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“Today, all of us, and in particular, older Vermonters, are facing many unexpected challenges – significant increases in costs for food, heat, transportation, and housing – a catastrophic shortage of direct care workers – and, for the most vulnerable members of our communities, increased nutritional insecurity. Yet, the funding from the federal Older Americans Act and the state general fund, which supports many of the programs that meet their basic needs, has increased only minimally in the past several years. As things stand right now, it is unlikely that that funding will increase substantially anytime soon. We are all working to do more with less.” – Mark Boutwell, Executive Director
Serving Seniors in our community
Supporting Older Vermonters
Senior Solutions offers a wide variety of services throughout our area, and we can’t do it without your support. All seniors need nutritious meals, exercise, social interaction, and the opportunity to age with dignity. We receive funding from foundations, the state and federal governments, and individual contributions.
Did you know that today you may find seniors:
- participating in Tai Chi Fall Prevention classes in Londonderry
- enjoying a community meal at the Dummerston Grange
- receiving a home-delivered meal through Meals on Wheels
- getting support and making connections for themselves and their loved ones at our Memory Café in Chester
- planning for the future with one of our Options Counselors in our Brattleboro office
- meeting with one of our outreach staff to get assistance completing a 3Squares application at the Weathersfield Food Pantry
- receiving pet food and financial assistance for veterinary bills through the Foxy Fund
- Speaking with one of our HelpLine staff to get information and referrals to services
- And so much more.
There are several ways to support our work
Our committed team can’t do this work without your support. We rely on you to help us improve the lives of all older Vermonters in our 46 communities.
keeping pets healthy
Donate to the Foxy Fund
This fund provides grants to low-income seniors in southeastern Vermont to assist with unexpected costs of caring for their pets.
Loneliness and isolation are pressing problems for many older Vermonters.
This was the case with an older man named Karl. Life had thrown him many challenges: a troubled childhood, combat duty during World War II, and years of homelessness due to an alcohol addiction. His experiences made it difficult for him to trust others, so he often struggled in solitude.
A sense of desperation finally prompted Karl to contact us. An advocate helped him with his housing, medical and financial needs so he could remain as independent as possible. With ongoing support in place, Karl had a new lease on life. He picked up old hobbies and volunteered with local organizations.
Despite these many improvements, Karl still often felt lonely. Then, he brought home a little red bundle of fur. This dog, which he named Foxy, became his fast friend. Karl delighted in her zest for life and her fun antics. She went with him everywhere, riding proudly on his lap as he navigated his electric wheelchair. Through Foxy, Karl made many new friends who were a comforting source of support to him for the rest of his life.
Millions of Americans think of pets as family members. Pets may not only stave off loneliness but also can reduce blood pressure, provide mental health benefits, and offer unconditional love and acceptance. Unfortunately, many people on fixed incomes have difficulty keeping up with the rising costs of owning a pet.
With proceeds from Karl’s estate, Senior Solutions administers the Foxy Fund in memory of Karl and his beloved companion. This fund provides grants to low-income seniors in southeastern Vermont to assist with unexpected costs of caring for their pets.
Leave A Legacy
Make a Planned Gift with a Bequest
A planned gift allows you to integrate your charitable, family and financial goals.
Senior Solutions is partnering with the Vermont Community Foundation to provide more options for making a gift that will live on in the lives of others.
Taking care of children and grandchildren is a priority for most of us. We also can take care of the organizations and causes we care about. There’s no better way to thank the people or organizations that have had an impact on your life or the lives of elders in our community than to make a contribution from your estate. Charitable giving is not only for the wealthy. Gifts of any size can make a difference!
There are simple and inexpensive ways to make a planned gift
Sustained Support
Introducing the Vermont Community Foundation Planned Giving Partnership
Senior Solutions is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Planned Giving Partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation. Gifts established through this option are held and managed by the Vermont Community Foundation. Their staff is available to work with you and handle all administrative and tax reporting details. Options for gifts include annuities and trusts that can provide you with income during your lifetime.
A Senior Solutions representative is available to meet at your convenience to discuss your wishes and needs. Many options are available, including special designated funds and funds maintained through the Vermont Community Foundation. We recommend that you consult with your own attorney, accountant and financial advisors to determine which planned gift options are appropriate for you.
Make an in-kind donation
Here at Senior Solutions, our staff care deeply about the older adults we serve and are aware of the unique challenges each individual faces. We accept in-kind gifts of personal property and professional expertise that help our staff promote the well-being and dignity of older adults as they age in the place of their choice.
If you would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact our offices at 802-885-2655 or info@seniorsolutionsvt.org. Our staff will ensure that Senior Solutions is the best organization to receive your generous gift and that our clients can use these goods or services.
Senior Solutions can use your in-kind gifts to help older adults receive goods and services that would otherwise be unaffordable for them, improving their health, safety, mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Such gifts include, but are not limited to:
- Wheelchairs
- Lift Chairs
- Hospital Beds
- Hearing Aids
- Walkers/Canes
- Furniture/Appliances
- Laptop/Phones
- Legal/Professional Services
- Financial Services
- Items we can use in fundraising (auctions, raffles, etc)