaacson * Peter & Jean Koons * Presbytery of Northern New England * The Prevot Family Foundation * Riva & Travis Reynolds * Robert & Cheryl Dewees * Robert Johnston * Sharon Jacobs * Sweet Rowen Farmstead * VTAEYC * Vermont Community Foundation - Sunflower Fund * Vermont Community Foundation - Donor Advised Fund * Town of Wolcott * Town of Albany * Town of Craftsbury Town of Greensboro * Wisdom Connection
#Donations made in honor of the following individuals: Gwen Bueckendorf, Larry Duane, Lori Mathez, & Deborah McKinley
Takes Root Capital Campaign Grants, Donors & Pledges
Anonymous * Allen Hilles Foundation * Deborah McKinley * Dave and Jenny Stoner * First Children’s Finance * Francie and John Downing * Greensboro Association * Hannah Dreissigacker & Nils Koons * Kristen Fountain & Dan Roock * James & Gwen Fountain * Judy Geer & Dick Dreissigacker * Kay Nicklas * Madeline Sullivan Drake * Melissa & Isaac Jacobs * Myers Produce Ned Houston * The Prevot Family Foundation * Susie Houston * Town of Craftsbury * Vermont Early Childhood Fund * Vermont Community Foundation - Donor Advised Fund * Wisdom Connection * 100% of our Board has pledged their Commitment!
Our Board of Directors - July 2024-June 2025
Hannah Dreissigacker, Chair
Susie Houston
Lori Mathez, Secretary
Annie Myers
Emily Spring, Family Liaison
Madeline Sullivan-Drake
Natashea Winters, Treasurer
Our Values:
Belonging and Respect
We work to create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Joy and Wonder
We keep joy, wonder, and curiosity at the forefront of our experience together.
Connection to Nature
We believe time spent in the natural world creates a lasting connection to the environment and an understanding of our place within it.
Cultivating Community
We work to create and strengthen connections within and beyond our organization because we believe in the power of community.
Growth and Change
We adapt to challenges and see optimism as a tool for success.