As We Turn 120...

UVM Health – Home Health & Hospice turns 120 this year, and it’s remarkable to think about all that has changed since 1906. That year, the first transatlantic wireless message was sent, newly enacted food and drug protections reshaped public health and Finland granted women the right to vote (the US would follow in 1920).

Through all that change, one thing has stayed constant: Home Health & Hospice has been here, providing quality, compassionate care. The people we serve often face complex challenges—like Jayme, whose story you’ll read below. He needed skilled nursing support while navigating unstable housing, and his experience is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. We’ve always committed ourselves to reaching people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of a complicated healthcare system.

Seeing the dedication of our staff and the generosity of our supporters gives me great hope. If the past 120 years have shown us anything, it’s that Home Health & Hospice has the heart, resilience and commitment to be here for the next 120 years, and beyond.

With gratitude,

Christine Werneke,

President & COO

UVM Health – Home Health & Hospice

Support Our Work

Jayme Richland, left, with Chris Lazar, community health resource coordinator.

A Safe Place to Heal

Home Health & Hospice's Medical Respite Program combines stable housing with skilled nursing.

Jayme Richland recovered after a serious foot infection and the loss of stable housing with help from the Medical Respite Program. By working with a local community housing organization, Home Health & Hospice clinicians were able to support him in a safe, stable place where he could heal and regain his strength.

Read Jayme's Story

Our Generous Community

Support from our community helps to make sure that we are here when our neighbors need us most. Whether recovering from illness, managing a chronic condition, growing a family or facing end-of-life, our neighbors rely on the care we provide every day.

Thank you for investing in the health of our community.

The Pomerleau Family Foundation Invests in the McClure Miller Respite House

We are grateful to our friends at the Pomerleau Family Foundation for their generous $125,000 gift to support the McClure Miller Respite House. This gift supports us in expanding access to hospice care for those whose needs cannot be met in their home. This year we have added staff and are making necessary updates to make full use of our physical capacity, sustaining the care and services our residents and families rely on.

With all 21 rooms available for our community, we anticipate caring for 50 additional residents each year and to accommodate a longer length of stay for all.

Philanthropy allows the Respite House to remain open to every family who walks through our doors. Contact Maya Fehrs, Director of Development, at (802) 860-4475 to learn more.

The Gift of Fresh Food from Intervale Community Farm

Thank you to Intervale Community Farm for providing monthly donations of fresh produce for the McClure Miller Respite House!

Kathie Sullivan, Bookkeeper and Member Services Coordinator for Intervale Community Farm, reflects, “Our mission is to provide food in a variety of ways, through a variety of programs. We operate with the wider community needs at the forefront and seek to benefit the wider community through partnerships, donations and service. Personally, my go-to activity for friends in need is to cook. Food helps in difficult family times.”

Gratitude for Our Lady of Grace

Our friends at Our Lady of Grace in Colchester collected needed items, gift cards and monetary donations for the McClure Miller Respite House as part of their Advent Giving Tree.

Our Lady of Grace has supported the Respite House for many years and we are grateful for their support!

A Transformative Gift for Children's Health

Philanthropy helps our programs take big leaps forward.

In 2025, a transformative $25 million gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader Tom Golisano is helping to foster such a jump at the UVM Health Children’s Hospital. This gift will support care for children throughout UVM Health, including our Family and Children’s Program here at Home Health & Hospice.

Save the Date: Jiggety Jog 5K - Saturday, May 30

Join us May 30 for the 36th annual Jiggety Jog 5k Fun Run/Walk to benefit the McClure Miller Respite House, Vermont’s only Medicare certified inpatient hospice residence.

The timed course will begin and end at Malletts Bay School in Colchester. Every dollar raised supports the Respite House. Last year, 220 participants helped raise $125,000 for end-of-life care and wraparound services for families, regardless of ability to pay.

Learn more and register.

Want to volunteer for the event? Click here to lend a hand.

Congratulations to Our Recent BEE & DAISY Award Winners

BEE and DAISY award winners celebrate with their supervisors and colleagues who nominated them. From left: Lisy McIntee, LICSW, hospice social worker; Jim Budis, RN, hospice nurse; Ezra Lebowitz, MSW, social worker and BEE Award winner; Lila Gaudrault, RN, community hospice nurse resident; Sarah Carter, RN, community hospice nurse and DAISY Award winner; and Kelly Fridinger, RN, hospice clinical team manager.

Last November we celebrated two outstanding team members who exemplify excellence, compassion and dedication in all they do.

🐝 BEE Award Winner: Ezra Lebowitz, MSW, Social Worker

From Ezra’s nomination: “Ezra rearranged his schedule [to help with an urgent admission] and was right there with me. [He] did the admission with the family (explained hospice, did the paperwork, provided education and emotional support) while I assessed the patient and collaborated with the nursing staff and medical provider. A two-hour visit for me turned into a one-hour visit, thanks to Ezra!”

🌼 DAISY Award Winner: Sarah Carter, RN, Community Hospice

From Sarah’s nomination: “Everyone who interacts with her — whether a patient, family member or staff at a facility — is made to feel valued and heard. She has impressed upon me that nursing is a career that requires continued curiosity and learning.”

👏 Please join us in congratulating Ezra and Sarah for their incredible contributions!

Has someone at HHH made a difference in your life? Learn more about the DAISY and BEE awards and nominate someone today!

Support from you is crucial to achieving our vision of people thriving in healthy communities.

Make Your Gift Today!

Friendship for Life is a publication of University of Vermont – Home Health & Hospice. To learn more about our programs, visit us online at: UVMHealth.org/HHH or call (802) 658-1900.

Our mission:

Healthier communities. Healthiest lives. Together.