For the Love of Rutland

An attempt to bring Syrian refugees to invigorate the economically struggling and predominantly white town of Rutland, VT unleashes deep partisan rancor. Despite a lifetime of feeling invalidated and shamed for her poverty and addiction, long-time Rutland resident, Stacie, emerges as an unexpected and resilient leader in a town divided by class, cultural values and political leanings.

An attempt to bring Syrian refugees to invigorate the economically struggling and predominantly white town of Rutland, VT unleashes deep partisan rancor. Despite a lifetime of feeling invalidated and shamed for her poverty and addiction, long-time Rutland resident, Stacie, emerges as an unexpected and resilient leader in a town divided by class, cultural values and political leanings.

What is 'White Syndrome'? In other words, white privilege. Stacie and her foster moms, Penny and Cassy, sit and talk about why they are able to enjoy freedoms that others do not simply because of the color of their skin.

For many Americans, they are living and working in poverty every single day. In Rutland, VT, which is welcoming Syrian refugees, long-time town residents like Stacie and her family question why when they themselves struggle with being employed and putting food on the table.

In a state that is ranked as the second whitest in the US, Lisa Ryan knows what it is like growing up and living as a Black woman in Vermont. She shares her experience as the town of Rutland is divided on refugee resettlement.

Like towns and cities across America, Rutland, VT is not immune to the opioid crisis. The epidemic, and the lies told to people like Stacie, has created a wave of destruction for the people who continue to fight addiction and the community that surrounds them.