VALLEY CARES

There’s a great deal of good news to share about the progress that the Valley Cares organization has made in the past few months. If all goes according to plan, the groundbreaking for the 24-unit independent living and 28-unit assisted living complex (which will be located just north of Grace Cottage Hospital, on Route 35 in Townshend) will be held early this summer, with completion projected for fall, 2007.

• A $400,000 grant, over four years, was received from the Fannie Holt Ames and Louise Holt Fund. The first payment to Valley Cares was made in December.
• $50,000 was received from the Windham Foundation, with another $50,000 pledged before the end of 2006.
• $450,000 was received from the U.S. Federal gov-ernment, through Senator Patrick Leahy’s office. To date, $8.5 million has been raised in state, federal and private funding, with $500,000 still needed for the project.

Valley Health Council

In a very positive move, the Valley Health Council became part of the new Valley Cares organization in October, 2005. The Valley Health Council continues under the same directorship (Elaine Scott), offers the same services, but just under a different “umbrella”. The homemakers continue to vist people who need help staying in their own homes, the Thrift Shop is open 10-4, Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat., and the free toe-nail clinic continues to be held monthly; the next clinic will be held on March 16th.

The Valley Health Council office is located in the Kronemeyer House on Route 35 in Townshend.