Gratitude for Our Staff and Community

Christine Werneke,

President & COO

November is National Home Care & Hospice Month. This is a time for us to celebrate our highly skilled staff and volunteers, our generous community, and the impact that home care and hospice care make in our community every day.

This is a complex time for health care in Chittenden and Grand Isle counties and across Vermont.

Please know that Home Health & Hospice is collaborating throughout the community, building innovative programs, and carefully stewarding our resources to make sure we are here for our neighbors today and far into the future.

On any given day, our staff are caring for more than 1,000 people in their homes, at the McClure Miller Respite House and at our Adult Day Program. Please take a moment to thank a home health or hospice caregiver this month, make a donation to support our work, or give in honor of a caregiver.

Support Our Work

Honor a Caregiver

In This Issue

Remembering a Loved One with a Gift of Light
Introducing the Mosiac Project
Our Progress: Vermont Home and Community-Based Services Grant
Community Generosity Throughout the Year

A Gift of Light

Todd Bartholf honored his late wife Anji by illuminating the path they often walked together at the Respite House

Todd and Anji Bartholf had recently relocated to Vermont when Anji received the diagnosis that upended their lives. Eventually, Anji came to the Respite House to receive end-of-life care. Nature had always been an inspiration and comfort to Anji, and she appreciated the pastoral setting and walking paths during her three-month stay at the Respite House.

During Anji's time at the Respite House, Todd was with her constantly. Together, they built deep relationships with caregivers and staff, truly becoming part of the Respite House family. One snowy day, staff helped Todd build a snowman outside Anji's window, bringing joy to staff and residents.

After Anji died, Todd contacted the Respite House. He wanted to find a way to honor Anji's memory and provide something useful for residents, families and staff. Todd chose to donate solar lights to illuminate the pathway around the Respite House. This gift further beautifies the peaceful surroundings and extends the hours in which residents and staff can safely use the path.

With Todd's generosity, Anji's light continues to shine.

Todd Bartholf (left) and friend installing the lights

The Adventurer:

Meet Haley Duquette, Hospice Nurse Case Manager

The Mosaic Project is a collection of short stories about the people of University of Vermont Health Network. These are your coworkers, caregivers, neighbors, family members, friends – each with unique life experiences that are part of the vibrant mosaic of who we are.

Home Health & Hospice applied for and received two grants this year through the Vermont Home and Community-Based Services Grant Opportunity. One grant, focused on Workforce Development, specifically addresses the critical need to build a skilled and resilient workforce. The Care Model Innovation grant supports our Longitudinal Care Program, an innovative care model focused on closing gaps in care for people with complex needs.

See our progress:

Community Generosity Throughout the Year

On Saturday, June 8, more than 200 friends and neighbors came out for the 2024 Jiggety Jog 5k to benefit the McClure Miller Respite House. Together, we raised a record-breaking $128,000, with every dollar going directly to support high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care for our community.

"Our promise to our community is to be here when families need us, regardless of their ability to pay. Our generous community makes it possible.”

-Annie Meredith-Mitchell, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor!

Pictured, left to right, Cassidy Skoda, Emeri Rasco, Eliza Fischer.

"The Respite House helped make my dad’s last week a little easier for us all. The facility and staff members made it feel homey and welcoming.

My dad passed away almost two years ago at the Respite House. He had been coaching me in hockey since I was three. After he passed I knew I wanted to do something in remembrance of him, and our shared love for hockey. We will be having another game in honor of my dad on December 21st, and all donations will once again go to the Respite House."

-Emeri Rasco

A dozen volunteers from JPMorgan Chase conducted their annual fall decorating and clean up at the McClure Miller Respite House. They planted 24 mums, purple grass and some potting soil, donated by Claussen's Florist, Greenhouse and Perennial Farm.

"Our Adult Day Program is extremely grateful to continue to receive this generous donation of flowers from Trader Joe's. Flower arranging is a weekly activity that our participants look forward to, where they can create beautiful pieces that brighten up our space."

-Jordan Racine, Adult Day Program Clinical Manager