About Us

Essex CHIPS (Community Health Initiatives & Programs for Students) is a non-profit organization in Essex, Vermont. For over thirty-five years, CHIPS has worked with community members to deliver substance abuse prevention campaigns and activities that promote healthy living.

Essex CHIPS began in 1986 when a group of youth and adult volunteers formed the Essex Community Wellness Committee. This committee would gather on a monthly basis at the Lincoln Inn to eat breakfast and discuss issues youth in the community were facing. In the mid 1990’s the Essex Community Wellness Committee recognized the need for a safe, substance-free space where local youth could meet to gather and have fun. That’s when they launched the Essex Teen Center in 1997.

The Community Wellness Committee and the Teen Center worked collaboratively in Lincoln Hall for many years, and in 2004, they merged together under the Essex CHIPS umbrella, creating the organization that exists today! This decision enabled Essex CHIPS to better support and manage the Teen Center and provide youth with the many services we provide today.

CHIPS provides direct service programs for youth and their families in Essex Junction, Essex Town, and Westford. By facilitating partnerships with local organizations, we are able to host and sponsor substance abuse prevention community outreach programs, discussions, and special events for youth. Our Board of Directors is equally represented by youth and adult community members from a variety of sectors.

About Us

Essex CHIPS (Community Health Initiatives & Programs for Students) is a non-profit organization in Essex, Vermont. For over thirty-five years, CHIPS has worked with community members to deliver substance abuse prevention campaigns and activities that promote healthy living.​

Our mission is to support, engage, inspire, and empower youth to make healthy decisions and become active community members and leaders.

Essex CHIPS (Community Health Initiatives & Programs for Students) is a non-profit organization in Essex, Vermont. For over thirty-five years, CHIPS has worked with community members to deliver substance abuse prevention campaigns and activities that promote healthy living.