LETTER: Public Support Drives Council on Aging’s many free services

December 18, 2024

To the Community: 

This month, Central Vermont Council on Aging looks to the public to help sustain our diverse selection of free services for older adults in central  Vermont. 

Donations are crucial, allowing us to offer innovative programming we wouldn’t otherwise be able to support, such as our Creative Aging and Helping Paws programs. 

Our Creative Aging Program continues to serve a vital need in our community, fostering lifelong learning and creativity and giving homebound older adults joy and social connection. 

One of our participants who is a caregiver for her husband, recently told us how great it is to have art supplies and access to instructional videos from teaching artists at home since she is unable to get out due to her caregiver responsibilities. As she said: “I don’t have much energy, but I do love my art…it makes me forget all my issues, makes me cheerful. I can see why it’s good for seniors, it gives them something to look forward to. I think it’s just the most wonderful  program.” 

Through our Helping Paws Program, older adults can access free veterinary care via the Mitzvah Fund mobile vet clinics. Steve, who received care for his cat Mitzi through this program, told us, “The Mitzvah Fund is one of the best operations of a charitable organization in central Vermont. They performed $2,200 worth of services on my 13-year-old cat, including a partial thyroidectomy, the removal of four teeth, and all the mats on her coat... without the Mitzvah Fund, I don’t know what would have happened.”

In addition to relying on financial contributions, people power is essential to our service delivery. Last year, more than 260 volunteers donated over 21,000 hours to make our programs possible. Through our Good Neighbor Program, volunteers are paired with a neighbor to help with such things as transportation to an appointment or help with groceries in addition to providing companionship. One of our Good Neighbor Volunteer recipients, Judy, told us what her Good Neighbor volunteer means to her: ”I don't have any help except for my fabulous friend here from Council on Aging who helps me with little things and big things: mental things and physical things… whatever I need, if I have questions or problems, this person is here to help.”

Give the gift of time this holiday season. Be that person who is there to help.

Executive Director John T. Mandeville said much of the council’s special programming is supported by donations and volunteer time from Vermont residents. “We urge all residents of Vermont to think of the crucial services offered by all non-profits in the state and to remember us in your year-end giving and when you are looking for ways to donate your time, skills, and abilities by participating in our many volunteer opportunities throughout the year.” 

Public support for our programs connects thousands of older Vermonters to services that enable them to live and thrive in the communities they love. 

To make an impact today, visit cvcoa.networkforgood.com or email us at volunteer@cvcoa.org to join a community that cares. 

Central Vermont Council on Aging supports older Central Vermonters to age with dignity and choice in 54 towns. Visit cvcoa.org or call the CVCOA  Helpline at 1-802-477-1364 for more information or assistance. CVCOA is located at 59 North Main Street, Suite 200 in Barre with regional offices located in Morrisville and Randolph. 

Leah Kittredge 

Central Vermont Council on Aging