Why Your Donation Matters
To found the VNA in 1906, a small group of philanthropic Burlington women turned to their neighbors to support home health care for individuals and families. They collected donations to help, in the words of Co-Founder Julia Smith Wheeler, “all who turn to us in their time of need.”
More than 100 years later, your VNA is still dependent on contributions of all sizes from individuals and families, organizations and companies, foundations and the United Way, and from every town and city in our two-county area. No gift is too small. No gift is too large.
With your support, we are able to provide care for 6000 people and their families each year, regardless of their ability to pay. With your support, we are able to pioneer new programs to meet the changing needs of our community. And, with your support, we are able to ensure the availability of VNA services for generations to come.
Does your donation matter? We think the Allis' story says it best.
Clifford and Terry Allis enjoy time
at home with one of her paintings."Clifford and Terry Allis have lived in their home for 55 years. After Terry was hospitalized this spring, Clifford and their son, Bruce, knew they wanted her to return home. "The VNA got right on it to get us the help we needed," Clifford reports. "Terry's attitude wasn't too great, but the VNA nurse really helped turn that around."
Terry struggles with dementia, and her family turned to the VNA for help in coping. Bruce notes, "The nurse and the dementia care nurse both came and told us how to make things less confusing for Mom. They taught us how to talk with her in ways she could process. That made our communication much easier and Mom is happier now."
A VNA Physical Therapist also came to care for Terry. Bruce is pleased with the program the PT initiated. "He was excellent. At first, Mom could barely get out of her chair. Her PT started slowly, and Mom could see the difference. That encouraged her. Now, she jumps right up and gets all around."
A self-taught and accomplished artist, increasing dementia has caused Terry to stop painting. Her family was able to implement the changes the VNA nurses recommended to help her feel more confident and oriented, and she now continues to paint every morning. At age 91, she and Clifford work together to produce her art, occasionally traveling to craft shows to sell her works - which are also displayed throughout their home.
The VNA has helped keep Terry where she most wants to be - at home with her family and her beloved art. Her family will tell you, "The VNA nurses helped us so much." They are grateful to the VNA for Terry's renewed interest in life."
The VNA is helping the Allis family and your support helps the VNA serve everyone - from infants to elders - in our community. This is why your donation matters.
Please consider a generous gift to the VNA Annual Fund today.
Earlier Stories
For other stories about how your donation makes a difference in our community, please click a link below:
If you'd like more information about the charitable care mission of your VNA, please contact Ann Irwin at (802) 860-4437 or irwinREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@vnacares.org or write to us at:
Ann Irwin
Director of Development and Community Relations
Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties
1110 Prim Road
Colchester, Vermont 05446
- Federal Tax ID (EIN) #
- 03-0179603