About BRACC
We serve the Vermont towns and school communities of Ludlow, Plymouth, Mt. Holly and Chester.
For over 20 years, The Black River Area Community Coalition (BRACC) has been a collaboration of individuals, schools, health professionals, law enforcement, businesses, and local decision-makers working toward a shared goal to support substance-free environments for our youth. In 2002, BRACC grew out of the concern and interest expressed by parents and community leaders to work proactively towards reducing high risk behaviors of the young people in the Black River Area. We work in partnership with our fiscal sponsor, The Collaborative, using evidence-based strategies to collect data and build programs that are responsive to the needs of our community. The Collaborative is a substance misuse organization based in Londonderry that has been working regionally in Bennington and Windsor Counties for the last 22 years.
We are a 501c3 organization, a member of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and a partner to several local, regional and state prevention organizations including Green Peak Alliance, Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership, Prevention Works! VT, the Turning Point Recovery Center, Windsor County Prevention Partners, and Greater Falls Connections. BRACC works with its partners to increase awareness, knowledge, and resources around the effect of drug and alcohol use. Programs are created with the goal of strengthening protective factors and developmental assets for youth, while reducing the high-risk behaviors and substance use issues that impact our communities today.
Our Prevention Work Includes:
Offering presentations and recovery resources for teens, parents, and schools to reduce current trends in underage drinking, tobacco and drug abuse
Collaborating with Turning Point in Springfield to provide education and support services in the recovery sector
Cross-promoting prevention resources with The Collaborative, Green Peak Alliance, Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership, ACT of Bennington, Greater Falls Connections, and the Vermont Department of Health
Hosting public meetings, events, and engagement activities that invite members of the community to share their stories and discuss prevention solutions
Recognizing Responsible Retailers as part of our effort to reduce alcohol and tobacco sales to minors
Working to reduce vape and tobacco use through educational campaigns and cessation support
Promoting National Drug Take Back Day each year
Sponsoring events and programs that support the youth community
Participating in county-wide educational efforts to reduce drug and alcohol abuse
Writing grants and obtaining regional and state-level funding
Conducting surveys and assessment strategies to develop community profile reports
BRACC is operating under new leadership as of 2022
BRACC’s new Projects Coordinator, Lauren Ingersoll, graduated from UVM in 2015 with a degree in Community Development and Applied Economics and has since been living in Andover, VT. She’s worked throughout the Southern Vermont region developing websites for small businesses, building relationships with towns, planning local events, and implementing community projects. Lauren brings to the table her experience working for the Springfield Restorative Justice Center, her knowledge of substance use prevention, her project management skills, and her digital marketing expertise. Lauren's duties as the new Projects Coordinator include planning and implementing assessment, programs, and outreach for the communities of the Black River Area.
“With the help of The Collaborative launch team, I intend to rebuild BRACC’s programs at the grassroots and reestablish a coalition team of key players who want to make a difference in their community.” -- Lauren Ingersoll, Project Coordinator
Partner Organizations:
Town of Ludlow
Town of Plymouth
Town of Mt. Holly
Town of Chester
