From the Executive Director . . .

We continue to have exciting times at Project Independence!   Our move to our new home to “downtown” Barre continues to be a right choice.  Our participants thrive in an environment that is stimulating, loving and active.  Our staff continues to make the days at PI filled with warmth, personal care and the gift of appreciating each individual who is here.   Our many volunteers help make this possible.

I often say, “How can we describe to someone what goes on under the PI roof?”  Our days start at     6:00 am and it feels like only a half hour later we find that it is 4:00 pm already.  The days are filled with many activities; cooking group, singing, podiatry, art, games, yoga, meditation,  visits from family members, volunteers doing a variety of helpful task and other  fun events.

This past year Project Independence has endured:

·         A flood to our lower level with estimated damages of $294,000.

·         A 14% cut in funds form the State.

·         A record number of new participants. 

·         A record number of participants discharged.  (due to declining health issues and effecting our bottom line)

This year our challenges are:

·          Continue to fundraise to support our participants’ services and Capital Campaign for moving and owning our new building.  (named by the participant’s, the “PI Palace” ) 

·         Rebuilding part of the upper level to support some of the lost usage from the lower level, i.e., freezer, refrigeration and food storage, office space, file and office supply storage. (flood related)

·         Adding a much needed whirlpool for use by the less mobile participants.

·         Dedicating the new “whirlpool therapy room” to our loyal and giving friends, Alban and Margaret Richey  (no, this is NOT a challenge)

·         Potentially more State funding cuts.

·         Re-educating the public’s understanding regarding the services and functions of Adult Day Services at PI.  (It is a service that keeps people in their homes, with their loved ones, while providing stimulation to the participants and much needed respite to the family members.)

·          Increasing outreach to the medical community in our 29 town service area.

·         Structuring a new fee plan for services’.

·         Having PI’s and the Adult Day Services’ voice heard within State government and the newly organized Green Mountain Care Board.

Please come and visit PI anytime.   I guarantee you will leave with a smile and kick in your step.

Thank you to our Board of Directors.  Because of you and your leadership, PI has a lot to be proud about.

Warmest Regards

Dee Rollins Executive Director

Project Independence will be conducting our Capital Campaign for two years.  Our goal is to retire our debt of $570,000.  So far we have raised $ 47,000.00.  We have a long way to go and we remain hopeful.