[1] Present-day Senator Patrick Leahy, then the Chittenden County State's Attorney (local prosecutor), was one of Spectrum’s early board members.

The organization's residential programs provide homeless and at-risk youth with emergency shelter and transitional living arrangements.

A fourth site doubles as an emergency shelter but is designed as a drop-in center which offers youth ages 14–21 services, including education, employment, substance abuse and mental health counseling.

[2] In terms of basic needs, the drop-in center serves as a safe place for young people to eat a meal, use the telephone, do laundry, get clothing, or take a shower.

Spectrum was chosen for this national award for its rapid referral and assessment program, which reduces wait times for outpatient services, such as treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.