Our Enrichment Center
Zack’s Place (ZP) is a free enrichment center whose mission is to empower special-needs people of all ages to express themselves through art, music, dance, literacy, athletics, and fitness while developing bonds of friendship.
Our program serves over 100 participants, ranging in age from 8 to 60, who have special needs due to various physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges, including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, Soto Syndrome, and Asperger’s Syndrome. Most of our participants do not live in Woodstock and travel up to 40 miles for our programs.
Zack’s Place offers unique support to the special education community through programs that enhance the educational and social connections provided by public schools. We partner with the high school’s Community Classroom and strive to continue supporting these students after they graduate.
We take great pride in our community-based support. In 2025, nearly 400 community members volunteered in various capacities. Our diverse programs actively involve community members, such as our Theatre Guild Program, which produces a musical each year performed on stage at the local town hall theatre. These productions feature cameo appearances by notable community members, including the police chief, a state legislator, and the town manager, as well as choreographers, musicians, and everyday heroes.
We are absolutely thrilled to partner with local students on fantastic initiatives like the Quechee Lakes-QLLA Charities-supported Snowshoe Challenge, as well as vibrant art projects and musical productions! These incredible experiences not only open hearts and minds but also showcase the immense talent and potential of our participants. At our enrichment center, we prioritize building connections, fostering outreach, and promoting inclusion, and we’re so eager to witness the uplifting impact this has on our community!
Our incredible community plays a vital role in supporting Zack’s Place, showcasing their generosity in truly inspiring ways! We are thrilled to host three annual fundraisers that have garnered remarkable enthusiasm: The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, a lively 5K road race that brings everyone together; the Stay at Home Tea, our heartfelt annual mail fundraiser; and the Zack’s Place Tournament of Champions, with all proceeds going directly to Zack’s Place.
We are deeply grateful for the generous contributions from private donors, as well as grants from esteemed organizations such as Granite United Way and the Vermont Community Foundation. Local businesses and charities also offer valuable support by providing smaller grants that make a significant difference.
It is truly remarkable how in-kind donations and the vibrant spirit of volunteerism allow us to keep our costs low. Recently, we received a significant donation that enabled us to purchase a new Zack’s Place van. Together, we are building a brighter future, and we cannot thank everyone enough for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission!
Zack Frates, the namesake of Zack’s Place, may have left us in September 2011, but his vibrant spirit continues to inspire us every day! When you step into our center, you can truly feel the joy, camaraderie, and pride that our Zack’s Place family shares. It’s become a warm and welcoming home away from home, where we celebrate each other’s achievements, support one another through challenges, and connect with the larger community. Join us in this heartfelt journey! Our vision for Zack’s Place has truly come to life, creating a space where lives are enriched each and every day!
