The first cohort of the Village Trust initiative (VTI) has gotten off to an energetic start. Since launching in April 2024, the communities of Benson, Braintree, Greensboro Bend, Lunenburg-Gilman, Reading, West Fairlee, and Wolcott have been gathering community input through events, surveys, and facilitated conversations to lay the groundwork of an impactful community-driven project for their town. Community trust organizations serving as backbone support in all communities have become official entities and are in the process of receiving their 501c3 non-profit status. Feasibility work is underway for projects ranging from general stores, to community amenities such as cafe’s, child care, housing, and community and recreation spaces.