Upper Valley Welcome Wagon
Connecting New & Returning Upper Valley Residents with Community & Resources
ABOUT US
What is VT Welcome Wagon?
The
Vermont Welcome Wagon Project is part of a larger community of organizations that serve all Vermonters, new and old, and helps to get residents connected to the community and build great lives here. There are currently chapters in
Chittenden County, the Northeast Kingdom,
Southern Vermont, and here in
the Upper Valley. Our local chapter is unique in that it is open to individuals living in both Vermont and New Hampshire.
Participants are paired with local hosts to share their ideas and networks for helping newcomers get settled and build a sense of shared community. Participants can meet on their own or attend a group social event hosted by GMEDC or one of our partners. Relocating can be hard, so our goal is to help you get settled into the Upper Valley and experience our community in meaningful ways.
About the Upper Valley Chapter of Welcome Wagon
Are you new to the Upper Valley and still finding your way around? Are you an established resident who could help that newcomer? UVWW is for you!
The goal of this program is to welcome newcomers to our communities, helping them feel connected, and to provide resources and advice.
The program invites established residents (“hosts”) to welcome new and returning residents (“newcomers”) who share their interests and help them connect to the community.
All adults in our region are eligible to participate.
120+ Members
Our members include adults who've recently relocated to the Upper Valley Region as well as Vermonters who've been here long enough to know our communities and help welcome newcomers to the area. Interested in joining us, click here!
30+ Towns
We generally help match newcomers with residents from towns in GMEDC's service area. While this is a Vermont-funded program, NH residents of the Upper Valley are encouraged to sign up as well! If you work for a town/municipality and want to get more involved with Upper Valley Welcome Wagon, please reach out to us at outreach@gmedc.com.
How it works
Fill out the form!
Complete the questionnaire so we know some basic details about you and whether you are a newcomer or community host.
Check out our newsletter!
We will be sending out a monthly newsletter full of local events, meet-ups, and resources for new residents and hosts. You'll definitely want to be subscribed to stay up-to-date!
Get matched with a neighbor near you!
The UVWW coordinator will facilitate personal connections between hosts and newcomers based on proximity and mutual interests.
Connect in-person!
Create a plan to meet up for coffee, a walk through town, or something else that works with your schedule! Alternatively, join us at a local mixer event and connect in a group setting.
Ready to Join Us?
Sign up here to receive our monthly newsletter and get matched with one of the new residents in your community!
Community Guidelines
In order to keep our community safe and facilitate healthy connections, please review the following guidelines and make sure to follow them upon joining us. If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to the UVWW coordinator!
Be Safe
All Greeters and Newcomers should take ownership over their personal safety and should never put themselves or others in danger. Decide on a mutually convenient and safe meeting place. Depending on your comfort level it could be in-person or virtual.
Be Kind
We trust that Greeters and Newcomers are participating in the program with the best of intentions. We ask that any bullying, harassment, exploitation, and/or acts of hate be reported to the Upper Valley Welcome Coordinator.
Be Respectful
Greeters and newcomers should respect each other’s time, attention, personal choices, personal boundaries and personal privacy. Participants should represent real people in our region, thus we ask that the information included on your signup form be honest and authentic.
Be Inclusive
We believe in creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and included regardless of their differences. Upper Valley residents from all backgrounds are encouraged to sign up and participate.
In-person Events
Join us for our first community event of 2025!
We're hosting newcomers and residents of the Upper Valley at The Main Street Museum for an evening of connections, Irish piano music, and free food/beverages!
Upper Valley Welcome Wagon Events
| Event Title | Date/Time | Location | RSVP Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Night at The Main Street Museum | Friday, February 21st @ 6PM | Main Street Museum, White River Junction, VT | Google Form |
Meet the UVWW Coordinator
James Coleman
Born and raised in New England, James is thrilled to now live in the Upper Valley. As part of ThinkVT's GROW mission, he will be hosting the Upper Valley Welcome Wagon which aims to connect newcomers with local residents, social events, and resources. James is excited to both support our local economy and build community by making connections between residents, employers, and community organizations in the Upper Valley.
In his spare time, James enjoys meeting new people, going for hikes, skiing & snowboarding, and taking pictures of Vermont's incredibly beautiful natural wonders.
Photography by Jeff Lewis
The work of Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.
