About BAPC
Our Mission & Vision
Our History
Building a Positive Community (BAPC) was formed in 1990 as the Brattleboro Area Pre- vention Coalition, and covers the towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, and Vernon.
The initial focus was on parent education during the early stages of the organization, and this focus was expanded to implement additional prevention strategies through Vermont’s Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (ADAP) funding. In 2003, BAPC received a Drug-Free Com- munity (DFC) grant that allowed the organization to enhance programs and services, and to build capacity and infrastructure.
About Us
Our Impact
Our Goals
Our Approach
Our Objectives
Our People
Our Strategies
Our Impact
BAPC’s reach doesn’t stop there. We are out in the community, providing education and direct service to the five WSESU towns. We are all about building up the youth , offering leadership programs and family engagement support. Plus, we’re tackling the tough stuff, like substance use prevention and educating folks about the influence of industries on consumers. We’re all about creating substance-free environments for our young people and providing resources for teens and adults who need it.
Our Approach
“My vision for youth in our community is being able to express themselves openly without judgment.”
– Cassandra Holloway
Who We Are
Our People
Our Goal
So, what’s their ultimate goal? Empowering our community’s youth through leadership, engaging families, and reducing substance use through environmental strategies. It’s a big task, but with the passion and dedication of BAPC, they’re making it happen, one step at a time.
Shared Vision and Mission
Strategic Thinking and Planning
Complementary Skills and Expertise
A diverse leadership team brings together individuals with a range of skills, experiences, and expertise. This diversity allows for a well-rounded perspective and ensures that all critical areas of the organization are effectively managed.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Strategic Thinking and Planning
Ethical and Accountable
Continuous Learning and Development

Cassandra Holloway
Program Director
Cassandra has been with BAPC since 2012. She started as a program coordinator and became director two years later. She has over fifteen years of non-profit experience and a Masters in Managing Mission-Driven Organizations from Marlboro Graduate School. She has lived and worked in the Brattleboro area for over 20 years. She loves anything related to performing arts, new experiences, and connecting people to resources (especially when they are other people).

Rolf Parker
Program Coordinator
Before working at the BAPC, Rolf Parker worked as a newspaper reporter for the Deerfield Valley News, in Wilmington, Vermont. He continues to write as a freelance writer for Vermont newspapers. He received his Master’s degree in Entomology from Clemson University. He worked as a technician for the University of Massachusetts where he helped farmers decrease their dependence on chemical pesticides. Rolf also has worked as a dorm parent, an Algebra and Geometry teacher, and a youth activity organizer and at a college reference desk for seven years.. He lives with his wife and teenage boy, in Brattleboro, Vermont, where they run “The University of Brattleboro” a tee-shirt company that also creates free fun events in Vermont,
At the BAPC, Rolf helps healthcare professionals get information they need to help people sign up for smoking cessation classes. He also works with people who are addicted to nicotine to help find the help they need. Rolf also works with interns and volunteers to document how corporations market, distribute and sell nicotine products are marketed, distributed and sold to young people.
He also gets to create fun events for the community. “This is the best job I ever had,” he said, “I get to help people, work with volunteers, promote fun and take down evil.”

Liz LaVorgna
Liz joined BAPC in 2023 as a Communications Coordinator and Design Specialist. Liz has a background in project management, photography and design as well as helping people in the community.
Social change is something that Liz is passionate about and that is evidenced by her photography projects. Liz has worked closely with non-profit organizations in Windham County creating change. One photo project that will always tug at her heartstrings is Coffee & Conversation – Stories of homelessness as seen at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
“I am grateful to be part of such an amazing group of people at BAPC that are dedicated to helping the community thrive. I love VT and our community. I believe that the energy you share comes back to you.”
Mission
Our Goals, Objectives & Strategies
The following are the overarching goals the organization plans to achieve over the next 5 years.
External Goals
- Empower youth through leadership, mentoring, and support.
- Engage families with an equitable approach by building relationships, understanding the needs of families, providing space for their voice to be heard, and developing leadership opportunities.
- Reduce substance use through environmental strategies
Internal Goals
- Increase Organization’s Presence and Visibility in the Community and Schools through communication and outreach.
- Clarify long-term staffing, funding, and volunteer needs through capacity building.
- Determine how to sustain BAPC and shift efforts towards youth engagement.