RUTLAND—The Bowse Health Trust, a department of Rutland Regional Medical Center, recently announced that it has awarded $275,000 in grant funds to three new projects aimed at improving the health status of Rutland County residents. The projects will receive up to three years of funding starting in 2016, according to a Nov. 24 press release. Organizations that were selected to receive a grant were chosen through the Bowse Health Trust grant application process.
“Grants from the Bowse Trust are an effective way for us to make a meaningful impact and support important initiatives that help create a vibrant and healthier Rutland County,” said Larry Jensen, chair of the Bowse Health Trust Committee.
Since 1996, the Bowse Health Trust has funded 55 programs for residents of all ages throughout Rutland County and has committed over $4 million to help create a healthier community through funding collaborative, community-based health programs.
The next grant cycle will be announced in April 2016. Grants are awarded on an annual basis. The application information is posted on the Rutland Regional Medical Center website (www.rrmc.org).
The recipients of the 2016 grants awards are:
Hoarding Task Force
Southwestern Vermont Hoarding Task Force, hosted by Bennington Rutland Opportunity Council. BROC will develop a Task Force that will provide training and education about hoarding, recruit interns and volunteers to assist with de-cluttering, and create a network of supports to address the causes and treatment of hoarding. Hoarding is both a health and property safety issue for those living in and around a cluttered residence. It is estimated that one in 50 adults has a serious hoarding problem. Partners in this program include: Rutland Mental Health, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, Vermont Department of Health, Rutland Housing Authority, Housing Trust of Rutland County and the Vermont Office of Opportunity’s Weatherization Program.
Farm to School Network
Marble Valley Grows Farm to School Network, hosted by the College of St. Joseph, will work with Rutland county schools to enhance education and access to healthy food choices. Activities will include classroom, community, gardening and food services initiatives. The goal of the program is to increase knowledge and use of fresh nutritious local food. Partners include: RAFFL, Food Service providers, Proctor Elementary School, Shrewsbury Institute for Agricultural Education, Northeast Primary School, Christ the King School and Addison County Relocalization Network.
Pre-K impact
The Community Impact Program, hosted by Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, will provide outreach program to nine organizations that serve young children. The activities will promote nurturing parenting, father involvement, improved kindergarten readiness, exposure to STEM, nutrition and health related curriculum. Partners include: Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, WIC, Head Start, Eckerd Family Services, Rutland Free Library, Boys and Girls Club and Heritage Family Credit Union.
